Movies About Conformity

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 film directed by David Fincher and based on the novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. The film follows an unnamed protagonist (Edward Norton) who is a depressed insomniac. He forms an underground fight club with soap salesman Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and they are joined by men who want to fight recreationally. The fight club eventually turns into a nationwide organization called "Project Mayhem" which causes chaos throughout society. The protagonist ultimately realizes that Tyler is his alter ego and must come to terms with his true identity in order to overcome his internal conflicts and take control of his life.

From Tony Kaye, starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien
Rated R

American History X is a 1998 crime drama directed by Tony Kaye and starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong. The film tells the story of Derek Vinyard (Norton), a former neo-Nazi skinhead who, after serving time in prison, attempts to prevent his younger brother, Danny (Furlong), from taking the same path. The film follows Derek as he tries to make amends for his past, coming to terms with his own beliefs and consequences of his choices. Through his experiences, Derek discovers the importance of tolerance, respect and understanding in a racially divided society. The film touches on themes such as racism, justice, family, and redemption, with a powerful ending that leaves the audience with an important message of hope and change.

From James McTeigue, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Rated R

V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis, based on the 1988 DC/Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. Set in a future British tyranny, the film follows a mysterious freedom fighter known only as "V" (Hugo Weaving) who attempts to ignite a revolution through elaborate terrorist acts and a campaign of symbolism and rhetoric. Along the way, he befriends a young woman, Evey (Natalie Portman), who is saved from an attempted rape by V. As the story progresses, V and Evey are pursued by the police and the government, and V seeks to liberate the people of Britain from their oppressive government. The film also stars Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, John Hurt, and Tim Pigott-Smith.

From Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Rated PG

Dead Poets Society is a coming-of-age drama starring Robin Williams, set in a conservative private boys' school in 1959. Williams plays the inspirational English teacher, John Keating, who encourages his students to "seize the day" and make their lives extraordinary. Through Keating's unorthodox teaching methods and influence, the boys learn to think for themselves and challenge authority, ultimately learning to live life to the fullest. The film follows the students on a journey of self-discovery as they are encouraged to pursue their passions and question the repressive norms of the era. The film ultimately culminates in tragedy, as the boys come to terms with the consequences of their actions and the realities of life.

From Alan Parker, starring Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
Rated R

Pink Floyd: The Wall is a 1982 British musical film directed by Alan Parker, based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album of the same name. It follows the story of a rock star's life and descent into alienation and despair. The protagonist, Pink, is played by Bob Geldof. The film is a psychological drama, with elements of surrealism and dark humor, which combines live action with animation. The story follows Pink's life from his childhood, through adulthood, and ultimately to his breakdown. The film takes the form of a metaphorical brick wall, with Pink gradually adding bricks to the wall in an effort to protect himself from the pain and suffering in the world. As his wall becomes more and more complete, he becomes more and more isolated from the world around him, until he has a complete mental breakdown. The film culminates with Pink's return to reality, in which he is able to finally tear down the wall he created. The film was very successful, earning over $22 million worldwide, and was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Original Song Score. It was also the first British film to top the box office in the United States.

From Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall
Rated PG-13

Edward Scissorhands is a 1990 fantasy romance film directed by Tim Burton. It stars Johnny Depp as an artificial man named Edward, created by an inventor who died before finishing him. Edward is left with scissors for hands, which makes it difficult for him to adjust to the outside world. He is taken in by a suburban family and falls in love with their daughter, Kim. However, his strange appearance and strange behavior cause the townspeople to fear and mistrust him. In the end, with the help of Kim, he learns to accept himself for who he is. The film explores themes of love, acceptance, and the power of fear.

From Andrew Niccol, starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal
Rated PG-13

Gattaca (1997) is a science fiction film directed by Andrew Niccol. It stars Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law. The story is set in a future society where people are genetically engineered for perfection and are divided into genetically-inferior and genetically-superior classes. The protagonist is Vincent (Ethan Hawke), an outcast from the genetically-inferior class. Desperate to pursue a prestigious career as an astronaut, he assumes the identity of Jerome (Jude Law), a genetically-superior man. Through his own determination and will power, Vincent is able to pass the rigorous tests and join a mission to space. However, as the mission progresses, Vincent and Jerome's past threatens to be uncovered. To make matters worse, the mission is under threat of sabotage by a mysterious figure who has a personal grudge against Vincent. With the help of his colleagues, Vincent is able to uncover the saboteur’s identity and complete the mission. Gattaca is a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical implications of genetic engineering and a commentary on human spirit and determination. The film was well-received, earning several awards and nominations.

From Gary Ross, starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels, Joan Allen, William H. Macy
Rated PG-13

Pleasantville is a 1998 fantasy comedy-drama film directed by Gary Ross. The film follows two teenage siblings, David (Tobey Maguire) and Jennifer (Reese Witherspoon), who are transported into a 1950s black-and-white television sitcom called Pleasantville. While in the sitcom, David and Jennifer find themselves in the roles of Bud and Mary Sue Parker, two teenagers who live in the fictional town of Pleasantville. As the story progresses, David and Jennifer begin to introduce modern ideas and attitudes that slowly bring color to the town, and challenge the citizens' rigidly structured lives. They eventually become the town's catalysts for change, and their presence begins to revolutionize Pleasantville. As the town gradually becomes colorful, so too does the Parker siblings' lives. In the end, the town learns to embrace change, and David and Jennifer find acceptance, understanding, and friendship in the town that was once so monochrome.

From Philip Kaufman, starring Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright
Rated PG

From James Merendino, starring Matthew Lillard, Michael A. Goorjian, Annabeth Gish, Jennifer Lien
Rated R

From Kurt Wimmer, starring Christian Bale, Sean Bean, Emily Watson, Taye Diggs
Rated R

From Michael Radford, starring John Hurt, Richard Burton, Suzanna Hamilton, Cyril Cusack
Rated R

From Spencer Susser, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Devin Brochu, Natalie Portman, Rainn Wilson
Rated R

From Michael Anderson, starring Michael York, Jenny Agutter, Richard Jordan, Roscoe Lee Browne
Rated PG

From George Lucas, starring Robert Duvall, Donald Pleasence, Don Pedro Colley, Maggie McOmie
Rated R

From Directors: Eric Darnell, Tim Johnson, starring Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Sylvester Stallone
Rated PG

From Danny Boyle, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Daniel York, Patcharawan Patarakijjanon
Rated R

From Directors: George Miller, Warren Coleman, Judy Morris, starring Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, Robin Williams
Rated PG

From Directors: Simon J. Smith, Steve Hickner, starring Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton
Rated PG

From Frank Oz, starring Nicole Kidman, Bette Midler, Matthew Broderick, Glenn Close
Rated PG-13