British director Mike Lee is a master of believable drama. During his fifty-year career, he made a series of heartbreaking films about life, including Secrets and lies and another year. He also established himself as a master in such period pieces as Mr. Turner and peterloo. He mixes both these sensibilities into Faith Drakestarring Imelda Stauntonand displays a darker comic side in Sally Hawkins cooperation Lucky.
Lee’s more obscure early work, especially the 1976 TV movie. Nuts in May - also worth a look, even if it’s a bit rough around the edges compared to its larger designs. The director doesn’t often share his opinions on films and didn’t submit a list to last year’s Sight and Sound poll. However, his 2012 list of favorite movies of all time gives an idea of his tastes and influences. Not to mention, it includes great titles for deep cinematic immersion.
‘Barry Lyndon’ (1975)
Barry Lyndon director’s historical drama Stanley Kubrick. The action takes place in the 18th century and tells about the life of a young man (Ryan O’Neil) who rises from humble beginnings to become a member of the aristocracy. Even though it didn’t have much success when it was released, Barry Lyndon has come to be regarded as one of Kubrick’s masterpieces.
Among the film champions Martin Scorsese and Lars von Trier. Especially, Barry Lyndon received recognition for his experimental cinematography. All scenes were filmed by candlelight to achieve a more realistic look. It was a major departure from the artificially lit costume dramas of the era that were typically filmed on set.
‘Emigrants’ (1970)
emigrants director’s historical drama Jan Truel and frequent roles Ingmar Bergman staff Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann. It tells the story of a group of Swedish emigrants who went to the United States in the 19th century in search of a better life. The reality is harsher than they expected, and they face all sorts of obstacles.
Though brutal at times, this is essentially a tale of hope and resilience, held together by the vivid and memorable performances of the protagonists. Worth watching just to see these icons of Scandinavian cinema in their prime.
“How the Mosquito Operates” (1912)
How does a mosquito work silent animated short film directed by a cartoonist Winsor McKay. It lasts 6 minutes and has a very simple premise: a tired man tries to take a nap, but an unusually large mosquito keeps pestering him. Relatively, right? It may not look like much, but this film is notable for being one of the earliest animated films, and perhaps the oldest with a cohesive plot.
When it was released it was a hit with the public, probably due to its playful tone. Some viewers found the movement so realistic that they suggested it wasn’t actually animated at all. McKay said some of them accused him of using wires and a camera, rather than an illustration, to achieve the effect.
“I am Cuba” (1964)
I am Cuba Soviet film director Mikhail Kalatozov, who also received the Palme d’Or The cranes are flying. The action takes place in Cuba in the pre-revolutionary era and tells about the lives of four characters affected by political and social upheaval.
The film is partially propaganda, but is praised for its striking visuals. Kalatozov used tracking shots in new ways, often with complex camera settings. There is one particularly memorable long shot where the camera is on a seemingly endless crane above the crowd. For decades, I am Cuba thought lost but was restored in the 90s and has since found a new audience.
‘Jules and Jim’ (1962)
Jules and Jim is François TruffautNew wave classic featuring Jeanne Moreau, Oscar Wernerand Henri Serre. The story is set in France during World War I, where two young friends fall in love with the same woman. Jules and Jim had a huge impact and continues to find new adherents today.
This is a vivid depiction of the bohemian subculture of that era before the harsh realities of war were immersed in it. It was also stylistically experimental, using transitions and other unorthodox editing, and exudes an overall punk vibe synonymous with the French New Wave.
“Songs from the Second Floor” (2000)
Songs from the second floor is the first film in the Swedish director’s surreal, leisurely trilogy. Roy Andersson. It is a black comedy consisting of a series of vignettes with little to no connection to each other. These are the stars Lars Nord and Stefan Larssonand follows various characters dealing with personal crises and the effects of globalization in contemporary Sweden.
Although not for everyone Songs from the second floor stands out for its absurdist humor, unique visual style, and exploration of isolation and desperation in the modern world. Edgar Wright also a big fan and recommended the entire trilogy.
“Tokyo Story” (1950)
Tokyo history is the signature film of the legend of Japanese cinema. Yasujiro Ozu. Chishu Ryu and Chieko Higashiyama play an elderly couple who travel to Tokyo to visit their children and are frustrated by the lack of attention they receive.
It is a brilliant character study and commentary on the changing family dynamics in post-war Japan. Ozu deftly explores the issues of aging and family ties, and also demonstrates some stylistic features. Most iconic is his masterful transition to the vase frame during one key scene.
“Wooden Clog Tree” (1978)
Tree of wooden clogs tells of a group of peasants working on a farm in Italy at the end of the 19th century. It’s a cruel world and they struggle to make a living. With depictions of rural life and themes of poverty and justice, this is a kind of addition to emigrants. These are the stars Luigi Ornaghi and Francesca Morigi and was sent Ermanno Olmi.
Olmi’s work is an example of Italian neorealism, a movement that focuses on working-class characters and is usually filmed on location. However, he has also said that his films are in part a response to the work of earlier neo-realist filmmakers such as Roberto Rossellini.
‘American Madness’ (1932)
american madness it is a drama staged by a pre-Code legend, Frank Caprathe most famous It’s a wonderful life. The action takes place during the Great Depression and revolves around Tom Dixon (Walter Houston), a bank president who has to deal with a bank run and a corrupt director. These were topical questions since just three years earlier the American economy had collapsed.
Lee’s work also often focuses on characters struggling to survive, so it’s easy to see why. american madness resonated with him. Although he is over 90 years old,it’s worth watching thanks to the excellent performances of the main characters and Capra’s sheer enthusiasm for the material. He squeezed a lot into the film’s meager 75-minute running time.
“Radio Days” (1987)
radio days this is homage to the radio era of the 1930s and 40s, with powerful performances Mia Farrow and Diane Wiest. The story revolves around a boy who is fascinated by the radio and the stories it brings into his life. Along the way, viewers meet different inhabitants of the world of show business.
Stanley Kubrick also considered a fan of the film. radio days remains a heartfelt depiction of a bygone era, even though we’re almost as far from the 80s now as this film is from the radio era. Makes you wonder what future cinematic nostalgic journeys into our current moment will look like.
Source: Collider
