What are the most impressive films based on budget or other circumstances?

[zorbonaut]

What are the most impressive films based on things like limited budget, tough filming conditions, limited filming locations, amount of days for production etc..... List the films and reason why the film was impressive.


I've listed a few that came to mind for me with reasons why.

12 Angry Men (1957)

I'm most impressed with film because it is so riveting and it is primarily filmed in just one room with only 3 minutes filmed outside of the jury room. It is a great example that you don't need exotic locales and CGI to create compelling drama.

Once (2006)

This film makes my list for low budget reasons with an estimated production cost of $180,000. The acting was excellent and the music was sublime. I've seen Glen Hansard live (front row below stage) and he is uber talented.

Another Earth (2011)

It is hard to believe that this film was made for an estimated $150,000.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

So many medical and set issues it is almost hard to believe. Multiple director changes, cast changes and major injuries throughout the production. Through all of that is known as one of the best and ionic films of all time.

Rear Window (1954)

Hitchcock filmed this entirely at Paramount Studios but the set designers created such a massive and intricate world. It ended up being the biggest set ever built by Paramount and included a detailed lighting and drainage system.

Safety Last (1923)

Harold Lloyd completed many of his own stunts including the iconic climbing scenes from the film. Insane and extremely impressive.

Coherence (2013)

With just a $50,000 budget and shot at limited locations this was a surprising little gem. In addition they did not use traditional scripts while shooting. I included a quote from the director below:

"...instead of a script I had my own 12-page treatment that I spent about a year working on. It outlined all of the twists, and reveals, and character arcs and pieces of the puzzle that needed to happen scene-by-scene. But each day, instead of getting a script, the actors would get a page of notes for their individual character, whether it was a backstory or information about their motivations. They would come prepared for their character only. They had no idea what the other characters received, so each night there were completely real reactions, and surprises and responses. This was all in the pursuit of naturalistic performances. The goal was to get them listening to each other, and engaged in the mystery of it all."

Dogtooth (2009)

Another small budget ($250,000 EUR) film all shot primarily in one location. A lot of creativity with limited resources.