Monday 3 January 2011

5 Indie Films Worth Watching

The Darjeeling Limited
This is a 2007 film by Wes Anderson and I love pretty much all of his films. Characterised by his methodical cinematography, dry quirky humour, use of primary colours, unusual soundtracks, flawed portrayal of characters and use of the same group of actors his films create a sort of surreal realism. He celebrates people's individuality by showing characters who are believable but wonderfully eccentric which is refreshing as so many films portray what we're meant to be like. This film stars, as per usual Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Angelica Huston and Jason Schwartzman with Adrian Brody as well and is about three estranged brothers taking a spiritual journey across India to find their also estranged mother and come to terms with their fathers death that happened a year prior to the trip.
 It's full of quirkiness and charm and makes for an interesting watch where there seems to be no definite plot but rather simply the meanderings of the characters which is oddly captivating enough.



Slumdog Millionaire
This is a true Cinderella story both on and off screen. Originally intended to go straight to DVD release this film was so good that word spread like wild fire of it's greatness and made it a huge hit at cinemas and got it 8 academy awards. It's a testament to how good Indie films can be. Beautifully made from one of the greatest directors around it's the best and most powerful feel good film I've ever seen and if you haven't yet seen it you definitely should.



Donnie Darko
This is a cult classic made in 2001 written and directed by Richard Kelly starring Jake Gyllenhaal. It's about the lead character trying to understand the apocalyptic visions he's being shown by a 6ft rabbit called Frank as well as comprehending the world around him and the human condition which are confusing and threatening to his troubled mind. It's an incredibly surreal film that leaves you more confused at the end than at the beginning but in a good way where you're left to ponder it and reach you're own conclusions. Full of strong performances especially from Jake Gyllenhaal it's a great film that really should be seen by more people.



Napoleon Dymanite
One of the most bizarre but brilliant comedies I've seen. Set in the small town of Preston it's about the sub-culture of a rural town that feels like it's stuck in the 80's that's developed due to boredom and isolation focused on the uber nerd and how he exists. Now also a cult classic this film is fantastic, again slow and seemingly without a plot but nonetheless laugh out loud funny with some of the best dance moves I have ever seen!



Away We Go
Away We Go is a comedy-drama about an eccentric couple who find out that they're expecting a child and take a road trip around America of self discovery to find they're 'home'. With some really effective and beautiful cinematography and amazingly well developed characters this film is full of heart. It's one of the sweetest and most tender films I've seen and is just lovely.


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