Michael Moore is neither a good filmmaker nor a good editor in my opinion. What I was trying to say is that Nick Broomfield led the way for others, such as MM.

I'm not saying that popular films can't be inspiring, "American Beauty" being an example which is both. It's just that, usually they're not. For me, an inspiring film is one, when the end credits roll, I think "Okay, where's me camcorder!". In other words it inspires me to make images. So, although the Shawshank Redemption is a terrific film, I wouldn't consider it inspiring but Baise Moi, which is technically awful, makes me want to go out and make a movie myself.

I like action films, I also like thrillers but films which move me are, in my opinion, far more inspiring. Training Day, The Usual Suspects, The Sixth Sense etc. are all great films which I would watch repeatedly, but they're not "inspiring". On the other hand "Bringing out the Dead." is an okay film but, for me, really inspiring.

So, a film can be a great film without being inspiring.

Indeed - I love shrek, but it doenst inspire to much - well only inapropriate thoughts about sex with cartoon characters!

I agree about nick broomfield, much better films - but what m more has achieved is what i find inspiring - and perhaps irritating too, well he is irritating. I would twat the guy if he door stepped me.

And as for kate adie wannabes - thats me !

When I said "Kate Adie wannabees" I was talking about attitude. You're talking about cross-dressing, which is something else entirely.

I think this topic is always going to be subjective, and everyone has valid opinions. Because after all, that is all they are: opinions.

Populists are all well and good, 100 best this and 100 worst that, but at the end of the day, it's what you take from it, and where you decide to take 'it'.

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Andrew

www.killerheelsproductions.com

LOL - you got me there.

That's inappropriate, is it? Dammit!

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Tim

Simple ones:

'Cube', 1997
'The Island', 2005
'Lost', (TV series), 2004 onwards

Then try playing the Metal Gear Solid series:

'Metal Gear Solid', 1998, PS1
'Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty', 2002, PS2
'Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater', 2005, PS2
'Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots', 2008, PS3

All of these have influenced me in the way of making films with greater depth that can be watched multiple times, to see things with different perspectives. Don't be put off by thinking games can't influence film-making. If you've played the MGS series, and understand it, you'll see what I mean.

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Call me Rob.

It's funny; I know the idea behind this thread is to list the movies you deem worthy of providing inspiration, but to put a wee twist on the thread. It was in fact watching some awful 'made for TV' movies that set me out to become a screenwriter. The simple premise being; I can do better than that.

OK, maybe not inspired me, but certainly motivated me.

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Andrew

www.killerheelsproductions.com

That is a bit like how I feel about m moore.

Grand Prix - John Frankenheimer - 1966.

Got an oscar for the editing, inspires me cos of all the very cool multiscreen stuff.

We never see that any more. I think it is superbly arty and adds something to what would otherwise be a pretty orinary film.