I would choose Cinema Paradiso because it is funny, it's sad and it conveys the power of cinema in a way that might allow my friend to imagine what it is he/she is missing.
What about you? What film would you pick? Why?
I already have a friend like that, except he has two movies he usually puts on in the background. The first is The Godfather and the other is Apocalypse Now. When we used to hang out a lot, I got so sick of Apocalypse Now that I haven't seen it since. He's my buddy, but he's a bit fucked. When we'd be hanging out and he'd go for a beer run he would make me sit outside his house so I wouldn't hit on his girlfriend. Some friend (she is really beautiful though).
I went through an Apocalypse Now and Platoon phase at the same time. Those were strange days indeed.
Barton Fink. One of my favourite films and it really defies genres. The themes and symbolism are incredible, to say the least. There is so much to be garnered from this film that it's worth at least two watches, but probably even more. It's funny, it's sad, it's romantic, it's a murder mystery, it has action. And it's a love letter to Hollywood and the silver screen (as long as you don't know what the word "love" means). Alternatively, Weirdsville because fuck it; it's crazy and zany and who doesn't love drug-addled slackers venturing through Canada, getting up to shenanigans and meeting a group of LARPing midgets? It's an all-time favourite of mine and my friends'.
When we were kids one of the movies we owned on VHS was Barton Fink. I think my parents rented it and just never returned it and it cost more to pay the late fees than to just buy the movie. Anyways, we watched it a lot and whenever I think of the film, I immediately think of pealing, damp wallpaper. Some really strong images in that movie. Great stuff. I've never seen Weirdsville, but based on your description and enthusiasm I think I'd like to. thanks.
Memento. Then tell him that's what every film in the world is like.
THE ENIGMA OF KASPAR HAUSER This one film person would probably identify with the title character.
Quiet City. It just has a certain pleasant and warm atmosphere. It deals with the kindness of strangers amongst other things, its just a pleasant watch if perhaps a little pretentious.