The best gifts for movie buffs

Whether cinema is art — as Ricciotto Canudo suggested in his 1911 manifesto — or craftsmanship — as Luchino Visconti refutes — whether it is in decline — as Godard and more recently Scorsese pointed out — or more alive than ever: these are trivial questions for the general public. But for a movie buff, who spends a good part of their week watching and revisiting films like someone trying to solve a puzzle, these are clearly existential questions.

Entertainment? Yes, watching movies is fun, but it can also be quite disturbing and disturbing – if the show is centered around a Cronenberg, a Haneke or a Lanthimos – or a very poetic experience if there is a title of Varda, Pajaranov or Kurosawa in the Context. If you know someone who is so fascinated by movies – or someone is you – and you don’t know what to get them for Christmas, we’ll give you some ideas here.

The essential. There’s no better gift for a movie buff than a good movie. And boy are there any options. But even though they are now within reach of a link, the soul of the collector continues to value the object, the physical piece that otherwise usually includes art, credits, and lots of details that will likely be missing from other eyes. Here are some suggestions.

Provocative, uncompromising, original. It’s hard not to include these qualifiers when talking about Michael Haneke, brilliant filmmaker who transforms modern everyday life into empty and hollow copper which, to make matters worse, if you’re wrong, cuts off your entire hand. And as disturbing as it sounds, it’s not without a dark grace. His first three feature films are brought together in this collection: the seventh continent, Benny’s video Yes 71 fragments of a random timelinewhich come together in the description of a society as cold as it is bureaucratic, where human relations are diluted in a deep collective malaise.

And as if the movies weren’t enough, it includes cast interviews and a documentary about Haneke’s career, among other gems (including an essay by novelist John Wray).

How many iconic details did Stanley Kubrick leave behind on his time on Earth (1928-1999)? Details, why talk about scenes, like that of “Here is Johnny!“, in the Glowor rehabilitation therapy in the Clockwork Orangeis to leave aside the relevance of the music, such as the use of Richard Strauss’ “Thus Spake Zarathustra” in 2001: A Space Odyssey, or the highly replicated costumes of the drooges (a classic of costume parties). In short, much of Kubrick’s essential work can be enjoyed in this collection in Blu-ray format: in addition to the films mentioned, there are lolita (1962), Barry Lyndon (1975), Full Metal Jacket (1987), and eyes wide closed (1999).

A big. There’s nothing like having a home cinema to enjoy alone or in the company of the seventh art. And an element that cannot be missing from this equipment is the projector. Although they are expensive devices, in recent years, precise models have appeared to be kept in small spaces, such as those of a house or an apartment, which offer very good image quality. and are also a bit cheaper.

This is the case of this 360º portable LED projector, which offers an image of up to 1080 pixels and a projection size between 40 and 250 inches. 15,000 lumens of brightness and a contrast ratio of 3,000 to 1. Ideal for installing a few feet from a smooth white wall. It includes a built-in speaker, although it’s probably best to add an external one via cable, as it doesn’t have Bluetooth. Although this has a positive point: it ensures that there is no latency involved.

Cinema is an art and art is written. From an encyclopedic position to the essay, through interviews, biographies and chronicles on directors, actors and actresses, films or even specific scenes. Everything that happens and relates to cinema is worth a book. Your lovers surely know and appreciate it.

A book that seeks to explain how cinema became the medium — and the industry — it is today. “Creativity is the engine,” says Cousins, a Northern Irish filmmaker and writer who, in film history it brings together commentary from personalities, facts about technological advances and production changes, and passionate descriptions of the most innovative scenes from the films themselves. With pleasant language, like that of a bar talk, but with an interesting theoretical load, Cousins ​​reveals the influences that trace the genealogies between the filmmakers and how the context influences each of its plays.

One of the most controversial and committed directors in cinema: “We have to articulate ourselves, because otherwise we would be cows in the field”, said Herzog then, to explain why he does what he does and how he the fact – unforgettable is the production nightmare that brought to life a unique film like Aguirre: The Wrath of God. This book brings together the personal writings of the German filmmaker during the recording period of fitzcarraldo (1982), featuring that runaway actor who turned out to be Klaus Kinski. One of the classics of Herzog and of 20th century cinema.

“These texts are not a shooting report – it is barely mentioned –, and they are only private diaries in the broadest sense: they are something else, rather interior landscapes, born of the delirium of the jungle. But I’m not sure either,” introduces Herzog himself.

It will be a niche that describes a type of movie buff. But the collection of action figures has undoubtedly grown. The most obvious proof is the popularity of Funko Pop toys, but you only need to look a little higher than these to see that the variety is endless.

When Alien, the eighth passenger made its first appearance, in 1979, symbolized in that unforgettable scene in which the alien bursts from John Hurt’s stomach, it became an instant classic of burgeoning cinema science fiction. Hence the value of this figurine of Ellen Ripley, the protagonist of the Ridley Scott saga, played by Sigourney Weaver, designed by Super 7, one of the most popular brands in the collectible toy market.

And as far as the stars go, legendary comic book writer, producer, and editor Stan Lee ended his life with a bang: idolized, loved, and expert at cameos in Marvel superhero movies. and in this reaction figureappears gesturing as one of his most personally liked characters: Spider Man. For movie buffs who love endless superhero sagas.

It’s not that a good film needs, almost as a prerequisite, a good soundtrack. Otherwise, all silent films would have to be put aside and it would be a mistake. But when a good movie is added to a good soundtrack, what happens is magic. And that there are musical classics out of the cinema, there are.

In honor of a single composer, particularly recognized for his work with David Lynch — although there were many more — and for this theme which functioned as a spiritual reflection of twin peaks. Angelo Badalamenti, who died this week at the age of 85, had a particular sensitivity and on the soundtrack of blue velvet (1986) that reverberation remains. Jazz, soul, a fifties air and a good dose of humor. And on vinyl!

One of those movies and soundtracks that bring tears to your eyes. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) is one of many Studio Ghibli gems that moves girls, boys, and those who aren’t so much anymore, at least biologically. And his music, by composer Joe Hisaishi, is not to be outdone in its ability to convey emotion and a calm, contemplative look, so typical of the Japanese essence and its unique relationship with nature. Another great gift and also on vinyl.

Have you ever dreamed —even— of having the script of your favorite movie in your hands? Well, that might be the closest thing to it. It won’t be the original, but if you put a bit of will into it, it could very well be. A group of local moviegoers, known as Películas de Papel, had the brilliant idea of ​​making replica scripts for movies and series: they come in their original language – usually English – and, on their cover , they include the digitized signatures of its protagonists and directors. There are over 350 titles that you can find and receive on high-quality paper, depending on which relic they emulate. For example, that of the mythical trainspottingwith the signatures of director Danny Boyle, protagonist Ewan McGregor and several others.

There are a wide variety of platforms diffusion movies and series. But at least in Chile, only one makes a specific curatorship of classics and auteur films, with a continuous renewal of the poster and specials of directors, festivals and genres. This is Mubi, the service created, among others, by Martin Scorsese, where you can also participate in his community, rate each title and deepen your knowledge of cinema on his blog, where there are interviews, reviews and news . It is, in short, the closest thing to a Criterion Collection in these latitudes. You can offer an annual membership for 36,000 pesos. And if you’re a student, you can subscribe for 3,000 pesos per month.

*Prices for products in this item are updated as of December 14, 2022. Values ​​and availability may change.