5 Movies I Enjoy Because They Stretch the Imagination

Out of all the reasons I have for really appreciating the internet, I shamefully admit that having the ability to locate and watch just about any movie I can think of is at the top of the list.

On gloomy days when the forecast is threatening rain, one of my favorite things to do, is find old movies to binge watch.

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love listening to music and enjoying music videos, so a big part of my day is always filled with song.

But I also love watching movies, from all eras, and all genres.

In another life, I might have went on to be a script writer and write a movie myself.

Between my love of music and my love of movies, when it comes to entertainment, I’m never bored.

I recall one Saturday morning, when it seemed that rain was probable, I decided to create my proposed line-up for my day of gorging on movies.

The list started with…

The Matrix

(YES, I mean the first one. That’s the only one that really counts)

Just like most of the rest of movie goers and film buffs, I fell in love with this unique and action packed 1999 fantasy/sci-fi movie.

When you talk about movies that have really made their audiences stretch their imaginations to the limit, there’s no way you can fail to include The Matrix somewhere high on the list — if not at the top.

What’s not to love?

There’s nothing more thought-provoking, than to imagine the possibility that your life and actual existence, is not at all real?

Talking about one mind-blowing movie.

The following titles are the remaining movie possibilities I chose for the day, just in case the rain forecast was correct, and I had nothing else on the agenda.

All of these films are favorites of mine because the writers were thinking so far outside the box.

What kind of writer would I be, if I couldn’t admire this highly imaginative form of writing?

Being John Malkovich

Being John Malkovich was another mind-blowing movie from 1999. This movie is described as a “surrealist fantasy comedy drama”.

In case you’ve never seen it, you’re probably thinking WTF?

It’s one of those bizarre movies that you find yourself still thinking about days later.

What’s it about? Some guy finds a little secret door in his place of employment, and it turns out to be a portal into the mind and consciousness of the real-life actor John Malkovich.

I told you it was bizarre. But it took so much freaking imagination to think this stuff up and write something like this.

…that’s the part that blows my mind.

The Truman Show

The Truman Show is another personal favorite of mine, and not just because I’m a big Jim Carey fan.

I was so intrigued by the Truman Show when I first watched it, and considered the idea of having your entire life put under a microscope for all the world to see — on a full time basis.

Then, there was the idea of all the people that were supposed to be cast as extras, or had regular roles in his televised life.

Prior to viewing this movie, I’d seen a few shows or movies with similar attempts at something like that, but nothing like on the scale of the Truman Show.

Upside Down

The 2021 sci-fi romance movie called Upside Down also has drama and adventure.

This is one movie that the constant visuals on screen, really remind you of just how far your imagination is being stretched.

Upside Down is a romance movie like any other ‘star-crossed lovers’ plot.

What’s so unique about the differences in these two lovers, is that their differences involve the laws of gravity, which impede their being together.

They literally live in opposite worlds — one on top of the other.

I love how the audience doesn’t need to simply place a bookmark in their minds, to remember the couples are polar opposites.

When the camera is focused on the main action going on at the lower part of the film, you can actually see what’s happening above, from a reverse view.

I find the movie fascinating, including the effects.

The Purple Rose of Cairo

The final title on my list is The Purple Rose of Cairo, and it’s one of those old 1985 movies, but the story centers around an even earlier era.

This one is labeled as a fantasy, romance, and comedy, and I guess that’s a proper definition.

As far as the romance and comedic element of the movie; honestly, I can take it or leave it.

But the fantasy element is what has hooked me into watching this movie over the years, on more than one occasion.

Instead of remaining a typical bored or discontented housewife of the day, and settling for what you get, the main character in The Purple Rose manages to escape her life.

She does it in the most imaginative way. After days of endless movie going and sitting in a darkened theater alone, watching the same movie, one of the characters begins to speak directly to her.

This results in her leaving her seat, getting up, and walking onto the screen.

I love it. That’s my kind of strange…

Final Thoughts

As you can see, this story wasn’t really meant to be an actual “review” of these movies, especially since I didn’t bother to share important details.

If I had chosen to write a proper review, I would have included things like: Who starred in the movies, who directed the movies, or some of the other important facts related to these films.

That would be the information to include, when sharing which movies to watch in an actual movie review.

However, this was merely a way to bring attention to what I believe are the unique aspects of the movies cited.

I wanted to show why I think readers might enjoy those specific elements about the movies, particularly audiences that like something different and out of the ordinary.

Have you viewed the above movies, and have your own thoughts you’d like to share?

Feel free, and jump on in. Responses are always welcome.

If you haven’t already done so, try checking them out yourself, and come back and leave a comment.

And of course, you can always say a few words about one of your own movie favorites, where the writer really makes us stretch our imaginations.

Thanks for reading…