Have you ever wondered what are the films that inspire the next generation of filmmakers? As part of our monthly IONCINEPHILE profile (interview with filmmaker with an upcoming theatrical release), we ask the filmmaker the incredibly arduous task of identifying their top ten list of all time favorite films. This month, Sophie Barthes (the filmmaker behind Cold Souls – Samuel Goldwyn Films 08/07/2009) gave her top ten as of July 2009.
Cléo from 5 to 7 (Agnès Varda)
“Watching Cléo from 5 to 7 is like strolling for a day in Paris in the summer. This film is so charming in its simplicity and it’s beautifully shot. It goes from light and frivolous moments to extremely moving sequences. Another poetic and powerful insight in the feminine psyche.”
The Conformist (Bernardo Bertolucci)
“I love the story and its execution. It’s a fascinating character study. The production design and locations are incredible. A happy marriage between cinema and architecture. Also Vittorio Storara cinematography is stunning. Alberto Moravia is one of my favorite writers.”
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (Luis Buñuel)
“Delightfully irreverent and funny. It’s one the finest and most entertaining Surrealist films. A pleasure for the imagination.”
8 ½ (Federico Fellini)
“My favorite film ever. Poetry, refinement, lightness of touch, melancholy, exploration of unconscious, stunning cinematography, a wonderful Mastroianni… This film has it all.”
Manhattan (Woody Allen)
“I love the tone of Manhattan, the subtle melancholy and the quiet desperate humor. New York never looked so charming and nostalgic on screen. Only Woody Allen can romanticize the city (his city) in such a touching way.”
The Mirror (Andrei Tarkovsky)
“This film is a poem. It’s difficult to talk about it. I can’t analyze why I love it so much.”
Mulholland Drive (David Lynch)
“I’m a fan of David Lynch so it was very difficult to chose only one of his films. Mulholland Drive explores haunting themes: women in trouble, exploration of the unconscious, broken dreams and fantasies. Watching this film puts me in almost hypnotic state, very close to dreaming. The tone works completely for me, highly emotional at times and then completely absurd or comic. Angelo Baldamenti score and the sound work are also incredible.”
My life to live (Vivre sa Vie) (Jean-Luc Godard)
“Anna Karina is irresistible. Her gaze carries so much melancholy and nostalgia. It’s Godard at his best, poetic and deeply human.”
Persona (Ingmar Bergman)
“One of the most visceral and psychologically disturbing film I’ve ever seen. Incredible dramatic tension. I’m wondering how Bergman could have such an insight into women souls! Beautiful cinematography by Sven Nykvist.”
Le Samourai (Jean-Pierre Melville)
“The style and atmosphere. Alain Delon almost doesn’t say a word. It’s about modern alienation and loneliness. It’s very jazzy and elegant. It’s the perfect French film noir.”
