Films Recommendations for Newbies
Navigating the film industry can be difficult, especially as a newbie. When I first began my journey as a film student, I was under the impression that I was well prepared for film school. I had seen classics like The Social Network, Pulp Fiction, and Goodfellas and read books like In The Blink of an Eye and On Directing Film. However, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned at film school is that there is always something more to watch. Whether you’re in school or simply a budding cinephile, I have accumulated a list of great movies that aren’t the basic cult films, but will still impress.
Le Quatre Cent Coups (The 400 Blows) dir. François Truffaut, 1959
This was one of the very first films I watched in film school. Le Quatre Cent Coups serves as a perfect introduction to the world of French New Wave cinema, a film movement in the late 50s that celebrated the rejection of traditional filmmaking in France. The film follows a young troublemaker named Antoine, during his adventurous and occasionally crime-filled life in the wonderful city of Paris. Based on director Truffaut’s childhood, the film is full of witty jokes, heartfelt conversations about growing up, and scenic shots of Paris. It also features one of the most iconic final shots in film history - Truffaut ends with a freeze-frame of Antoine’s emotionless face. Filmmakers creating such an abrupt ending was unheard of at the time and left audiences confused and surprised. If you enjoyed this film, I encourage you to check out the entire Antoine trilogy, including Stolen Kisses, Bed and Board, and Love On The Run. Concluding with a final pro tip: never shy away from foreign films - not wanting to read subtitles is not a valid excuse.
Boogie Nights dir. Paul Thomas Anderson, 1997
PTA is a household name in your local arthouse community. Not only does Boogie Nights feature a fantastic, hot ensemble, but the film takes the audience on an epic Hollywood journey full of greed, fame, and sex. Set in the 1970s, Boogie Nights follows a high-school dropout, Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg), during his rise to fame in the pornographic industry. While this movie is explicit, the sex scenes in the film are not meant to portray the pleasures of sex, but instead how sex is manufactured for the adult film industry. Dirk’s journey shows the audience both the positives and negatives of the porn industry and tells the story of an unlikely family’s rise and fall to fame. To top it off with a great soundtrack and realistic, funky costumes, this film immediately transports you to the 70s and 80s.
Blow Up dir. Michelangelo Antonioni, 1966
A classic murder mystery film from the 60’s, Blow Up centers around Thomas, a London photographer who believes he unknowingly photographed a murder. This is not your typical crime drama, as the film transforms into a psychological thriller, exploring the deterioration of the photographer’s sanity. Blow Up is celebrated for Antonioni’s artistry more than the plot itself. Antonioni creates a provocative and abstract aesthetic. There are various interpretations of this film, and without going into much detail (in order to avoid spoilers) this film challenges its audience to look at the world through a different lens.
In The Mood For Love dir. Wong Kar-wai, 2000
One of the most sensual and beautiful films I have ever seen, In The Mood For Love is the story of two neighbors who discover their spouses are having an affair. While the narrative and dialogue are mind-blowing alone, what makes the film spectacular is its visual beauty. The film’s mise-en-scene is perfectly composed, featuring a vibrant color palette of deep reds and yellows, along with intricate costumes and sets. At times I felt as if I was immersed in a painting. Kar-wai’s careful planning for each shot makes the film one hundred times more special. This is not a thrilling or fast-paced movie, it’s a slow-burn, intimate viewing. The film is elevated by (my favorite part) the soundtrack, especially the iconic “Yumeji’s Theme”. I cannot recommend it enough and if you enjoyed this film, check out Chungking Express.
Being John Malkovich dir. Spike Jonze, 1999
Possibly one of the weirdest films I’ve ever watched, but definitely a must-see experience. Spike Jonze’s unique visual style paired with Charlie Kaufman’s original script generated a brilliant take on what it’s like to be inside of someone else’s head. This writer/director duo has perfected the art of creating completely mind-bending films. I recommend going into this movie completely blind, in order to savor the originality and surprising twists that come with it. This film is deeply layered, super funny, and unbelievably imaginative. It requires your full attention, as there are many twists and turns throughout the film that will make you question what is real and what is fake. With one of the best ensemble casts I’ve ever seen (John Cusack, Cameron Diaz and Catherine Keener to name a few), each actor plays their character extremely well. This is not a movie I want to watch over and over again, as it can be quite disturbing and dark, however, I’ve found this film to be quite useful in my studies and can say with confidence that I’ve never seen anything else like it.
This list will get you started on the right track on your film journey, but if you are looking for more, linked here is a letterboxd list of the films I mentioned and a few more. Letterboxd is the top-tier social media platform in the film world, and if you want to impress the pretentious film bros I would highly suggest making an account.
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Photos: https://film-grab.com/