Here is a list of 5 films which can be put in the "Mindfuck" category. This means they either mess with your personal views on a subject (anything from religion to science), or have a very unusual story and ending to it. I have seen all these movies and I recommend you do the same. I might later on do some reviews about these films. Each film comes with a small teaser and my personal appreciation.
1. Altered States by Ken Russell (1980)
Let's start with a very difficult movie.
Dr. Jessup, a Harvard scientist studying schizophrenia, creates a theory revolving around the existence of different states of consciousness which can be induced under certain conditions. He performs experiments on himself using psychotropic drugs and sensory isolation tanks. However his experiments lead him far beyond his theories, as he discovers that this change of state is not only psychological...
Altered States although fictional takes you through very plausible theories around philosophy and biology. The result is a movie with a power of conviction which becomes frightening giving this pinch of horror to it. This is probably the most complicated and most stupefying movie I have ever seen.
2. Shutter Island by Martin Scorsese (2010)
Set in the 50s, this psychological thriller starring Leornado DiCaprio plays around the subject of madness. Two U.S. Marshalls are sent to investigate the improbable escape of a patient in the most important psychiatric hospital in America: Shutter Island. However their presence here seems to be hiding something else. A wish for revenge, a mysterious patient n° 67, and a sudden fear of entrapment. Will madness catch up with them against their desire?
This movie is a recent Scorsese masterpiece with a terrifying plot. As you dive into the movie you can't help but think about the balance in appearances and reality. For those of you fond of movie details, watch it a few times as it hides some hidden messages.
3. Se7en by David Fincher (1995)
Set in the 50s, this psychological thriller starring Leornado DiCaprio plays around the subject of madness. Two U.S. Marshalls are sent to investigate the improbable escape of a patient in the most important psychiatric hospital in America: Shutter Island. However their presence here seems to be hiding something else. A wish for revenge, a mysterious patient n° 67, and a sudden fear of entrapment. Will madness catch up with them against their desire?This movie is a recent Scorsese masterpiece with a terrifying plot. As you dive into the movie you can't help but think about the balance in appearances and reality. For those of you fond of movie details, watch it a few times as it hides some hidden messages.
Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Envy, Wrath, Pride and Lust. These are the Seven Capital Vices described by the Catholic Church as deadly sins. In a dark and rainy city in U.S.A, two inspectors (played by Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt) have to deal with a serial killer. This psychopath kills its victims according to their sin, one per vice. These inspectors should not underestimate this mind of genius...
This horror-thriller is graphically disturbing, with very gore images. However the development of the film is fascinating and Fincher manages to portray perfectly the serial killer's goals. The killer is comparable to Hannibal Lecter in its hidden genius. Very compelling.
4. Memento by Christopher Nolan (2000)
An image? A name? A warning? Tatoos all over the body? This is the everyday routine of Leonard Shelby, a man who cannot make new memories, and therefore forgets everything he does. Memento means "Remember" and in this dark thriller, the hero is looking for his wife's murderer, using all his clues to elucidate this mistery. The particularity of this story is that one half is shown chronologically and the other half in reverse order. The two halves meet at the end, giving us a complete picture.
This movie is unquestionably my favorite from Christopher Nolan (who is also known for Inception and the Batman Trilogy). It messes with your ability to judge people, as you are confronted to Leonard's condition and therefore forced to follow his personal understanding.
5. A Clockwork Orange by Stanley Kubrick (1971)
The story is set in a futuristic Britain, with young gangs of thugs causing trouble all around them. Alex, our protagonist and dearest narrator, is one of these youngsters who spend most of their time performing "ultra violence" and rape. However his life changes as he is arrested and to avoid more time in prison, is a volunteer for a re-insertion experiment. However, thinking he would fool everyone with his goodwill, he has to face the most horrible experiences.
This movie is a criticism of society's decadence as well as the way some take advantage of the human brain's maleabilty. Malcom McDowell has become my favorite actor of all time, as he interprets Alex with a troubling ease. Kubrick has struck once again with a movie of great psychological strength.
This horror-thriller is graphically disturbing, with very gore images. However the development of the film is fascinating and Fincher manages to portray perfectly the serial killer's goals. The killer is comparable to Hannibal Lecter in its hidden genius. Very compelling.
An image? A name? A warning? Tatoos all over the body? This is the everyday routine of Leonard Shelby, a man who cannot make new memories, and therefore forgets everything he does. Memento means "Remember" and in this dark thriller, the hero is looking for his wife's murderer, using all his clues to elucidate this mistery. The particularity of this story is that one half is shown chronologically and the other half in reverse order. The two halves meet at the end, giving us a complete picture. This movie is unquestionably my favorite from Christopher Nolan (who is also known for Inception and the Batman Trilogy). It messes with your ability to judge people, as you are confronted to Leonard's condition and therefore forced to follow his personal understanding.
The story is set in a futuristic Britain, with young gangs of thugs causing trouble all around them. Alex, our protagonist and dearest narrator, is one of these youngsters who spend most of their time performing "ultra violence" and rape. However his life changes as he is arrested and to avoid more time in prison, is a volunteer for a re-insertion experiment. However, thinking he would fool everyone with his goodwill, he has to face the most horrible experiences.This movie is a criticism of society's decadence as well as the way some take advantage of the human brain's maleabilty. Malcom McDowell has become my favorite actor of all time, as he interprets Alex with a troubling ease. Kubrick has struck once again with a movie of great psychological strength.
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