A film has to stimulate me, make me think, leave an aftertaste and add value, in any way. Like everything else in life, it’s a matter of choice. For me, I have a specific set of guidelines that helps me choose more wisely how to fill my escapism moments, which became more and more necessary. 

Director

List of magical directors that i’ll gladly watch their work. Hard to get into that list as I’m picky to begin with. But I’ll admit upfront, I rather see a blip of a movie created by those magician than trying something new. For instance, I don’t like musicals. When the amazing Emma Stone got her academy award for best actress in La La land, I thought I should see it but couldn’t pass the musical part. hanse the idea was neglected. until 2024, when Emma Stone got her best actress award a second time. And again it was a bazz that made me realize that I might be missing something. As I checked the movie’s credentials (makers, actors, sound, producers, ratings and reviews), I stumbled on a name that already was waiting to get into my list of magical directors – Damien Chazelle. As Whiplash, 2014 gave me goosebumps. So I watched La La land. And now He’s in that list. As a result I watched man first and Babylon because as I said, I would rather see that than spend my time experimenting and discovering the new. Maybe later on I’ll have more time and patience for that. Mean time, sticking to the list: Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Dennis Wilanów, Guy Ritchie, Tim Barton, Luc Besson, Wachowskis, Nancy Meyers, Martin Scorsese, George Miller (He can be in this list for 3 totally different reasons, I prefer his “failure” any given day of the week, every day), Matthew Vaughn, David Fincher Cameron Crowe, Coen( where is the H?) brothers, Scott brother (each one, separately), Taika Waititi and many more. They all took my breath away, each one in some different way and for many reasons. My personal favorite – Ben stiller, as a director. If you had to choose one to understand What I’m talking about, see “The secret life of Walter Mitty”, it’s the quintessence of his work. Marvelous. “Tropical thunder”, is sharp, but seems to me like a huge inside joke of the movies industry, that can be easily misunderstood or missed.

Many Other directors have a sense of magical spark too, like Paul Thomas Anderson and Michel Gondry. They Can capture an intimate moment, encapsulate a feeling in one gaze and describe a subtle connection that will be interpreted only by observant few viewers, who will feel exactly as they meant at the end. In fact, one of my favorite films “eternal sunshine in a spotless mind”, was made by ensemble of true artists, orchestrated by a revolutionary man. They are not in my list because sometimes they miss that magical part (or I missed something), but most times… I’m afraid. There are emotions I prefer not experience in my life, let alone during my escapism moments. I’m talking about directors like Darren Aronofsky. He also has a repertoire of outstanding films. He is a true magician as well. But I never know what will I turn into a the end of his films. I watched most of them, intentionally, knowingly. I feel different after every one. Shaked, unsafe, disturbed. And after a while, once I digested the idea and endured to tell, I feel.. clean. Once, it was exciting, like roller-coaster. Now, I usually prefer a bath. But again, He a magician that will probably continue to gain my interest.

I also watch many other films, not directed by those directors, as long as they have at least one major other quality:

Story

Whether its based on a book, a familiar story or written by someone that I appreciate, the story has to be great. But it surely isn’t enough. for instance, story based on comic book I would probably see, because usually the story doesn’t consider itself as rocket science fiction and knows that it’s “just” a comic book (self awareness is key), it usually comes as a blockbusters, which means well funded, and the ending is usually satisfying, Otherwise it won’t cross the critics threshold as a comic book. Another example is a story I’m familiar with and love or at least attached to in some way, like a Classic book or famous peace of history. For example, When the new James bond movie will be released, I’ll probably see it in cinemas. If a movie “a brave new world” would appear, I’ll definitely see it, hoping that it will be as satisfying as the book, or even more. As like Dune 2 (2024). In fact, If Dennis Wilanów would have taken upon himself to direct it, I would be ecstatic as if I’m 10 years old, waiting for summer vacation to Disneyland, since the announcement to the release.

Actors

Every actor comes with his/her own reasons to see that specific movie. Two actors makes it a must see for me. My list of marvelous actors that takes my breath away is endless.  Basically Every actor who played in more than one genre, doesn’t break character, can relate to one’s expressions and can translate them into a vivid feeling and generate a genuine emotion. 

Soundtrack

Somehow, I learned that if the movie’s Music is composed by Hans Zimmer or Deny Elfman, nothing else matters. I will watch this. I’m hooked. Music doesn’t have to be composed to a film. It can be gathered perfectly. It can be suitable for the moment. For example, the song “we have all the time in the world”, was played at the exact moments to create a contrast and by doing so, emphasis the meaning. Same with “he’s so cool” at the end of True Romance, 1993. 

Genre – All goes as long as it’s good. 

Rating and critics – Google ratings, IMDB, rotten tomatoes, amount of rating also matters, wherever is published..

Zodiac sign of the director/main actor/ release date of the movie – That’s my sign that I’ve gone to far looking for new releases and wait for a real sign.

Any combination of those will immediately trigger the “must see” sign, and only then will I experience something new. My first reaction to the new will always be negative. these guidelines make me realise that my next enthusiastic moment will be in while and I might wait a while until the next thrill come and swift me away.