I was 12 when I discovered the power of film and storytelling by watching the completely child-friendly, fun-for-the-family film that is Quentin Tarantino’s, Kill Bill. I soon discovered that film is all-consuming to those who appreciate it. I went on to study film, and I discovered by talking to fellow students and creatives in the industry that everyone loves film and storytelling and stories, and everyone knows at least their top 10 films by heart and in order.
That doesn’t mean they like the question. “What’s your favourite film?” though.
In fact, this is the question every person in the film industry hates. It’s like asking an artist, “What’s your favourite painting?” or asking a rugby player or a football fan “Who’s your favourite player?” Everyone knows their top movies – but ranking them is like choosing your favourite child. It’s painful and agonising. It’s also a VERY fluid process, so this IS NOT a definitive or universal or all-inclusive list… this list depends on mood, recent films seen, what day it is, the weather…
In fact, relooking at this, my list now would be different from when I wrote this a day ago. So this is yesterday’s list, not today’s list or tomorrow’s list. But it’s a list.
But that doesn’t stop people from asking the damn question. It’s even worse when you work for someone who is a storytelling coach who asks you that annoying question. That is the worst question to ask someone in film. So I have succumbed to Pe(t)er pressure and listed below the 20 films that I consider to be the best in direction, performance, and storytelling. The good thing is, I suppose, I never have to answer the question again – I can just send a link to this blog.
By Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Fair use,
By Impawards.com, Fair use, Link
20 Parasite – Released in 2019, the film tells the story of a poor family that infiltrates the lives of a wealthy household, leading to unexpected consequences. Parasite has broken the mould of English language films, being considered the height of international film achievement, with it being the first foreign language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The film’s examination of class dynamics and societal inequality struck a chord with audiences worldwide, highlighting the universality of its themes.
19 Little Miss Sunshine – An exceptional cinematic experience that stands the test of time. The movie’s genius lies in its ability to flawlessly intertwine humour and heart in a tale of a family’s dysfunction and triumph. From the patriarch’s wry coaching of his daughter’s pageant routine to the matriarch’s attempts to hold the family together amidst the chaos, the characters are all refreshingly complex and three-dimensional. The pageant scene itself is a masterclass in cringe comedy but also manages to convey a touching message about embracing individuality. Little Miss Sunshine ultimately serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of familial support and following one’s passion, no matter how peculiar it may seem.
18 Suspiria – a surreal and psychedelic feast for the eyes that’s equal parts beautiful and unsettling. Director Dario Argento’s use of vivid colours and camera movements creates a visual style that’s as distinct as a fingerprint. The soundtrack by Goblin is equally unique, with its rock riffs and haunting melodies that will get stuck in your head like a musical earworm. The film’s horror elements are effective, but it’s the surreal and dreamlike atmosphere that really sets Suspiria apart. It’s a classic of the genre that’s influenced countless filmmakers and artists – and if you’re a fan of the weird and the wonderful, it’s definitely worth a watch. Just be warned: you may never look at a ballerina the same way again
17 American Honey – Andrea Arnold’s road movie is a portrait of America, with all its beauty, ugliness, and contradictions. The film follows a teenage girl who joins a crew of misfit magazine sellers and travels across the Midwest. The film’s unapologetically youthful take on the mundanity of the mid-west is found very rarely in other films.
16 Nocturnal Animals – Tom Ford’s stylish thriller is a meditation on love, loss, and the power of storytelling. The film follows a wealthy art dealer who receives a manuscript from her ex-husband, which turns out to be a violent revenge fantasy. It’s a gorgeous and haunting journey. The visuals and fashion used in the film are hand-picked by the director/designer, and they create true art on screen.
15 Enemy – Denis Villeneuve’s mind-bending thriller is a meditation on identity, desire, and the doppelganger archetype. The film follows a college professor who discovers he has a double and must confront his darkest fears. It’s a dizzying and surreal journey with a plot twist for the ages. (You can try to think of it while watching, but I promise you, you’re not going to get it)
14 Spring Breakers – It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to shower in bleach and holy water. Harmony Korine’s neon-lit fever dream is a commentary on youth culture, consumerism, and the American Dream, with more bikinis and machine guns than a rap video. The film is a hypnotic and disturbing journey with wild and raunchy performances. It’s a feast for the eyes and all five senses.
13 Ida – Pawel Pawlikowski’s black-and-white masterpiece is a soulful meditation on identity, memory, and the Holocaust. The film follows a young Polish nun who discovers a family secret that challenges her faith and her sense of self. It’s a haunting and beautiful journey, with performances ever so powerful.
12 Brazil – Brazil is the kind of movie that makes you want to take a shower and a Xanax at the same time. Terry Gilliam’s dystopian masterpiece is a Kafkaesque nightmare, with bureaucracy so insane it makes the post-office look like a spa day. The film is a scathing satire of totalitarianism, consumerism, and the human condition, and it’s soooo darkly funny.
