RECOMMENDATION: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

There has to be something in Ethan & Joel Coen's DNA that allows them to consistently write and direct brilliant films. Over the years, the brothers have shown time and time again that they are Gods of the film world, and No Country for Old Men, released in 2007, could possibly be the film they are remembered by in time to come.

This film is the very definition of a suspense thriller, the word 'suspense' should be in bold, italics and underlined. With nail-biting chase scenes that are more exhilarating than most horror films could wish for, at parts the film uses smart cinematography in order to project a sense of the unknown into the audience.
Following both the chaser and the chased throughout the film, when the camera seems to stop following the chaser, and focus on the chased at one particular point, we are propelled into the world of the character of Llewelyn Moss. In a dark motel room, the lights go out and footsteps are heard. Is it Anton Chigurh? Is it the motel desk clerk? Just another guest going for a late night smoke? It is almost as if the film makers have decided that if Llewelyn doesn't know, neither should we.

It is this classic example of the brilliance of the Coen Brother's work that sets them apart from many who have tried so hard to create something as wonderful as this film. The absolutely terrifying character of Anton Chigurh, played so brilliantly by Javier Bardem, haunts the audience for a lot longer than the two hours the film runs for. Showing sociopathic traits and a complete lack of remorse, the character seems to be a monster in a man's body. If Chigurh can look so normal, but act so monstrous, what's saying that the people we associate ourselves with in real life are as we see them. It is these small hints and doubts that the Coen Brothers put into this film that really make it something special.

In all honesty, a summary of the film's plot would not do it justice. This truly needs to be seen, the cinematography, script, acting and editing all combined make a phenomenal piece of cinema, one that's wider themes can be discussed for hours on end, the inevitability of time, getting older and death. This film will change your life.

RECOMMENDATION: MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO

My Own Private Idaho is Gus Van Sant's masterpiece. Loosely based on Shakespeare's plays Henry IV Part 1, Henry IV Part 2 & Henry V, the film tells the story of two hustlers/friends on a journey of self discovery. However don't let the intimidating Shakespearean play titles put you off watching the film, with only a few lines of original Shakespeare quotes in the film, it is truly its own piece of art, digressing from the original plays and becoming absolutely stunning in its own right.

River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves are perfect as their characters. The chemistry is evidently there when needed and in scenes where the two best friends are not feeling so close, the acting of both is superb in creating a hostile and tense environment.
The cinematography is beautiful also and combined with a breathtaking landscape (just watch the first 10 minutes to get an idea of what i'm talking about), the audience is left feeling the isolation and emotions of the characters as if it were themselves experiencing them.

With the content of the film being extremely dependent on the character's emotional states, the film is one that is likely to make you upset. We become attached to these two main characters and when their friendship is tested we feel uncomfortable and protective over them. I believe that this film is truly a groundbreaking piece of art for the early nineties. It has stood the test of time in my eyes, with numerous re-watches having taken place and the meaning and beauty of the film has never withered.

RECOMMENDATION: PERSONA (1966)

Ingmar Bergman is almost the secret God of cinema. Really, only people with an intense interest in film are familiar with him and have seen many of his films, however the are aware of the works of Bergman are very aware of the incredible talent and passion shown in the Swedish filmmaker's works.

'Persona' tells the story of the relationship between a nurse and her patient. It is not extremely long, just over the 80 minutes mark, however the amount of depth and brilliance involved in this hour and twenty minutes is enough to have the audience thinking about it for much longer than their time in front of the screen.

I've heard numerous comments from people after their first viewing of the film, many suggest that "it doesn't make sense" or they "didn't know what was going on" which is fine. The film is purposefully confusing and self aware, knowing that the theme it is dealing with is extremely in-depth, and I think that Bergman would be upset if everyone understood the film and it's implications after a first viewing. The film follows the 'art cinema' movement, with a non-linear narrative, numerous cuts to seemingly abstract situations and also a repeated shot from a different perspective. Granted, the film can be a little mind-boggling, but stick with it and involve yourself completely with the plot and you're in for one of the most beautiful film experiences of your life. Believe me.

Stated in the picture above as 'one of the ten greatest films of all time', Ingmar Bergman's '66 triumph, 'Persona' is definitely a worthy film for kicking off the recommendation side to this site.