My One True Love
Who Am I Without Film?
By: Ella Cranstone
From a young age, I knew that I was interested in film. It has always been my go-to activity. Today, my best friend also happens to be a movie buff and I am sure anyone who talks to us must get annoyed because it feels like all we do is talk about movies, but I love it. After studying film in some of my classes, I cannot help but analyze them all and break it apart. I find it so fascinating how movies are made and how each film is so different yet so similar. I think people are starting to become blind to the magic of movies. Film has so much power, and people don’t even
know. So many people are influenced by film, even if it’s in the smallest way. What people don’t understand is that it is an art that will live forever, so we might as well appreciate it and all it can offer us.
Photo by: Ella Cranstone
When my friend first introduced me to Letterboxd, I had never heard of it before. Now, I cannot imagine my life without it. There is something oddly comforting and exciting about finishing watching a movie and getting to log it in this app. I love going in and seeing what my friends are watching, getting new movie recommendations, and building lists of all kinds. I have always said that you can learn a lot from a person’s favourite movie, so having an app where all there is is movies, I learn about all kinds of people and have learned about what they are going through or feeling in the moment of picking that specific movie they chose.
common really sums up the idea that I have many different aesthetics and hobbies but I am still me and I will always stick with the things I believe in. I love how fun and chaotic Moulin Rouge is, and then at the same time, I love the calmness and innocence of Pride & Prejudice. So for the next few minutes, I hope I can entertain you enough to dive deeper into the true beauty behind these 4 films.
I love when I meet someone and the topic goes to Letterboxd and I get to ask them, “What’s your top 4?”. It is one of my favourite conversations because that means I will get to learn about possible new movies, and it also means I will soon get to talk about my own top 4. Starting with Moulin Rouge, followed by Big Fish, then Coyote Ugly, and ending with Pride & Prejudice (2004), I think my top 4 says a lot about me. I have noticed I have the type of personality where you can only truly see me completely, after you actually get to know me. I think having such drastically different movies that all have one thing in
Moulin Rouge
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”
The first time I watched Moulin Rouge I cried for days. Years later, I watched it again and instantly decided it was my number one favourite movie. From the chaotic energy to the values and beliefs it holds, this movie will always be one I watch in complete awe. Aside from film, I have always had a love for music as well and with Moulin Rouge, I get both. Their twist on already popular songs made me enjoy the movie so much more. Secretly, I love the movie’s version more than the originals. Each character in this film brings something to the table and I think there is something so beautiful about each individual storyline and how they all mesh together. The movie talks about how important it is to appreciate true love. It stands for four life lessons that are shown throughout; truth, beauty, freedom, and love.
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Release Date: 2001
Genre: Drama, Musical, Romance
TICKET
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn, is just to love, and be loved in return.”
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3 Elephant Love Medley One Day I’ll Fly Away Your Song
“Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and above all things, Love.” Key Message
Big Fish
Director: Tim Burton
Release Date: 2003
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
“They say when you meet the love of your life, time stops.”
IPhoto by: Ella Cranstone
n 2003, the movie Big Fish, directed by Tim Burton, was released. It is about a man whose life purpose is too large for the small world he is in. It is a movie about storytelling, personal growth, and believing in the impossible. The movie alternates between two timelines. One being current times and the other being flashbacks of the father, Edward, telling his wild stories to his son, Will, and daughter-in-law, Josephine, during his last few days. In the current timeline, we see tension between Edward and Will, and intrigue from Josephine towards Edward’s life before he settled down. Will often talks about his struggles with his relationship with Edward and how he often felt his stories were ridiculous and oversaid. In the flashbacks, we learn about Edward’s childhood as he moves to adulthood and discovers who he is.
We also learn about the beginnings of his relationship with his wife, Sandra.The first time I watched this movie was with my dad, who has always been a storyteller himself. I was young when I first watched it and it was one of those movies you watch once and forget about and then years later you rediscover it and fall in love. When I rewatched Big Fish again for the first time after years, it was like it was brand new. I instantly fell in love with it and wanted to restart it the second it finished. I love everything about that movie, from the storyline, to the cinematography, to the hidden messages and life lessons buried within it.
Coyote Ugly
Director: David McNally
Release Date: 2000
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music, Romance
Coyote Ugly has been placed as my third favourite, in my Letterboxd top 4. I would say this film has quite a different vibe than the rest of my favourites, however I just love the city vibe this movie captures along with the ‘coming of age’ aesthetic. It is about finding yourself and realizing your true passions. The movie focuses on a young woman, from a small town, who
moves to the city to pursue a career in songwriting. Along the way, she meets all kinds of people who help her find herself and encourage her to step outside her shell. I love this movie because I feel like I can relate to it.
For years, I have always been known to be quite introverted, however since moving away from home and starting University,
I have learned so much about myself and stepped out of my comfort zone numerous times. Although I am still thankful for my friends and family back home, the new friends I have met have challenged me and seen what I can be capable of, before I see it myself. I feel like the main character, Violet, in Coyote Ugly has a similar experience. The music in
“You start Friday Night.”
this film is fun and bold and the outfits are exciting and honest. I recently held a party that was ‘Coyote Ugly’ themed and made everyone dress the part. We sang karaoke and played the movie playlist in the background. The energy of the whole night was exactly how I fe el when I watch this movie. I feel surrounded by encouragement and support from my closest friends and I feel inspired to continue doing what I love.
Key Message Conquer Your Dreams
Pride & Prejudice
Director: Joe Wright
Release Date: 2005
Genre: Drama, Romance
ATICKET
s my 4th and final movie in my Letterboxd top 4, I have the 2005 Pride & Prejudice. This movie has always been very dear to me and the first time I watched it, is one of my fondest memories. Me and my three sisters, at my cottage, sitting way too close to the television screen, completely mesmerized by the beauty of this film. Needing to watch it at least five times to fully understand the scripted dialogue is all part of the experience, and I would go back and start again any day. I have always had a close bond with my sisters and we never fought growing up so whenever a movie has anything to do with women and sisters, you can bet we have watched it together. If I had to describe this movie in one word, it would be, “spring” because of how healing, innocent, and pure it is. It is so refreshing watching a love story that is simply that. Just love. The whole movie, you get to watch two people fall in love and explore the challenges of the early 19th century. Aside from the
“You have bewitched me, body and soul.”
storyline, this movie is made in such a beautiful way. The soundtrack, colouring, and scenes capture the exact message the movie is trying to say. All the small details add to the storyline as well. The way the creators of this movie made Mr. Darcy become more attractive as the movie went on to show the process of Lizzie falling in love with him. Watching this movie makes being a woman in love feel validated; especially a woman who highly values her family. The innocence always reminds me to take a step back from everything and just breathe. Every time I watch this movie, I feel such a strong sense of calmness. It is the perfect movie to watch with a warm mug of tea and a cozy blanket.
Photo by: Ella Cranstone
What’s Your Top 4?
By: Ella Cranstone