Today’s guest is S.G. Browne. S.G. Browne graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, and worked for several years in Hollywood. He currently lives in San Francisco.
Top 10 Favorite Dark/Quirky Comedy Films
by S.G. Browne
I’m inspired by films as much as I am by novels, so here are my ten favorite dark comedies or quirky films (in chronological order) that have helped to warp my mind in a good way.
Fargo (1996)
I love the Coen Brothers, especially their comedies. Throw in William H. Macy and Steve Buscemi and you don’t even have to buy me popcorn. I’m sold. Dark and funny, with a fantastic performance by Frances McDormand, makes this second only to The Big Lebowski on the Coen scale.
Rushmore (1998)
This Wes Anderson film has a style and an attitude that manages to get under my skin and stay there. Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray have great on-screen chemistry and the love triangle that forms between them and Olivia Williams is tragic, funny, and sweet. An off-kilter and poignant story about love, pain, and friendship.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Hands down my favorite Coen Brothers film. I had to watch the opening scene a second time before I watched the rest of the movie because I thought it was absolutely perfect. As was the rest of the film. Great casting, quirky characters, quotable dialogue, and one of the most iconic slacker heroes on film. The Dude abides.
Being John Malkovich (1999)
A terrific script by Charlie Kaufman and great direction by Spike Jonze, along with the blending of fact and fiction, makes this one of the most original films I’ve ever seen. I loved the cast, especially Cameron Diaz, who I didn’t recognize until the credits rolled. The scene with John Malkovich going into his own portal is classic.
Fight Club (1999)
One of my favorite films, period. Dark and gritty, with excellent performances up and down the cast and the perfect director for the material. The combination of Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and David Fincher makes this worth watching over and over. It’s one of those rare films that’s actually better than the book.
Mystery Men (1999)
This twisted take on superheroes is smart, imaginative, playful, and filled with some of the most enjoyable banter and dialogue I’ve ever seen in a film. Gorgeous art direction and a great ensemble cast. Greg Kinnear as the egotistical and corporate-sponsored Captain Amazing is pitch-perfect.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
My favorite Wes Anderson film, this one is absurdly funny and peppered with wonderful irony. Like so many of the films on this list, it’s the cast that makes this one click, especially Gene Hackman as the titular patriarch. The writing and the screenplay by Anderson and Owen Wilson is excellent.
Scotland, PA (2001)
In this adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth is an employee at a fast-food restaurant owned by Duncan, Banquo is a fry cook, and Macduff is a police lieutenant played by Christopher Walken. If that’s not enough, this dark comedy set in 1975 is filled with polyester suits, muscle cars, and Bad Company songs. Smart and twisted, it’s one of the best adaptations of Shakespeare I’ve seen.
I Heart Huckabees (2004)
David O. Russell reeled me in with his social satire about existential detectives, corporate big-box stores, and environmentalists. Great dialogue, a compelling narrative, and a fantastic cast make this one unforgettable. And Mark Wahlberg as an anti-petroleum firefighter steals every scene he’s in.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
This thought-provoking existential romantic fantasy by Charlie Kaufman packs an emotional punch, with Kate Winslet at her exceptional finest and Jim Carrey’s performance award worthy. Simultaneously beautiful, disarming, and heart-breaking, with a sweet sense of humor. It’s one of those films that transcends entertainment.
GIVEAWAY
Piatkus is kindly giving away TWO (2) sets of ‘Breather’s‘ and ‘Fated‘ (UK only – publisher’s request)
All you have to do to enter is the following:
1. Leave a comment telling us what your favourite film is
2. Read Book Chick City’s giveaway policy
3. Fill out this form
4. One entry per person (duplicate entries will be disqualified)
This giveaway ends Friday 27th Sept 2011.
GOOD LUCK!
9 Comments
I have to admit I really liked Election with Reese Witherspoon and Mathew Broderick.
My other favourites have to be Little Miss Sunshine and Sunshine Cleaning.
All three are black comedys I love to watch again and again
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Election and Little Miss Sunshine were very much in the mix and tough to leave out of my Top 10. I really needed a Top 20.
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I think my favourite has to be Fight Club. It's such a unique film and it lead me to more unique quirky films like the rest of these. Although I've not seen Eternal Sunsine yet, muct get onto that asap!
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my fav dark comedy is Napoleon Dynamite. that dance scene is classic!
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My favourite film is A Matter of Life and Death.
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My favourite dark comedy is Bad Santa
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Being John Milkovitch is one of favourite films as it's so original. Overall, though I have to confess to having a soft spot for cheesy old Independence Day – not the best film howver but always cheers me up!
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My favourite film….That's hard. I really like the Final Destination series, the latest one in particular.
I also like things like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice and any version of Alice in Wonderland.
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I love Fight Club!
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