From Kubrick to Chick Flicks: What Happened to Film-School Me?

I was just talking about films with a friend recently – and it hit me, like damn, I used to be cool back in the day, hahaha. But then adulthood happened and cinephile Bella took a (long) nap. Now, all I watch are romantic films starring some ridiculously handsome leads, with easy-to-follow storylines that you can predict halfway through but still enjoy every second *guilty!

I’m not saying chick flicks are rubbish, though – but what happened to the film-school nerd me who used to dive into the works of Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Jean-Luc Godard, Sofia Coppola, Stanley Kubrick, Michel Gondry, Tim Burton, and all the other legends who shaped cinema as we know it? Back then, I’d watch films that challenged my brain, messed up my emotions, or just left me sitting in awe for hours. Maybe it’s time to revisit that chapter of my life – the glorious uni days of dissecting every frame, scriptwriting and camera angle. So, here’s to a little nostalgia and maybe rediscovering why I fell in love with cinema in the first place. Let’s start with some classics.

I still watch his works, right up to Wednesday on Netflix (haven’t seen the new Beetlejuice yet!). Burton has such a quirky gothic style, and sometimes eerie, like Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. While he directed Alice in Wonderland (which is my all-time favourite), the one that really touched my heart and that I’ve watched so many times is Edward Scissorhands. The film tells the story of Edward, played by Johnny Depp – a man with scissorhands, created by an inventor who dies before finishing him. He’s discovered by a sweet lady named Peg and brought into suburban life. It’s a heartfelt story about a misunderstood outsider seeking connection. From the characters to the set design to Danny Elfman’s score – everything is perfect. Like, who wakes up one morning and thinks, “I want to make a film about a man with scissorhands!”? Pure genius!

The Science of Sleep (2006)

Michel Gondry

Fun fact – I almost interned at a production company where Gondry worked, but sadly didn’t make it to the next interview. Anyway, Gondry’s whimsical style shines through in his works (he also does documentaries and commercials). While Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind will always have a special place in my heart, here, I want to highlight The Science of Sleep. It’s a simple boy-meets-girl story, but wrapped in surreal fantasy with unique visuals, blending stop-motion and dream-like sequences. The main character, Stéphane, struggles between his vivid dreams and reality, and when he meets Stéphanie, his creative, free-spirited neighbour, their relationship becomes a roller coaster of adventures, confusion, miscommunication, and emotional vulnerability. The line towards the end when Stéphanie asks, “Why me?” and he replies, “Because everyone else is boring, and because you’re different,” really struck me the first time I watched it. At that point in my life, I felt like I was different, and it gave me a sense of comfort. Not sure how easy it is to find this film these days, but it’s worth checking!

Lost in Translation (2003)

Sofia Coppola

It must have been tough building a name under the shadow of The Godfather (if you know, you know), but Sofia Coppola did it. I first watched her work the heavy way, with The Virgin Suicides, which was powerful. Then there’s Somewhere, which was also good. But Lost in Translation… I just recently rewatched it, and every time, it hits differently. Set in Tokyo, it follows Bob, a famous actor, and Charlotte, a young woman struggling with her marriage. Both feel disconnected in a foreign country and form an emotional bond. You can feel the loneliness, even when they’re together in the crowd. The cinematography, combined with the melancholic shots and soundtrack, makes it both sad and heartwarming. It’s very slow-paced, so it’s best watched when you’re ready to relax, not in the middle of a hectic day. Highly recommend it!

Wow, that was only three films, but there’s already so much to say! Maybe I’ll stop here and save the rest for another film-related article, different genres, or different eras perhaps, or maybe even a collaboration with my fellow film nerds. Got any recommendations? Drop them in the comment below! Until then, ciao from Kata Bella, and if you haven’t seen these films yet, go watch them!