Favorite cerebral films ...

[CountryGent]

We often watch movies for just the fun and escapism. And that is a wonderful thing. However, some films make us think and ask questions; be it philosophical, ethical, theological, metaphysical, the application (or misuse) of technology, etc. Many, though not all, of these movies become cherished classics for that reason.

One I watching for the umpteenth time the other day got me to thinking about this question: what are some of your favorite cerebral films and why? What did the picture make you think about and what conclusions were reached? Did you discuss with anyone else and, if so, did they come to the same or a different conclusion?

Thanks for sharing.

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[BrentN]

Oh come on, what did you watch for the umpteenth time? Great thread topic.

I watched the Chernobyl mini-series in this light. I thought it was outstanding, and as I was in high school during the actual events, so it was amazing looking back at it with what we know now and how this played out. Plenty of questions to be asked.

 

[CountryGent]

Oh come on, what did you watch for the umpteenth time? Great thread topic.

Blade Runner (1982). I've watched various "cuts" over the years, but this one was the "Final" one. I have a copy of the sequel (Blade Runner 2049), but I haven't had the uninterrupted time to watch said.

And thank you for the kind words.

I watched the Chernobyl mini-series in this light. I thought it was outstanding, and as I was in high school during the actual events, so it was amazing looking back at it with what we know now and how this played out. Plenty of questions to be asked.

That sounds very interesting. If I may ask, which subscription service did you watch this mini-series on? Thanks.

 

[Hop Sing]

The Thin Red Line is both cerebral and a gritty war movie. I think I have watched it at least four times.

The Thin Red Line (1998 film) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[CountryGent]

Thank you for the reminder, @Hop Sing. I recall my father and one of my brothers spoke highly of that picture.

 

[Deerhurst]

I don't know if these will fit the bill but here are a couple:

Transcendence

Now you see me

 

[slimmer13]

Idiocracy. One of the best documentaries I've seen

 

[albin25]

Steve Martin's, "The Man With Two Brains"....
..... C'mon..... 2 BRAINS !!!.... like, wow.... that's gotta be extra cerebral !!

 

[Nosferatu]

American History X

 

[Doctorona]

The Fountain
Momento
The Prestige
Mulholland Drive
Blade Runner ( both of them )
Touching the Void ( true story )
Citizen Kane

 

[DeanfromOregon]

The Gods Must Be Crazy

 

[Mephistopheles]

My vote is for a slow moving, liberal film starring Bruce Dern with sound track by Joan Baez. 1972 Silent Running

 

[ilikegunspdx]

We often watch movies for just the fun and escapism. And that is a wonderful thing. However, some films make us think and ask questions; be it philosophical, ethical, theological, metaphysical, the application (or misuse) of technology, etc. Many, though not all, of these movies become cherished classics for that reason.

One I watching for the umpteenth time the other day got me to thinking about this question: what are some of your favorite cerebral films and why? What did the picture make you think about and what conclusions were reached? Did you discuss with anyone else and, if so, did they come to the same or a different conclusion?

Thanks for sharing.

"Nostalgia" the original Tarkovsky film. Don't expect a plot cuz there is none. Amazing film but not if u must have standard formula Hollywood movies, have to have action, or don't want to think and try to figure out what the symbolism is that is in nearly every scene. Art through images and profound poetry is the order of the day on this one. Some films are a mile wide and an inch deep. This film is an inch wide and a mile deep.

One example scene is at 1:17:54 mark (film link below). Amazing photography using classic rennasaince styles, white horse is symbol for Europe which is where the father is. Expresses a lot with no dialogue at all.

Nostalgia (1983) - Italian movie online by Andrei Tarkovsky

Watch Nostalgia (1983) free online with English subtitles. A semi-autobiographical film made by Andrei Tarkovsky while exiled in Italy.

russianfilmhub.com

 

[ilikegunspdx]

Another one that is a simple 1 hour film but such great content and so exemplary of our society at the moment, "Kill all others". One may notice a lot of symbolism in this one too as well as if you pay attention to the names that represent something (or someone) such as past computer pioneers.

 

[BrentN]

Blade Runner (1982). I've watched various "cuts" over the years, but this one was the "Final" one. I have a copy of the sequel (Blade Runner 2049), but I haven't had the uninterrupted time to watch said.

And thank you for the kind words.



That sounds very interesting. If I may ask, which subscription service did you watch this mini-series on? Thanks.

I believe it was HBO.
So which Blade Runner was the good one? I've never watched any of them.

 

[BrentN]

My vote is for a slow moving, liberal film starring Bruce Dern with sound track by Joan Baez. 1972 Silent Running
View attachment 822864

Wow. I watched that over and over as a kid, yet I haven't even thought about that movie in decades!

 

[Doctorona]

I believe it was HBO.
So which Blade Runner was the good one? I've never watched any of them.

I'd say the original release or the director's cut...
There's also some cool connections with Blade Runner and the Alien franchise..

 

[partsed]

Shutter Island, Donnie Darko (so freaking bizarre) and Oblivion

 

[Aero Denezol]

Anything by David Lynch

 

[Cavedweller]

My vote is for a slow moving boring, liberal film starring Bruce Dern with sound track by Joan Baez. 1972 Silent Running

Fixed it for ya.