12 movies from 1993

PUSH PLAY TO LISTEN TO THE SONG 

Before the days of Harry Potter, The Internet or the Franchise Super hero Movies, back in 1993, i was 15 years old and  If i was not in school or playing guitar  I was watching tv and movies.

I remember back then, watching channels such as Showtime, The Movie Channel, Cinemax, HBO, TBS the superstation, American Movie Classics. MTV , Disney Channel, STARZ, etc... By watching all this channels the visual pop cultural window opened as  my sister,  my brother and i entered a world of trailers, movie soundtracks, social references, witty sarcasm and film icons.

I truly believe 1993 was a GREAT year on MOVIE MAKING.

Next time you want to watch a very good film take into consideration this 12 choices, maybe you´ve seen them all, maybe none. But all of them are worth your while.

THERE ARE NO SPOILERS IN THIS POST 

 I HATE SPOILERS. And if you´ve watched them maybe its time to see them again.

Here are 12 movies , one for every month. Believe me every year, there are a lot of good movies , but i think they have been given NON publicity, AWFUL POSTERS or they are just UNKNOWN. So there they are , in 1993, ENJOY !!!

1)This Boy's Life 

What is it about?

is a 1993 film adaptation of the memoir of the same name by American author Tobias Wolff. It is directed by Michael Caton-Jones and stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Tobias Wolff, Robert De Niro as stepfather Dwight Hansen, and Ellen Barkin as Toby's mother, Caroline. The film also features Chris Cooper, Carla Gugino, Eliza Dushku and Tobey Maguire in his feature film debut.

Why Watch IT?

One of Leonardo DiCaprios finest performances. This was the beggining of the DeNiro Di Caprio relationship. De Niro called his old friend Director Martin Scorcese and told him "i just acted on a movie with this kid, he is terrific you should see him"

It´s hard to watch because the acting is very real. Ellen Barkin´s performance matched De Niros intensity and a Young Di Caprio really deliver the suspense and violence a house can have.  We get to see this unusual home violence which is not only physical but psycological. A charming stepfather who turns into her nightmare.

2) Untamed Heart 

What is it about?

Is a 1993 picture starring Christian Slater and Marisa Tomei. It mixes drama with romance and comedy and tells the story of a young woman, always unlucky in love, finally finding true love in a very shy young man. The film is directed by Tony Bill, and written by Tom Sierchio. The original music score is composed by Cliff Eidelman. It´s not the best of Slater but Tomei´s. They really work as  a couple because of their flaws.

Why Watch IT?

Probably after Ghost and Pretty Woman, this is the 90´s romance couple. Very good acting by Tomei and Slater from being strangers to lovers by the way of admiration and couriosity as a REAL couple with real chemistry. Every frame is a layer we get to see a little bit more of each one of the characters mind and why their reactions. Memorable characters, masterfully directed by Tony Bill

3)A Bronx Tale 

What is it about? a 1993 American crime drama film set in the Bronx during the turbulent era of the 1960s. It was thedirectorial debut of Robert De Niro that follows a young Italian-American teenager in The Bronx, New York as his path in life is guided by two father figures, played by De Niro as his biological father and Chazz Palminteri as a local mafiaboss. It also includes a brief appearance by Joe Pesci. 

Why Watch IT?

It was written by Palminteri, based partially upon his childhood. De Niro´s Directorial Debut is close to a masterpiece, the soundtrack, the powerful performances. I think he took a lot from what he saw from Scorcese and Coppola to make this an epic film.

4) Kalifornia 

What is it about?

An American road thriller film directed by Dominic Sena and stars Brad Pitt, Juliette Lewis, David Duchovny, and Michelle Forbes. The film focuses on a graduate student (Duchovny) and his photographer girlfriend (Forbes) traveling cross-country to research serial killings, who unwittingly carpool with a serial killer (Pitt) and his childlike girlfriend (Lewis). 

Why Watch IT?

Lewis and Pitt are an estranged couple made for each other. The way the film goes is with a dramatic pace all the time. The UNEXPECTED is the key. A year before NATURAL BORN KILLERS this film had a lot of critics saying about the film that "it dangerously hightened the serial killer to stardom"

5) True Romance 

What is it about? An  American romantic dark comedy crime film directed by the late, GREAT, Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino. The film stars Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette with a supporting  ALL STAR cast featuring : Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman (who plays a character very similar one year later in LEON The Professional ), Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini,  Chris Penn, Tom Sizemore, Michael Rapaport and Christopher Walken. 

Why Watch IT?

