THE LIST 2021
The Seasonal Year Paterson, dir. Jim Jarmusch
Jim Jarmusch’s Paterson is a circling tree crested path; a testament to human nature in its constant growth and self-destruction. Taking place in Paterson, New Jersey, Jarmusch offers a week in the life of bus driver and poet Paterson (Adam Driver), with his romantic partner Laura (Golshifteh Farahani). Paterson lives as a passive observer, finding pleasure in listening to the conversations of others that are filled to the brim with the imperfections and truths of real ones. Laura is at the centre of his life, and in many ways his complementary opposite; an eccentric who lives artfully inciting change. These parts of Paterson’s life bring him creative harmony as a poet. With its playful humour, gentle colour scheme and atmospheric but striking score, there is no need to understand its many double meanings to find Paterson a warm, refreshing watch. NICHOLAS CARLEAN
(500) Days of Summer, dir. Marc Webb
21
(500) Days of Summer is one of those films that can never fail to lift your mood. As a love story that has not only an incredible soundtrack but also manages to blur the line between sentimental and quirky ever so well, (500) Days of Summer is a brilliant film for those summer days where everything seems to be going well. With Zooey Deschanel and Joseph GordonLevitt in the lead roles, it’s unsurprising that the film was (and continues to be) such a popular choice for a rom-com. Protagonist Tom (Gordon-Levitt) sets the film out to be a challenge. Summer (Deschanel) doesn’t believe in love, yet Tom strives to change this seemingly stubborn view through the power of love and happiness. The film contains an abundance of musical influences, and that musical scene is just one of the most summery and exciting scenes in cinematic history-making (500) Days of Summer a must for a seasonal film. Never mind the fact that she is literally called Summer, but that would maybe be a bit too obvious! KATIE EVANS
