There is nothing quite like autumn; the browning flora, warm cups of tea, pumpkin baking, and, of course, a collection of the finest fall films. If it’s proving difficult to narrow down the selection, enjoy some cozy suggestions below.
Coraline
Written and directed by Henry Selick, “Coraline” was released in 2009. Its spooky stop motion mood may remind viewers of the iconic dreamscapes by like-minded artists Tim Burton (“Corpse Bride” & “The Nightmare Before Christmas”) or Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”) While some interpret the principal emotion of the movie to be loneliness, “Coraline”’s coin can be flipped to reveal self-sufficiency and, in more childlike terms, the curiosity of creativity.
A clever yet cynical girl, Coraline Jones (Dakota Fanning), is attempting to adjust to her new home in rural Oregon. Her parents’ absorption in their work–never clarified, but appears to be something to do with botanical journalism–begins to take its toll on their relationship with their daughter. She seeks entertainment in her surroundings, “interweaving odd details of everyday reality with the bright threads of [her] imagination,” as coined by New York Times’ writer, A.O. Scott. Slowly but surely, Coraline’s peculiar finds lead her down a rabbit hole within her very own home, a rabbit hole deep enough to transport her to a parallel world no less. This “other” world Coraline explores is fascinating but also unsettling. Everyone there has buttons for eyes, like homemade dolls, and if she wants to stick around, Coraline will have to join them.
The magic of stop motion storytelling is captured in this childhood classic that observes youthful exploration not as an innocent endeavor, but as daring and dramatic lessons in growing up. Truly, this movie is iconic for a reason and will remain as such for all the spooky seasons to come.
When Harry Met Sally
In their 1989 film, writer Nora Ephron and director Rob Reiner explore the dynamics of heterosexual relationships, platonic and… otherwise, interweaving aspects of their own character into the story.
Harry (Billy Crystal) first met Sally (Meg Ryan) upon their graduation from the University of Chicago in 1977. They drive together to their new home, the most perfect and clichéd setting of all romantic comedies: New York City. During the drive, Harry and Sally discuss: Can men and women be friends? Harry says no; Sally says yes. Their burgeoning disagreement culminates in an awkward departure, never intending to see each other again. And yet, over the course of twelve years in the Big Apple, the two characters undergo a number of chance meetings. To the audience’s shock, it is Harry who suggests they become friends. Their platonic relationship survives for a little while, the two are ultimately helpless when their own mutual attraction slowly proves fatal to this companionship. The two polar opposite characters must face the ultimate question: are we friends, or are we more?
The movie is randomly yet happily intercepted by interviews of elderly couples; it’s a beautiful exploration of marriage, sex, and the bewildering sensation of loving someone. Above all, “When Harry Met Sally…” is a delightful addition to this autumn’s film roster.
Fantastic Mr Fox
This visually stunning adaptation of the childhood classic, “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, is adorned with vibrant reds, mischievous yellows, and the orange of a fox’s coat. Director Wes Anderson adopts the old-fashioned stop-motion animation for his humorous 2009 film. Such a choice is bold, raw, and complex but without a doubt perfectly complementary to Anderson’s signature. His creativity is known for its distinctive nature, and to be sure, it can be felt and seen throughout one clever fox’s ballad.
The story begins with Mr. and Mrs. Fox (recognizably voiced by George Clooney and Meryl Streep) starting a family and debating over Mr Fox’s reckless nature–constantly breaking into human crops and snatching chickens. Mr Fox makes a promise not to risk his own welfare and thus, no longer not risk the wellbeing of his family. And yet, when their home overlooks the homestead of farmers Boggis, Bunce, and Bean, Mr. Fox and his friend Kylie feel compelled to steal their neighbor's booty. When the humans retaliate with violence and cruelty, our woodland animal friends must band together to defend their underground home.
Anderson’s choice of autumn colors lends the audience to feel homey and comforted, the composition familiar to his previous works such as “The Royal Tenenbaums” or “Moonrise Kingdom”. A comedy at heart, the fiery debate and banter are woven together with spot-on comedic timing; the clever dialogue and quick wit make for a truly fantastic film.
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