Its not just a 90´s MUST it is a MOVIE MUST. One of the best scenes involves WALKEN talking with Hopper. BEST SCENE IN THE MOVIE. Not even Tarantino could´ve Directed this film better. Involving many of Tarantinos details (Talking to a mirror, eating pie, going to the movies, talking about comic books)  Arquette´s performance is outstanding (in an all man cast) she shines by her crazyness and fuck ´em all attitude. ( pardon my french) 

The TARANTINO CONNECTION

Although this movie was not directed by Quentin Tarantino, it is still considered part of the Tarantino universe. The two key pieces of evidence is Lee Donowitz being the son of Sgt. Donnie Donowitz from INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (2009), this being confirmed from Tarantino himself. The second pieces of evidence is the fact that Mr. White from Reservoir Dogs (1992) mentioned working with a girl named "Alabama".

6) Coneheads 

What is it about?  is a 1993 American science fiction comedy film from Paramount Pictures, produced by Lorne Michaels, directed by Steve Barron, and starring Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, and Michelle Burke. The film is based on the NBCSaturday Night Live comedy sketches about aliens stranded on Earth, who have Anglicized their Remulakian surname to "Conehead". Michelle Burke took over the role played by Laraine Newman on SNL. The film also features roles and cameos by actors and comedians from other contemporary TV shows of the time and 15 SNL alumni.

Why Watch IT?  very few films based on SNL skits triumph,this one stands out because of its comedy genius. An old snl alumn as Aykroyd gives the best performance of his life as BELDAR.  Beldar  (Aykroyd )and Prymatt (Curtin) are so confused on planet earth that they decide to ADAPT. One of cinemas most amazing a literally funny couples and it has a very smart critique of the United States  imigration system.

When Ronnie and Connie are "honing" you can hear a song playing in the background, which is "Soul To Squeeze" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In the music video, a conehead appears and Chris Farley can be seen driving a truck.

7) What's Eating Gilbert Grape 

What is it about? An American drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Johnny Depp,Juliette Lewis, Darlene Cates, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Peter Hedges wrote the screenplay, adapted from his 1991 novel of the same name.  After his father's death, Gilbert has to care for his mentally disabled brother, Arnie, and his morbidly obese mother, which is suddenly challenged when love walks into his life.


Why Watch IT?  
Depp´s Depth and Di Caprio´s Performance. It just amazes me the chemistry they have. A character driven film which stands the test of time. Its hard to watch because of the small town treatment to  others (people staring , teasing ) but that´s the beauty of the film it would be the same or worse if it was a story told in a big city.

Mary Steenburgen (plays Betty Carver) was the only person confident enough in Leonardo DiCaprio's performance that she was willing to pay him from her own salary.

8)Fatal Instinct 

What is it about? An American erotic thriller comedy film directed by Carl Reiner. It parodies the erotic thriller movie genre, which at the time had reached its commercial peak. The film stars Armand Assante as a lawyer and cop named Ned Ravine who has an affair with a woman named Lola Cain played by Sean Young. Kate Nelligan stars as Ned Ravine's wife and Sherilyn Fenn stars as Laura Lingonberry, Ravine's secretary. The film's title is a combination of Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct, both of which starred Michael Douglas.


Why Watch IT? 

Its absurd, just absurd. The way its told, the acting and perfomances are really over the top to make it more laughable. You can see all the influences from different films depicted as an ongoing feast. One of the greatest moves Reiner made was in the choosing of Fatal Instinct’s cast. Each of the four leads are first and foremost dramatic actors, not necessarily known for their comedic chops.

9) The Good Son 
                                          What is it about?
An American psychological thriller film directed by Joseph Ruben and also written by English novelist Ian McEwan. The film stars Macaulay Culkin and Elijah Wood.

Following his mother's death, Mark is sent to Maine to visit his aunt and uncle while his father goes on a business trip to Tokyo. Mark meets his cousin, Henry Evans , and the two quickly form a friendship

But his cousin begins showing increasing signs of violent behavior.

Why Watch IT?  Macaulay Culkin was a house hold name back then after Home Alone and Home Alone 2. But after playing Kevin Macallister , Henry was a jekyll and hyde type of character , a true actors challenge. Along for the ride is young Elijah Wood whose acting was also remarkable playing opposed to Henry. Both give amazing performances its rare to give the whole weight of a movie to two young actors but they both exceed expectations. The music, the tension and the scenery are all part of the cast that makes this a believable thriller.

10) Tombstone 

What is it about?

An American western film directed by George P. Cosmatos, written by Kevin Jarre (who was also the original director, but was replaced early in production) and starring Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer, with Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Michael Biehn, and Dana Delany in supporting roles, as well as a narration by Robert Mitchum. 

