DSW10: TOP 10 FILM RECOMMENDATIONS from W. SCOTT PRESTWOOD

On Halloween 2020, Digging Star Wars turns 10! To celebrate, we've asked previous contributors to provide a Top 10 Recommended Films...and to write about their experience with DSW. Here's a Top 10 list and words from DSWS2E2: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND guest W. Scott Prestwood...

Films Revisited in the Time of COVID 

Some Star Wars DNA, but really just films I like.

Stroszek 1977

Starting with the most direct DSW reference and my most pretentious choice. 

Before the Mandalorian, Werner Herzog was a legendary director. This is my favorite film of his and I’ve actually seen them all. The plot defies explanation here, but suffice to say the cast is non-actors. Legend has it this film drove the lead singer of Joy Division to suicide...so handle with care.

Phantasm (1979)

Still my go to when I ‘m looking for a good scare. Don Coscarelli’s epic ode to brothers, funeral homes, and flying metal balls that drill into your skull. 

Indie before indie was cool. Highly recommend his memoir True Indie: Life and Death in Filmmaking. Check out the digital restoration funded by J.J. Abrams.

Logan’s Run (1976)

A story of a perfect society who euthanizes you at 30 years old was ground breaking for the 10-year-old me. Released the year before Star Wars and shot in a Texas mall. Logan’s Run is best remembered as a snapshot of how VFX were about to undergo a dramatic shift. A story so good that Hollywood has given up ruining it with a reboot. I’m sure I would have renewed at Carousel. Would you?

Drive (2011)

A great lesson that the simplest ideas are usually the best. A Hollywood stuntman moonlights as a getaway driver. Great 80’s inspired score. Not a ton of driving in Drive and for that matter not a ton of dialogue either. If you want more of this type of thing also check out Only God Forgives. Costars Poe Dameron.

Damien Omen II (1978)

Everything I learned about religion was from this gloomy satanic creep fest. The 12-year-old Antichrist slowly realizing his destiny may seem tame now, but I did learn what it must be like to die in an elevator accident. Also, the Jerry Goldsmith score won the Oscar if you’re into that sort of thing. Lance Henriksen must be somewhere in the Star Wars canon?

Black Sunday (1977)

Bruce Dern is a damaged Vietnam Vet Blimp Pilot who is coerced by a member of Black September to fly it into the Super Bowl rigged with a bomb. Doesn’t grab you? How about Robert Shaw as the hero? The scene where Dern almost changes his mind should have gotten him a statue. Scored by a conductor named John Williams. 

Living In Oblivion (1995)

The turmoil of creative collaboration as money and time runs out. I think of this film every time we record room tone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQgqgY5MHac 

Wicker Man (1973)

A creep factor beyond the pale. Maybe you’re a Midsommar fan? There would be no Midsommar without this film. Are you a fan of Count Dooku? He’s a beguiling maniac in this film. Don’t go near the Nic Cage remake.

Beyond The Door (1974)

More satanic mischief when everyone was copying the success of the Exorcist. Not your typical horror film score. I was way too young to be anywhere near this movie. I had a cool mom. The trailer will give a good sense of what you’ve signed up for. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p568_U9Ulrs

Buffalo 66 (1998)

Vincent Gallo’s Citizen Kane. Hard to know where he ends and his character begins. The cast and crew hated Gallo. Actual quote from Christina Ricci, “Buffalo '66 was the most beautiful example of self-absorption I've ever seen in my life. I don't want to bite the hand that feeds you, but I wouldn't take that kind of abuse ever again.” Shot on reversal film if you’re into that sort of thing.

Ask Prestwood for a selfie - this is what you get. Makes total sense. 

Extra - Found Footage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk-n8ZVC2t8

Not technically a film, more of a reminder that everyone has to start somewhere. Once the Doors of Perception are cleansed things will appear as they are… infinite.