Fantastic Fall Films
Ahhh… Autumn. I love this season, so very much. The way the air smells, the sound of crunching leaves underfoot, and the vibrant colors as the foliage changes, are some of my favorite things. Having only ever lived in New England, I cannot imagine living someplace that does not have four distinct seasons, particularly fall. While I know that there are some people who look at this season as merely the ‘death’ of summer, or ‘beginning’ of winter, I see it as the most beautiful time of the year. From pumpkin spice lattes, to cooler days, and, hello, sweater weather, what’s not to love?
To celebrate the start of this enchanting time of the year, I have compiled a list of my all time favorite autumnal film moments. The following films, scenes, quotes, and sentiments capture the true spirit of the season, and display some amazing fall footage that will make you want to venture out and pick an apple or two, get lost in a corn maze, or go “leaf peeping” and take in as much gorgeous fall scenery as possible...
You’ve Got Mail (dir. Nora Ephron, 1998)
This quote is fall: “I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” -Joe Fox (Tom Hanks)
Fly Away Home (dir. Carroll Ballard, 1996)
Based on a real-life story, this coming-of-age film takes creative license by focusing on Amy (Anna Paquin) and her attempts to teach some geese how to migrate by following her in an ultralight from Ontario, Canada to a bird sanctuary in North Carolina. There is no surer sign of fall than seeing some geese flying south.
The Trouble With Harry (dir. Alfred Hitchcock, 1955)
Hitchcock directing a black comedy… This film is sheer perfection. The stage is set in the quiet Vermont countryside, complete with fall foliage, autumnal scenery, and a pesky dead body...
All I Want to Do (aka The Hairy Bird, dir. Sarah Kernochan, 1998)
This period comedy centers around the misadventures of a group of young women attending the fictional “Miss Godard’s Preparatory School for Girls.” With a stellar cast, some gut busting moments, and plenty of back to school angst, the autumnal background sets the stage for the hilarity that ensues.
When Harry Met Sally... (dir. Rob Reiner, 1989)
The shots of autumn in Central Park in New York City, have become iconic. The film is iconic. Just watch it, if you haven’t already.
All That Heaven Allows (dir. Douglas Sirk, 1955)
I cannot help but think of the gently blowing leaves and autumnal foliage that opens this melodrama.
Days of Heaven (dir. Terrence Malick, 1978)
Winning an Academy Award for Best Cinematography, this film is beautiful. The majestic shot of the fields are captivating, turning the backdrop of the film into an extra character.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (dir. Wes Anderson, 2009)
Wes Anderson adapting a classic children’s story by Roald Dahl, yes please! The production design, the mixed forms of animation, and miniature life-like trees all scream fall.
Love Story (dir. Arthur Hiller, 1970)
A tearjerker, but who could forget the film’s early moments when Oliver (Ryan O’Neal) and Jenny (Ali MacGraw) meet while attending Harvard College and Radcliffe College? Autumn in New England is the perfect backdrop for a budding romance.
Pocahontas (dir. Mike Gabriel & Eric Goldberg, 1995)
The “Colors of the Wind.” Oh, and harvesting corn, and such.
What are your favorite things to do in autumn? Any film moments that spring to mind that weren’t mentioned above? Share your thoughts and reactions to all things ‘fall’ in the comments below!
Copyright © 2019 Sarah Crane
