While I strongly believe that Los Angeles has seasons, they are subtle and need to be channeled in ways beyond the weather. From fashion and crafts to music, fall is a state of mind for those who appreciate the season. One of my favorite ways to incorporate fall into my life is with film. Just viewing the orange-red leaves of Central Park or the beautiful rural English countryside will have you immediately transported to autumn. Look no further for a unique range of fall classics!
Practical Magic
“Practical Magic” is a whimsical, witchy and darkly comedic film revolving around the Owens sisters, Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman), who come from a magical family. Set in a lovely coastal town, the house where the Owens’ grew up with their eccentric aunts and black pet cat is an enchanting cottagecore dream.
Despite their upbringing, Gilly and Sally chose to avoid the world of witchcraft, until Gilly’s vicious boyfriend, Jimmy Angelov, is unexpectedly poisoned. “Practical Magic” is a visually delightful film that showcases a strong bond between sisters.
You’ve Got Mail
If you’re looking for a film that is as heartwarming as baking cookies and lighting a fall candle on a rainy day, then this is the movie for you. A Nora Ephron-directed film set in New York, “You’ve Got Mail” features Joe (Tom Hanks) who owns Foxbooks, a corporate chain store that moves in across the street to Kathleen Kelly’s (Meg Ryan) small and beloved bookshop.
Concurrently, Kathleen begins online messaging with an anonymous and charming man. It just so happens that Joe has also fallen for a woman on the internet … cue the chaos as they find out their mysterious romance is actually each other’s greatest enemy.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” is a stop-motion animated adventure-comedy that follows Mr. Fox (George Clooney) and his wife, Mrs. Fox (Meryl Streep), and their sullen son Ash (Jason Schwartzman). The movie depicts the story of Mr. Fox giving into his animal instincts after 12 years of peaceful underground living by raiding a human neighbor’s farm.
Mr. Fox feels trapped by his mundane existence in their family burrow, starting a war between the animals and the humans. Filled with autumnal forests, underground Hobbit-like homes and sweater-clad foxes, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is a brilliant and stylish take on the 1970s Roald Dahl novel of the same namesake.
Dead Poets Society
“Dead Poets Society” is the epitome of dark academia. The 1989 drama is set at an all-boys preparatory boarding school known for its traditions and high standards. New English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) attempts to help the boys break out of their shells, achieve their dreams and seize the day (carpe diem). The film features the prep school covered in red and orange leaves and blankets of snow as well as cozy, preppy fashion and dark academia classrooms. “Dead Poets Society” is as gut-wrenching as it is inspiring, feel-good and thought-provoking.
