subject: Loneliness Movies Worth Watching [print this page] We all feel lonely from time to time, and you just never know when the feeling will hit you. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to prevent the condition from taking over your life, and one of the best way is to settle down for a marathon viewing of well-chosen loneliness movies. To maker it easier for you to decide which loneliness movies are worth your time, check out this quick and easy guide to some of the finest loneliness movies ever committed to celluloid.
I am Legend stars Will Smith, and follows the travails of a man who lives a solitary life in a post apocalyptic planet Earth. Based on the 1954 novel of the same name by Richard Matheson, I am Legend is actually the third cinematic version of the book. Although loneliness is a primary theme of the movie, it is made all the more interesting by the protagonist's struggle against the hordes of malevolent mutants that he now shares the world with. A remarkably powerful depiction of a classic favorite, this is one of those loneliness movies that will stay with you long after the final credits have rolled.
In Lars and the Real Girl, Ryan Gosling plays Weird Lars, who generally lives a pretty lonely life until he forges a unique relationship with a doll he finds online. A great movie filled with subtle touches that will leave you enthralled for hours, Lars and the Real Girl is recommended watching for anyone who has ever found relief from loneliness in an unexpected situation...or hopes to.
A classic take on the time worn prison movie paradigm, Birdman of Alcatraz is the story of a convicted murderer who was sentenced to serve out the rest of his life in isolation. The movie starts out tragically enough with a harsh and unblinking glimpse of life in prison, but rapidly transforms into an inspiring and redemption-filled cinematic masterpiece. Starring Burt Lancaster and Karl Malden, Birdman of Alcatraz is a goes to show that loneliness movies don't have to be all depressing.
The Road is another post-apocalyptic film that dwells on loneliness as a central theme (does anyone else notice how loneliness is so often tied in with post-apocalyptic settings?). The story revolves around Viggo Mortensen's character who, with his son, struggles to survive a ravaged world populated by assorted baddies, and a few good souls as well. A heartwarming and oftentimes tragic story, The Road is one of the few loneliness movies that neatly manage to make the transition to uplifting without being too preachy.
Loneliness movies can be quite heart wrenching to watch, but the very best of them work to give us a marvelous insight into ourselves and what makes us-lonely of course-but also happy and fulfilled. While few people would necessarily want to watch loneliness movies all the time, they do serve as a welcome distraction to the typical romantic comedies and action blockbusters that are churned out by Hollywood in the dozens.
