Movies About Borderline

From Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne
Rated R

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a romantic science-fiction drama film directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman. The film stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as Joel and Clementine, a couple who have had their memories of each other erased by a mysterious medical procedure. The story follows Joel's attempts to rediscover their relationship and re-experience the moments they had together while Clementine undergoes the same procedure. The film explores themes of memory and relationships, and their impact on our lives. The film was critically acclaimed, with Carrey and Winslet receiving numerous accolades for their performances. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for Best Picture.

From Oliver Hirschbiegel, starring Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Matthes, Juliane Köhler
Rated R

Downfall (2004) is a German-language historical drama directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel that depicts the final days of the Third Reich. It follows the events surrounding Adolf Hitler's last days in his Berlin bunker as Germany collapses around him in the closing days of World War II. As Hitler (portrayed by Bruno Ganz) and his inner circle of Nazi leaders realize that the war is lost and Germany is on the brink of defeat, they are forced to confront their own mortality and the consequences of their actions. In the face of Allied advances, the Nazi regime descends into chaos and paranoia, with Hitler lashing out in increasingly desperate attempts to maintain control. This culminates in a gripping and emotionally charged final scene as the Nazi leadership awaits their impending doom.

From David Fincher, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Rated R

Gone Girl is a psychological thriller directed by David Fincher, based on the best-selling novel by Gillian Flynn. The story follows Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), who is accused of murdering his wife, Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike). As the police investigate the case, the media frenzy surrounding the couple intensifies. Nick's portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble when evidence points to him as the prime suspect. As his lies mount and the police close in, Nick finds himself in the middle of an intense game of cat and mouse with his wife. The film culminates in a surprise twist as the truth behind Amy's disappearance is revealed.

From David Lynch, starring Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Jeanne Bates
Rated R

Mulholland Drive is a surreal neo-noir mystery film written and directed by David Lynch. The movie focuses on two women, Betty Elms (Naomi Watts) and Rita (Laura Elena Harring), who are connected by a mystery that unfolds over the course of the film. Betty is an aspiring actress who recently moved to Los Angeles and is staying at the home of her aunt. Rita is a woman who has been injured in a car accident and is suffering from amnesia. Forced to hide from her pursuers, Rita moves into the same house as Betty. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth about Rita’s identity, which leads them into a complex web of intrigue, deceit, and danger. The film is a dreamlike exploration of the dark side of Hollywood and the human psyche, and its ambiguous ending has been widely discussed by film scholars and fans.

From Rob Reiner, starring James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen
Rated R

Misery is a 1990 psychological horror film directed by Rob Reiner and based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. It stars James Caan as novelist Paul Sheldon and Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes, a deranged fan who rescues him from a car crash and holds him captive in her home. Annie is an obsessed fan of Paul's novels and is determined to keep him from leaving her. As Annie's behavior becomes increasingly violent, Paul must rely on his wits to find a way to escape. With a gripping story, excellent acting, and terrifying suspense, Misery is a classic thriller and an essential watch for any film fan.

From Jaco Van Dormael, starring Jared Leto, Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger, Linh-Dan Pham
Rated R

Mr. Nobody tells the story of Nemo Nobody, a 118-year-old man who is the last mortal on earth after the human race has achieved quasi-immortality. As Nemo experiences the stories of his life, he is faced with choices of how he could have taken different paths. The film explores the concept of the butterfly effect, and how small decisions can ultimately affect the lives of many. Through Nemo's journey, he comes to understand the beauty of life and the importance of each choice we make.

From David O. Russell, starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver
Rated R

Silver Linings Playbook is a romantic comedy-drama directed by David O. Russell. The film stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence and follows the story of Pat Solitano Jr. (Cooper), a former high school teacher who is released from a psychiatric hospital after eight months of treatment. Pat's goal is to reunite with his estranged wife, Nikki. Along the way, he meets Tiffany (Lawrence), a mysterious young widow who offers to help Pat reconnect with Nikki if he will enter a dance competition with her. As they train for the competition, a special bond begins to form between the two, and Pat learns to accept that life isn't always perfect. The film received numerous awards and nominations, including 8 Academy Award nominations. It is ultimately a story of family, friendship, and resilience in the face of life's struggles.

From Marc Webb, starring Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Geoffrey Arend, Chloë Grace Moretz
Rated PG-13

500 Days of Summer is a 2009 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Marc Webb and written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, the film follows the story of Tom Hansen and Summer Finn, two people who meet in their twenties and form a brief but intense relationship over the course of 500 days. Tom, an aspiring architect, is initially drawn to Summer’s free-spirited, independent nature, and the two share many experiences and adventures together. However, Tom’s hopes for a serious relationship are dashed when Summer reveals that she does not believe in love and is not looking for commitment. The film is told from Tom’s perspective, and although the relationship does not work out, his experiences with Summer ultimately force him to reevaluate his life and motivations.

