Matching your mood to the movie…
What makes a movie great? The actors, the director? Is it the locations, the plot, or the editing? Or is it a mix of all of these things, plus your mood at the time that you see it? That’s probably the right answer, but some films rise above all that, and achieve greatness, like Citizen Kane. Others die a horrible death, even with a solid director, a good script and capable actors, like Plan 9 from Outer Space. Well, maybe one out of three would have helped in Ed Wood’s case. Most, however, sit somewhere in the middle, and that’s where mood makes the difference.
So how do you feel tonight? Depressed? Take home The Boy in Striped Pajamas. It’s a concentration camp film; the mood is dark, so starting off a little depressed might help. 
Are you feeling aggressive and frustrated? Try Saw V. Coming out of another dead-end day filled with blood and guts at the office is enough of a mood enhancer for this one.
Feeling paranoid? Watch Killshot. You’ll find that life’s not that bad, after all. The movie might be, but life is good.
If you’re feeling contemplative, try Elegy. It’s about Lust and Mortality, and stars the gorgeous Penelope Cruz. This one never reaches greatness, but the pitch-perfect pacing and strong performance by Ben Kingsley makes it a thoughtful choice for a quiet Saturday night.
Are you feeling empty, needing to be entertained? Then it’s Baz Luhrman’s Australia for you. Many critics felt empty and the need to be entertained after seeing it as well, so…
And if you’re down, and feel that everything around you can be summed up in the two-letter word, “No!”, then take a little time with Jim Carrey and Yes Man. Saying “Yes” to everything might just put you in the mood.
(Originally written April 2009)
Shoot for the Heart 