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Modern cinema is considered to be a “light genre”. The highest-grossing films, as accounting records inexorably testify: action and fantasy.
But even in the scenario of an action movie, if you wish, you can put your soul into it. An experienced screenwriter can elegantly turn boring philosophical constructions into a fantastic plot.
Moreover, the author of a literary work, which the producer takes as the basis of his picture, could well leave “Easter eggs” that make you think about the meaning of life. Many popular films have a “double bottom”. What is it?
10 Godfather | 1972
Filmed in 1972 based on the novel by American writer, critic and screenwriter Mario Puzo, the crime saga could have been lost in a series of numerous Hollywood action films if Francis Ford Coppola had not been involved in its production.
At first glance, it turned out to be an ordinary criminal action movie. But if you look closely, it turns out that it is not dashing gangster adventures that are described, but the complex and ambiguous life of emigrants. How to build life in a foreign country without a penny, without knowing the language? Is it possible to maintain a conscience when everything around literally screams: “no one needs you”? How to stay human?
9. Forrest Gump | 1994
Films by Robert Zemeckis are never gray or “passing”. Known as a master of staging feature films, the director has repeatedly taken on the adaptation of “serious” novels. In 1994, at the very beginning of his career as a screenwriter and director, Robert filmed the psychological drama of the American novelist Winston Groom.
The story of the strange adventures of an eccentric with obvious psychological deviations may seem like a banal melodrama for family viewing. But in the novel, as in its magnificent film adaptation, much deeper things are touched upon: the connections between the individual and society. The origins of fellowship and friendship. Problems of selfish and acquisitive power.
8. Before dawn | 1995
An accidental meeting, an accidental feeling, an accidental night… It would seem that the plot is beaten to the point of banality. But Richard Linklater managed to make a film in 1995 (according to his own script), which does not leave indifferent any viewer, in which at least a modicum of romantic feelings remains.
Random fellow travelers, having met in a train car, understand that this meeting was sent down to them by fate. And, although the circumstances do not imply the development of relations, the couple does not neglect the gift. The world is beautiful and amazing, and every minute is valuable in its own way.
The open ending, however, hints that (as in life) the story may well have a sequel. And Richard Linklater does not deceive the viewer – after all, later he will shoot two more films in which the characters (who have matured and experienced a lot) will meet again.
7. Outcast | 2000
In 2000, Tom Hanks, who previously played Forrest Gump superbly, again collaborates with Zemeckis. This time he is offered the main role in an adventure drama.
Forrest was also, in a sense, a “Robinson”. But if Forrest was separated from society by a mental deviation, then the hero of the film “Outcast” is an obstacle to a real, completely irresistible ocean.
Hanks and Zemeckis managed to look at the boring problems of “Robinsonade” from an unusual angle. Saving for the mind and man can be not only memories of the lost world. Feelings of duty and responsibility are also a powerful force that helps to overcome obstacles and keep the mind.
6. Before sunset | 2004
Writer and director Richard Linklater did not leave the theme of love romance and the value of simple, sincere human relationships. In 2004, he shoots the second part of the trilogy, opened earlier with the film Before Dawn.
The matured heroes, even after nine years, remain open, bright souls. After the seething nineties, life seems somewhat dull and monotonous. What a dozen years ago seemed like a miracle and aroused admiration seems to be starting to become commonplace.
But the wind in my head still pushes to extravagant acts. After all, in fact – what if you miss the chance that fate itself palms off on you again?
5. In pursuit of happiness | 2006
American multimillionaire Christopher Gardner was not born in a blazer and patent leather shoes. The father left the family early, and the stepfather was intolerant of his stepson. The family never lived richly, the guy had to plunge into adulthood early. From an unsuccessful marriage, a small son was left in the care of a young father. And also debts, so I had to survive literally on the street.
Having managed to break through a losing streak, organizing a movement to help other homeless and unemployed, gaining influence and earning a lot of money, Gardner published an autobiographical memoir.
And almost immediately, in 2006, the book was filmed. Will Smith, himself familiar with the street, perfectly played the main role. And he perfectly conveyed the leitmotif: never despair and be honest with yourself.
4. In the wild | 2007
Another film based on a completely real story was shot in 2007 by American director Sean Penn. The protagonist of the story (in 1993, the writer, traveler and climber Jon Krakauer described the story of Christopher McCandless) and the film quits his job, family, society and becomes a vagabond. Considering that he managed to distribute all the remaining money to charity, the act smacks of sacred madness.
In real life, McCandless became so famous that he was given the nickname “Supertramp”. Wandering across America without a penny in his pocket, Christopher died in Alaska, exhausted from hunger, he froze to death in the tundra.
What can the viewer find in the adventures of the homeless? It turns out a lot: the greatness and versatility of the world in which we all live. And the importance of human relationships, social ties. The importance of things that we underestimate every minute.
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button | 2008
Having published the story “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” in 1922, F. Scott Fitzgerald hardly counted on its film adaptation. It was rather an annotation of the writer’s plans, setting the reader on the right wavelength. The plot is frankly fantastic: the story revolves around the fact that the protagonist is forced to live his life “back to front” – from a 70-year-old old man back to childhood.
Despite the apparent simplicity of the plot, such titans of the screen as Spielberg, Cruise and Travolta failed to film it for a long time. In 2008, David Fincher still managed to make a film based on the story.
True, the plot had to be greatly redrawn – but the result was a film that best conveyed the idea laid down by the writer. Namely: no matter how fate breaks us, we must always remain human and try to enjoy every day.
2. Alice in Wonderland | 2010
It is very difficult, almost impossible, to film the texts of Lewis Carroll. The stronger the challenge to screenwriters and directors.
The English mathematician, writer, philosopher and theologian skillfully wove mathematical abstractions and philosophical problems into the plots. The play on words, allusions and an unexpected look at situations worn out to the ordinary create a feeling of a magical kaleidoscope in which each reader rather sees bizarre reflections of his own thoughts and views.
But cinema also has its own language – the language of the picture, light, facial expressions, dynamics. In 2010, director Tim Burton presented to the public his attempt to reflect the magical world of Alice on the big screen. And, judging by the box office, the attempt was quite successful.
1. The Incredible Life of Walter Mitty | 2013
American Ben Stiller is better known as a comedy actor. At the sight of his rustic, but far from stupid face, moviegoers immediately recall Night at the Museum, Duplex, How to Steal a Skyscraper. And, it should be noted, even in the most primitive scenario, Ben is able to notice and expand the inner world of the hero.
But Stiller is also a producer and screenwriter himself. In 2013, he staged and filmed a comedy that seemed quite ordinary at first glance. The main character (played by Ben himself) has always been a dreamer and dreamer. But a life that requires you to work, get money, spend it in the traditional way – and get it again – sucks.
Unexpectedly, fate throws the hero a difficult, almost impossible task. A serviceable soldier takes on an assignment, not even imagining that in the process of fulfilling the mission, he will have to rediscover the bright world of childhood dreams, proud accomplishments and simple, sincere human relationships.