Name These Flicks and We'll Tell You if You're Basic or Unique
- by Majda Grasswell
- – on
- in Movies and TV
With footage from the recently aired Golden Globes taking over the internet, and the highly anticipated 2018 Oscars around the corner, we all likely have the film world on our minds. But there is more to the industry than flashy Hollywood flicks, big budgets and designer dresses: what about the underground world of independently produced film? What defines an "indie movie", and what is it that people so often love about them?
This quiz is here to tell you if your cinematic tastes are mainstream (or, if we're being blunt, kind of basic) or a little more refined. Are you more likely to spend a Friday night at a movie theatre, popcorn covered and watching the latest X-MEN, or are you more likely to be found at an independent showing of Lady Bird in your poet friend's basement?
Independent films are defined as films produced outside of conventional studio systems (Hollywood), and often with lower budgets. But that doesn't make them unrecognizable, and we bet that you might be more "indie" than you think. In fact, some of Hollywood's most recognizable actors got their breaks from Indie films, or took a break from Hollywood to star in one later in their career. This quiz will tell you all about them and more.
So: are you basic or unique?
Would you rather: watch a movie at the theatre, at a screening, or on Netflix
There are so many places to watch movies now. You can go the classic route and pay for a ticket to see a movie at a theatre. You can go to an independent showing, which is usually cheaper and smaller scale. Or you can stay in the comfort of your own home, and watch whatever, whenever, and at no extra cost. Which is most you?
Pick an Ellen Page Movie
At only 30 years old, Ellen Page has already left a huge mark on the Hollywood movie scene. Her movies have ranged, and we have watched her develop as an actress. Which Page flick is your fave? Are you more into old Ellen or new Ellen?
Name this movie
This movie can be found on Netflix, but it was only submitted to independent film festivals. Coming out in 2015, it follows two texan lovers as they navigate coming into adulthood having only ever been with each other. The movie was poorly received, but credited for its good actors and attempt at looking deeply at a very human (if simple) topic.
"Get Out", "A Ghost Story", and "The Big Sick": How many of these acclaimed indie films from 2017 have you seen?
At the end of 2017, the website Indiewire came out with a list of 2017s greatest indie flicks. They ranked "A Ghost Story" at number one, "Get Out" at number two, and "The Big Sick" at number three. How many of these top three 2017 independent flicks have you watched?
Pick a production company
The production company can tell you a lot about the movie youre going to watch, before you even start it. For example, watching a film produced by Walt Disney will usually tell you that the film is going to be family friendly. A Dreamworks film might be more mystical. Which would you choose?
Pick a movie genre for a cozy Sunday afternoon
It's Sunday afternoon, it's raining outside, and you've decided to bundle up on the couch with a flick. Which of these goes best with the mood? Do you pick a slow-moving romantic comedy? Or a more avant-garde movie that forces you to think?
Pick a director
Do you know directors outside of the mainstream? If you were to choose a flick to watch, which of these acclaimed directors would you trust? Or even recognize? Below are three very different directors, all of which are recognized for their unique artistry.
Name this movie
In this film, a young boy enters into an alternative reality in order to save the world. In this reality lives a manifestation of his greatest fear, which appears as a grotesque bunny-suit wearing monster. If you've seen the film, there is no mistaking this unique creature.
Pick a Kristen Stewart film
Kristen Stewart really rose to fame with the Twilight Saga, which admit it, we've probably all seen. While these movies may have left fond memories in our childhood hearts, her career has since grown expansively. Which Kristen Stewart roll was your fave?
Which of these 90s movies would you rather watch
The 90s were a great time for movies, and whether you were living in the thick of them or just a baby, you're sure to have seen some of these classics in hindsight, as they have all become cult classics. Which one have you seen? If you've seen them all, which one is your fave?
Pick a comedy
It's Friday night and you're gearing up to watch a comedy with your buds: do you want something that is going to make you spit out your ice cream with laughter? Or do you prefer a humour that is rich with subtle wit and innuendo? These three flicks all approach comedy quite differently: pick a style.
Name this Wes Anderson Movie
Wes Anderson is known for being a director that is consistent with his style. His films are always immediately recognizable, but this particular one was perhaps his most popular. Do you recognize this still from his 2012 movie?
Pick an independent film that is currently streaming on Netflix
Netflix might be used by almost everyone in the mainstream, but that doesn't mean it can't boast its own share of independent films. Pick an independent Netflix film that is available for watching currently, and if you don't know either, that's okay too.
Pick an award show
With the Golden Globes just passing and the Oscars right around the corner, it's hard to watch a movie without imagining it in relation to its potential for an award. But these aren't the only award shows that people are lining up for... Do you already have your Oscars party organized? Or is that just too mainstream for you?
Would you rather: read a review before the movie or go in blind
As varied as our tastes in movies are, so are our habits and preferences when it comes to viewing. While some people need to read tirelessly about a film before committing their time, others like to go in and allow themselves to be surprised. Which type of movie goer best describes you?
Name this 2017 indie film
This movie follows a California nurse who works to support her family after her husband loses his job. The film also follows a complicated relationship with her daughter, who shares her intensity and strong opinions. Do you recognize this film?
Pick a drama
No matter what type of movie you want, there is no shortage of dramas to be found in every style. But when you watch a drama, do you prefer it to be violent? Fast moving? Slow? Creepy? Psychological? Below are three extremely different films, all which fall under the category "drama"
"American Beauty", "The Breakfast Club", "The Perks of Being a Wallflower": How many of these have you seen?
One film website calls these three flicks (in this respective order) the "best indie movies of all time". With one from the 80's, one from the 90's, and one recently produced, it seems like a fair range. Whether you agree with this bold award or not, you can only pipe in to agree or disagree if you've actually seen them. Have you?
Would you watch the same movie twice in a week?
Whether we wanted to or not, we've all probably watched the same movie at least a couple times in a row. But would you watch the same movie twice in a week? Are you a person of habit, who feels comforted knowing that it's better to watch something you love twice than risk wasting time on something else? Or do you always need something new?
Pick an Actor
Often, mainstream actors and actresses will star in indie films as well. On the other hand, many Hollywood stars get their foot in the door through the independent movie scene. These actors might seem like your classic Hollywood big names, but they've done some pretty underground gigs. Who's your fave?
Pick a fave actress
As with their male counterparts, these Hollywood names can be found both on the big screen and the smaller one. Regardless of where you've seen them shine, which one of these leading ladies is your preferred pick?
Pick a fave moment from the 2018 golden globes
This year's golden globes had a lot of iconic moments - especially as it incorporated the highly publicized #METOO movement from 2017. It's clear that Hollywood is no longer just about the movies. Which of these 2018 GG moments did you think were the best?
Pick a Wes Anderson Movie
Wes Anderson is the classic indie auteur: his films all remain consistent in their colours, music, and general style. You're bound to either love him or hate him, and can choose to watch any of his films knowing at least partially what the vibe will be. If you're a Anderson buff, which one is your fave?
Pick a romance to watch with your crush
You've made the move, and now you and your crush are finally hanging out. You decide to watch a romantic film together to set the mood, but which one? You'll have to choose wisely; what you watch together might set the stage for how your relationship will actually look!
Would you rather watch a comedy, a tragedy, or a documentary?
Before getting into the specifics of your preferred film, you need to know the type of movie you want to engage with. These categories are all pretty broad, and your preference might change with your mood, but what is your regular go-to on a Friday night in? Or, If you were to watch a movie right now, what genre would you choose?
