Feel-good
Monday, 21 November, 2005
When one has depression and one likes movies, it is useful to have an arsenal of movies with which one can cheer oneself up. These are “comfort” films—feel-good but not necessarily because they are of the feel-good genre. They may even be carthartic in some sense because watching movies isn't entirely about escapism—sometimes, as Chesterton said, it is about learning how to beat the dragons. You may want to criticise me for the amount of time I am spending sitting in front of the box—go ahead—but the truth is I am worse than useless when I am down; my abilities narrow down to practically nothing. To get out of the hole, I need to open a door. Sometimes it's books. More often than not, it's movies (ultimate passive activity ... sit there and stare and you don't have to think). Often it's just a coping mechanism.
So, tell me (since I haven't been getting that many comments lately [lie: no comments = no friends] and I'm sure you're all dying to tell me what you think), what are you comfort films? What are the ones that cheer you up? (Please note that comfort films may be completely different to favourite films; I love the Trois Couleurs trilogy but I won't watch it when I'm sad ... though maybe I'd watch Bleu if I was really sad.) I'm still adding to my collection but here are some of mine:
- Amélie: For obvious reasons, though the choice is a little strange given that I don't normally watch foreign films when I'm sad (you have to concentrate on the subtitles; I'm such a purist that I normally refuse to watch things dubbed). This film is beautiful (artistically plus it has a wonderful script), whimsical and joyous. Audrey Tatou is marvellous as the introverted quirky heroine.
- Bridget Jones' Diary: Because Bridget is the quintessential bumbling pathetic fairy tale heroine who always attains happiness in the end, despite her misfortunes. And isn't it wonderful that Darcy likes her “just the way she is”.
- Charlie's Angels: Ben can't stand this film. I like that it has three very strong female characters and, instead of competing against each other, they work together. It is kind of stupid that they can't bring down the Creepy Thin Man when it's three against one and they have such superior martial arts skills and no weapons but anyway ... I also liked how it touched on the issue of work and how what you do for a living impinges on your other relationships. The sequel, unfortunately, retained few of the strengths of the first one and just deteriorated into silliness.
- Centre Stage: This is Number #1 on Ben's Top 5 Worst Movies Ever (closely beating Inspector Gadget and all the Harry Potter films). “What do you like about it? The acting is so bad. The plot is so Home and Away-ish!” he says. Ah, my dear, it's the dancing. Unlike Save the Last Dance, it's actually very very good. You can watch ballet without the boring bits (I happen to love ballet—I used to go when I was a student had a larger disposable income but I stopped when I got married). Sure, the plot is extremely teenage and I think it's stupid that Jodie Sawyer sleeps with Cooper Nielsen on their first date but that final number they do at the end to the soundtrack of Jamiroquai is just fantastic. Makes me wish my mother had sent me along to ballet when I was a kid.
- When Harry Met Sally: The best of all romantic comedies ever—with such a brilliant script too. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are just hysterical. Ditto Carrie Fisher. And it's lovely that two good friends end up getting married.
- High Fidelity: I love this movie because it reminds me of Ben—not that Ben is anything like Rob Gordon but it's the whole nerdy obsessed-with-music thing mixed in with a healthy dose of depression. John Cusack is very amusing as Rob Gordon and I love the way he plays off Jack Black and Todd Louiso. Plus it has Stevie Wonder on the soundtrack (Stevie Wonder has the best cheer-up music ever ... except “I Just Called to Say I Love You” ... but I'm not talking about feel-good music in this post ...)
- Josie and the Pussycats: Completely over-the-top silliness (plus I like some of their songs). Plus it has such a great cast: Rachel Leigh Cook, Parker Posey (she plays bad characters so well!), Alan Cumming ...
- Legally Blonde:1 and 2, though I prefer 1—less silly. I like Reese Witherspoon's character—particularly the way that Elle Woods turns the other cheek and is so nice. Rare in a Hollywood character. Unfortunately the niceness expands out into a highly political agenda in the second movie, particularly in the area of homosexuality, but nevertheless it's nice to have a character who exhibits virtues long lost in society.