From Joel Schumacher, starring Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall, Barbara Hershey, Rachel Ticotin
Rated R

Falling Down is a 1993 American drama film directed by Joel Schumacher and written by Ebbe Roe Smith. The film stars Michael Douglas in the lead role of William "D-Fens" Foster, a divorced former defense engineer whose life is spiraling out of control. After being stuck in traffic on the hottest day of the year, D-Fens snaps, abandons his car, and embarks on a journey across Los Angeles to get to his daughter's birthday party. Along the way, he encounters a variety of people and situations that serve to further enrage him and make him question the state of society. As his increasingly erratic behavior brings him into conflict with both local gang members and the police, the film culminates in a dramatic confrontation between D-Fens and a Neo-Nazi gang leader.

From Stephen Frears, starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, Swoosie Kurtz
Rated R

Dangerous Liaisons is a 1988 historical drama film directed by Stephen Frears and starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer. It is based on the 1782 novel of the same name by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, and tells the story of two wealthy and powerful lovers in pre-Revolutionary France, who engage in a cruel game of manipulation and seduction. The film follows the Marquise de Merteuil (Close) and the Vicomte de Valmont (Malkovich) as they use their skills at seduction to manipulate those around them and exact revenge on those who have wronged them. Along the way, they’re forced to confront their own feelings and desires, with tragic results.

From Gregg Araki, starring Brady Corbet, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elisabeth Shue, Chase Ellison
Rated Unrated

Mysterious Skin is a 2004 American drama film written and directed by Gregg Araki, and based on the 1995 novel of the same name by Scott Heim. The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Neil, a young man who is haunted by memories of being abused as a child. After his friend, Brian (Brady Corbet) reveals he also experienced similar abuse, the two embark on a journey to piece together the mystery of their past. Along the way, they must confront the difficult truths of their lives and the people associated with their childhoods. The film also stars Elisabeth Shue, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Bill Sage in supporting roles.

From Alan J. Pakula, starring Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Peter MacNicol, Rita Karin
Rated R

Sophie's Choice is a 1982 drama film directed by Alan J. Pakula, starring Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, and Peter MacNicol. It tells the story of Sophie Zawistowski, a Polish immigrant living in Brooklyn, New York in the late 1940s. After suffering a traumatic past during World War II, Sophie must make a horrifying choice between her two children. The film follows her struggle to come to terms with her past, as well as her relationship with Stingo, an aspiring writer who lives in the same boarding house. Packed with powerful performances, Sophie's Choice is an intensely moving drama that powerfully explores themes of guilt and forgiveness.

From Stephen Daldry, starring Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Stephen Dillane
Rated PG-13

The Hours is a 2002 drama film directed by Stephen Daldry. It follows three women living in three different time periods, all of whom are connected to the novel Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. The story follows Laura Brown (Julianne Moore) in 1949 Los Angeles, Clarissa Vaughn (Meryl Streep) in 2001 New York, and Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) in 1923 Richmond, England. The film explores the complex relationships between the three women and the impact that Mrs. Dalloway has had on their lives. Through the stories of these three women, the movie examines themes of mortality, love, and art. The film was praised for its performances and won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for Nicole Kidman.

From Michael Haneke, starring Isabelle Huppert, Annie Girardot, Benoît Magimel, Susanne Lothar
Rated R

The Piano Teacher is a 2001 German-language psychological drama film written and directed by Michael Haneke and starring Isabelle Huppert. The plot follows Erika Kohut, an aging piano teacher at a Vienna music conservatory, who is deeply affected by her domineering mother and a young student with whom she develops a volatile relationship. The film focuses on the power dynamics of Erika's relationship with her student and her struggles with her own psychological issues. As the film progresses, Erika's already fragile mental state deteriorates further as the relationship between her and her student spirals out of control. The film culminates in a shocking climax that leaves audiences with a sense of intrigue.

From Richard Eyre, starring Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Andrew Simpson, Tom Georgeson
Rated R

From Jean-Jacques Beineix, starring Jean-Hugues Anglade, Béatrice Dalle, Gérard Darmon, Consuelo De Haviland
Rated Unrated

From James Mangold, starring Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Clea DuVall, Brittany Murphy
Rated R

From Patty Jenkins, starring Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci, Bruce Dern, Lee Tergesen
Rated R

From Terry Zwigoff, starring Steve Buscemi, Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Renfro
Rated R

From Steve McQueen, starring Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale, Lucy Walters
Rated NC-17

From Ryan Fleck, starring Ryan Gosling, Anthony Mackie, Shareeka Epps, Jeff Lima
Rated R

From Peter Kosminsky, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Renée Zellweger, Robin Wright, Alison Lohman
Rated PG-13

From Jon S. Baird, starring James McAvoy, Jamie Bell, Eddie Marsan, Imogen Poots
Rated R

From Paul Verhoeven, starring Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone, George Dzundza, Jeanne Tripplehorn
Rated R

From Adrian Lyne, starring Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, Anne Archer, Ellen Latzen
Rated R