Film Review: 5 Films For Autumn

The days are getting shorter and the air feels some what crisper. It can mean only one thing - Autumn is officially upon us. And so, to get you all in the mood for the greatest season of the year, here's my top cinematic picks to get you in the mood for Autumn...

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When a young widowed teacher, Rosemary (Olivia Williams), arrives at an all-boys private school in Houston, eccentric student Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) quickly decides he is in love with her. Unsure of how to make his feelings known, Max turns to his senior friend, Herman (Bill Murray), for advice but instead finds himself a love rival. Casting their friendship aside, the two declare war - going head to head to win Rosemary's affections in this highly amusing not-so romantic comedy.

Written by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson, Rushmore is easily one of my go-to Autumn film picks. Set against a backdrop of golden brown leaves, this is very much a high school film for adults - made up of stunning cinematography and hilarious scenes delivered by an all-star cast including the legendary Bill Murray. As Anderson's earlier work, I think that it gets forgotten but for some, it's their favourite of his creations.

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On Halloween night in 1963, a six year old Michael Myers brutally murders his 17-year-old sister, Judith. Fast forward to October 30, 1978, a 21-year-old Michael escapes his holding facility returning to his quiet hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois. Donning a white mask and with kitchen knife in hand, Michael roams the streets in search of new victims - praying on a group of high school students. 

Naturally, this was going to be top of my list. You can't have Autumn without Halloween and what better film than...Halloween (John Carpenter, 1978). The slasher horror may feel like a bit of a cliché now but it all started with this Carpenter classic - a film which shaped it's own sub-genre. The masked psychopath, Michael Myers, remains one of the most iconic figures of horror and the scene in the bedroom is still one of my favourite chilling horror scenes of all time. If you haven't seen this yet - why not? What have you been doing? 

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Set against an Autumn backdrop, Oliver (Craig Roberts) is an awkward Welsh teen who, like many boys his age, has one thing on his mind. Sex. He wants to lose his virginity before his 16th birthday but, more importantly, he wants a real girlfriend. He sets his sights on a feisty classmate Jordana (Yasmin Paige) but with the hardships of teen life and his family life falling apart, the struggles of a real relationship become apparent. Oliver focuses, instead on holding his family together but risks losing Jordana.

Submarine is actor and comedian, Richard Ayoade's directorial debut and it does not disappoint. Each shot is visually stunning and it's narrative includes a dark yet hilarious wit (unlike many coming of age dramas you may have seen previously). If you're looking for a hipster, teen comedy to curl up in front of during cold Autumn evenings then this is the one for you. 

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Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is a janitor working at the prestigious MIT, refusing to acknowledge his genius IQ and fulfil his potential. When he manages to crack a seemingly impossible math problem, Will's hidden talents attract the attention of Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard) who offers to help if he agrees to speak to a therapist, Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). 

Surely by now we've all seen this? It's the film which has been referenced countless times and remains one of Robin William's most famous roles to date. Having given Robin Williams, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck their first Oscars - Good Will Hunting is not only funny and moving but it sees some truly fantastic writing alongside some stunning performances. When I think of Autumn, I think of Good Will Hunting for sure.

Set in 1957 and centred around a wealthy suburban family, Far from Heaven (Todd Haynes, 2002) follows the story of Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) - a housewife, living in Connecticut. With her days taken up with club social events and dinner parties, Cathy soon becomes the topic of gossip as her seemingly perfect life begins to fall apart.

One of the things I love most about this film is that it takes inspiration from melodramas of the 1950's. Filmed much like a Douglas Sirk film (particularly Imitation of Life, 1959), the mise-en-scene and cinematography, amongst other filming techniques, are brilliantly executed to mimic films of the era. Besides being visually stunning, the film also explores some complex such as race, gender roles, sexuality and social class which makes for one powerful, sometimes moving narrative with several major plot twists. I'd definitely recommend giving it a go if you're looking for a classic Autumn movie.

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Well, that's it for another film guide - what are your favourite Autumn movies? Have you seen any of my top picks? As always, I love reading your thoughts so please do leave me lots of lovely ones below. 

Until next time movie lovers,