Enrique’s 10 Must-Watch Films
As a filmmaker and creative, exploring different movies to expand your creative horizons is essential. The world of filmmaking offers inspiration, techniques, and storytelling styles that can elevate your filmmaking skills and apply them to your projects and stories.
This blog post presents a carefully curated list of ten films that every aspiring filmmaker should watch. From classics to avant-garde masterpieces, these movies will take you on a transformative journey through the art of filmmaking.
10 Great Films For Aspiring Filmmakers
Whether you have 50 seconds, 14 minutes or maybe even 141 minutes, there is a movie for just about any mood and any time frame. Sit back, get your favorite snack and dive into the artistry that is made by these amazing filmmakers.
1. Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985) - Directed by Paul Schrader
Mishima’s running time: 120 minutes
"Mishima" is a visually stunning biographical drama that delves into the life of the renowned Japanese author Yukio Mishima. Schrader's unique approach to storytelling, blending elements of Mishima's life with his fictional works, creates a mesmerizing cinematic experience. This film serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the art of merging different artistic mediums.
2. Meshes of the Afternoon (1943) - Directed by Maya Deren and Alexander Hammid
Meshes of the Afternoon’s running time: 14 minutes
Considered a pioneering work of avant-garde cinema, "Meshes of the Afternoon" is a surreal and dreamlike exploration of a woman's subconscious mind. Deren's experimental approach to narrative and cinematography challenges traditional filmmaking conventions, encouraging filmmakers to think outside the box and embrace their artistic instincts.
3. The Arrival of a Train (1896) - Directed by Auguste and Louis Lumière
The Arrival of a Train’s running time: 50 seconds
This short film holds a significant place in cinema history as one of the earliest examples of motion pictures. "The Arrival of a Train" captures the curiosity and wonder of audiences witnessing moving images for the first time. It reminds filmmakers of the magic and impact the medium of film can have on viewers.
4. Fake Fruit Factory (1986) - Directed by Chick Strand
Fake Fruit Factory’s running time: 22 minutes
"Fake Fruit Factory" is an introspective documentary that dives into the lives of Mexican women working in a California fruit factory. The intimate portrayal of these women and her experimental approach to storytelling challenge traditional documentary filmmaking's boundaries, inspiring filmmakers to push the limits of their storytelling techniques. This film inspired me to break the traditional boundaries of Hollywood. The full movie is on Youtube.
5. Rashomon (1950) - Directed by Akira Kurosawa
Rashomon’s running time: 88 minutes
"Rashomon" is a cinematic masterpiece that explores the concept of subjective truth through multiple perspectives of a crime. Kurosawa's brilliant direction, storytelling prowess, and stunning cinematography create a thought-provoking and visually captivating experience. This film teaches filmmakers the importance of perspective and the art of storytelling through different viewpoints.
6. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) Directed by Stanley Kubrick
A Space Odyssey’s running time: 141 minutes
Kubrick's groundbreaking science fiction epic, "2001: A Space Odyssey," takes audiences on a mind-bending journey through time and space. This visually stunning film challenges conventional storytelling and raises existential questions about humanity's place in the universe. It's a masterclass in visual effects, cinematography, and the use of sound, inspiring filmmakers to think beyond boundaries and embrace bold visions.
7. Scorpio Rising (1963) - Directed by Kenneth Anger
Scorpio Rising’s running time: 29 minutes
"Scorpio Rising" is a highly influential experimental film that explores themes of sexuality, rebellion, and pop culture. Anger's use of montage and imagery creates a powerful and provocative experience. This film encourages filmmakers to experiment with unconventional storytelling methods and challenge societal norms through art.
8. Pain and Glory (2019) - Directed by Pedro Almodóvar
Pain and Glory’s ’s running time: 113 minutes
"Pain and Glory" is a deeply personal and introspective film that blurs the line between reality and fiction. Almodóvar's masterful storytelling and emotional depth make this a compelling work of art. It reminds filmmakers of the power of authenticity and personal storytelling, urging them to dig deep within their experiences to create resonant and impactful narratives.
9. Un Chien Andalou (1929) - Directed by Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí
Un Chien Andalu’s running time: 16 minutes
This surrealist masterpiece challenges narrative conventions with its dreamlike and symbolic imagery. "Un Chien Andalou" is a testament to the power of the subconscious mind and the impact of visual storytelling. Buñuel and Dalí's collaboration invites filmmakers to embrace unconventional narratives and explore the depths of their creativity.
10. Metropolis (1927) - Directed by Fritz Lang
Metropolis running time: 127 minutes
"Metropolis" is a visionary science fiction film that explores themes of class struggle and human-machine interaction. Lang's groundbreaking special effects and production design created a futuristic cityscape that still captivates audiences today. This film serves as a reminder of the importance of world-building and the visual language of storytelling.
Look To Films For Inspiration
These ten films inspired me, and I hope they inspire you too. They offer diverse styles, techniques and storytelling approaches, each leaving an indelible mark on my approach to filmmaking.
Get ready to indulge in a cinematic experience with a bucket of popcorn by your side (side Note, you can always find popcorn crumbs on my desk, lol). These films are sure to spark your creativity and inspire you on your journey to becoming a filmmaker.
