Portrait by Arto Saari
Our dear friend and all round legend Jimmy Lees graced us with a selection of his favourite films.
An absolute lord behind the lens, Jimmy’s selection features a eclectic mix of Australian cinema, New York subcultures and one of the best British skate videos of all time.
It’s safe to say the man has taste, which comes as no surprise seeing as he’s also responsible for one of the tastiest beverages out there in the form of A Beautiful Something. If you’re unfamiliar we highly recommend you get on it!
1) Party Monster, Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, 2003
Maybe it’s Macaulay Culkin being at rock bottom or maybe it’s his finest work, or maybe the fact he’s just paired with Marilyn Manson and Seth Green. Either way the wardrobe throughout this film is incredible. Ultimate party hype film.
2a) Storm Boy, Henri Safran, Ian Goddard, 1976
2b) Storm Boy, Shawn Seet, 2019
A beautiful Australian film. The 1976 original and also remade in 2019. Both versions are brilliant. A story about a boy living on a desolate Australian coastline with his father, where he forms a close bond with a pelican, Mr. Percival. A story about love and friendship.
3) Two Hands, Gregor Jordan, 1999
There’s something special about Australian filmmaking. I could name loads but this was a staple in our household growing up. Heath Ledger in the late nineties! What an incredible piece of Australian cinema.
4) Style Wars, Tony Silver, 1983
A documentary about the subculture of hip-hop developing in New York City in the seventies and eighties, focusing on the graffiti and breakdancing movements.
5) Blueprint – Lost and Found, Dan Magee, 2005
Growing up skateboarding in Australia we were quite heavily influenced by American skateboarding. It wasn’t until 2005 when I graduated high school and moved to London that I was introduced to the British style of skateboarding and skate videos. I remember sitting in our tiny flat watching Lost and Found on repeat. This film left a huge impression on me and opened my eyes to a whole new world. Thank you Dan Magee.
