Julie & Julia isn't exactly the caliber of movie that someone wants to view for 365 consecutive days. Dai himself usually discusses the film with contempt -- which is especially ironic, since many of the readers of his blog about the Lawrence & Julie & Julia Project are not overly self-aware twentysomethings, but rather middle-aged women who genuinely love Julia Child and Julie/Julia project blogger Julie Powell.
Still, talking about his project inspired Westword staffers to divulge the movies they would watch every day of the year. And they are:
Amber Taufen, editorial assistant: The Princess Bride. "Because I've probably already seen it 365 times and I would watch it again right now. Also: Cary Elwes, kinda hot."
William Breathes, pot critic: Dazed and Confused. "Awesome classic cars, picture-perfect Texas Hill Country setting and '70s costuming (not to mention a foxy Parker Posey); best soundtrack of the 90s, hands down; Mitch Kramer is the perfect high school freshman, and by the end you are totally pulling for him to get with that sophomore chick; 'How's it goin'?' 'Hey man, you got a joint?' 'Uh, no, Not on me, man.' 'Well, it'd be a lot cooler if you did'; legendary star? three words: Matthew Fucking McConaughey. (Ben Affleck was also in it, but he plays such a whiney bitch that nobody ever remembers that)."
Alan Prendergast, staff writer: Local Hero. "If you're going to put up with it every day for a year, it should have great scenery, good music, memorable (and likable) characters, a quirky and witty script and at least one legendary star."
Jonathan Shikes, managing editor: Monsters Inc. "There's a good chance I actually did watch Monsters Inc. every day for a year -- but only because it was the only way to get my child to sleep."
Susan Froyd, calendar editor: Dirty Dancing. "Young Jewish girl who can't dance gets Patrick Swayze? Come on, what more could you want?"
Patricia Calhoun, editor: Ten Things I Hate About You. "Taming of the Shrew moved to an affluent Seattle high school with great scenery, better music, and Heath Ledger, who could tame any shrew if he weren't dead."
Lori Midson, Cafe Society editor: The Cook, the Thief, the Wife and Her Lover. "Shocking, provocative, hilarious and insatiable."
Kelsey Whipple, staff writer: Trainspotting. "I might turn into a serial killer because of it, but I would definitely watch Trainspotting. The soundtrack is incredible, Ewan McGregor is beautiful, and it touches on some heavy but important themes. Plus, I might develop a Scottish accent by the time I'm done."
Nick Lucchesi, web editor: Ferris Bueller's Day Off. "Float singing. Ferrari borrowing. Ben Stein. Fence-jumping. Even though at the six-month mark, viewers may want to strangle the smug little jerk."
Patrick Langlois, contributor: Casino Royale. "I've always fantasized about being James Bond. In fact, I did a report on one of the books in grade school and dressed in a tux for the presentation. Daniel Craig's portrayal is by far the best, and so his mission, winning a poker game!"
Jane Le, editorial operations manager: A Streetcar Named Desire. "Why? Tennessee Williams. Marlon Brando. 'Nuff said."
Kyle Garratt, contributor: Pulp Fiction. "Multiple story lines, excellent dialogue, great music, drugs, violence and humor. And with 365 days you'll have plenty of time to hypothesize about what's in the damn briefcase."
Jenny An, editorial fellow: The Big Sleep. "Pedigrees don't get better than this. Based on a Raymond Chandler novel with a screenplay written by William Faulkner. Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall and directed by Howard Hawks. Plus, 365 views will finally be enough to figure out who the murderer is."
