A friend of mine occasionally organises “movie club” evenings - kind of like a book club, but with movies. We watch something (often more than one) and then discuss what we’ve seen in a semi-intelligent and sophisticated manner
Anyway, the theme for the next evening is “From reel to real” - the idea being that we look out for films where the character(s) go on a journey of discovery, from “fakeness” to “realness”, whatever that might mean… We are supposed to make suggestions and she will organise the final line-up, but I am finding myself stumped as for something with real meat on it (so to speak).
Jonathan Pryce’s character in Brazil participates in the “fake” front put on by the Beaurocracy and escapes into the “fake” world of his own romantic fantasy but in the end has to face the very grim “real” powers against which he had unwittingly rebelled.
It’s absolutely heartbreaking when Mia Farrow’s character finally faces the “realness” at the end of Purple Rose of Cairo.
Another one that fits the theme very well is Rock Star. But I think if you brought that one to Movie Night at my house I might not invite you back.
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Another one that might work is Local Hero.
Played by Peter Riegart, MacIntyre is assigned the task of flying out of Texas to buy a town on the west coast of Scotland for Knox Oil and Gas.
He ends up falling in love with the town.
Quirky characters, lovely scenery, wonderful soundtrack by Mark Knopfler.
My Favorite Year. Starring Peter O’Toole as a washed up, alcoholic movie star who must perform on a live televsion show, a la Sid Caesar’s “Show of Shows”, in order to pay off an IRS debt. Despite a mortal fear of performing live, he must find the courage to do so, and also to face up to familial responsibilities, namely a long-neglected daughter, and his problems with the bottle. Hilarious and poignant, with a great supporting cast.
The Shape of Things would also be interesting. It follows the story of this couple that goes through a fairly typical relationship, but she is constantly hinting at ways he could improve his lifestyle/appearance (a la’ Queer Eye). At the end we find out that she’s been doing it all for her art dissertation, and their entire relationship has been fake. She said that he was her “human sculpture.”
Hey! I’m the guy that always recommends Local Hero in movie threads! It’s what I do!
It was the first thing that came to mind upon reading the OP, however, and it does fit the theme. It’s just a coincidence that it’s also my favorite movie.
If you want “real meat”, I would recommend “The Hustler”. Far more than just a “pool” movie, I think it is one of the best character journeys around.
Also, “The Godfather” comes to mind (Michael’s transformation).
And also “The Man Who Would Be King”, which is kind of a twist as you watch Daniel get deluded by all his followers, but Peachy is able to stay grounded throughout the whole episode.
Interesting theme, I’ll see if any more come to mind.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Poor Paul (aka Fred) wades through Holly’s facades to find out who she really is. And that person is someone who looks for Cat in the rain
Well, I guess I’m the gal who always recommends Local Hero in threads, because it happens to be my favorite movie. And it does indeed fit the theme. Don’t worry, it’s your turn next time.
I don’t know if these exactly “fit the bill”, but both of my recommendations (I believe) involve people who haven’t been living in the “real world”, finding themselves taking journeys that lead to brutal reality.
I love “Stealing Home” with Jodie Foster & Mark Harmon. It’s kinda old (1988) but definitely worth checking out. One of my fave movies.
The other would be “The Ice Storm” and is also worth watching for a pre-Dawson’s Creek performance by Katie Holmes. But I’m kind of biased because this is one of my fave movies of all time anyway. Each of the characters takes a journey of some sort or another. Star-studded cast too with both the younger and older cast members doing a splendid job!
Check 'em out and enjoy (WARNING: both may bring on tears though.) XOXO
“Hero” with Dustin Hoffman, Geena Davis, and Andy Garcia. Both Hoffman and Garcia start out as fakes, and go through character perigrinations, finally coming clean in the end and becoming more honest, and real.
Bridges also changes tremendously from beginning to end. He starts out as someone completely engulfed and blinded by his own self centered ego-maniacal nature. As the movie goes on, he becomes humbled, opened minded, and learns to care for the people around him.
I absolutely agree. It’s is one of my favorite movies of all time, and Paul Newman’s character ("Fast Eddie Feldson) goes through a true evolution from beginning to end.
