20 Genre-Crossing Films
The standard film genres (Sci-Fi, Action, Western, Romance, Comedy, etc.) can be mixed up in many combinations. Here are some interesting examples listed alphabetically:
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- DirectorRidley ScottStarsSigourney WeaverTom SkerrittJohn HurtAfter investigating a mysterious transmission of unknown origin, the crew of a commercial spacecraft encounters a deadly lifeform.Alien is such a classic, and it has inspired so many imitators, that it is difficult to remember a time when sci-fi and suspenceful monster horror were not connected. Through the early decades of the cold war there were many sci-fi horror films, but these relied on gimmicks and cheap thrills. Alien was a new breed of isolation-as-horror and introduced one of the greatest movie monsters (and one of the greatest screen heroines) of all time.
- DirectorBrett SimonStarsReece ThompsonMischa BartonBruce WillisAt a Catholic high school, a sophomore newspaper reporter investigates a case of stolen SAT exams. He thinks he's nailed the suspect and managed to get the popular girl when he realises a larger conspiracy is afoot.This mystery noir/teen comedy succeeds to be a firm tongue-in-cheek satire of hard-boiled mystery. Required viewing before this film includes Chinatown, Double Indemnity, The Big Sleep and The Maltese Falcon.
- DirectorKevin SpaceyStarsKevin SpaceyKate BosworthJohn GoodmanA swooning study of "Mack the Knife" singer Bobby Darin and specifically his relationship with wife Sandra Dee.A long-overdue mashup of biopic and musical, Kevin Spacey's terrific performance (and singing) bring Bobby Darrin to life in an original way. On a few numbers Spacey manages to create better versions of the songs than Darrin's originals.
- DirectorRian JohnsonStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittLukas HaasEmilie de RavinA teenage loner pushes his way into the underworld of a high school crime ring to investigate the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend.Another mystery noir/teen film, but this one is a straight crime thriller. The classic noir dialogue is in full force while the characters and setting are modern American suburbs. The script and performances are top notch. The mashup with the modern setting seems necessary only to meet the modest budget.
- DirectorJon FavreauStarsDaniel CraigHarrison FordOlivia WildeA spaceship arrives in 1873 Arizona to take over the Earth, starting with the Wild West region. All that stands in their way: a posse of cowboys and natives.The addition of science fiction elements to a western setting have appeared before (Westworld, Firefly, Tremors 4), but never has a production been so blatant in its intent. The title originally suggested a comedy, but Jon Favreau quickly announced that they were taking the subject very seriously. The results are eagerly awaited.
- 19641h 35mPG8.3 (534K)97MetascoreDirectorStanley KubrickStarsPeter SellersGeorge C. ScottSterling HaydenA mentally unstable American general orders a hydrogen bomb attack on the Soviet Union, triggering a path to global nuclear holocaust that a war room full of politicians and generals frantically tries to stop.With a comfortable 20 years between us and the Cold War it is easy to see the rediculous parts, but in the wake of the Cuban Missile Crisis it was inconceivable as an area for comedy. Kubrick changed that with one of the greatest satires ever. A perfect blend of absurdity and black comedy, Dr. Strangelove is the most classic genre-bender of them all.
- DirectorMichel GondryStarsJim CarreyKate WinsletTom WilkinsonWhen their relationship turns sour, a couple undergoes a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories forever.A romantic comedy that sneaks in some science fiction, Charlie Kaufman's brilliant script is central to this very subtle comic tale. The plot structure and cinematography are as complex as a Chris Nolan thriller, yet the romance is never abandoned or overshadowed.
- DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsHugh JackmanRachel WeiszSean Patrick ThomasAs a modern-day scientist, Tommy is struggling with mortality, desperately searching for the medical breakthrough that will save the life of his cancer-stricken wife, Izzi.A science fiction film that sneaks in some romance, Aronofsky's film follows three story threads that appear to be separated by centures, but prove to be extremely interconnected.
- DirectorRobert RodriguezStarsHarvey KeitelGeorge ClooneyJuliette LewisTwo criminals and their hostages unknowingly seek temporary refuge in a truck stop populated by vampires, with chaotic results.What starts as a terrific Tarantino crime scenario turns into a Rodriguez vampire action-horror. Plenty of comedy and suspense throw a few more genres into the melting pot and the result is a wholly unique film that no two video stores will put in the same category.
- DirectorsEthan CoenJoel CoenStarsTommy Lee JonesJavier BardemJosh BrolinViolence and mayhem ensue after a hunter stumbles upon the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong and over two million dollars in cash near the Rio Grande.Cormac McCarthey's novels effectively subvert the Western genre, and the Coen's adaptation does the same. Part western, part action-adventure and part thriller, the Best Picture winner is a unique blend to keep the audience constantly on edge.
- DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsIvana BaqueroAriadna GilSergi LópezIn 1944 Spain, a girl is sent to live with her ruthless stepfather. During the night, she meets a fairy who takes her to an old faun. He tells her she's a princess, but must prove her royalty by surviving three gruesome tasks.A fantasy tale is placed within the setting of the Spanish Civil War. Often the horror comes from the fantasy creatures encountered by the main character, but the wartime setting introduces several of the most frightening or disturbing scenes. No matter which genre you approach this from it is proof that sometimes fantasy is NOT for children.
- DirectorJoss WhedonStarsNathan FillionGina TorresChiwetel EjioforThe crew of the ship Serenity try to evade an assassin sent to recapture telepath River.Following up on the fantastic and too-short series Firefly, Joss Whedon carries on with the sci-fi western story. Since westerns are about the pioneers exploring the west, it was a logical step to show future explorers dealing with similar themes. Of all the sci-fi westerns I would argue that Joss Whedon's universe is the most interesting and the most accessable.
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsSimon PeggNick FrostKate AshfieldThe uneventful, aimless lives of a London electronics salesman and his layabout roommate are disrupted by the zombie apocalypse.Described by the filmmakers as a rom-zom-com (romantic zombie comedy), Shaun of the Dead is a perfect blend of horror and comedy. Zombie films, by the gross-out nature of their subject, have always included a certain form of black comedy at their core, but it took the minds behind Spaced to tap into the possibilities they offer.
- DirectorsAsh BrannonChris BuckStarsShia LaBeoufZooey DeschanelJon HederA behind-the-scenes look at the annual Penguin World Surfing Championship, and its newest participant, up-and-comer Cody Maverick.A film about surfing penguins would have been direct-to-DVD fluff, but a fake documentary about surfing penguins is a stroke of brilliance. Playing with the established genre of sports documentaries Surf's Up works as both a satire and a kids film, which makes this one of those rare family films that parent's can also enjoy.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsJohnny DeppHelena Bonham CarterAlan RickmanThe legendary tale of a barber who returns from wrongful imprisonment to 1840s London, bent on revenge for the rape and death of his wife, and resumes his trade while forming a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett.Perhaps inevitable, the combination of horror, music and Tim Burton was a welcomed event. Johnny Depp may not be much better than Pierce Brosnan in Mamma Mia!, but he carries the crazy leading role as usual. Helena Bonham Carter is a terrific supporting player. At times the music feels unneccessary, but that might just be my "less is more" opinion of musicals.
- DirectorM. Night ShyamalanStarsBruce WillisSamuel L. JacksonRobin WrightA man learns something extraordinary about himself after a devastating accident.From the set-up and the previews it was not obvious that M. Night Shaymalan had created a comic book movie. But that is what he did. As the only film, other than the Sixth Sense, where he didn't ruin a good idea with a pretentious tone, Shaymalan manages to boil down the superhero/villian legend to the bare bones and presents it as a wholly realistic story.
- DirectorOliver StoneStarsJosh BrolinElizabeth BanksIoan GruffuddA chronicle of the life and Presidency of George W. Bush.Both as a comedy about a real President, and as a biopic of a President still in office at the time, Oliver Stone's W. is a unique creature. To remain a comedy it avoids the controversial 2000-2002 years and focuses on his life before the Presidency and his everyday life in the White House. Uneven and dissatisfying, W. is a missed opportunity that plays the same as Primary Colors.
- DirectorAri FolmanStarsAri FolmanRon Ben-YishaiRonny DayagAn Israeli film director interviews fellow veterans of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon to reconstruct his own memories of his term of service in that conflict.Part documentary, part history, part imagination and all animation, Waltz with Bashir is a very impressive film. Even without a lot of personal knowledge of the conflict in question, the film's daring style and content is enough to keep watching to the final surprise.
- DirectorZack SnyderStarsJackie Earle HaleyPatrick WilsonCarla GuginoIn a version of 1985 where superheroes exist, the murder of a colleague sends active vigilante Rorschach on the trail of a conspiracy that will change the course of history.Alan Moore's graphic novel took the alternate history and superhero genres to new heights. Overall the film (and particularly the Ultimate Cut) manages to retain the power of the book, but replaces some of the philosophy with stylized action. It isn't an easy movie to forget because of both its uncensored content and its unique relationship to the comic book genre.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsBob HoskinsChristopher LloydJoanna CassidyWhen a cartoon rabbit is accused of murder, he enlists the help of a burnt out private investigator to prove his innocence.Robert Zemeckis' classic mystery manages to be a kids movie for adults and an adult movie for kids. It mixes noir mystery with noir satire as much as it mixes animation with real life. Bob Hoskins gives a great performance, one of the most believable interactions with animated characters ever, and Christopher Lloyd is a suitably cartoonish villain who is just a moustache twirl away from being Snidely Whiplash.