Lot’s Wife • Edition FourArt by Charlotte Elwell14
Lot’s Wife • Edition FourThe Must-See Classics to Watch inLockdown 2Words by Britt MunroIf you’re anything like me, your new idea of a hot date on a Friday night is thecouch, remote primed in your palm, trackies and a good cup of tea (or perhapsa slightly stronger beverage if your mum isn’t by your side). I may as well behonest; this was my typical Friday night before COVID hit… but hey, let’s justsay I’m a trendsetter. Now that we’re stuck in Lockdown 2.0 and Masterchefis over, I’m here to give you my best classic films to keep you company and farfrom the depths of Bachelor in Paradise.Heat up the popcorn, drum roll please…1. EXERCISE MOTIVATION – DIE HARD (1988)If you’re looking for some exercise motivation, look no further. This actionthriller will get your heart pumping as a fit and pre-balding Bruce Willisattempts to single-handedly overpower German terrorists who have taken overthe Nakatomi Plaza. Think pumping biceps, gun battles, superhuman chin-ups,pull-ups and awesome one-liners. Every time I watch this classic, the next dayI’ll find myself researching self-defence and taekwondo classes… you know, justin case I ever find myself in Bruce’s situation.2. IT’S TIME TO CALL YOUR BESTIE (AND JOIN THE NAVY) –TOP GUN (1986)This film needs no introduction. Pre-Scientology Tom Cruise in aviators,a ripper leather jacket and a US Navy uniform, flying around bomber jets atlightning speed. Throw in an intelligent and strong female played by KellyMcGillis to share the lead (who also rocks a leather jacket). You’ll be banging tothe 80s tunes and considering whether it’s too late to apply for the Navy. Add inan all-time classic bromance, and you’ll be calling your bestie to know whetherthey’d be willing to be your co-pilot and wingman (in my case, it’s a very firmyes). So, do yourself a favour and let Top Gun take your breath away.3. REMEMBERING THE GOOD OLD DAYS – COOL RUNNINGS(1993)I was mindlessly flicking through the channels one dreary Wednesday nightand found Cool Runnings. Boy, was I glad I stumbled on this gem. Nothingtakes me back to the carefree days of primary school more than the true storyof the Jamaican Winter Olympics bobsled team. You knew holidays werecoming when the teacher gave up on learning for the day, wheeled out the telly(exposing my age here), dimmed the lights, and turned on the exotic paradiseof Jamaica. Seeing the dreadlocks, palm trees, and bongo drums will instantlytransport you from fog-filled Melbourne and have you planning your first post-COVID escape. You’ll be laughing, you’ll be inspired, and you will be chantingloudly for the Jamaican bobsled team.4. THE GUILTY PLEASURE – THE PRINCESS DIARIES (2001)Everyone has that one guilty pleasure film (or in my case multiple – didsomeone say Mamma Mia! 1 and 2?). The pick me up that instantly bringsa smile and helps us when we’re having a rough time. In lockdown, my go-toguilty pleasure has to be The Princess Diaries. This, of course, has nothing to dowith the fact I am still waiting for my mum to announce that I’ve been right allalong: I actually am a princess! What a lovely surprise after being trapped inmy humble abode to be told that I’ll be upgrading to a gigantic castle in somefaraway magical land to rule. And as Princess Britannia, my first royal decreewill be that everyone treats themselves to their very own guilty pleasure movienight where they watch whatever makes them feel fuzzy on the inside. And ifyou choose to wisely follow my lead and watch The Princess Diaries (you arevery welcome into my kingdom). I would highly recommend watching with acrown and DIY royal robe.5. THE SING-ALONG – GREASE (1978)Even though my singing is best left for the shower (apart from when Isurprisingly rock out in key to Queen), who can resist a good sing-along? WithJohn Travolta rocking the hair gel and Olivia Newton-John giving us all furtherexercise motivation (seriously who can look that good in tight leather pants?),you’ll be hand-jiving and screaming ‘TELL ME MORE’ at the top of yourlungs in no time. You might even consider purchasing a leather jacket (whichwould really match your new aviators and complete your Top Gun wardrobe).6. WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS - PADDINGTON 2 (2017)I may be slightly stretching the definition of a ‘classic’. Nevertheless, in a timeplagued with so much uncertainty and scary news on repeat, we all needsomething to restore our faith that everything will be alright. Cue a talkingbear (again, promise I haven’t gone crazy in isolation). Paddington 2 is laughout-loudhilarious. It shows that good will always triumph against evil andcelebrates the power of humanity as strangers unite to help a bear in need.Even in these dark days, the kindness and resilience of our society has energisedme. Paddington 2 will inspire and reassure you that together, humankind canovercome all obstacles.***There is nothing quite like the hush and anticipation as the cinema lightsdim. For a few precious hours, we are transported from our reality, from thehumdrum, and escape to a new world where hopefully we may learn and grow.We owe ourselves this little pleasure of escaping, of being swept away. Immerseyourself in the wonderful world of film. At a time when it is so easy to feel soalone and lost, let characters and stories remind of your place, your purpose,your connection, and most of all, your true self.15