- Sense and Sensibility: Wonderful actors, terrific script, highlights the problems of what it is to be a woman in Austen's day ... oh yes and Hugh Laurie is an absolute scream as Mr. Palmer.
- Whisper of the Heart: I love this film because it's about creativity and growing up. Plus it features The Baron who is a gorgeous-looking cat. I know some people think that the characters' age should prevent them from making such a huge commitment at the end but I agree with Miyazaki when he said, “Too many young people now are afraid of commitment, and stay on moratorium forever. I wanted these two to just commit to something, not just ‘well, we'll see what will happen’” (Source).
- Mulan: Even though my mother tells me this version departs significantly from the original, it is a fun movie to watch. And it's wonderful to see a girl doing something heroic and brave in a world where girls are normally looked down upon as being inferior. (Why hasn't Mulan changed the way the Chinese view women??)
- Ever After: Cinderella is my favourite fairy tale and even though the makers of this one have tinkered significantly with the story, I still like it. The sets and costumes are beautiful. Drew Barrymore is a little bit over-the-top but Dougray Scott more than makes up for her and is not compromised by her being such a strong character. One thing I would do is cut the second-to-last scene (or at least edit it significantly); there is no need for her to assert her dominance over Gustave after everything that's happened.
- Clueless: Such a clever adaptation of Emma (I can't believe that one of the guys in my chaplaincy group didn't know this!) Though it exposes some shocking things about teenage sex and drugs, it is very funny and you really feel for Cher. Too bad that most productions of Emma completely sideline Jane Fairfax who is, in my opinion, the most interesting character in that novel.
- Mansfield Park: You can see a bit of an Austen theme here. Frances O'Connor is fantastic in this production which looks and feels gorgeous (it has a great soundtrack too). The relatives are wonderfully vile and Embeth Davidtz puts on a stunning performance as Mary Crawford. They've inserted bits and pieces from Austen's autobiography and letters into the script which I'm not sure if I like but the overall film is breath-taking—particularly the scene where Henry Crawford sends Fanny the doves.
- Persuasion: Currently out on extended loan so I am missing it badly but this, like Mansfield Park is a brilliant production. Amanda Root is a wonderfully understated Anne Elliott; she conveys more when she doesn't speak than when she does. And the object of her affection, Captain Frederick Wentworth, is more than worthy. I've never been able to get hold of the soundtrack—I don't think it exists—but it is very beautiful, particularly the scene in the music hall. The rest of the cast bring out Austen's little observations of society quite wonderfully and the cinematography is gorgeous. I particularly love the scene at the end with the parade going by.
I think I would probably add The Princess Diaries and Kate and Leopold if I owned them but not owning them means you don't usually have access to them when you're sad so there isn't much point.
Blinks:
A way of funding writing in the future: pitch and idea and get people to support it.
Place where you can hire play equipment for parties, etc.
How to recalibrate the home button on your iPhone.
Unsolicited manuscripts accepted by Pan Macmillan with certain conditions.
Thought Balloon is a group blog in which the writers tackle a new theme every week? month? with one-page scripts. This URL is for their Phonogram ones.
How to sew a zipper on a knitted garment.
Issues organised by tale.
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Other comments
hurrah! your first six are top of my list too.
finally someone else who will defend centre stage (sorry ben!). this is my perfect sick-day movie, i had to actually buy it on DVD because i’d rented it so many times and didn’t want to get the condescending look from the video store people anymore. as one who has absolutely no grace in the dance area, it’s a total vicarious pleasure (though I agree with you about jodie and cooper sleeping together…and the set changes in the last dance sequence bug me, but that’s only because i’m a reformed director/stage manager and am looking at it from a ‘that’s completely impossible to do in that amount of time’ point of view, which misses the whole point of the escapism).
when harry met sally is one of my favourite films of all time. love legally blonde 1, legally blonde 2 felt like the exact same movie only in washington and with gay pets. love sense and sensibility (and it’s the only DVD my mum owns so we always watch it together when feeling flat). you didn’t include pride and prejudice - because it’s TV? or you didn’t like it?
my shameful admission is the pinnacle of cheerleading cheesiness - bring it on. it is just so alien to my whole experience of high school, and, indeed…life. but there is absolutely nothing in it you need to engage with, and who can resist the spirit fingers?
also, 10 things i hate about you. ok, i’ll stop now.
