Top 4 most aesthetically pleasing films



Monica Vitti and Alain Delon film still from L'eclisse (1962)

I have always thought to myself that film is one of the most beautiful and most powerful forms of representing society as an art medium. There's a certain power within film that has always pulled me in and captivated me . Only with film, can one witnessed the way people lived their daily lives fifty years ago without having to get  in a fancy time machine. I remember that even as a little girl, I have always found myself utterly fascinated with film. The meticulous effort and production that goes behind the making of a film has always been something I've looked up to. Every time I would visit the theatre and  the powerful lights from the screen would  brighten up my face, I felt an immediate rush of excitement. Throughout the film I would always pay intense attention to  the cinematography and production value. Not only would look up not to the actors, but the filmmakers, producers, casters and anyone who took part in the effort of the film . Through my eyes film isn't just mindless entertainment to pass time. It can be a powerful, influential story that helps people better understand cultural values and a representation of society during the time period of filming. Here are my top 4 picks for the most aesthetically pleasing films. Enjoy!

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L’ Eclisse

Starring: Monica Vitti, Alain Delon, and Francisco Rabal

Directed by Michelangelo Antonioni

In the suburbs of Rome, the translator Vittoria breaks her engagement with her boyfriend, the writer Ricardo, after a troubled night. Vittoria goes downtown to meet her mother, who is addicted to the stock market, and she meets the broker Piero on a day of crash. The materialist Piero and the absent Vittoria begin a monosyllabic relationship.

L'Eclisse is a profoundly artistic, wonderfully crafted modern Italian film, in which the audience is permitted to draw their own conclusions about what they are seeing on the screen. The cinematography is exquisite in this film.

Smart and moody, this film is not only about emotional Eclipse, it is about the eclipse of the old society as it changes, and also about how architectural changes eclipse older style, and more importantly, nature. There are really smart and insightful comments here on changing racial attitudes, and the disparities between rich, poor, and the people who don't mind cannibalizing the disenfranchised. All this commentary done with the subtlety of the slowing growing suburbs that our leading lady lives in. Although the ending may be a bit puzzling to some it all comes together with a shocking plot twist that appears in the very last frame. 
The Great Gatsby

Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Tobey Maguire

Directed by Baz Luhrmann

Baz Luhrmann's "The Great Gatsby," is fairly accurate to the classic novel and keeps most of its themes intact. However, Luhrmann's own flair adds a new dimension to the story. Visually this film is incredibly stunning. From grand sets to the detailed period dresses, this film is a treat for the eyes. Never once does it not take your breath away from its impressive scenery

The direction in this film is impeccable. The cinematography is marvelous and really lets the viewer absorb the sheer artistry that has gone into making this film. Luhrmann keeps a high level of energy throughout the film and the party sequences are choreographed and edited in a way that it makes you feel envious of not being apart of it. Editing in the film is seamless and really keeps the viewer engaged. A common criticism the film receives is that it is more style than substance, however, I must disagree.

Perhaps having the standpoint of being a dramatic, teenage girl made everything in this film seem nothing less than grandiose. Everything from the biggest party scenes to the smallest tender look Gatsby gives Daisy makes this a 10/10 movie for me. Simply Magnificent.

Nick Carraway: You can't repeat the past.

Jay Gatsby: Can't repeat the past?

Nick Carraway: No...

Jay Gatsby: Why, of course you can... of course you can.

Summer of 42’

Starring: Jennifer O'Neill, Gary Grimes, and  Jerry Houser

Directed by Robert Mulligan

During his summer vacation on Nantucket Island in 1942, a youth eagerly awaiting his first sexual encounter finds himself developing an innocent love for a young woman awaiting news on her soldier husband's fate in WWII. This plot sounds lame and the typical teenager "trying to lose his virginity" cliche but I can assure you it's anything but. This is truly  ne of the greatest films I have ever witnessed and its the only film that has left me in pure shock, pondering its meaning for the days following. 

What left me most entranced abut the film was the bittersweet ending. "Hermie" the main character, plays the last 10 minutes of this movie in complete silence, as his buddy Oscy talks to him about foolish things such as the raiding the Coast Guard Station. Hermie slowly walks through the gathering late-summer wind to the house where his first lover no longer waits. He finds her note, walks away from the little clapboard house as the wind whips the long grass around, reminding you that summer is all but over, and a voice-over tells us that Hermie never saw her again or even heard about her ever again.

I can't think of another movie ending that I have found so touching, so evocative.

What an artistic triumph.

I was never to see her again. Nor was I ever to learn what became of her. We were different then. Kids were different. It took us longer to understand the things we felt. Life is made up of small comings and goings. And for everything we take with us, there is something that we leave behind. In the summer of '42, we raided the Coast Guard station four times, we saw five movies, and had nine days of rain. Benji broke his watch, Oscy gave up the harmonica, and in a very special way, I lost Hermie forever. - Hermie

La La Land

Starring: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling

Director: Damien Chazelle

La La Land is the  story of Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a dedicated jazz musician, struggling to make ends meet while pursuing their dreams in a city known for destroying hopes and breaking hearts. With modern day Los Angeles as the backdrop, this musical about everyday life explores what is more important: a once-in-a-lifetime love or the spotlight.  La La Land is a triumph on so many levels. It hooks you from the beginning with its big opening number on the highway and has your heart fluttering in the club at the end. Damien Chazelle has proved himself to be one of the most talented directors/screenwriters in film right now.

The film gets you with its charm. It. The chemistry between Stone and Gosling makes the film livelier. Stone has slowly shown herself as a force to be reckon with in Hollywood and now Gosling has join the ranks after his stellar performance as the jazz pianist who's main dream is watch jazz live on. Stone is a wannabe actress who can't find her way. Together, they thrive off each other's love and support as they try to accomplish their goals together. Each have a chance at their first Oscar gold. What else helps is a beautiful score and extremely well written songs. I found myself humming "City of Stars" all night long, already saving the soundtrack on every music platform I could.  The production design helps with this with bright, vivid colors abound from the walls of a passing building to Emma Stone's dress. A charming film only works when all cylinders click. This one was clockwork.

I guess i’ll see you in the movies

-Sebastian