11 Atomic Blonde – Charlize Theron plays a British spy who kicks so much ass you’ll forget she was ever in A Million Ways to Die in the West. The film is a thrilling ride, filled to the brim with double agents and plot twists and a killer soundtrack. Cold War spy films are defiantly a niche I love, and Atomic Blonde includes everything. It’s neon, the 80s and a deep dive into the culture of espionage of Cold War Berlin.
10 The Killing of a Sacred Deer – The film is a slow burn that builds to a terrifying climax, and it’ll leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about morality, family, and sacrifice. I’m a sucker for all films based on Greek tragedies, and this film takes the story of Iphigenia to levels not yet reached before.
9 Climax – Climax is a movie that’s so trippy it’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about reality, time and the meaning of life. The film follows a group of dancers who accidentally drink LSD-laced sangria and descend into a hellish nightmare. The movie is an overload of neon visuals, with a pounding soundtrack and some of the most mind-bending choreography you’ll ever see. It’s so intense it’ll make you want to become a monk.
8 District 9 – The movie is a scathing indictment of apartheid in South Africa, but it’s also a kick-ass action movie with some of the coolest special effects on this side of the Milky Way. The film’s exploration of identity, power, and prejudice is so relevant. As a South African, it would be unpatriotic of me not to include a film from my homeland.
7 Death Becomes Her – The movie equivalent of a perfectly crafted martini: witty, twisted, and satisfyingly smooth. This film serves up a biting commentary on our culture’s obsession with staying young and beautiful and all things youthful while also delivering some of the most hilarious performances by Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. The film is a hilarious and biting commentary on our society’s obsession with youth and beauty, and it’s so on point it’ll make you want to throw away your anti-ageing cream and embrace your wrinkles with pride.
6 Rocky Horror Picture Show – Time Warp, anyone? I am instinctively sceptical of “cult films” and “national treasures”… but. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is actually a cult classic for a reason – it’s just so damn fun, and Tim Curry as the flamboyant Dr Frank-N-Furter, the singing transvestite from Transylvania, is… what can I say? Iconic. Revolutionary. Unique? The film’s celebration of queer culture and sexual liberation is still groundbreaking today, and the whole thing is just a wild, campy ride. The film is a true statement on the power of cult classics and the hold they have over long-lasting cinema.
5 Neon Demon – If you like your horror movies with a side of fashion, then Neon Demon is the film for you. Nicolas Winding Refn’s twisted tale of a young model who becomes the obsession of those around her is so visually stunning. The film’s exploration of beauty, power, and envy is absolutely chilling, and the whole thing is so weird it’ll make you question your own sanity. A story that I constantly have in the back of my mind when writing, as I can only hope to achieve the same greatness of creativity.
4 Marie Antoinette – Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette may not be historically accurate, but who needs accuracy when you’ve got Kirsten Dunst wearing a giant wig and eating cake? The film is a feast for the eyes, with costumes and sets so lavish it’s all quite revolutionary. Dunst is a revelation as the titular queen, and the film’s depiction of her journey from frivolous teenager to tragic figure is both poignant and hilarious.
3 Vox Lux – Pop culture commentary has been always been a staple of storytelling, but it must be done well in order to succeed and stand apart from the mainstream; Vox Lux achieves just this. Vox Lux is a dark, twisted take on the rise of a pop star, with Natalie Portman giving an incredible performance as the troubled Celeste. The film is bold and unapologetic, tackling heavy themes like violence, trauma, and the nature of celebrity. The music is catchy as hell, too – I dare you to listen to “Wrapped Up” and not have it stuck in your head. I find Director Brady Corbet to be an underrated gem in an ocean of filmmakers who lack the originality to stand out.
2 The Color of Pomegranates – Definitely the most unconventional of my choices. The Color of Pomegranates is a 1969 film from the Soviet Union that tells the story of the Armenian poet Sayat-Nova through a series of surreal, poetic tableaux. The visuals are absolutely stunning – every frame is like a painting coming to life. It’s not a traditional narrative but rather a dreamlike journey through the life and art of a great poet. It’s a film that demands your attention and rewards it with beauty and depth.
1 Kill Bill – Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill is the perfect film for anyone who loves blood, gore, and the occasional decapitation. Uma Thurman absolutely kills it (pun intended) as the Bride, a former assassin seeking revenge on the team of killers who left her for dead. Definitely, the film that started it all. I remember it clear as day when I first watched at the ripe age of 12, and since then, a pang of hunger has grown inside for all things cinema.
Conclusion: These films prove that great storytelling is the backbone of great cinema. Without a story as the building plot of the film, what are you left with to rely on? Visuals? Sure, but they would make no sense without a solid story. Performance? Not achievable without a story that allows the performer to explore and thrive in the role. Without a firm story, the film would be nothing as an artistic medium. It is the combination of narrative and visuals, and they need to be equally treated as building blocks.
This a guest post by film student and (aspiring) Film Director Declan Miles.