I’ve returned. So it turns out College Applications take up more time than I thought and I’ve been busy pumping out supplementals and essays instead of these posts. Anywho, it’s September meaning the best season is upon us… although I crave a New England Fall every year, unfortunately in Florida, our Fall is limited to pumpkin spice lattes in 70-degree weather :(. But that won’t take away my Fall spirit! This year I made it a goal to watch more movies(follow my letterboxd account @erinduran15) and watch more of the world's favorite films, by doing this I think I’ve found a pretty good round-up of some films that are the most appropriate to watch during the cozy, serene, and enchanting fall season. Here are some timeless classics that are easy to rewatch every year, and maybe some unconventional ones that speak to me autumnally. (In no particular order)
When Harry Met Sally
I enjoy this movie all year round, but I must admit that it “hits” better in the fall. It perfectly captures the nostalgic vibe of the season in a place with some of the best autumnal scenery in the country… New York City. I mean the iconic scene where Harry, played by the charming Billy Crystal, and Sally, played by Meg Ryan who also stars in some other seasonal favorites, are walking through Central Park with fallen leaves covering the trail they’re passing through make the film memorable as it enhances the mood and depth of their conversation while making it visually pleasing for one to watch. Apart from the scenery, the movie embraces themes such as new beginnings, evolving relationships, and change, which align well with the energy the fall time and the beginning of new schoolyears and jobs bring.
Death Becomes Her
I just recently watched this movie for the first time, because I saw it was developed into a musical, but I enjoyed it for the most part. There was something so campy and twisted about the plot and characters that stuck out to me. If you're like me and you love watching films where you have trouble predicting where the narrative is going and where the dialogue and humor shock you in an eccentric but pleasant way, this would be a great pick. The dark comedy and the morbid aspects of the movie make it the perfect watch during the fall if you’re looking for something spooky, and eerie, yet glamorous. Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn pose as frenemies who venture into the art of staying young forever, all while spitting out some of the funniest insults and one-liners throughout the movie.
The Devil Wears Prada
As someone who waits all year for the September Issue of Vogue, you can see how this is one of my favorite movies to watch during this season. It highlights the fashion industry during one of the busiest times of the year when new collections and trends are thriving. The fashion worn by the characters also reflects the fall styles that are popular in one of THE global cities where this industry thrives. The New York City setting helps emphasize the hustle and bustle of the lives of people in charge of our favorite culture magazines, especially in the fall. Anne Hathaway plays Andie Sachs, who is unaware of what the demanding job of assistant to the editor-in-chief of a high-fashion magazine entails. Meryl Streep who plays Miranda Priestly that same intimidating editor-in-chief, does a great job in bringing out the urgency to not only Andie, but to the viewers at home too, in a very nonchalant suavé way.
Dead Poets Society
The last 30 minutes of this movie probably did irreversible damage to my life, but other than that what a beautiful story with scenery that makes me want to attend a prep school in New England. The movie takes place during the autumnal months when a group of boys start the academic year with a new English teacher who with his unconventional teaching methods pushes the students to challenge the conservative environment they’re in and to embrace and pursue their passions. The foliage and the cozy atmosphere that surrounds the campus add to the lessons of self-discovery and how much of an impact inspirational teaching can have on students. The affection I have for this movie mainly comes from the sympathy I felt for the main character Neil Perry, played by Robert Sean Leonard, and the arc that he goes through during the film. As well as Todd Anderson, played by Ethan Hawke, whose prominent growth is some of the strongest I’ve seen in film.
Little Women
“There's no use Jo!” is right when trying to deny the fact that the story of the March Sisters is not only the perfect watch during the Fall time but the holiday season in general. With a star-studded cast, Greta Gerwig did her big one in creating a period piece that evokes a sense of warmth that’s perfect for this time of year. The relationships portrayed in the movie focus on love, loss, and personal development by characters who have such distinct personalities that make these topics joyful and heartbreaking to watch. The cinematography of the film is one for the history books, with the quaint and picturesque scenery that Massachusetts during the 1800s has to offer. It’s also great for literary adaptation lovers who want to see this classic come to life.
Honorable Mentions
Before Sunrise
Ok, I thought I would make it known that this is my favorite movie of all time, so I added it in here to allude that I watch it at least once a month throughout the year. Quite literally the most beautiful movie I’ve ever seen with so much depth and insight about the human experience within the script. And a young Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy make these characters so much more special.
Practical Magic
I watched this movie for the first time because of my love for Sandra Bullock, but I ended up loving it due to the witchy and small-town feel it had. This movie made me feel like I was wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket drinking some warm apple cider. #sofalltime
The Spiderwick Chronicles
I added in this in here because this was one of my favorite movies as a kid. I can’t really how popular this movie is among audiences, but I thought its a mix of fantasy and adventure that it gives off against a mysterious setting consisting of an old mansion and wooded area that contain secrets that aren’t exactly apparent at first glance…