(i know we’re about movies here, but i’ve found lately, when down, boxed sets of tv shows can be good, although they have the tendency to suck time and you realise you’ve been sitting there for hours. current faves are scrubs, gilmore girls, seachange. west wing is an obsession, but i usually have to be more switched on to watch it, although it is possible to just let the rapid fire dialogue just wash over you in waves and be comforted that even when you think you’re stressed, your life is nowhere near that stressful)
Hmmm…pick me up movies?
Well, I frequently return to the 10-part “Band of Brothers” series. I’ve read the book multiple times as well. The courage of those guys really inspires me. Production values on the series are just amazing as well.
I give “Starship Troopers” a run every now and again too. Its one of my favourites. Fun satire and lots of exciting action.
Since my video machine is broken and my DVD drive never worked, I don’t really watch movies on my own timetable… but I am trying to think of which ones I’m happy to watch over and over on TV…
Actually, I like Save The Last Dance. ;p
And I LOVE When Harry Met Sally too. Also Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail. (I wrote Male then…)
Umm… yeah, 10 Things I Hate About You… Turner and Hooch, Clueless… gah, not sure, this is a hard exercise!
On TV at the moment I watch Grey’s Anatomy, Cold Case and House if Bible study is cancelled to switch off. ;p
I have to agree…Centre Stage is a brilliant pick me up film, and it’s completely about the dancing. Ballet captivates me and lets me complete ignore the realities of life, expecially when thinking about life just brings tears. 10 things is also a fave, and luckily my husband and I both agree with this one so we can enjoy the movie together and then we whack on the soundtrack and dance around our living room.
With TV shows, I have to rate Frasier as one of my all time favourites (closely followed by seachange, expecially the Diver Dan era). The appeal of Frasier is basically the laughs, but they aren’t your typical trashy american laughs, they’re deep in the belly laughs that keep making you smile even after the shows finished. Unfortunately the final Frasier show ever is on tonight (Channel 9, 7:30-9:00 if you’re interested
) and the thought of life without new Frasier episodes every Tuesday is a little bit much to bear (as sad as that may seem to some), so I’m trying not to think about it, but there’s always the DVD’s. Thank goodness for DVD players 
Toy Story 1 & 2, The Incredibles, heck, almost anything by Pixar. Also, This is Spinal Tap, and A Mighty Wind. Or, if I wasn’t feeling like a comedy, maybe Hero, Kill Bill, or Sin City.
there’s a movie of Persuasion?! I HAVE to get it!! I love the book sooo much.
One of my favourite pick-me-up-and-dust-me-off “movies” is the stage version of Pirates of Penzance with John English.
On holidays in primary school, we used to write this icky older version that was so vapid, but my brother and sister and I still absolutely adored the songs. Then, one day, we accidentally hired the John English version. It was fantastic!! Performing it at high-school has totally cemented the love affair. I turn it up loud loud loud and sing along, and laugh at all the corny jokes, and ogle my favourite pirate
it’s soooo much fun!
write! I can’t believe I said write!! I meant watch obviously.
oooh, and, I have to say, the main reason I love Sense and Sensibility is ALAN RICKMAN!!!! (I know, you may find that gross…)
And also, I recently discovered a movie that fits all my criteria for a perfect movie (http://clearandsimple.blogspot.com/2005/09/perfect-movies-and-shecret-ashashin.html) it’s called “The Abduction Club” and is based on real events in Ireland in the late 1700’s. To all those Austen fans, I suggest you borrow. It’s a little amateurish in parts, but very sweet and fun. And of course, no sex scenes!!
