Indie Inspiration

Staffers pick the best independent movies everybody should see

Indie+Inspiration

Raider Staff

 

 MV5BNTc3MDQ1ODc0Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTY0MTI3Mg@@._V1_SY317_CR1,0,214,317_AL_Splinterheads, 2009

I watch a lot of indie movies. But there hasn’t been one that’s stuck in my head as long as Splinterheads has. Whenever my friends need a new movie to watch, I always recommend it. Why? Because everything about it is just wonderful. The story follows a lifelong loser, Justin Frost (Thomas Middleditch), who falls in love with carnie Galaxy (Rachel Taylor). The plot follows their story, including heated moments with other carnies and their geocaching adventures. What I really love is that you get to see Justin develop as the movie goes on, from a slacker to a guy who has fallen in love. The film is funny, yet relatable. It’s such a heartwarming movie and I suggest it to anyone who’s looking for something new to watch. –Bridget O’Malley

 

Rubber-2010-film-posterRubber, 2010

When somebody first suggested Rubber to me, I was a bit skeptical. A movie about a tire didn’t sound like my forte. The movie is just as weird as what I’d predicted it’d be – but in a good way. Rubber tells the story of a tire named Robert on a destructive rampage to kill, using its psychic powers. It’s unlike any movie I’ve ever seen before – the idea of a killer tire is hysterical. But what I’ve noticed is that throughout the movie, you actually find yourself getting attached to Robert. When Robert meets a girl, you find yourself hoping this relationship for him, and when it doesn’t, you’re crushed. Toward the end, when Robert dies, I realized I was crying…over a tire. However, what happens after Robert dies is what truly makes the movie fantastic. I highly suggest everybody watches Rubber, it’s amazing. –Bridget O’Malley

 


OutsourcedOutsourced
, 2007

Visually stunning and emotionally profound, Outsourced is the colorful movie that tells the story of Todd Anderson: a monochrome customer service manager living a typical Western lifestyle in Seattle. But when his department is outsourced to India, he is shipped to Mumbai to train his replacement. Cultural clashes ensue, hijinks follow, and some romance just might work out. This movie is amazing because it identifies the same emotions in a completely different culture, opens your eyes to a whole new world, and leaves you with a strange and wonderful sense of balance. Outsourced should be on everyone’s must-watch list.—Kayla Peterson

 

The-Artist-posterThe Artist, 2011

For all of those who bask in the black-and-white glory of the classics, this one’s for you. Emulating the style of silent film, this French comedy-drama takes place between 1927 and 1932, following silent film star George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) and the up-and-coming it-girl/love interest Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo). When silent film is replaced by “talkies,” Valentin refuses to adapt, claiming he is “an artist.” He then must decide between conforming and becoming obsolete. The beautiful thing about this movie is that it both celebrates silent films and identifies with making way for artistic revolution, wrapping it up in one magnificent package of romanticism and realism. It’s totally worth reading the subtitles. –Kayla Peterson

 

51SbO8mjuKL._SY300_The Illusionist, 2006

Based on Steven Millhasuer’s short story “Eisenheim the Illusionist,” this movie centers around a gifted magician named Eisenheim (Edward Norton) who finds himself at odds with the crown-prince of Austria after the prince makes a fool of himself at one of Eisenheim’s performances. During the film the two often clash, trying to get each other back in true Tom & Jerry fashion. But one of the main reasons for this feud is that they are both in love with Jessica Biel’s character Sophie. Amongst the cool magic tricks and talented acting, this movie has great story that keeps you interested till the very end.  –Roman Swartz

 

MV5BMjE0ODk2NjczOV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNDQ0NDg4._V1_SY475_SX334_AL_Pulp Fiction, 1994

Long before Brad Pitt was a Nazi killer and before Django was unchained, Quentin Tarantino was a young, ambitious filmmaker trying to deliver a follow up to his hit crime flick Reservoir Dogs. With some help from some Hollywood heavyweights (John Travolta, Samuel Jackson, Bruce Willis), Tarantino was makes cinema magic and tells a story the only way Quentin Tarantino can. With violence, swearing and a little bit of drug overdose, he cook-ups this indie classic that shows how a boxer on the run, two gangsters with a messy car, and an outlaw couple at a diner can all end up having a story that ties together wonderfully. –Roman Swartz

 

 

MV5BMTc4OTcxNDY2Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDg0MzkxMDE@._V1_SX214_AL_Rounders, 1998

It’s really amazing how someone could take the simple game of poker and turn it into a matter of life and death. If you’re wondering how things like this escalate so quickly, then Rounders is the flick for you. When an aspiring law school student dabbles in the world of underground poker, his luck runs out and he loses big in a high stakes match. Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) vows to never play again, but when a long lost friend is released from prison, he pick up the cards once again. –Roman Swartz