What to watch during a flight or layover
Tilda Swinton, who met a real genie, Bruce Willis punishing evil, a smitten Timothée Chalamet, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise with a couple of spicy fantasies — this is the ideal company for a long airport layover or a Moscow — Bali flight. Especially for Kupi.com film researcher, composer, author of the channel @kino_iskusstvo* Lena Stroganova compiled a selection of good films — to relax, catch up on premieres missed during the year, and get into a festive mood.
Relax
“Three Thousand Years of Longing,” dir. George Miller, 2022
The ideal film to immerse yourself in another world: a world of legends, myths, fairy tales, wishes, and their fulfillment. And all this with Tilda Swinton in the lead role. She plays Alethea, a British linguist who flies from London to Istanbul to give a series of lectures, but magical things begin to happen to her already at the airport, and the city's history literally sweeps the heroine into a kaleidoscope of events and emotions. Two hours of beauty and wonderful oblivion are guaranteed.
“Murder on the Orient Express,” dir. Sidney Lumet, 1974
Firstly, don't let the first word in the title scare you, and secondly, nothing is as relaxing as a good detective story, especially when Poirot is involved in the investigation and the case takes place on the snow-covered famous trans-European express “Istanbul-Calais.” The film has many Oscar nominations and even a 2017 remake, but in my opinion, this classic Sidney Lumet production is much more atmospheric and authentic.
“Annie Hall,” dir. Woody Allen, 1977
Watching Woody Allen's films is a smart way to relax, as Allen is not as simple as he seems. All his works are filled with irony, a sense of freedom, and the acceptance of characters (and then viewers!) for who they are. And for me, this is one of the main merits of Allen's work.
“Annie Hall” is his first film that moved from outright comedy towards lyricism. In it, the director himself appears in his favorite role of a charming neurotic. The main character is played by Diane Keaton — her image has entered the history of fashion and cinema. And the film also won an Oscar in 1978, beating the fourth episode of “Star Wars”!
“Call Me by Your Name,” dir. Luca Guadagnino, 2017
The most summery film in the selection, so if you're flying to warm climes or miss the charm of southern countries, it's perfect for viewing. Sun-drenched Italy, infatuation, coming of age, eternal Renaissance art and architecture, unforgettable and so vibrant landscapes that they literally transport you to the screen.
17-year-old Elio, spending the summer at his parents' villa, is played by Timothée Chalamet, which alone could be a reason to watch, although the film has many other merits. For example, a completely charming soundtrack that you will likely listen to on repeat throughout the holidays.
“Die Hard 2,” dir. Renny Harlin, 1990
There's no more obvious escapism than a classic action film with Bruce Willis, especially when the plot unfolds on Christmas Eve. The main character, John McClane, tries to save his wife's life, restore order in the city, and generally deal with all the evil in the world. The tension in the film grows, and there's no sweeter feeling: your nerves are on edge, but you know for sure that Bruce will handle everything — so the credits will roll in relaxed enjoyment with a blissful smile.
Catch up on premieres missed during the year
“Triangle of Sadness,” dir. Ruben Östlund, 2022
One of the most striking films of the year. A luxurious yacht with wealthy passengers embarks on a cruise, led by a binge-drinking Marxist captain. A special delight is the scene of the communal dinner during a severe storm: there's social commentary, beauty and diversity of characters, and an abundance of metaphors. If you're on a plane, wait until after takeoff, because nothing in this film can be missed: every detail, line, glance, and intonation of the characters is important. In short, watch carefully and patiently, and you will be rewarded.
“Licorice Pizza,” dir. Paul Thomas Anderson, 2022
Perhaps the kindest, most sincere, and warmest film of the year. California, the 70s, Gary is a business-minded teenager, Alana is a carefree twenty-five-year-old girl. Their union seems not destined to happen, but perhaps, if you struggle long enough, at worst you'll get a great film about youth, its strength, and courage. A lighthearted picture that only pretends to be a romantic comedy, but is actually a profound life-affirming story.
