Not soppy romcoms or teenage drivel, I want the most sulking, Lynchnian, Bela Tarr-style level of abandoned hopelessness and misery. Please recommend things that are designed to be as emotionally exhausting and damaging to your psyche as possible. Thanks and god bless.
shareThe Boy in The Striped Pajamas.
Star Trek II : The Wrath of Khan
share"Imitation of Life" An old classic
My neighborhood library bought the film and word of mouth spread quickly about how heartbreaking and sad it was as folks borrowed it. It left everyone crying and became a local hit.
I've watched both versions, both are sad, but I like the 1959 film a little more than the 1934 movie. Indeed, it's a sad movie. 😢
shareThe Elephant Man. Apologies if this is a generic or predictable response but this film just has sadness and hopelessness seeping through it as far as I’m concerned. I genuinely sobbed the first time viewing it and I go out of my way to avoid it intentionally nowadays, even though I know it’s a masterpiece of cinema.
shareProbably "Life is Beautiful" (1997). Sorry, not a fan of sad movies.
I just don't like being depressed for 2+ hours.
This is interesting because Life is Beautiful is the exception to the rule of Holocaust movies in my opinion. There were a lot of scenes that masterfully struck a balance between the depressing subject matter and warmth/humor. I found myself smiling at many of the scenes between Guido and his son while they were in the camp. The ending also had a tinge of hopefulness for me, so I didn't feel sad for three days after watching it.
shareTom Horn (1980) - made all the more depressing because Steve McQueen was dying during its filming
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