Zulu, The Dish, Strictly Ballroom, The Englishman Who Went up a Hill and Came Down a Mountain.
Bec: Yes, I have problems with that set change too in Centre Stage. I didn’t include Pride and Prejudice (BBC series) because it’s not a movie and 6 hours is a little too long to take in the whole thing, even though it’s extremely well done. So I usually don’t watch it unless I know I have a lot of time to kill. But I do love it though and the cast is absolutely brilliant. Haven’t seen the new one yet.
Bring it On ... only saw the whole thing recently!! Boy, was it cheesy! I liked Eliza Dushku’s character (did you know she was the daughter in True Lies??)—much more interesting than Kirsten Dunst’s character and she drives a new VW Beetle
I like 10 Things I Hate About You—Julia Stiles plays an excellent bitchy Kat Stratford and Heath was a perfect complement (and isn’t it weird that David Krumholtz is now on Numbers??) but why didn’t he apologise at the end? He deceived her and then went out and bought her a guitar and that’s supposed to make it all right?? How can you have a relationship with someone on that basis??? (Okay, okay, I know, I’m overreacting ...)
Craig: Starship Troopers: now that is cheesy!! And what is wrong with Dizzy—that death scene where she says to Rico, “It’s okay because at least I had you!”
Ell: One of my friends is hugely into Frasier and Seachange too ... perhaps I should give them a try ...
Joanna: You should definitely get your hands on Persuasion—it’s well worth the price. So far, the only place I’ve ever seen it on DVD has been Kinokuniya opposite the Town Hall.
Hmm…generally movies aren’t my “pick-me-up” - usually its music and music DVDs (not that I own that many…). I’d probably watch my Manics DVD or Travis.
But I wouldn’t mind coming over to watch movies with you one day
Joanna - Alan Rickman eh? Interesting…at least you’re honest! I like Paul Rudd in Clueless
I’ve only seen that movie once tho’. Wouldn’t mind watching it again!
Alan Rickman isn’t bad—I quite like him as Colonel Brandon, such a decent fellow. Unfortunately I cannot get over his performance as the Rev Obadiah Slope in The Barchester Chronicles ... the man is very good at being the greasy oily type ...
Hmm.. I dont think its that simple for me… It depends on the mood im in which I will watch… Like if im sad cause of girl troubbles for example, that eliminates a whole bunch of movies… That said, it would be something from the folowing list (If it wasn’t a computer game
)
Princess Bride
Aladdin
Clue
Fifth Element
Flash Goden (If im feeling particularly cheezy)
Office Space
Wild Wild West
Pirates Of the Carribean
Sky Captian and the world of tomorrow
A Knights Tale
The Itallian Job
Oceans Eleven
Hackers
Starship Troopers
Matt
hmm, haven’t seen the Barchester Chronicles, but yeah, Rickman is very good at being very icky. I mean hello! Snape!!! (although, me and a friend at college adore him as Snape too! Is there something wrong with us?!!
And thanks Karen, I’ll look around for the DVD
A few of mine:
Before Sunrise/Before Sunset
Much Ado About Nothing
old episodes of Press Gang
Pride & Prejudice
Anne of Green Gables
The Piano (if i’m really morose)
ps. no, you don’t know me Karen… but i do enjoy your blog, & i know Anita N. =)
Hi Karen,
Love your choice of movies. Will have to see some of those you recommend!
And, by the way, to cognitively correct your thinking, no comments does not equal no friends!
Big hug sweetie…
George
Good on you George for picking that up
I learn magic tricks and show my friends, like making objects appear and disappear. Its a fun way to relate with and enjoy!
You and Ben should learn Salsa with me at Leichardt…good fun!
I know what you mean about needing to open a door, sometimes distraction is really helpful. Firefly (as in the Joss Whedon tv show that Serenity follows on from, not the ABC one about firefighters) is a really good escape for me because I find it really warm.