“Parallel Mothers,” dir. Pedro Almodóvar, 2022
Pedro Almodóvar's new film. Again, Penélope Cruz, the dominance of red, vibrant Spain, tender motherhood, a non-trivial search for oneself and one's roots.
The plot description begins: “In one delivery room, two future single mothers find themselves: 40-year-old photographer Janis and underage Ana.” If you've seen at least one Almodóvar film, you understand where this is going. And if you're completely unfamiliar with the director's work, this is an excellent film to start with.
“Everything Everywhere All at Once,” dir. Dan Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, 2021
The life of the main character, like the film's title, can quite clearly resemble our daily lives, especially before the New Year. Will we, or at least the heroine, manage to overcome chaos and finally live that dream life? Michelle Yeoh's magnificent acting, and a simple but very important idea that if you want to save the world, you must start with yourself.
“The Worst Person in the World,” dir. Joachim Trier, 2021
My favorite. The film is a hymn to freedom of choice, and while watching, one can't help but recognize oneself in the characters' traits, even the less flattering ones. The film is divided into 12 chapters, corresponding to a certain period in the life of the main character, Julie, who changes professions, partners, tries to find common ground with her parents, explores herself and her interests, makes mistakes, experiences infatuation and emptiness. And the beauty of this film is that there is no judgment or hidden moral advice in it — except perhaps to listen to yourself and try to perceive your life as a personal journey that belongs only to you.
Get into a festive mood
“A Winter's Tale,” dir. Éric Rohmer, 1991
A tender and enveloping French story about love and a Christmas miracle. Felicie and Charles's holiday romance accidentally ends because the heroine gives the wrong address. But accidental events in Rohmer's work are anything but, in fact, random chance. That's why it's so interesting to observe how unrelated things merge into a pattern and destiny. Winter Paris, Christmas Eve, and a quiet feeling of holiday and happiness.
“The Shop Around the Corner,” dir. Ernst Lubitsch, 1940
The most classic Christmas story in the selection. If you, like me, have watched Frank Capra's “It's a Wonderful Life” until it's worn out and want something similar but different, then this film is for you. It's practically a story about how people managed without Tinder 80 years ago.
Scenes of snowy streets, the festive atmosphere in a souvenir shop, and James Stewart will warm and cheer you up even on the grayest and coldest day.
“The Magicians,” dir. Konstantin Bromberg, 1982
Unlike “The Irony of Fate” and many other New Year's films, “The Magicians” is not as popular, which is a shame. Based on the Strugatskys' work “Monday Begins on Saturday,” the action takes place at the NUINU institute, where employees try to create a magic wand by New Year's.
A moderately strange, somewhat epic, very warm film about how good triumphs over evil, using methods of love and acceptance. The visualization of this idea is more important than ever now.
“Eyes Wide Shut,” dir. Stanley Kubrick, 1999
Those who have seen this film, don't be surprised that I included it in the selection; try watching it in December and you'll understand everything. The married couple (Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise) gives the impression of an ideal family, but each character has their own sexual fantasies that become increasingly difficult to control.
Dark, gothic, somewhere on the border of dream and reality, where the viewer, along with the characters, enters a world that is a little beyond, as if a door opens into a mystical and even fairy-tale space.
And of course, for me, this role of Nicole Kidman is the most beloved and unforgettable.
“8 Women,” dir. François Ozon, 2001
Another winter detective story in the selection, and what a one — a musical, from a French director and lover of postmodern images and techniques. Snow has covered a manor in rural France, the master of the house is murdered, and eight women — all French cinema superstars — try to find the killer, suspecting each other.
The atmosphere heats up with each scene and song (all hits too), and the heroines undergo transformations, each more striking than the last. It's also worth adding that the French aesthetic in the film is so impeccable and infectious that after watching, your hand will reach for a beautiful glass of champagne** and an evening outfit.
*Meta Platforms Inc (Instagram) activities are prohibited in the Russian Federation.
**excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health!
