Welcome to our new about me featurette, where you get the chance to know a little bit about our staff, and read about their favorite films of all time. Feel free to ask them any questions in the comment section.
I figured what better way to share my top 5 than on my birthday. Hi, my name is Carl Broughton, and I am the Editor-in-chief of Filmera. I never thought I would be part of a film site, or even become a film critic, but here I am. I personally believe the art of reviewing a film is dying, and a rebirth is needed. I vividly remember 2013 being the year I decided to learn as much about films as I could. I am still a rookie compared to some of the other staff members, but I am eager to learn.
5. The Young Girls of Rochefort directed by Jacques Demy
I don’t think a French film has ever made me smile or bob my head as much as Young Girls of Rochefort. Not only is it my favorite musical, but it’s one of the most charming films I have ever watched. It is a catchy pick me up film that brightens my day. I am addicted to the catchy songs, and even though I can’t speak the language I still try to sing along with the actors.
4. Chungking Express directed by Wong Kar-wai
Now, this is a film I think about constantly, and at this point I can say is my favorite from Wong Kar-wai. I can’t get over how heartbreaking both the stories are, the amazing atmosphere, and the outstanding shots. Fun fact: No other film has ever made me hate and love a song as much as this film. Not to be corny but this film actually got me in the mood for love.
I actually listen to “California Dreaming” a few times a week now.
3. La Dolce Vita directed by Federico Fellini
2013, the year where I didn’t know what arthouse or Criterion meant. A year where the most foreign film I had ever watched was something from Studio Ghibli. La Dolce Vita is one of the first Criterions I watched and honestly the first movie to challenge me. The themes are complex, the story is engaging, and the ending left me asking questions. I didn’t know black and white films could be this beautiful or stylish. I wanted to be like the characters in the film; I wanted that charisma Marcello Mastroianni brought to the screen. La Dolce Vita is a film I can never recommend enough to people looking for depth in a film. Fun fact: I tried talking with an Italian accent for a few months.
2.Whiplash directed by Damien Chazelle
J. K. Simmons and Miles Teller’s best roles hands down. The raw emotions, powerful scenes, and vivid musical performances make this my personal best movie of 2014 and top 5 of all time.
I wrote that in 2014, and I am here to tell you not a thing has changed. I can’t think of many films that rival the intensity of a scene, nor the adrenaline Whiplash puts in your body. Hands down one of the best final scenes of a film, and the only film to make me love Jazz. I kid you not that I listened to “Caravan” for a year straight every morning until I got sick of drums. Then I listened to more Jazz.
1. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Directed by Edgar Wright
Is this Edgar Wright’s best film? No, but I don’t care. When people ask what film captures who you are, I always point them to this. Eight years after seeing this in theatre, and I still talk about this film like it came out last month. My girlfriend has yet to see it, which is a shame because I often quote the lines. Micheal Cera’s best performance by a mile.
The reason why this film is #1 is that I honestly love every scene. I have a hard time just picking one to show.
In my eyes, Scott Pilgrim vs The world is a masterpiece and will never leave my top 5 list.
