Six Films: Reality beyond the Screen
- Christina Correa
- Aug 2, 2024
- 5 min read
This month, we're diving into six films that play with the boundaries of reality by crossing in and out of different worlds through a screen. Some of these journeys take place in a world where the crossing has already happened, others involve virtual screens, and in one case, the screen is a little glass piece in the center of a board game. You get the picture.
These movies explore what happens when the lines between fiction and reality blur, delivering stories that are intense, weird, and incredibly fun. Personally, this list features some of my all-time favorites, offering reflections on our relationship with the norm and the extraordinary.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
1h 43m
Stream on Disney+
Set in an alternate history Hollywood in 1940s, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" plunges viewers into a world where cartoons and humans coexist. Eddie Valiant, a washed-up detective, must clear Roger Rabbit, a famous toon, of a murder charge. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, who released this between Back to the Future 1 and 2, this groundbreaking film blends live-action and animation, in a way that will still be entertaining for another 36 years.
The integration of animated and live characters was a technical marvel at the time, pushing the boundaries of visual effects and storytelling. Bob Hoskins delivers a stellar performance, interacting with characters that were added in post-production, showcasing his impressive acting skills. The film's noir elements and comedic undertones make it a genre-defying classic.
For fans of noir mysteries but also slapstick, animation lovers, and those interested in the innovative merging of live-action and animation
Stay Tuned (1992)
Director: Peter Hyams
1h 29m
Stream on Prime
In "Stay Tuned" a couple on the brink of divorce gets sucked into their television as part of an elaborate plan by the devil. They must navigate through various TV shows to return home to their kids, before time runs out. Directed by Peter Hyams, this film was thought up by the screenwriting duo behind "Richie Rich", the live action 90s version of "The Flintstones" and "Major League II". That should help explain the kind of film you're walking into: a fun and chaotic ride that explores the absurdity of television culture.
Starring the late great John Ritter and featuring Eugene Levy, this film uses humor and satire to comment on the nature of television and its impact on viewers, as well as the blending of different genres and realities.
For fans of any episode of "Rick and Morty" featuring interdimensional cable program jokes and those who appreciate 1950s thru 1990s references
Last Action Hero (1993)
Director: John McTiernan
Runtime: 2h 10m
Only available for purchase
Directed by John McTiernan of "Predator" and "Die Hard" fame and co-written by Shane Black of "Lethal Weapon", this film is peak Arnold Schwarzenegger. In this meta-action comedy, a young boy is given a golden ticket that allows him to enter the world of his favorite action hero, Jack Slater.
When they venture into the real world to stop the film's villain (played by Charles Dance of GoT), Slater finds that movie rules don't always apply to real life. With Schwarzenegger playing a fictional action hero who becomes aware of his own fictional nature, "Last Action Hero" cleverly plays with genre conventions and satirizes the larger-than-life elements of action cinema. This film is a fun ride through action movie tropes, offering a self-aware adventure that's both a parody and a celebration of the genre.
For fans of '90s action flicks, meta-humor, and Arnold at his best, this movie is an absolute blast.
Jumanji (1995)
Director: Joe Johnston
Runtime: 1h 44m
Stream on Netflix
In case you’ve been lost in the jungle until someone rolled a 5 or 8, "Jumanji" is a thrilling adventure where a mysterious board game brings a jungle filled with danger into the real world with every roll of the dice. When orphaned siblings Judy and Peter find the game, they accidentally release Alan Parrish (Robin Williams), who has been trapped inside for 26 years. Now, they must finish the game along with Alan's traumatized childhood friend to reverse the chaos and restore normalcy. Directed by Joe Johnston, known for "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" and "The Pagemaster" this film is a nostalgic classic that blends humor, heart, and adventure into a timeless experience for all generations.
Robin Williams delivers a memorable performance, infusing the role with a heightened mix of warmth and intensity to go with the comedy that balances the action. Bonnie Hunt holds her own alongside him, while Kirsten Dunst shines early in her promising career.
For those who love action-packed stories with a touch of magic and want bask in the magic of Robin Williams
eXistenZ (1999)
Director: David Cronenberg
Runtime: 1h 37m
Not available for streaming or purchase online
In "eXistenZ" it's the year 2030 and after an attempt on her life, Allegra, a game designer (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and her new security companion Ted Pikul (Jude Law) find themselves ensnared in a virtual reality game that blurs the line between the digital and the real. Directed by David Cronenberg, a master of body horror, this film showcases Cronenberg's unique vision and flair for the unsettling. Cronenberg employs practical effects to craft the game's controllers, giving them a distinct, organic aesthetic that pushes the boundaries and you'll find yourself reactive viscerally.
As the characters navigate this virtual landscape, they grapple with themes of identity, perception, and the consequences of losing touch with reality. "eXistenZ" is a thought-provoking and essential film for those interested in exploring the intersections of virtual reality and human experience which is even more relevant now than upon its release.
Its current unavailability for streaming or even purchase highlights the ongoing issue of film accessibility, reminding us that some cinematic gems can easily slip out of reach.
For fans of body horror but also biological sci-fi that isn't alien or clone centered
Pleasantville (1998)
Director: Gary Ross
Runtime: 2h 4m
Only available for purchase
In "Pleasantville" two unhappy siblings, played by Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon, are transported from 1998 into a 1950s black-and-white TV show world. As the siblings introduce the townspeople to contemporary ideas and behaviors, they inadvertently spark a transformation that turns the world of Pleasantville from monochrome and isolated to vibrant color and connection, serving as a metaphor for personal and societal growth.
Directed by Gary Ross (writer of "Big" and "Dave") this film explores themes of conformity, change, and the clash between innocence and modernity. It also has an excellent cast Joan Allen, Jeff Daniels, William H Macy, and Paul Walker.
For those who enjoy a mix of comedy and drama with a touch of social critique
And that concludes our list. We hope you join these characters that are stepping beyond their familiar worlds, whether through cinema, television, games, a toon town, or virtual reality. I want to challenge you now to think about the nature of reality, the power of storytelling, and the impact of our environment on our perceptions. Though mostly comedies that's a way to place you at ease to question what is real and what is imagined, reminding us of the thin veil that often separates the two.
By stepping into these altered realities, we gain a fresh perspective on our own lives, reflecting on how our surroundings shape our beliefs and actions. As always, I hope that each movie offers you pure joy and escapism but also a deeper understanding of our relationship with the world around us.
P.S. If you want to see horror instead there's always The Ring and Wes Craven's New Nightmare
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