After success cleaning up Dodge City, Wyatt Earp moves to Tombstone, Arizona, and wishes to get rich in obscurity. He meets his brothers there, as well as his old friend Doc Holliday. A band of outlaws that call themselves The Cowboys are causing problems in the region with various acts of random violence, and inevitably come into confrontation with Holliday and the Earps, which leads to a shoot-out at the OK Corral.The film is based on events in Tombstone, Arizona, including the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the Earp Vendetta Ride, during the 1880s. It depicts a number of western outlaws and lawmen, such as Wyatt Earp, William Brocius,Johnny Ringo, and Doc Holliday.





Why Watch IT?
One of Kilmer´s most memorable characters.  As Doc Holiday mixing dark humor and his sarcastic way of dueling mixed with the best gunman ever you got yourself an OSCAR. The academy didn´t looked at it that way. He shares the screen with Kurt Russel who delivers a credible and likeable hero. He is not the typical hero that makes all the good decisions but has to draw a sometimes dangerous and misunderstood line for all to keep in order.




This film was over shadowed by the other western film made that year called  WYATT EARP with KEVIN COSTNER .







11) Fire in the Sky 

What is it about?

Its a biopic science fiction mystery film based on an alleged extraterrestrial encounter, directed by Robert Lieberman, written by Tracy Tormé and is based on Travis Walton's book The Walton Experience. The film stars Robert Patrick in the leading role as Walton's best friend and future brother-in-law, Mike Rogers, and D. B. Sweeney as Walton himself. James Garner, Craig Sheffer, Scott MacDonald, Henry Thomas and Peter Berg also star.

Why Watch IT?

It is very different from the Spielberg Extra Terrestials that come to earth. Darker Encounters  and terrifying flashbacks make this story worth telling. As several things of every day life trigger the abduction flashbacks we are taken back to the darkest corners of our mind with breath taking sets and lightning techniques as we experience a very scary encounter with beings from another world. The tone of the movie is edgy and makes it for a more suspenseful ambient. Did it really happened? Are we alone in the universe? Its harrowing.

12) Falling Down 

What is it about? A psychological thriller film directed by Joel Schumacher and written by Ebbe Roe Smith. The film stars Michael Douglas in the lead role of William Foster, a divorcé and unemployed former defense engineer. 



The film centers on Foster as he goes on a violent rampage across the city of Los Angeles, trying to reach the house of his estranged ex-wife in time for his daughter's birthday party. Along the way, a series of encounters, both trivial and provocative, cause him to react with violence and make sardonic observations on life, poverty, the economy, andcommercialism. Robert Duvall co-stars as Martin Prendergast, an aging LAPD Sergeant on the day of his retirement, who faces his own frustrations, even as he tracks down Foster.Why Watch IT?
Michael Douglas considers this his favorite performance of all the movies he has been in.

As Travis Bickle in TAXI DRIVER,  William "D-Fens" Foster is a man tired of the world. His had enough and is going to do something about it. With or without the aprooval of anyone. Douglas gives one of his best performances with Robert Duvall as his rival.

The title of the film, referring to Foster's mental collapse, is taken from the nursery rhyme "London Bridge Is Falling Down", which is a recurring motif throughout the film.

The best character on society alienation in the 90´s. With such memorable dialogue as :

"I WANT BREAKFAST!"

"I'm the Bad Guy?" 

"I am not a vigilante. I am just trying to get home to my little girl's birthday party and if everyone will just stay out of my way, nobody will get hurt."

"I am just disagreeing with you! In America, we have the freedom of speech, the right to disagree!"

What's your dream?

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27 years ago, originally named "3000", a Cinderella story told in the 90´s named  Pretty Woman. The cast was unaware the impact of the movie they were about to do. This is the film that made Richard Gere and Julia Roberts mega stars. Even in the furthest corners of the world every one recognizes them because of PRETTY WOMAN.

The movie was initially intended to be a dark drama about prostitution in Los Angeles in the late 1980s/early 1990s. The relationship between Vivian and Edward also harbored controversial themes, including the concept of having Vivian addicted to cocaine; part of the deal was that she had to stay off it for a week. 

She needed the money to go to Disneyland. Edward eventually throws her out of his car and drives off. The movie was scripted to end with Vivian and her prostitute friend on the bus to Disneyland. These traits, considered by producer Laura Ziskin to be detrimental to the otherwise sympathetic portrayal of her, were removed or incorporated into the character of Vivian's friend, Kit. One example of a changed plotline was when Edward breaks into the bathroom to find Vivian flossing her teeth instead of doing drugs as he had feared. In the original script she was doing drugs. It was Disney Studios then-president Jeffrey Katzenberg who insisted the film should be re-written as a modern-day fairy tale with qualities of a love story, rather than a dark drama .

The movie was originally titled '3000' (after the amount of money Vivian & Edward finally agree upon for her week of service), but later changed to Pretty Woman, after the Roy Orbison track used in the soundtrack.When Garry Marshal was called in because  they needed a director. 

