10. Solaris (1972)
Directed by the great Andrei Tarkovsky, 1972’s Solaris is a Russian sci-fi drama that is recognised as one of the best space films ever made. A film that contains little action, Solaris excels as a slow-burning psychological drama, with hauntingly stunning visuals, thought provoking scenarios and trademark Tarkovsky long takes. A complex and philosophically frightening study in confinement and alienation. Whilst probably not his best work, Solaris is still a beautifully insightful and captivating movie that makes a great companion for Kubrick’s own tour de force, ‘2001’.
9. Taxi Driver (1976)
Frequently discussed as one of the best films ever made, Taxi Driver is Martin Scorsese’s 1976 masterpiece, set in a downright seedy and filthy backdrop of New York City. Arguably the best portrayal of urban alienation, Taxi Driver is an unforgettable and distressing movie that is powerfully enhanced by the incredible performance from the cast, especially Robert De Niro. A realistic and nightmarish portrait of a man’s mental deterioration, Taxi Driver contains some of the greatest and most iconic scenes ever filmed.
8. Wings of Desire (1987)
Directed by Wim Wenders, Wings of Desire is a slow-paced and poetic drama that tells the story of two invisible and eternal angels in Berlin, played by Bruno Ganz and Otto Sander. Primarily shot in black and white, we see how the world looks through the eyes of our angels, whilst also being able to hear the thoughts of the people in focus. Complete with a wonderful score, powerful film footage and a truly moving storyline, Wings of Desire is a romantic and profound love story, wonderfully directed by Wim Wenders.
7. Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
Leaving Las Vegas is a despairing tale of two desperately lost souls and their struggles with addiction and loneliness. Nicolas Cage stars alongside Elizabeth Shue in this bleak portrait of a man and his crippling affliction with alcoholism. An intensely depressing love story, Leaving Las Vegas also contains probably the best performance from Nicolas Cage that we are ever likely to see. His portrayal of a man in the final stages of alcoholism was rightly recognised with an Oscar win and his onscreen chemistry with Shue, who should have received a win of her own, is a joy to behold in an otherwise grim story. Leaving Las Vegas is a dark yet dignified film that is both powerful and emotional.
6. Cast Away (2000)
Starring the ever reliable Tom Hanks, Cast Away is one of the best and most significant isolation films in recent times. In this classic man vs nature movie, Hanks excels in this role as a modern day Robinson Crusoe, surviving in a life of complete separation from all mankind. An endearing and touching story, Cast Away is an entertaining and powerful portrait of a man’s fight for survival.
5. Lost in Translation (2003)
In only her second feature film, director Sofia Coppola achieved critical and commercial success, with the melancholic and bittersweet, Lost in Translation. Starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, this dreamy comedy-drama, is littered with eccentricity without becoming patronising or pretentious. A gentle clash of comedy and sincerity makes Lost in Translation an easy-to-watch, subtle delight that only improves over several viewing.
4. The Machinist (2004)
Directed by Brad Anderson and starring a shockingly thin Christian Bale, The Machinist tells the story of a sleep-deprived industrial worker who begins to question his own sanity. The Machinist is a bleak and disturbing experience expertly executed with dark, piercing camera shots and of course a well-documented and incredible performance from Christian Bale.
3. Into The Wild (2007)
Sean Penn’s moving and inspirational adventure drama stars Emile Hirsch as a college graduate turned wanderer, who embarks on a scenic and philosophical trek around North America. Leaving all signs of his conventional life behind him, including his friends and family, we watch Chris in his pursuit for freedom and happiness as he decides to go it alone. A captivating and beautifully shot trip movie, Into The Wild is a breath-taking adaptation of Jon Krakauer’s hugely successful non-fiction book of the same name.
2. Mary and Max (2009)
Written and directed by Adam Elliot, Mary and Max is a clay-animated dark comedy, based on an unlikely friendship between pen pals Mary, an 8 year old girl in Australia and Max, an ageing 44 year old Jewish man living in New York. Made almost entirely in different tones of brown and grey, this melancholic tale is a heart-breaking yet touching feature film. Sickeningly comical and adorably downcast, Mary and Max is a heartfelt and compassionate animation that explores several topical issues in fantastic fashion. With elements that are based on a true story this is an intelligent film that is an absolute joy to watch.
1. Her (2013)
Her is a sci-fi comedy drama that was directed by Spike Jonze and stars Joaquin Phoenix as a lonely man, who begins a relationship with a computer based Operating System, named Samantha. Visually stunning and accompanied with a superb score, the film proved a hit at the Oscars, with one win and four further nominations. An unconventional yet charming and sentimental love story, Her is a clever twist on relationships both now and in the future. An extremely impressive performance from Joaquin Phoenix makes this emotional tale an absolute must-see.