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Once in a while - okay, maybe often - you want to watch a flick that totally messes with your brain, takes you to a new level, makes you feel like you just dropped a hit. You know? All of us here at Cherrymagic enjoy a good mind-fuck once in a while, and we've worked long, hard hours compiling a list of our favorite mind-fuck films. We won't spoil the plots for you by giving you lengthy reviews, but we'll try to provide enough general info that you can make your own decision. You can find any of these flicks at your favorite movie rental palace, or order them right here through NetFlix and Amazon.com.
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Frequency (2000) A man becomes able to communicate with his deceased father via a ham radio. That in itself would be cool enough, but it's a bit more involved, and there are some groovy plot twists, most of which work. The film doesn't totally live up to its potential, but it's very cool, nonetheless.
With Dennis Quaid, James Caviezel. |
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Being John Malkovich (1999) It may be impossible to write a brief synopsis of this film without making it sound incredibly boring. It is not boring - it's involving, hysterically funny, deeply twisted and utterly unique. John Cusack plays a sadistic outcast and Cameron Diaz is a frumpy andromorph - doesn't that tell you something?
With John Cusack and Cameron Diaz |
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The Sixth Sense (1999) Part horror flick, larger part psychological thriller, this film manages to thoroughly manipulate without appearing manipulative. We've all seen it many times, and it continues to fascinate us. This is one of the best scripts ever to meet the silver screen. Knowing the film's "secret" only makes it that much more fascinating.
With Bruce Willis and Haley Joe Osment. |
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Fight Club (1999) This is one of our favorite films, ever. When released, it was marketed as a Brad Pitt action flick - a misleading and misguided tactic. This is a perfectly brilliant art film. Yes, it's violent - but it's also much more. Do not miss this one.
With Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, and Brad Pitt. |
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The Matrix (1999) We like this one better every time we watch it - and we watch it a lot. The @#$%!-factor diminishes with repeated viewings, but there's still lots to enjoy in this fast-paced science-fiction thriller. View it as an allegory, or simply as great entertainment. By the way, we don't think Keanu Reeves sucks as an actor - but then, we also think Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure is one of the greatest films of all time.
Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss |
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What Dreams May Come (1999) Purchase extra tissues. No one we've met is immune to the emotional punch packed by this visually stunning epic. Robin Williams proves once again that he's capable of being a brilliant dramatic actor.
Robin Williams, Annabella Sciorra, Cuba Gooding, Jr. |
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Dark City (1998) Similar in some ways to The Matrix (though, as fans will point out, Dark City came first), but more artistic, darker and more brooding. The opening voice-over gives away the movie's "secret" in a most annoying manner, and Kiefer Sutherland is nearly unbearable; but the amazing visuals in the film, and its deliciously depressing premise, make for an enjoyable ride. David Lynch fans are likely to appreciate this one.
With Rufus Sewell and Kiefer Sutherland, directed by Alex Proyas. |
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The Game (1997) What do you get for the man who has everything? Michael Douglas' overprivileged character finds out, and the price of the gift is high. "The Game" is a real thrill-ride. Don't watch it alone!
Featuring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn. |
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12 Monkeys (1996) Lots of eye-candy, a twisty plot, and a chilling theme. This flick will affect you differently depending on the mood you're in. Up for a mind trip? A definite good choice. Feeling paranoid and depressed? A definite good choice, provided you have a solid support system in place. Take your Prozac and enjoy.
With Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, and Brad Pitt, directed by Terry Gilliam. |
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Jacob's Ladder (1990) Suggested by our readers - We love just about everything Tim Robbins does. (We hope he feels the same about us.) Yet, somehow, this one managed to get past your humble reveiwer, so for ratings, you'll have to wait until we've paid the late fees at the video store. Fans have called Jacob's Ladder "full of paranoia, fear, despair, and confusion," "Disturbing & Haunting," and "one of the best ontological thrillers ever made." Sounds perfect!
With Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña; directed by Adrian Lyne. |
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Siesta (1987) Daredevil Claire (Ellen Barkin) wakes in a field near an airport with blood on her dress. From there, things only get worse. The music of Miles Davis is a perfect complement to this truly twisted, beautiful, painful film. If nothing else, watch it for Jody Foster's perfectly dreadful British accent.
With Ellen Barken, Gabriel Byrne, Jody Foster, Grace Jones, Julian Sands, Alexi Sayles, Martin Sheen. |
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Brazil (1985) An oldie, but a goodie, from "Twelve Monkeys" director and former Python, Terry Gilliam. Eye-popping visuals, endearing characters, and an utterly terrifying premise. Not only that, it has multiple endings.
With Jonathan Pryce, Robert DeNiro. |
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The Lathe of Heaven (1980) Among those who were fortunate enough to catch this science fiction gem when it first aired on public television over twenty years ago, The Lathe of Heaven is legendary. Once thought to be forever lost to the viewing public, it's back at last - and just as enjoyable now as it was when first released. This is one for the whole family - many of us who remember it first saw it as children or teens.
Bruce Davison, Kevin Conway, Margaret Avery. |
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A Clockwork Orange (1971) Suggested by our readers - A true classic, this deeply disturbing, visually gripping film has not lost its power even after three decades. The intense and graphic violence may be too much for some, but it is entirely necessary to keep the film true to Anthony Burgess' original book, and to give power to the story's wicked social satire and commentary.
Starring Malcolm McDowell; Directed by Stanley Kubrick. |
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