Slightly Strange

Most audiences love to see movies that twist a genre or show us something we've never seen before, but these films are slightly stranger than the norm... 

1. Frank; Lenny Abrahamson Click here to see trailer

This is the story of mysterious, bizarre, muso Frank who has lived with a paper machet head on for as long as his band members have known him. When Jon (Domhall Gleeson) aspires to join the band he is put through rigorous training as they try and make the best album ever created. This film is strange but has a heartwarming message, and some pretty cool tunes with Michael Fassbender as you've never seen or imagined him before. 

2. White Bird in a Blizzard; Gregg Araki Click here to see trailer

I loved this teen coming of age drama romance thriller murder-mystery fantasy! Disturbed suburban mom (Eva Green) simply vanishes into thin air, her daughter Kat (Shailene Woodley) is slightly relieved as the torment she put her through is over and she can get on with growing up. But, she begins to have disturbing nightmares about her mother, and can't let it go. This is no where near your classic whodunnit film, but still absorbs audiences in the mystery and stuns us with twists. 

3. Only Lovers Left Alive; Jim Jarmusch Click here to see trailer

With the onslaught on vampire movies in the 2010s this one was a refreshing change, showing the 'real life' implications of having to be immortal. Vampires Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton) have been in love for centuries, but are struggling to find their niche in modern society.

4. Swiss Army Man; Daniel Kwan Click here to see trailer

When I think of strange films, I think of this one. Hank (Paul Dano) is stranded on a deserted beach and has basically given up hope of ever finding his way home. But then, a dead body (Daniel Dacliffe) washes up onto shore. This dead body can speak, feel, and fart, and acts as Hank's inspiration to get home and get the girl he's be fawning after. It's not all fart jokes, with some tender moments of realising what is important in life.

5. Big Eyes; Tim Burton Click here to see trailer

This is my favourite Tim Burton film, based on the true story of betrayal, women's rights, art history, and winning. Young divorcee and budding artist Margaret (Amy Adams) meets artist Walter Keane (Christopher Waltz) who takes her under his wing. When her paintings with huge eyes don't sell, he lies and says he is the one who painted them and they instantly become a hit. Margaret is forced to paint for him, as he reaps the rewards and belittles her achievements. The eyes begin to haunt her and she must decide whether to keep up this lie. 

6. I Heart Huckabees; David O'Russell Click here to see trailer

If this film doesn't elicit an existential crisis in you, then I don't know what will. When Albert (Jason Schwartzman) stumbles across a strange new business of 'existential detectives' he enlists their help to discover the meaning of some strange coincidences happening in his life. 

7. Mr Nobody; Jaco van Dormael Click here to see trailer

This is the tale of a man who has lived a thousand lives, a different life created every time he has to make a choice between two outcomes. In 2092, Nemo (Jared Leto) is the last living mortal human - everyone else no longer dies. He is interviewed by his doctors and tells stories of his long life. This reminds me of a mixture of films such as Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, and Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind. 

8. Thumbsucker; Mike Mills Click here to see trailer

This is the coming of age film with a twist. Teenager Justin (Lou Pucci) obsessively sucks his thumb, much to the distaste of his classmates and his strange orthodontist (Keanu Reeves) who uses alternative methods to try and stop him from sucking his thumb. A combination of this and some ADHD drugs turn Justin into the perfect teen, as he climbs the social and academic ladder.