Dining should be a social event, but I love my favourite meals while watching a favourite film, sharing a bottle of wine, wood burner rumbling away - what do people like to watch with their meals, which meals go with which films?
Funny you should mention this, this very topic came up when I was sharing a pint with friends the other day.
The discussion revolved less around film/meal combinations than it did about films that get people talking, and that talking part could very well happen over a meal.
Two films were brought up in conversation:
My Dinner With Andre and
Mindwalk.
Both are what one may describe as "thinker's films," there are no car chases, nothing blows up, no rat-a-tat-tat of AK-47s, there's no Bruce Willis making a grunting appearance.
I won't go into details of the films here, but you can select the links to find out more about them.
As to what to eat during the discussion? Something relatively small and light, perhaps some good Brie, shrimp, roasted garlic cloves drizzled with olive oil, an assortment of grapes & mandarin orange segments. Good quality finger-food (no chips & dip or cheez doodles, thankyewverymuch) allows the conversation to flow freely between small bites.
Quote:nothing blows up, no rat-a-tat-tat of AK-47s, there's no Bruce Willis making a grunting appearance.
Strange synchronicity we are having - Die Hard was on TV over here in the UK yesterday and I did enjoy watching it again! Never heard of the films you mention, so will look them up. I think I fall into the "limited thinkers films" category - for me the film is the background to the wine and food.
I'm not really one who likes to watch TV or movies while eating. If I'm with my wife, or company, I'd rather spend time with them and have a discussion versus watching TV. Now, that being said, I don't mind snacking on something while watching movies. Typically, it's yogurt, water, or other healthy stuff. rarely is it chips & salsa, popcorn etc anymore.
As to favourite movies, difficult to call as it varies by genre and my mood:
Science Fiction:
Star Wars - Episode 4 (The one that started it all)
Fantasy:
Lord of the Rings series (Can't really break these apart)
Western:
Tombstone
War:
Full Metal Jacket (tie)
Saving Private Ryan (tie)
Comedy:
Down and out in Beverly Hills (tie)
The Great Outdoors (tie)
Action:
True Lies
There's tons of movies I really enjoy. Most are big films as I'm not really into the small budget films. Something I haven't quite acquired yet...
The ones I listed aren't necessarily because they're "great" for acting, special effects, etc. Just movies that I really enjoy because of various reasons and good memories with them.
My all time favorite film is "Baraka" by Ron Fricke. It was just released on Blu-Ray and it is gorgeous, and comes with a great making of documentary.
You can't chew anything while watching it because your jaw is always open.
"Waking Ned Divine"
Something truly enthralling about this film - perhaps the characters. Perhaps that it was shot on Isle of Mann, or perhaps that it manages to take you to a place where what really matters is friendship and family.
"District 9"
For way too many reasons to even go into.
Not your typical sci-fi movie.
"Lost Horizon" (1937)
Saw this as a kid and loved the idea of Xanadu; the paradox of it.
I have a CD of the restored film, complete with set photos where the film was too damaged to restore. Audio is perfect.
For years, "Braveheart" was in my top ten. I suppose it still is, even with all of its inaccuracies.
"Forbidden Planet" (1956?)
Still one of the best made ever IMO.
more to follow...
I love Movies so mine might be a long list.
Star Trek
Star Wars
Evil Dead trilogy
LOTR trilogy
Long Kiss Goodnight
Over The Edge (no Not Over The Hedge)
Akira
Shaun Of The Dead
Night Of The Living Dead and Return Of The Living Dead
Election
Twin Peaks
Fantastic Planet
Suburbia
Ladies and Gentlemen The Fabulous Stains
Beetlejuice
Defending Your Life
Heathers
Mars Attacks
Young Frankenstein
The Goonies
Say Anything
Dogma
From Dusk Till Dawn
Four Rooms
All The Presidents Men
Sid and Nancy
Rivers Edge
Logans Run
I can go on and on and on
Anyone ever see "Local Hero"? (1983)
An American oil company sends a man (Peter Reigert) to Scotland to buy up an entire village where they want to build a refinery.
Again - something about the film just... moves me. Hard to explain. I know the end left me saying, "I know how he feels."
I believe this may have been one of Burt Lancasters' last films.
A couple I didn't list:
Last Man Standing
A History of Violence
(05-18-2010 08:03 PM)ForceTen Wrote: [ -> ]A History of Violence
Agreed... really liked that one as well.