It’s cold and I hate it, but here’s some movie recommendations
For some, the first sight of snow is a premonition of hot cocoa and cable knit sweaters. For others it’s a dark vision of runny noses and cold, rainy days. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether you want to be correct and view the season as the cup being half empty. Regardless, we can all agree that there’s a distinct visual and emotional spark that only can be lit in the colder months. And the following films do an excellent job at being that shiny light amidst the frost.
“I’m Thinking of Ending Things“
This 2020 release stands as proof that streaming service can deliver high brow cinema just as much as theatrical films. Brought to from the same filmmaker as “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “Anomalisa,” “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” tells the parallel stories of a couple going to see their parents and a janitor cleaning a school during winter break. Both of the stories contort on themselves in ways that will keep you second guessing. Leading to a place where your darkest thoughts may not be that hidden to the people around you. By the end the frigid weather itself feels like a stage, trapping the characters in their environment and their minds.
“Rise of the Guardians“
Talk about hubby for the holidays. This animated cult classic has probably been on everyone’s radar at one point. And the reason it was on your radar is because you or someone you know wants to date Jake Frost. Being the lead of this adventure, its only natural he’d charm the masses. But aside from him there’s a whole party of characters with their own quirks and charms to make them memorable. As well as a story that will pull at your heart strings. Assuming Jack hasn’t gotten to them already.
“The Tales of Hoffman“
Ballet has a particular winter feeling, (most likely it’s because the ties to Russia). So, we had to have at least one. This movie opera though not directly set in the cold, utilizes sets that embody different elements of snow weather. Characters will be wearing icicles, white powder, piercing blue tones and heavier coats. There’s also a coolness to the scenery, taking on a blueish frost like quality. This film is definitely more of visual feast, than a dialogue driven story. It’s the kind of picture you put you in awe of the director’s eye. And it does an amazing job of doing that.
“Lumikuningatar“
Similarly to the last, this movie slaps completely because of visuals. The movie is a retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Snow Queen.” This time however, it’s in Finland in the 80s, which means everything looks like it was made in Finland in the 80s, and that makes everything amazing. There’s a certain nostalgic magic that comes with the VHS era that doesn’t require you to have been there. And this picture certainly carries that spell, whisking you away with its main on a straight to DVD adventure. Also the queen in this is an underrated camp legend whom we stan.
“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”
James Bond films are iconic year-round but watching this one when actually around snow hits different. This is the sixth in the series and is the only one directed by Peter Roger Hunt. It is also arguably one of the most memorable as it delivered us the driving through the snow chase sequence. Though new at it’s time, nowadays it can be featured in virtually every spy series, and this is the film to thank for that. So if you’re in the mood to visit Double O in double negative degree weather, this is the place to start.
“My Winnipeg“
This picture is interesting in that it serves as the standard entry way on two fronts. For a lot of people, it is their first of the Canadian director Guy Maddin. And it is also the first movie to come from Winnipeg for a lot of people. However, if you were looking for a realist perspective of the place, you should have turned when you saw Guy Maddin attached to it. In his typical fashion, the story is presented in a surrealist vintage Hollywood inspired lens. However, what makes it interesting is that it still carries documentary elements, only heighted to express the feeling of being in Winnipeg over the reality of being in Winnipeg. It’s a trippy walk down memory lane, and services as the weirdest travel guild ever filmed in history.
“Anastasia“
Listen, you know you love it. I doubt anyone has to tell you to watch this. You probably were going to rewatch it after reading this article anyway. “Anastasia” through the test of time has stood as a gorgeous depiction of deeply twisted and dark decades in Russian history. The songs are great, the costumes are to die for, Dimitri is still hot, the Josephine Backer reference is still cute and the Romanov name will be forever blessed with this film.
“Misery“
Though it’s not the only Stephen King adaption about being trapped somewhere in violently snowy weather, it’s certainly a memorable one. Kathy Bates gives the performance of two lifetimes. She is the ultimate fan girl, and the way she guilds through the set is infection. You cannot turn away as her character is just so entertaining to watch plot and scheme. Though she is the antagonist of this tale, we can all agree we were routing for her to get an HBO spin off.
