Not many genres have gained business of loneliness. Since the 1970’s, lonely people have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, lonely taxi drivers or technology users, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite movies about loneliness which deserve to be celebrated.
1. Taxi Driver
Loneliness has impacted by personality. As far back as I can remember, I have always been a lonely person. Being an Autistic person, I have often found the social interactions in my life challenging. I have always preferred to engage in independent activities such as writing that require little social interaction. Due to my preferences for spending time alone, I have always struggled to make friendships that are long-lasting. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to capture my feelings of loneliness as powerfully as “Taxi Driver”. Ever since its release in 1976, Martin Scorsese’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about loneliness. With the most thought-provoking film of his career, Scorsese used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the life of a lonely taxi driver facing despair. Scorsese has always had an aptitude for making movies about lonely characters, and “Taxi Driver” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scorsese effectively used voice-over narration to capture the life of a lonely taxi driver facing mental health deterioration. For instance, the scene in which Travis Bickle talks to himself in front of a mirror preparing for an assassination causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robert De Niro, who portrayed a lonely taxi driver facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Taxi Driver” my favourite film about loneliness of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. It delivers a meaningful message about loneliness which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about lonely taxi drivers in 1970’s New York City whose lives deteriorate, it’s a commemorated reminder about a genre that has always produced unforgettable movies which audiences tremendously appreciate.
2. Cast Away
Movies about survival have always resonated with me. At an early age, my life changed when my family faced a grim bomb blast causing damage. I recall with nostalgia dark memories of a grim bombing in Saudi Arabia. Through my parent’s drive to survive, I made it out of the bombing without a scratch alive. As someone haunted by a bombing that left my family cast away, I adored “Cast Away”. Released in 2000, Robert Zemeckis’ movie captured loneliness faced by a man stranded on an island without human contact. Zemeckis effectively uses silence to capture loneliness of a man stranded on an island. For instance, the scene in which Chuck Noland faces silence when he first lands on the island following the plane crash causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Tom Hanks, who portrays a man seeking to overcome loneliness on an island. Ultimately, what makes “Cast Away” a classic is its message. The film delivers a message about survival resonating with everyone. A captivating portrait of courageous men surviving on islands that are cast away, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which deserve to be celebrated absolutely today.
3. Her
Technology has always been a part of my identity. As far as I can remember, I’ve been a heavy tech user. My addiction to tech is fuelled by a simple desire for connection I can’t find in reality. As someone that has always been a heavy tech user, I appreciated “Her”. Released in 2013, Spike Jonze’s movie captured a lonely writer forming a romantic bond with his phone. Despite the strange concept of seeing a man falling in love with a phone, it really works extremely well. Jonze uses stunning montages capturing a lonely writer addicted to tech. For instance, the scene in which Theodore faces a breakdown after he discovers Samantha is leaving him causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Joaquin Phoenix, who plays a lonely writer addicted to his phone. Ultimately, what makes “Her” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of tech addiction which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Theodore’s love for his phone, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured well-known movies in a league of their undeniable own.
4. Manchester by the Sea
Grief is an emotion that has impacted my friend deeply. Several years ago, my friend’s mother passed away from Cancer causing sorrow. Left devastated, my friend couldn’t cope with a terrifying tragedy that left him affected. As someone that witnessed a friend face grief following family tragedy, I adored “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie captured a grieving janitor affected by a family tragedy. Lonergan has always had an aptitude for making compelling family dramas, and “Manchester by the Sea” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Lonergan uses captivating flashbacks to capture a grieving janitor. For instance, the scene in which Lee Chandler reunites with his wife several years after a tragic accident causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Casey Affleck, who embodies a grieving man impacted by family tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about depression which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of grief that causes fragile families to fall apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced meaningful unforgettable art.
5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. This anxiety first began in high school when I faced grim pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to cope with stress, I faced a nervous breakdown that impacted my academic success. As someone that experienced anxiety as a teenager, I adored “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about lonely teenagers. With the most personal film of his career, Chbosky captured lonely teenagers afflicted with anxiety causing despair. For instance, the scene in which Charlie has a nervous breakdown after bidding sad farewell to his friends causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Logan Lerman, who portrays a lonely teenager facing conflicted emotion. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a commemorated masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the beloved book to appreciate it. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teenager, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made timeless films about loneliness which audiences tremendously treasure.
6. Requiem for a Dream
Drug addicts often lead lives that are lonely. During my childhood, I formed a friendship with a kid addicted to drugs. A lonely kid, his addiction to drugs affected his ability to make friendships. The lonely lives of drug addicts struggling to achieve a dream are depicted in the movie “Requiem for a Dream”. Released in 2000, Darren Aronofsky’s movie captured loneliness faced by drug users. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Requiem for a Dream” stand out is its depiction of drug use. Aronofsky uses captivating montages capturing drug addicts. Assisted by Jared Leto who is amazing in the lead role, Aronofsky created a portrait of drug users facing sorrow. A devastating depiction of lonely people facing drug abuse, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies making headline worldwide news.
7. Moonlight
Bullying is a damaging activity that causes loneliness. In high school, I was often picked on by bullies which were cruel. Feeling lonely, I struggled to cope with bullying that impacted by mental health adversely. As someone recalling memories of bullies I had to fight, I adored “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Barry Jenkins’ movie captured a lonely gay black man facing adversity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Moonlight” stand out is its depiction of bullying. Jenkins uses scenes of silence to capture a lonely black teenager facing bullying. Assisted by Ashton Sanders who is amazing in the lead role, Jenkins created a powerful portrait of loneliness. A breathtaking portrait of bullies that black queer teenagers fight, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated genre that has made timeless movies achieving spotlight.
8. Life of Pi
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about loneliness that satisfy, it’s worth discussing Life of Pi. Since its publication in 2001, Yann Martel’s book has become a literary classic. In 2012, Ang Lee celebrated the book about tigers that terrify in his movie “Life of Pi”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Life of Pi” stand out is its stunning special effects. It isn’t easy to adapt a beloved book about loneliness but Lee succeeded immensely. Lee uses practical effects to capture the bond between a lonely teenager and tiger. Assisted by Suraj Sharma who is superb in the lead role, Lee created a powerful adaptation of a book. An awe-inspiring adaptation of a book about lonely Indian teenagers facing tigers that terrify, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced strong movies which tremendously satisfy.
9. Fight Club
David Fincher is a legendary filmmaker that has made memorable movies audiences treasure. With their compelling storytelling, strong characters and powerful acting, Fincher’s films have earned huge following. Loneliness has always been a central theme in Fincher’s movies, and it is most evident in “Fight Club”. Released in 1999, Fincher’s movie captured lonely men forming fight club societies. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Fight Club” stand out is its depiction of mental illness. Fincher uses captivating foreshadowing capturing obstacles that a lonely man with mental illness is facing. Assisted by Edward Norton who is excellent in the lead role, Fincher created a captivating drama about loners. As precious as the fight club created by Tyler Durden, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies earning appreciation.
10. American Psycho
Few movies ever made about lonely serial killers facing sorrow are as beloved as “American Psycho”. Released in 2000, Mary Harron’s movie captured the lonely life of a killer. Harron uses captivating montages capturing loneliness that a psychotic serial killer is facing. Assisted by Christian Bale who is superb in the lead role, Harron created a portrait of loneliness with detail. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of loneliness causing a businessman to go on a killing spree has forever tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As memorable as murders committed by Patrick Bateman, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing engaging movies about loners facing isolation which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 