By Sarah Murnane
My rather eclectic mix of movies that I feel perfectly capture the wide breath of emotions as college students descend on their rightful territory this Autumn.
Pitch Perfect
A classic movie within its own right. Every time I see Anna Kendrick in the opening montage slamming her fingers haphazardly on that product placement MAC laptop I know I’m in for a wonderful comfort movie. Pitch Perfect perfectly captures the balance of how insane and intense college societies can be while providing the escapism that we all need in reality where deadlines and essays loom over us.
Withnail and I
An unbeatable English B-movie, Withnail and I is by far one of the strangest films in this list but deserves it’s place for remaining relevant throughout the decades. The film follows two postgraduate failing actors in London in the 1960s. A comedy, it is dark, unnerving and challenges the bounds of what can be classified as ‘funny’. One of Richard E. Grant’s most engaging roles, he never fails to make me laugh every time I throw this film on. This film is best to watch on a rainy day you are feeling a little sorry for yourself. No matter how bad your life is, it will never be as bad as Withnail and I.
When Harry Met Sally
Although When Harry Met Sally is not a back to college film in genre, I feel that it imbues a sense of hope and lightheartedness that is essential when embarking on a new college year. When Harry Met Sally is a romantic comedy that follows a pair of friends throughout their late twenties and early thirties figure out their relationship with their friends and each other. It is witty, unique and features some incredible performances from both Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. It is cozy, fun and occasionally a tear-jerker, but absolutely worth a watch in the first few weeks of college.