Movies To Watch In Trying Times
Here I've created a list of films that are useful to watch when life presents you with difficulties. Each selection explores a variety of themes and concepts that could be helpful when experiencing a global or individual crisis.
Tree of Life
(2011, Drama, PG-13, 139 mins) Dir. Terrence Malick, Starring Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Sean Penn
This sprawling epic questions the meaning of our existence through one man's exploration of his past (and beyond). Elegantly filmed and visually satiating. Perhaps one of the more challenging films on this list as the narrative is sprawling and nonlinear.
Lincoln
(2012, Historical Drama, PG-13, 150 mins) Dir. Steven Spielberg, Starring Daniel Day Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones
Spielberg's film examines navigating and overcoming partisanship in a time of political and cultural upheaval. It is about a forceful coming together of a nation for the betterment of all of its people.
1917
(2019, War, R, 119 mins) Dir. Sam Mendes, Starring George Mackay, Benedict Cumberbatch
Survival, time, stoicism, and repression are all themes that present themselves in this powerful story of a soldier on a mission to deliver a message, navigating through the battlefield of WWI Germany.
Gravity
(2013, Science Fiction, PG-13, 91 mins) Dir. Sam Mendes, Starring Sandra Bullock, George Clooney
A metaphoric story of one woman's journey towards rebirth and establishing control after the loss of a child…in outer space!
Cast Away
(2000, Drama, PG-13, 143 mins) Dir. Robert Zemeckis, Starring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt
Isolated on a deserted island, Hanks' character must find a way to survive after his plane crash lands. The film's central message is the role that purpose plays as an integral component to our survival.
The Incredibles
(2004, Animation, PG, 115 mins) Dir. Brad Bird, Starring Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson
This Pixar classic emphasizes the importance of family working as a collective whole in order to triumph over adversity.
Waking Life
(2001, Animation, R, 101 mins) Dir. Richard Linklater, Starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delphy, Adam Goldberg
Comprised of multiple loosely connected shorts, 'Waking Life' asks big philosophical questions, within the context of conversations, against a visual kaleidoscope of animation.
Ordinary People
(1980, Drama, R, 124 mins) Dir. Robert Redford, Starring Timothy Hutton, Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland
This family drama tenderly discusses the power of denial and guilt. It also features one of my favorite on-screen portrayals of a therapist, played by Judd Hirsch.
Magnolia
(1999, Drama, R, 188 mins) Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson, Starring Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, William H. Macy
Magnolia examines chance, meaning, and our interconnectedness through the landscape of seemingly unexplainable events.
You’ve Got Mail
(1998, Romantic Comedy, PG, 119 mins) Dir. Nora Ephron, Starring Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Parker Posey
Perhaps AOL may be a bit dated for some of the readers of this list (others may still use the platform or remember it like it was yesterday); however, this film was pioneering by navigating humanity's changing relationship with technology as it relates to intimate connection. In addition, the film also examines the shifting environment of the free market.
The Thing
(1982, Science Fiction/Horror, R, 109 mins) Dir. John Carpenter, Starring Kurt Russell, Keith David
A parasitic alien life form moves from host to host, creating an air of paranoia and mistrust, resulting in the disintegration of a community. This is a good one to watch if you are looking to release some of your anxiety as it relates to COVID-19.
Coco
(2017, Animation, PG, 109 mins) Dir. Lee Unkrich, Starring Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
Coco takes one culture's understanding of death, life, and family and emphasizes its utility across all cultures.
Trading Places
(1983, Comedy, R, 116 mins) Dir. John Landis, Starring Eddie Murphy, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd
A classic role-reversal comedy about socio-economic differences.
Big
(1988, Comedy, PG, 104 mins) Dir. Penny Marshall, Starring Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins
Perhaps I have an obsession with Tom Hanks as this is his third appearance on this list. Here's another role-reversal comedy that reminds us about the importance of being playful, even as adults.
A Ghost Story
(2017, Drama, R, 92 mins) Dir. David Lowery, Starring Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara
Love, loss, and longing across time are prominent concepts explored in this moody and mysterious film.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor
(2018, Documentary, PG-13, 93 mins) Dir. Morgan Neville, Starring Fred Rogers
A fascinating look at the life of Mr. Rogers and the lessons he taught in regards to community, patience, and love.
The Day The Earth Stood Still
(1951, Science-Fiction, G, 92 mins) Dir. Robert Wise, Starring Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal
A classic film about the ultimatum placed on society by an outsider who observes the dangerous values held by humankind.
The Great Dictator
(1940, Comedy, G, 124 mins) Dir. Charlie Chaplin, Starring Charlie Chaplin
Chaplin uses his uncanny resemblance (mostly just the mustache) to Adolf Hitler in order to deliver a message about compassion and the dangers of hate.
The Neverending Story
(1984, Fantasy, PG, 102 mins) Dir. Wolfgang Peterson
One boy's identification with a fictional character in a novel helps him to work through depression, grief, and trauma.
The Dark Crystal
(1982, Fantasy, PG, 93 mins) Dir. Jim Henson & Frank Oz
Masterfully puppeteered, The Dark Crystal warns against the over obsession with power and emphasizes the importance of balance.
Free Solo
(2018, Documentary, PG-13, 100 mins) Dir. Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi & Jimmy Chin, Starring Alex Honnold
Alex Honnold is an incredible athlete who has a unique perspective on the nature of accomplishment, pursuit, and fear.