Video Asylum

Posted by TB (i) on February 07, 2001 at 01:39:36:

In Reply to: Ten best movies most people don't know about? posted by mer on February 05, 2001 at 16:34:52:

If you truly are sick of Hollywood crap, the best thing you could do is subscribe to The Independant Film Channel and the Sundance Channel. They mostly show indie movies, and as such, are vastly more interesting than the mindless product that the major studios like to shovel.

10 good examples:

Secrets and Lies -- English film about human relations, the lengthy, uncut scene in the diner is probably the best piece of acting I have ever seen captured on film.

The Sweet Hereafter -- aftermath of a school bus crash. Pain, deception, agenda, all messily displayed for your discomfort.

In the Company of Men -- I personally revile the main character in this film more than any other character in any other film I have ever seen. My stomach turns just thinking about the bastard.

Slingblade -- why Billy Bob Thorton is a genius. He plays a semi-retarded man so well it's eerie. The story is wonderful and tragic.

The Corndog Man -- an hilariously demented take on racism.

The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover -- truly beautifully shot, the movie's title is what the film is about. Includes the second most repulsive character I've seen in film.

Boys Don't Cry -- you might have seen this already, as it managed to cross over. Ha ha. Made me want to shower after seeing it, so as to wash away the disgust-not because the film is bad, but because it is so brutally honest about something I'd rather not know about.

Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels -- English comedy. Fun and twisted.

Swimming With Sharks -- speaking of Hollywood...

Reservoir Dogs -- brutally, graphically violent. Also twisted, but definitely not fun.

Extra bonus movie:

Clerks -- irreverent and hysterically funny. If you make it this far down the list, you'll be able to handle it, but don't start here.

Indie movies take a little while to work around in your head initially until you become accustomed to them, but if you "get it", you'll be hooked. Kind of like audiophilia. Good luck.