The Director

Garry Marshall November 13, 1934 – July 19, 2016)was an American actor, director, producer, writer, voice artist, and comedian, best known for creating Happy Days  and directing Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, The Princess Diaries, and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

CASTING PROCESS

"She has that smile"

 Garry Marshall 

Director

It was offered previously to many successful A-list actresses including "brat pack" member Molly Ringwald  turned it down because she felt uncomfortable with the content in the script, and did not like the idea of playing a prostitute. She has since stated in several interviews that she regrets turning the role down. Sandra Bullock turned down the role of Vivian also.

Sarah Jessica Parker was offered the role of Vivian, but she disliked the part. 

However, Parker would play a sexy character many years later, Carrie Bradshaw, on the popular TV series Sex AND THE CITY.







Burt Reynolds was offered the role of Edward Lewis but declined. 

Al Pacino turned down the role of Edward after a screen test with Julia Roberts. Other actors considered for the Edward role were Daniel Day-Lewis, Denzel Washington, Tom Berenger, Christopher Lambert and even Charles Grodin.

 Richard Gere thought there wasn´t a part for him in the film when he read the script. So Garry Marshall was interested in getting them to know each other. So he took Julia to Richards apartment  and after introducing them he said...i´m going to the rest room while you talk.

After that he saw them at the end of the hall as if it was a frame of film.

" they love each other 
and they don´t know each other. 
That´s chemistry!!"

-Garry Marshal Director

Director Garry Marshall shares a fear of heights with Richard Gere's character, Edward Lewis.

Richard Gere and Hector Elizondo both appeared previously in American Gigolo, where Gere played a male escort/prostitute and Elizondo played the police chief.

The opera Richard Gere takes Julia Roberts to is La Traviata, which is about a prostitute who falls in love with a wealthy man.

In the dinner scene when Vivian flings the snail across the room, the waiter Allan Kent says, "It happens all the time." Garry Marshall cast the same actor in 'The Princess Diaries' (2001) years later and gave him the same line.

THE PERFECT CAST

Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, a rich, corporate raider and womanizer from New York who is alone on business for a week in Los Angeles. At the start of the film, he borrows a Lotus Esprit from his lawyer (Phillip) and, not being able to drive it well, winds up lost in the red-light district. While asking for directions back to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel he meets and later falls in love with a hooker named Vivian.

Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, a beautiful hooker with a heart of gold on Hollywood Boulevard, who is independent and assertive—refusing to have a pimp and fiercely reserving the right to choose her customers and what she would do and not do when with them. She runs into Edward, a wealthy businessman, when he asks her for directions to Beverly Hills. Edward hires Vivian for the night and offers her $3,000 to spend the week as his escort to business social engagements. She later falls in love with Edward.


Héctor Elizondo as Barney Thompson, the dignified but golden-hearted manager of the hotel. At first, he does 

not hide his disdain for Vivian, but he eventually befriends her, helps her buy a cocktail dress, and gives her lessons in table manners.

Laura San Giacomo as Kit De Luca, Vivian's wisecracking friend and roommate, 

who spent their rent money on drugs. After Vivian gives her rent money and a little more, while telling her that she has "potential", an inspired Kit begins to plan for a life off the streets.

Jason Alexander as Phillip Stuckey, Edward's insensitive lawyer. He pesters Edward after he sees Vivian and David Morse getting along. After learning that Vivian is a sex worker, he propositions her (to her dismay). After a lucrative deal falls through because of Edward's feelings for her, he angrily tries to force himself on her but is stopped by Edward. The epitome of corporate greed, he represents what Edward might have become had he not met her and changed his outlook on life.

Edward (Richard Gere) snapping the necklace case down on Vivian's (Julia Roberts) fingers, was improvised by Gere, and Roberts's reaction (laughter) was totally natural. The filmmakers liked it so much, they decided to leave it in.
















THE MUSIC

The film is noted for its musical selections and hugely successful soundtrack. The film features  Roxette's "It Must Have Been Love" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1990. The soundtrack also features "King of Wishful Thinking" by Go West, "Show Me Your Soul" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, "No Explanation" by Peter Cetera, "Wild Women Do" by Natalie Cole and "Fallen" by Lauren Wood.



THE LEGACY

The film is one of the two movies that triggered the resurrection of the romantic comedy genre in Hollywood, the other being When Harry Met Sally. After completion of the 1960s Doris Day/Rock Hudson romantic comedies, the genre fell out of favor. Following its success, Roberts became the romantic comedy queen of the 1990s.

With over $400 million in worldwide box office,the movie became the largest grossing live-action film in Disney history.

"What are you going to do? You can't please everybody. That movie was a fairytale. We did everything but put a glass slipper on. And I'll tell you something else: for $3,000 a weekend, Richard Gere got a bargain."

 -Julia Roberts