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LUST
The movie: Nine 1/2 Weeks
A passionate and illicit affair ensues when a Wall Street professional named John (Mickey Rourke) and a sexy SoHo art gallery employee Elizabeth meet. For nine and a half weeks, the two lovers get entangled in numerous sexual games that play on the sadomasochistic fetishes most of us could only fantasize about.
Why you should watch it: The lustful relationship the two protagonists carry out is a poignant take on sexual exploration. See it for yourself, bust out a notepad, and you might just pick up some pointers for you and the missus. Warning: Some of them are not for the sexually-faint-at-heart.
It’s better than TV: Because first and foremost, it’s uncensored. Witness their titillating sexual experiments: Elizabeth dressed up in a tux with full-on fake moustache as they hump in a rainy alley; the infamous blindfold scene where John uses some ice cubes to stimulate Elizabeth; and erotic food play as they use numerous edibles to feed their sexual cravings.
Also try: Unfaithful, The End of the Affair, and Body Heat
GLUTTONY
The movie: Thinner
A hotshot lawyer accidentally runs over a geriatric gypsy woman while his wife performs oral sex on him. After eluding the consequences of his crimes, he is cursed by one of the gypsies with a touch on the face and a creepy pronunciation of “thinnnnner.” He begins to continually lose weight despite relentless hunger and devouring, forcing him to come to terms with his lascivious actions.
Why you should watch it: It teaches that we should take responsibility for the crimes we commit. Just because you’re in a position of power, doesn’t mean you can hit traveling gypsies with your SUV--unless you want to lose weight to the point of extinction.
It’s better than TV: Based on the novel of the same name by master of horror, Stephen King, this entertaining flick gives a new meaning to the term “power hungry.”
Also try: Woman On Top, Simply Irresistible, and Julie and Julia
GREED
The movie: Needful Things
In the town of Castle Rock, Maine a new antique store opens, selling anything you desire in exchange for your soul. Its proprietor: the Devil himself–masked as a wise old man. When the townsfolk suddenly go violently berserk because of the effects of the mysterious shop, the sheriff investigates and what he discovers is nothing short of the gates of hell.
Why you should watch it: It’s a masterful and horrific portrayal of the lengths an individual will go, to get what he desires. You will think twice about what you have, what you want, and maybe this time, you’ll start counting your blessings.
It’s better than TV: Also based on a novel by Stephen King, it is a subtle but haunting mix of morals and entertainment. Plus, the main characters are played by superior talent in the form of Max von Sydow and Ed Harris.
Also try: Wall Street, The Color of Money, and Margin Call
SLOTH
The movie: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?
In a small Iowa town Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp) must deal with the adversities of his life. He must care for his mentally-challenged younger brother Arnie (a young Leonardo DiCaprio in his first Oscar -nominated role), look after his depressed and morbidly obese mother, all while trying to hold a low-income job and working on a budding romance with a stranded stranger.
Why you should watch it: Though the film does not specifically play on the concept of sloth and laziness, Gilbert’s mother is a prime example of the effects of letting go of one’s self. Because of her husband’s suicide, she literally attaches herself to a couch and stays there, gorging her existence away and leaving her children to fend for themselves.
It’s better than TV: Director Lasse Hallstrom put together an outstanding cast: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Juliette Lewis. This heavy drama portrays limits and how we test them, especially when it comes to family.
Also try: Slackers, Videodrome
WRATH
The movie: Falling Down
While trying to make it to his ex-wife’s home for his estranged daughter’s birthday, frustration hits William Foster (Michael Douglas) at maximum level. He experiences a mental breakdown and exacts a violent rampage on the streets of Los Angeles.
Why you should watch it: The movie has a very philosophical take on anger as the anti-hero questions the machinations of society. He takes a look at poverty, commercialism, and deduces that we live in a fucked-up world.
It’s better than TV: Michael Douglas delivers an outstanding performance as the imperviously angry D-Fens. It’s a film that, as it unfolds, will open your eyes to inane and inevitable social problems. But hopefully you will turn a new leaf when you realize that your problems are trivial compared to the less fortunate.
Also try: Seven, Network
ENVY
The movie: The Talented Mr. Ripley
Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) is a fraught, young, and aspiring pianist who has a knack for impersonation, lying, and forgery. He is sent to Europe to rally Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law), the son of a wealthy tycoon. His psychosis takes over when he is suddenly attracted to Dickie, Dickie's fiancée Marge (Gwyneth Paltrow), and the decadent and exotic lifestyle they live. His talents reach full potential when he executes a murderous plot of identity theft.
Why you should watch it: To remind you that living a luxurious lifestyle should not come at the price of blood. Instead, earn it by working for it. You’ll come to appreciate what you’ve got if you know that it was your blood, sweat, and tears and not someone else’s.
It’s better than TV: The picturesque cinematography frames the Italian scenery like a Da Vinci painting that your fat ass will want to get off that couch and on the next plane to Europa...if you can afford it, that is.
Also try: Envy, The Joneses
PRIDE
The movie: The Game
Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas, again!) is a rich, proud, but lonely investment banker. Haunted by the suicide of his father when he was a young boy, he alienates himself from his only brother, and true happiness. His bro (Sean Penn) gives him a weird gift on his 48th birthday, a game that is specifically made for the recipient of the present. His life is shaken when reality and the said game start to meld, eventually leading him to the ultimate truth–of who and why he is the way he is.
Why you should watch it: This neo-noir psychological thriller will have you pondering on what really matters in this godforsaken planet. The protagonist in this film is neither likeable nor relatable, but in the end, just like him you’ll be questioning your priorities and the relationships that should be on top of that list.
It’s better than TV: Helmed by the most brooding of all brooding directors, David Fincher. It may not be prolific as his films Seven or Fight Club, but this one has an underlying message that will dig into you to the core. God bless your soul if you come out of the film still the obnoxious bastard everyone makes you out to be. Happy Holy Week!
Also try: Pride and Prejudice
