Movies to combat the late fall slump
Well folks, Halloween has come and gone. Smashed pumpkins litter the Heights steps, and we are now in the period of late fall when the sun sets at about 4:30 p.m. and most of campus, myself included, is sick. So let’s leave the intellectual heavy-lifting for another day and discuss some fall movies to watch. (Note: I chose these movies because they do not specifically center on Halloween, but nonetheless have an overall autumnal feel.)
1. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Watch this if you want some wholesome comfort.
Based on the Roald Dahl novel by the same name, this Wes Anderson animated movie depicts a crafty fox who decides to pull off one last heist and raid his human neighbors’ farms, a swan song to petty theft if you will.
Naturally, not everything goes according to plan. Full transparency: I am heavily biased as this is one of my favorite movies of all time.
Wes Anderson’s meticulous use of an orange, yellow, and brown color palette creates a strong autumnal ambiance, and by the end of this movie, you may just want to throw on a pair of corduroys and rob your local poultry farmer too.
2. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Watch this if you want a moving drama that makes you briefly consider your own mortality.
An English teacher at an all-boys boarding school uses unorthodox methods of teaching poetry to inspire his students to “seize the day.”
This English major propaganda film is led by the immensely likable Robin Williams, and while its themes seem somewhat hackneyed today, the movie is sincere and masterful enough to pull it off. The true late fall essence is excellently embodied through its rugby field scenes, in which a brilliant sunset lights the surrounding barren trees.
3. The Bourne Identity (2002)
Watch this if you want a fast-paced spy thriller.
A man is rescued from near-death and wakes up with total amnesia. He attempts to discover his true identity as a CIA conspiracy unfolds around him. He does so by running around various gloomy European cities, brandishing a weapon.
This one’s a little out of left field, but hear me out: Jason Bourne sports some wonderful chunky sweaters while running for his life. Also, something about Clive Owen’s character bleeding to death in a frozen wheat field really screams November to me.
4. Knives Out
Watch this if you want a fun mystery movie in the vein of Agatha Christie.
A wealthy patriarch dies under mysterious circumstances after his extended family gathers at his rural Massachusetts estate to celebrate his 85th birthday. Chaos ensues and private detective Benoit Blanc interrogates suspects with an archetypal Southern drawl.
Despite the themes of murder and familial greed, this is actually a quite charming movie with enough satisfying twists to hold your attention. Detective Blanc skulking around the misty woods wearing suspenders and an olive-green jacket really sealed the deal for me.
5. Beetlejuice (1988)
Watch this if you want a funny pastoral fantasy with some spooky elements.
What happens when you and your spouse die right after finally buying that beautiful house in Vermont? Why, you haunt the new annoying residents with the help of a mischievous, stripes-enthusiast spirit of course.
A particularly memorable scene includes a dinner party of New Yorkers who are temporarily possessed and made to dance to some excellent calypso music. Also, this movie features a young Winona Ryder. Need I say more?
~ Fiona Casson `23
