This is an incredibly difficult task. You may not realize it, but it is.
"Oh, boy. What do I recommend them? Do I go for the Film Studies 101 canon? Do I name my personal favourites? Heck, what are my personal favourites? How many should I list? Will recommending a French film make me sound pretentious? Will a Japanese film make me sound like some fanboy? I should probably say something they've at least heard of... but then again, there are some pretty famous movies out there that I know some people haven't heard of. Remember that time I tried to rent Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? from the Blockbuster, and I got a blank stare in return from the counter guy? Or The Apartment? That's a bloody Oscar winner and he hadn't even heard of it. But this person here asking me this question... what do I say? I can't choose too many things that they've already seen. Or are they asking me this question just to gauge their taste in film? Do they want to hear movies they've already seen? Oh god oh god oh god."
Granted, I'm a anxiety-prone person, but it's nonetheless a loaded query. And so, in preparation for the next time someone asks me, I'm making a few different lists of recommendations. These lists are by no means thorough, but I think by making multiple lists people can decide which ones are targeted at them. And first up, I present...
Recommendations from a Film Snob for the Average Audience
Primarily English-language, mainstream, mostly contemporary, well-known but under-seen.
Horror/Thriller/Suspense
A History of Violence (David Cronenberg, 2005)
Heavy-hitting drama with excellent lead performances from Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello. A good introduction to the world of Canadian auteur David Cronenberg.
L.A. Confidential (Curtis Hanson, 1997)
Film noir is given a contemporary update in this exciting, well-crafted drama with a powerhouse cast. Probably would have swept the Oscars in 1998 if it wasn't for that other little film called Titanic.
Alien (Ridley Scott, 1979)
Probably one of the most terrifying films ever made, this is one of those films that everyone thinks they know -- but aren't quite prepared for how intense it actually is.
The Silence of the Lambs (Jonathan Demme, 1991)
You've heard of it. You know what it's about. Now it's time to actually see it and understand why it's become an integral part of pop culture, as evident in this gem:
Drama
The Last King of Scotland (Kevin MacDonald, 2007)
Forest Whitaker won the Oscar for his performance as Idi Amin, the brutal dictator of Uganda, in this searing drama, but equal praise should go to James McAvoy in his breakthrough role. MacDonald uses his skills as a documentarian to forge a film that bursts with energy and dread.
Children of Men (Alfonso Cuaron, 2006)
For my money, one of the greatest triumphs of the last decade. If I ever teach an introductory course in film, this will be my screening for the concepts of mise-en-scène and cinematography.
The Elephant Man (David Lynch, 1980)
Lynch's Hollywood debut is easily his most accessible film, but still manages to have all the typical Lynchian touches. John Hurt's performance is one of the all-time greats, and the film's eerie black-and-white photography is stunning.
One of my personal favourites, it's a whip-smart, vicious satire that's still as relevant today, if not more so, given its near-prophetic scalping of 'reality television'. Ever wonder where you heard "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!"?
C.R.A.Z.Y. (Jean-Marc Valée, 2005)
A coming-of-age and coming-out story set in Montréal suburbia of the 70s, it's become one of the most popular Québécois films ever made, and for good reason: it's funny, touching, and brazenly original. David Bowie, punk rock, Patsy Cline and a big Catholic family. Definitely one of my top recommendations.
Comedy
The Shop Around the Corner (Ernst Lubitsch, 1940)
A young James Stewart stars with Margaret Sullivan in this delightful romantic comedy, upon which You've Got Mail is based. It's pretty much perfect Hollywood --it has, after all, the mythical "Lubitsch touch"-- and by the end, you feel like these shop employees are close friends of yours. Magical.
A Fish Called Wanda (Charles Crichton, 1988)
Wacky crime-comedy starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Monty Python's John Cleese and Michael Palin, and the devilish Kevin Kline in a rare Oscar-winning comedic role. Probably one of the funniest movies ever made.
Little Miss Sunshine (Jonathan and Valerie Davis, 2006)
One of the best comedies of recent years, it's equal parts hilarious, touching and bittersweet. A 'feel-good' movie that doesn't hit you with saccharine or cliché.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Stephen Elliot, 1994)
Bawdy drag queen fun in the Australian outback. Starring Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, and Terrence Stamp in a stunning transformation, and featuring fantastic Oscar-winning costumes.
Pan's Labyrinth (Guillermo del Toro, 2006)
This rightly became an art house smash in 2006: an adult fairy tale that's equally fantastic and horrifying. A young girl escapes from the harsh realities of the Spanish Civil War by descending into her imagination. And, boy: what an imagination!
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Jacques Demy, 1964)
This bittersweet French musical is entirely sung-through, and features some of the most beautiful colour photography ever captured, as well as Catherine Deneuve's breakthrough performance. Thoroughly charming.
Raise the Red Lantern (Zhang Yimou, 1991)
Gorgeous drama from master filmmaker Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), this is probably the most popular film from the Fifth Generation wave of Chinese cinema. You'll also see why Gong Li is considered film royalty.
Come and See (Elem Klimov, 1985)
Featured on my Top Ten list, this film will probably leave you a bloody mess. The most devastating WWII film I've come across, and the most challenging film that I've recommended on this list. Then why is it included? Because I consider it essential viewing, and it's not often included on canonical lists.
Any films you'd include instead? Any of these you think the 'average audience' wouldn't like?
When's part two?
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