Here is a list of my favorite independent films (made from independent film studios). Hopefully this will inspire you to watch films that aren't as popular but have just as good (if not better) acting, cinematography and stories.
1. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"
“We accept the love we think we deserve.”
Words cannot describe the beauty of this film, or the book, which the film was based on. Stephen Chbosky wrote the novel in 1999 and directed the film in 2012. This coming of age movie deals with serious issues, such as mental illness, and has well-developed characters. It explains what high school is really like, and feels raw and original. Personally, it’s my favorite book, and also one of my favorite films.
2. "Stuck in Love"
“There are two types of people in this world; hopeless romantics and realists.”
I tend to watch any film that Logan Lerman stars in, and I also adore Lily Collins and Nat Wolff, so that’s one reason I’m obsessed with this movie. The film focuses on a family of writers, and I don’t want to give much away, but it’s one of my favorite films so just watch it please. There are lots of Beatles references, Logan Lerman adorableness and sass.
3. "God Help the Girl"
“I don’t mind people, I just can’t stand collective idiocy.”
I’ve done a post about how much I love this indie-musical here, but I thought I might as well include it. This charming musical was directed by Stuart Murdoch, lead singer of Belle and Sebastian, who also composed the music. This film is quirky, the music is catchy and follows three friends who form a band together. Also the film stars Olly Alexander of Years and Years so that should be a reason enough to have it on this list.
4. "Palo Alto"
"I wish I didn't care about anything. But I do care. I care about everything too much.”
I watched this movie for two reasons: One, I had just met James Franco. Two, I’m a sucker for Emma Roberts movies (lame, but they’re so great). I read the book and honestly, sort of hated it but decided to watch the film nonetheless. What I like most about this film is how the soundtrack adds to the plot. The music guides the plot, in a sense that they’re intertwined –– they fit perfectly together. Additionally, the cinematography is outstanding, as with any Coppola film. The plot focuses on parties and the lives of several teens in Palo Alto, CA, but the characters are all interesting and make this movie worth watching.
5. "Like Crazy"
“What have you been doing?” “Waiting for you.”
I’m in love with cities, and this film takes place in my two favorites: Los Angeles and London. The plot focuses on the lives of two college students, Anna and Jacob, who fall in love while Anna studies abroad in Los Angeles. There’s young love, heartbreak and a long-distance relationship, plus a bed and airport montage. I love the overall mood of the film and how real the love story is.
6. "The First Time"
“I’ve never met anyone like you before.”
This film stars Dylan O’Brien, which could be why I decided to watch the movie. It’s pretty cheesy, but who doesn’t like a nice cliché? The film follows two teenagers, Dave and Aubrey, who meet at a party and begin to date. It’s cute, has my dream room and has teenagers trying to act like adults. Need I say much more?
7. "Juno"
“That ain't no Etch-A-Sketch. This is one doodle that can't be un-did, Homeskillet.”
Ellen Page is outstanding as "Juno," a pregnant teenager who is giving her baby to a failed rock star and his wife. The awkward-adorable conversations between Juno and Bleeker should be a reason enough to watch this movie or the fact that they sing “Anyone Else But You” by The Moldy Peaches. The comedy is on-point, as are Bleeker’s gold short-shorts.
8. "The Art of Getting By"
“There are so many more important things to think about, homework ends up being something like an afterthought.”
Ah, another Emma Roberts film –– perhaps I should have inserted a warning sign. George’s attitude is very relatable for a third-trimester senior, such as myself. He could careless about school, all he does is draw in textbooks and ask philosophical questions, until he meets Sally. Rotten Tomatoes only gave this film 18 percent, but it’s quirky, questions high school, and is set in Manhattan so what’s not to love?
9. "Silver Linings Playbook"
“Excelsior. It means I’m gonna take all this negativity and use it as fuel and I’m gonna find a silver lining.”
I’m not sure if Silver Linings Playbook is technically an indie film, but it has the spirit of one. This film is fantastic, in every aspect. The acting is amazing (I mean, let’s face it, this is Jennifer Lawrence’s Oscar-winning performance), the dialogue is funny but also touching, and it’s a refreshing film. It’s quirky, funny, uplifting, and real. The cast is amazing, from Jennifer Lawrence to Julia Stiles and Chris Tucker, and the cinematography and coloring is great. If you haven’t seen this yet, please do.
10. "Good Will Hunting"
“We get to choose who we let into our weird little worlds.”
I decided to watch this movie one night when I couldn’t find anything else to watch on Netflix. What I like most about this film is the fact that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote the screenplay, that the screenplay began as a class assignment, and that Robin Williams ad-libbed most of his lines. Yeah, I know, I’m a film geek. Anyways, the plot is amazing. The protagonist, Will, has a genius-level IQ but chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. He solves a problem that only few award-winning mathematicians have solved, and gets noticed by a professor, who wants Will to reach his full potential. When Will gets arrested for attacking a police officer, the professor bails him for jail under the proposition that Will agrees to be treated by a therapist. It’s a dark movie, not sad necessarily, but very interesting and thought-provoking.
