Buying and Selling: The Movies of 1993
The next year up in my march through the movies from the 90’s is 1993. Or as I like to call it, the year between Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. The year brought us such names and events as David Koresh and the Branch Davidian compound raid, NAFTA, the on-court stabbing of Monica Seles, “Don’t ask, Don’t tell”, Lorena and John Bobbitt, and two UH-60 Blackhawks shot down in Mogadishu, Somalia, inspiring a book and an Oscar award winning movie. Speaking of which, let’s talk about the movies from 1993.
The Facts
The most popular films from the year, at least according to worldwide gross revenue, were Jurassic Park (with a staggering $983M), Mrs. Doubtfire ($441M), and The Fugitive ($368M). The Academy Award nominees for Best Picture were Schindler’s List (winner), In the Name of the Father, The Fugitive, The Piano, and The Remains of the Day.
Following a strong movie year like 1992 is no easy task. Let’s see if 1993 can meet or raise the bar that has been set.
Buying: “Needlenose Ned”? “Ned the Head”?
Might as well start out at the top. For me, that would be Groundhog Day, my favorite movie of 1993, and fifth favorite of the decade. It’s probably not a classic movie by most standards, but for me, it hits all the right notes. Although it’s built around a simple premise (man gets stuck living the same day over and over), it works well because of the “heart” imbued by Harold Ramis and the acting talents of Bill Murray.
Murray, as Phil Conners: TV Weatherman On Assignment, makes this movie what it is. I’m not sure any other actor with this role and dialogue could deliver as well as Murray has here. His deadpanning, eye-rolling, detached (but charming) style suits Phil well as he takes us through the rigorous ups and downs of his existential crisis; how one man deals with the question of eternity and immortality. We watch Murray transform Phil from a slimy jerk with no discernable positive traits, to a genuine good dude. All it takes is a being stuck in a time loop for nearly 34 years.
Aside from Murray, my other favorite aspect of Groundhog Day is its rewatchability. I’ve seen this one as much as I’ve seen anything, and the repeated gags never get old for me. “I’ve Got You Babe” on the radio. “Needlenose” Ned (Stephen Tobolowsky) trying to sell insurance. The diner, the groundhog, and trying to bed Rita (Andie MacDowell). Of course, watching how Phil’s reactions to these situations change over the length of the movie is golden.
Selling: No, Seriously, What Is Up With Gilbert Grape?
In my weeks of preparation for this review, I managed to view a few movies from 1993 for the first time. One of those was What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Let’s just say I am less than impressed, and a little surprised at its 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Leonardo DiCaprio was very, very good, and Johnny Depp was pretty good too. And that’s where the positives end for me. The plot was paper thin, and maybe most importantly, there was no emotional connection; I didn’t care what happened to the characters. Boring and overrated, I say. Plus, the ending sucked. “Nah, let’s just burn our house down with our dead mother upstairs, NBD.”
Always buying on Juliette Lewis, though.
Buying: Schindler’s List
I’ve found it hard to write about Schindler’s List. Even though I rate it as highly as any film, I’ve only seen the entire movie twice. This is because, although immensely rewarding, it is so incredibly hard to watch.
Taking place during perhaps the ugliest period in modern history, we are a witness to the many atrocities forced upon the Jews by the Nazi’s in power. The dehumanization that takes place is disgusting and abhorrent. The brutal violence, the mass graves, and the constant presence of Evil all give the film a weight and darkness that can be hard to take in.
But there is a man, and his name is Oskar Schindler. Schindler’s personal transformation from self centered businessman with an eye only for profits, to selfless savior of Jews is quite powerful. His slow changing of perspective is wonderfully acted by Liam Neeson.
I’d also like to give a nod to the look of the movie. Shot in black and white to give a timelessness and a documentary-like feel to the film, Schindler’s List won a well deserved Oscar for cinematography. It’s a gorgeous work of art, a true masterpiece of the medium.
Buying: LOLZ
On the other end of the spectrum from Schindler’s List is Cliffhanger. Cliffhanger is a pretty crappy movie, and you may be wondering what there is to “Buy” about it. Well, there’s only one thing, and that’s the scene above. Specifically, the dude on the right (Frank, apparently) with the huge grin on his face … while watching a girl fall to her death. What is so GD funny, guy? A bit inappropriate, no?
I must have watched this scene on VHS 30 times in a row one summer day with my buddy Kevin Carp. Two teenage boys watching the same thing over and over, laughing until tears rolled down our cheeks and our stomaches ached. It was the funniest thing of that week. First, you see the huge grin as she’s dangling. Then, after she falls, the grin turns into an honest to goodness laugh! Highest of comedy!
Buying: You Don’t Have To Take My Word For It
Three movies from 1993 have already been written about on This Very Blog. I encourage you to read a more expanded review than what I could offer.
Coneheads, by noodlethedoodle. I was inspired to watch this movie after reading this review. Very fun (and funny) film.
Tombstone, by superunclejesse. I generally agree with Jesse’s view on Tombstone. I like this movie, but it’s not one of my favorites. Watch for Val Kilmer’s performance as Doc Holliday, if nothing else.
Carlito’s Way, by bigmattress. I couldn’t add to or improve on what Matt has said in his review. Go read that RIGHT NOW.
Lightning Round – Buying Edition
Jurassic Park: It was the biggest movie of 1993, but I don’t have much to say about it. I recently watched it with my kids and it was enjoyable; a big-budget summer popcorn flick done well.
The Sandlot: Charming, but I saw it too late into life for it to make a big impact with me like it has with others.
A Perfect World: I haven’t seen it for ages, but I remember being quite fond of A Perfect World in the mid-90’s. I really liked Kevin Costner in this.
Lightning Round – Selling Edition
Needful Things: Another disappointing Stephen King adaptation. Loved the book; the movie, not so much.
Rudy: Rotten Tomatoes shows 84% approval by critics, and 90% by the audience. That means I’m clearly in the minority on this one. I really, really hated Notre Dame as a kid, perhaps that’s a factor.
Philadelphia: Good movie, but not good enough to see a second time. Just too depressing. Hanks is pretty awesome though, from what I remember.
Conspicuous By Their Absence
Want to see: A Bronx Tale, In the Name of the Father, Short Cuts.
Haven’t seen it by now, so I’m probably fine: The Piano, obligatory Woody Allen offering (Manhattan Murder Mystery), The Remains of the Day.
You can’t believe I haven’t seen: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Dazed and Confused, Benny and Joon, Demolition Man.
Conclusion
Well, it’s hard to cast too much shade in the direction of 1993 for its movie output. For the second year in a row, there are two movies in my personal top 20 (Groundhog Day and Schindler’s List), along with many more good and enjoyable films. It feels like it may be one of the weaker years of the decade, but it’s still good enough to recommend.