1993 – movie’s version

            1993 was a beautiful year, in many aspects. Czech Republic and Slovakia separated, Kim Campbell became the 19^th and first female Prime Minister of Canada, Pablo Escobar was gunned down by the police and yours truly was born! I had a different plan for today’s post but then was blessed with this idea, and why not? 

All major theme parks have delays. When they opened Disneyland in 1956, nothing worked!

            Life is different lately. Maybe it’s the chemistry in my brain changing or maybe it’s the soothing effect of autumn working its magic on me. Whichever it is, I don’t mind. My thoughts seem lighter and more grounded. 

And these two weeks are so artsy for me! I kicked it off with Klimt & The Kiss – a very detailed and insightful documentary about Gustav Klimt and his paintings. It was really great to see his art beyond the well-known pieces. Yesterday I was at the opening of the Beksinski live exhibition in my hometown and damn, I loved it. 

Zdzislaw Beksinski was one of the most enigmatic artists, his paintings carry this unsettling, yet soothing vibe. And I really can relate to his words: for Beksinski, meaning is meaningless. And you know what? Sometimes humans try too hard to understand the “meaning” behind something, but sometimes it truly is what it is. 

Gee, the lack of humility before nature that’s being displayed here, uh… staggers me.

            So! Today, following the sudden wash of creative wave, I will give you a list of movies that premiered in 1993! And as I did my little research, there’s so many movies I could put on that list!!! 

But, before I go there, let me tell you what else I have planned for this upcoming week: tomorrow Oppenheimer (probably my last chance to see it in IMAX, so…). Then I am delighted to come back to the American Film Festival to watch two most anticipated films: Priscilla and Next Goal Wins. Expect some reviews coming! <3 

And now, I leave you with this very extensive list of movies (not all of them, but I picked a good handful) that came out in 1993. 

Hammond, after careful consideration, I’ve decided not to endorse your park.

• Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993), dir. Kevin Altieri, Boyd Kirkland, Frank Paur – one of my favorites, classic animation with Gotham’s vengeful protector. This time, Batman faces wrongful accusations (this time, as if that never happened before…?) and a very dangerous new villain. 
• Free Willy (1993), dir. Simon Wincer – this is the film I always watched with my grandpa. Always, every single time it was on the TV. And you best believe we were always playing our own version of freeing the imaginary whale. One of my most treasured memories. 
• The Pelican Brief (1993), dir. Alan J. Pakula – the chilling conspiracy is one of my favorite genres when it comes to films. And having Julia Roberts “teaming” up with Denzel Washington… Yes. Always yes.  
• Alive (1993), dir. Frank Marshall – now, is there a better movie than the one based on true events? In 1972 the Uruguayan rugby team flew to Chile to play a game. But the plane crashed on the Andes and you best believe things got intense. 
• Sleepless in Seattle (1993), dir. Nora Ephron – Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are the ultimate due when it comes to rom-coms and you cannot tell me otherwise. And, it’s a perfect Christmas film as well! 

• Philadelphia (1993), dir. Jonathan Demme – one of the most impactful, important and beautiful movies ever made. Touches upon a very important and unfortunately still highly stigmatized subject. 
• The Fugitive (1993), dir. Andrew Davies – Tommy Lee Jones and Harrison Ford in a thrilling crime drama that always keeps me on the edge. And you know what? I never remember how it ends, which only makes it better.
• Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), dir. Chris Columbus – a golden era of Chris and Robin Williams. A true love of a father for his children, even though he made many mistakes, knows no bounds. One of my favorites, for sure. 
• True Romance (1993), dir. Tom Scott – written by Quentin Tarantino (and Roger Avray, uncredited) – for me is quite crappy but there is a certain sentiment here. And a freaking good cast – Christian Slater, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Patricia Arquette, Brad Pitt, Christopher Waltz… Damn. What’s not to watch? Plus music by Hans Zimmer. 
• What’s eating Gilbert Grape (1993), dir. Lasse Hallström – Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in a dying town, with nothing exciting to look forward to. Challenges, troubles and… A traveler who helps Gilbert see the bigger picture.

• Jurassic Park (1993), dir. Steven Spielberg – Ah, the classic with most wonderful plastic dinosaurs, Jeff Goldblum and sweet Laura Dern. Sam Neil also, but let’s face it, we all had a crush on Jeff.
• Schindler’s List (1993), dir. Steven Spielberg – it’s a tough watch but the ultimate message is hopeful. It’s a beautiful story of a painful moment in human history, but… Always reminds us that there still is some good left in humans.
• The Nightmare before Christmas (1993), dir. Henry Selick – another Christmas classic for so many of us, though it’s also acceptable to watch it around Halloween I guess… 😉 It’s sweet and despite the scary vibe, quite heartwarming.
• Indecent proposal (1993), dir. Adrian Lyne – oh, I will never forget watching this for the first time, it was so electric, so scandalous and utterly captivating. Absolutely fantastic. 
• In the Line of Fire (1993), dir. Wolfgang Peterson – Clint Eastwood and John Malkovich in a thrilling Secret Service movie. I must say, this type of movie is also on my not-guilty pleasures list. 
• Groundhog Day (1993), dir. Harold Ramis – ah, being stuck in the same hellish loop for “eternity” sounds absolutely dreadful. A beautiful story about appreciating what is truly important in life. 

No. I’m, I’m simply saying that life, uh… finds a way.

            Now, that was a fun exercise, wouldn’t you agree? I think it’s amazing to know what great films had their premiere in the year we were born. It’s an extraordinary way to celebrate yourself and undoubtedly a good year in the cinema industry. 

But you know me, Lot – I will never miss an opportunity to watch CSI: Miami or CSI: New York and that’s exactly what I will be doing today. Thank you, TV6!