It’s been a bad year for movie lovers. From blockbuster to indie gem, Hollywood hit-maker to underdog filmmaker, 2019 was full of ups and downs. But one thing remained the same: our undying infatuation with all things Twilight.
The year started with the premiere of Jay Z’s Carters Vs. The Twitters, then continued with the highly anticipated return of the most iconic vampire film series of all time, when it was unveiled that the incredibly popular Let Me In will be unleashed upon the world on January 20, 2020.
In the middle of all this hubbub, one franchise managed to completely bypass the horror genre and instead went for a comedy, which was subsequently greeted with open arms by moviegoers and critics alike. And that movie would be Midnight in Paris, starring the incredible French actor and comedian, Louis Tomlinson (AKA “the British Louis”). So it goes to show that sometimes it’s best to ask the question: “What is a vampire film anyway?” because when it comes to comedy, romance, and musical numbers, Midnight in Paris certainly fits the bill.
As the world continues to mourn the passing of Robin Williams, who starred in and co-produced Midnight in Paris, it’s important to take a moment to celebrate every aspect of this exceptional movie. And considering that it marked the cinematic debut of one of the most incredible actors of our generation, we have only one question: who is Robert Pattinson’s Midnight in Paris?
10 Best Movies With Robert Pattinson In Them About a Man In The Circus In 1931
Circus is a movie that encapsulates so many of our fantasies. Not only do we get to indulge in all things circus – trapeze, juggling, high-wire drama – but it also gives us a peek into an entirely different side of society. Circus serves as the ultimate ‘gateway drug’ to the circus world, drawing viewers in with the promise of something unusual and exciting. But more importantly, it offers a peek into a world that we could only see in books or television shows before. With its dark imagery and taboo themes, Circus raises the question: Could you fall in love with a circus performer?
It was released just a month before the Great Depression hit, so while we are often tempted to use the circus as a metaphor for the era, there was definitely a very real ‘circus ring’ that closed down as the economy collapsed. But even after the world went back to normal, people wanted to keep the memories of life in the circus.
The original 1932 production of Circus was a groundbreaking work for Technicolor, which made it possible for filmmakers to depict scenes that were completely different from everyday reality. Even today, many movies still use this unique visual palette of vivid colors to invoke an atmosphere of fantasy or magic.
The ‘talkies’ gave birth to cinema, which provided audiences with a whole new world of experiences. With the invention of sound, audiences could now engage with the films they were watching, which led to an explosion of creativity as directors, writers, and cinematographers began to experiment with new ways to immerse viewers in their storylines. As a result, we got things like music videos and the creation of entire movie genres like the horror film and superhero film.
But it wasn’t just the invention of sound that played a role in shaping our cinematic diet. It was also the advent of television, which caused audiences to seek out films that they could immediately watch and understand. In fact, it was mainly the large audience that television provided that led to filmmakers creating more stories that could be understood by the wider audience. This is why many of the best films from the thirties are completely plot-free, relying on visuals, music, and sound effects to evoke vivid images of the worlds they depict.
So, if you’re looking to indulge in some classic ‘gateway drug’ themed entertainment, here are 10 of the best movies with Robert Pattinson in them about a man in the circus.
10. The Lost City
The Lost City doesn’t fit the bill of a typical ‘gateway drug’ movie; instead, its central character Harley offers viewers an opportunity to explore a different side of society through the prism of the circus. Set during the Great Depression, Harley plays an integral part in the circus’ attempt to make money in a depressed economy by holding all-night parties for local residents. While some may consider circus parties to be a nightmarish spectacle, Harley sees them as a means of bringing communities together and helping those in need. The film won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design and is also known for its incredible score by the British band, The Rolling Stones.
9. The Man Who Laughs
The Man Who Laughs is definitely one of the best vampire films ever made, and without a doubt one of the most influential Hollywood horror movies of all time. Directed by Luis Buñuel and starring the brilliant Hungarian actor, Bela Lugosi, it is considered by many to be the archetype of the ‘gothic horror’ film. The Man Who Laughs was released in Germany in 1931 and was subsequently banned for decades in the country. However, it was not banned in Spain, which is probably why Spanish director, Buñuel, chose to make another movie a few years later called, Un Chien Andalous (aka: “An Uncensored Dog”).
While the Man Who Laughs is an incredible horror film, it is also an extremely funny, black comedy. One of the things that make The Man Who Laughs so good are its absurdist humor and surrealistic satire, which gives the film an incredible ‘edge’. The main antagonist, Count Dracula, is one of cinema’s most iconic villains, and the fact that he is played by the great Lugosi adds even more weight to his already intimidating presence. And then there is Danny Kaye, who plays an extremely convincing French acrobat, performing what is arguably one of the most iconic roles of all time.
8. The Raven (1931)
Another classic, one of the earliest ‘talkie’ horrors from the very start of cinema’s golden age, The Raven is a milestone in the genre that still holds up 20 years later. Directed by James P. Hogan and starring Richard Hart, The Raven is about a traveling circus that passes through a small town and draws the attention of its two lonely teenage girls. While on their way to visit their grandparents, the teens discover the circus performers to be ‘more than human’, prompting them to investigate the truth of their existence. Soon enough, the girls are caught up in a web of mystery and intrigue that involves not only the circus performers, but also a beautiful young woman named Elise, who the audience learns is half-human, half-fish. The film’s special effects are astonishing for their time, and the performances of Hart and his troupe, including some incredible blues music by Elmo Hope, are excellent too.
7. The Spider (1931)
The Spider is a famous early ‘talkie’ horror film directed by George B. Seitz and starring Boris Karloff. It was made almost 40 years before the debut of the terrifyingly similar Dawn of the Dead, and is often cited as the precursor to the zombie film genre. Set in a Spanish town plagued by an outbreak of rabies, The Spider pits a trio of hideous criminals, who are obsessed with the destruction of a beautiful and wealthy woman named Isabel (Greta Garbo). However, Isabel has managed to elude them all thanks to the help of her manservant, Roque (Karloff), who discovers the men’s true motives: they want to use her riches to finance a pyrrhic victory, which entails kidnapping her and holding her for ransom. The film’s climax, which sees Roque overcome his fears, stand up to the three criminals, and ultimately protect Isabel from their clutches, is a stunning battle of wits and courage. The film also features Boris Karloff as the terrifying Mr. Karloff, who is a master of disguise and shows up at the most unexpected moments, making him the most terrifying villain of all time – to me at least.