I’m actually a big fan of seemingly contradictory titles. I do that with some of my sermons when I want to peak everyone’s interest. But in the film world, if you’re going to go this route, be sure the movie delivers a punch and makes you forget that the title itself makes absolutely no sense. I already feel silly enough having to say the title when I request a ticket. Here are some whoppers when it comes to contradictory movie titles.
Never-ending story 2: Really? A sequel to a story that never ends? Wouldn’t that imply that the story did, in fact, end? Is this one never going to end too or are you just teasing me? If the title of this rant didn’t immediately make you think of this movie than you’re probably about 16 years old. Also, don’t watch this again as an adult, it’s definitely one of those movies that should stay in my memories as a kid. But, Atreyu is still one of the coolest character names ever.
Slumdog Millionaire: I haven’t seen this movie and I’m not going to. (Pause for the collective cries of “it’s such a great story”). It’s obvious how the title has the potential for contradiction. However, in a technical sense, this title is only contradictory if both ‘slumdog’ and ‘millionaire’ are referring to the same thing in the same way.
True Lies: Ummm… which is it? The truth or a lie? Jamie Lee Curtis wants to know. I could be truly telling a lie, but could I be lying, truly? Don’t even worry about the title, if this movie wanted to be taken seriously they shouldn’t have made Roseanne Barr’s husband, aka Tom Arnold, the right hand man for Aaaanold.
Stranger Than Fiction: Think about it, if non-fiction reports actual events, and fiction is the “imaginary” or “theoretical” world, then fiction should encompass all things “strange” and there should be nothing that is Stranger Than Fiction. That said, it’s a pretty intriguing title, no?
Eyes Wide Shut: Funny thing is, the title of this movie is exactly what I would recommend you doing while watching it. Now, do I recommend the movie or not? You tell me.
Friday the 13th Part 4: The Final Chapter: If you’re going to call something “final”, then DON’T MAKE ANYMORE! At least the next one in this series was called “A New Beginning”. Too bad it was the exact same plot.
Goodfellas: While the title isn’t technically in contradiction with itself, it is in contradiction to the entire movie! I mean, these aren’t “good” fellas. They’re quite mean. I think they even break the speed limit.
Got any to add to this list?
“Slumdog” because he is from the slums (that’s what they call people from the slums), “Millionaire” because he appears on their version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” If you had seen the movie you were passing judgment on, you would know that!