Cat's Curated Double-features
Double features, or as I like to call them, 'I've just spent five hours at the cinema and had the time of my life'. Indie cinemas have these all the time, but sometimes I feel as though the art of the double feature is lost on modern audiences. Except for the recent phenomena of 'Barbenheimer', I feel like I never really see any double features in mainstream cinemas.
But fear not! We’re living in the age of streaming, where you can create your own double features right at home. So here is a list of some paired films and an explanation as to why they make the perfect cinematic combo. Some movies just have similar plots or vibes, while others highlight their respective themes on consecutive viewing.
Mustang - Virgin Suicides
Or, as I like to call it, 'A Tale of Five Sisters'
Both movies are about a group of sisters struggling with societal expectations, isolation and grief. The difference is in their respective points of view.
In Mustang, the story is told through the eyes of Lale, the youngest sister. Lale’s naivety and inexperience color her understanding of the oppressive forces surrounding her family. She witnesses the injustices her sisters face and, in her innocence, wonders why they don't fight back. This inside view offers a raw and unfiltered look at the family’s descent, capturing the brutal reality of their situation through Lale’s confused and helpless perspective.
On the other hand, The Virgin Suicides is presented from the perspective of neighborhood boys who are infatuated with the sisters. Their viewpoint creates a dreamy, almost glamorous portrayal of the girls, who are confined and neglected by their religious parents. The film, much like the book, presents the sisters as ethereal and tragic figures. However, the book subtly reveals the difference between this idealised image and the girls' actual reality—they're awkward, poorly socialized, and far from the romanticised vision held by the boys.
Which should you watch first?
In any order, both movies enhance the theme of how societal pressures affects young girls.
However, I'd recommend watching The Virgin Suicides first. This order can provide a strong contrast between an outsider's romanticisation of their tragedy vs the people living in it. Also because Mustang's ending is much less bleak and, at the end of the day, I do prefer hope.
My Girl - Moonrise Kingdom
My Girl is a tender coming-of-age story set in the early '70s, centering on Vada, an 11-year-old girl navigating the complexities of childhood. Her world is turned upside down when she experiences her first crush on her best friend, Thomas J. Through their innocent connection, the film gently explores themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of change. As Vada navigates these feelings, she learns that growing up means facing changes, some of which are painful.
On the other hand, Moonrise Kingdom, set in the '60s, takes a more whimsical approach to young love. It follows Sam and Suzy, two 12-year-olds who run away together to escape the constraints of their lives. Their adventure is a charming exploration of first love, filled with the idealism and earnestness that only children possess. While their story is laced with humor and quirkiness, it also touches on the sense of longing and loss that comes with growing up and stepping into the unknown.
When you watch these movies together, you get a beautiful look at young love from two different angles. My Girl brings a dose of reality with its focus on loss, while Moonrise Kingdom captures the excitement and idealism of a first crush.
Which should you watch first?
I’d recommend watching Moonrise Kingdom first. Its whimsical and adventurous tone sets a light mood that captures the joy and excitement of young love. Then, follow it up with My Girl, which grounds the experience with a more emotional and poignant take on love and loss.
Whiplash - Black Swan
Ah, yes. The tortured artist. It's a compelling story, isn't it? An artist driven to great lengths in order to achieve 'perfection'.
In Whiplash, the story centers on Andrew Neiman, a young jazz drummer who becomes consumed by his desire to be the best. Under the relentless and abusive mentorship of Terence Fletcher, Andrew's drive for greatness pushes him to his physical and emotional limits. The film explores the toxic relationship between ambition and self-worth, as Andrew’s identity becomes entirely intertwined with his success. His obsession with drumming isolates him from everything else, leading to a brutal spiral where the line between dedication and self-destruction blurs.
Black Swan takes a more psychological approach to the theme of obsession. The film centers on Nina Sayers, a ballet dancer who lands her dream role of the Swan Queen in Swan Lake. As she strives for perfection, Nina becomes increasingly unstable, haunted by hallucinations and the fear of losing her role. The duality of the Swan Queen—embodying both the innocent White Swan and the seductive Black Swan—reflects Nina’s inner turmoil. Her obsession with perfecting both roles drives her towards a psychological breakdown, as she loses her grip on reality.
Which should you watch first?
I'd start with Whiplash! Its focus on the external pressures and brutal drive for success sets the stage for the more introspective and psychological unraveling you'll see in Black Swan.
I'll write for the rest.... Some other day...