Top 5 Pessimistic Movies

[Malone]

Out of pure whimsy I thought I'd list my top five pessimistic movies. In no particular order:

1. L'Humanite - A 1999 film by Bruno Dumont telling the story of a socially awkward cop investigating a child murder in France. Grim, despairing and with amazing performances from untrained actors. Difficult to get hold of, but well worth it.

2. Winter Light - Bergman's bleakest. This story of a priest grappling with losing his faith while trying to deal with his feelings for his housekeeper is tough going. Also features a small but brilliant appearance by Max Von Sydow as a man struggling to come to terms with the dropping of the atomic bomb.

3. The Pledge - Sean Penn's movie about a cop on the brink of retirement who tackles one last case involving a child murderer is compelling. Jack Nicholson is outstanding in the lead role.

4. Unforgiven - My favourite movie of all time. A great ensemble piece starring Clint Eastwood as the weary ex-gunslinger forced into one last job.

5. March or Die - My favourite ever B movie. Gene Hackman stars as the jaded and weary Foreign Legion Commander assigned to protect an archaeological dig in the desert. Watch the desert take hold of Hackman and his new recruits.

Hope to hear of other black gems!