FILM | Recommendations
VIEWING MATERIALS
Similar to the print recommendations, these selections are personal, and may not align with everyone’s personal interests. The films noted in this list were selected because their primary subject is art/architecture/design, they have exceptional sets or world building, or ground breaking cinematography. With few exceptions the majority of the films on this list are not widely released commercial films. You won’t find reviews here, and not every film is a flawless work of art. With each film is a short blurb noting the standout elements from the title. If you see a glaring gap or have a great recommendation please write us to share, new suggestions are always welcome! This list will continue to grow with time.
ART-HOUSE
THE FIVE OBSTRUCTIONS
Jorgen Leth + Lars Von Trier
A challenge posed from one artist to another, The Five Obstructions is both a display of great craft in the art of film making and a conversation between great masters of their trade. Limitations are a source of inspiration, total freedom is suffocating.
PLAYTIME
Jacques Tati
You won’t watch this one for the dialog (because there is very little) but the set pieces are exceptional. Tati’s PlayTime is a visual comedy that takes place in modernist (1960’s) Paris. The camera loves the modernist settings and every frame feels like a work of art. The context is a main character in this film.
FOLLOWING
Christopher Nolan
This film is proof that great films don’t require massive resources. Nolan’s first film, Following was made for only $6000 and delivered an exceptional thriller. A great concept, creativity, and technical ability lead to one of Nolan’s most powerful films.
NAKED LUNCH
David Cronenberg
A dive face first into a surreal nightmare. Cronenberg is a master with sets and props, building a world where the boundary between reality and delusion blurs beyond recognition. We all consume so much content it rare to find something that can occupy a space in your mind, but Naked Lunch is not easily forgotten.
AVANT-GARDE
THE HOLY MOUNTAIN
Alejandro Jodorowsky
A film with a truly bold vision, and incredible visuals. This film has inspired many directors who came after, and it will leave you ready to watch it again to better understand what you’ve just seen. This on is visual heavy and you should watch it remastered. If you like this film you should check out El Topo and Santa Sangre.
AVANT-GARDE: EXPERIMENTAL CINEMA OF THE 1920’S and 30’S
2 Disk Collection
This collection of early experimental films shows a number of great conceptual minds explore the boundaries of a new medium. With 25 films by great artist including Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp, Hans Richter, Jean Epstein, and Orson Welles among others, this set is rich with evocative works.
ECHOES OF TIME
Ema Kugler
Filled with the failings of humanity, Echoes of Time challenges the viewer to reflect on the painful realities human nature. Artfully composed scenes, each a carefully constructed like a moving painting. This is a fill without a structured narrative, rather the construction of a conception of reality through visuals. This film doesn’t receive the attention it deserves.
THE ORDER
Matthew Barney
This is only a small section of Cremaster 3, but the only portion of the film series available for purchase. The Cremaster Cycle is a five part experimental/performative film series (filmed out of order) from the mid 90’s to the early 00’s. With the films closely guarded and only shown in limited screenings this is the best way to get a piece of it. Barney’s work may not be for everyone, but if you are familiar with the artist this film is highly recommended.
DOCUMENTARY
ANDY GOLDSWORTHY: LEANING INTO THE WIND
Thomas Riedelsheimer
A continuation of Rivers and Tides, Leaning into the Wind picks up a few decades from where the first movie left off. Goldsworthy discusses how age and the march of time have changed his art and outlook. If you enjoyed the first film you will love this one, but you can also start here, there is no need to see River and Tides first.
TROUBLE MAKERS: THE STORY OF LAND ART
James Crump
The story of the rise of the land art movement, and the major contributors in the space. Michael Heizer, Robert Smithson, Vito Acconci, Walter De Maria, Nancy Holt, and Dennis Oppenheim among others are included.
QUEENDOM
Agniia Gandanova
Following Jenna Marvin, an LGBTQ performance artist in Russia, Queendom is a reminder that for many the pursuit of art can come at great personal risk.
ANDY GOLDSWORTHY: RIVERS AND TIDES
Thomas Riedelsheimer
Many of Andy Goldsworthy’s creations only exist for a short time. They live mostly through photography, captured before they are reclaimed by nature. This hypnotic film captures the artist at work, revealing his process and and the lifecycle of each creation.
FEATURE FILMS
THX 1138
George Lucas
THX 1138 was Lucas’ first feature film and in my opinion his most compelling. The film is a lasting example of how strong storytelling, budget restraints and creativity can come together to produce something special. Restrictions are often a blessing, forcing film makers to find clever solutions, trusting your audience to use their imagination to fill in the gaps.
KINDS OF KINDNESS
Yorgos Lanthimos
Kinds of Kindness is a powerful character drama tying together multiple storylines both through a crossover plots and a shared vulnerability. Lanthimos is one of the best directors working today, and I would recommend his entire catalog. This was one of films that stuck with me the most in 2024.
12 MONKEYS
Terry Gilliam
A time traveler movie that still works nearly 30 years later. Clever set pieces and a limiting what’s shown in the future world has allowed time to be kind to this film. There is a scene that recreates a work by Lebbeus Woods in the film, a subtle nod to the influential architect. Gilliam is one of the best world builders in cinema.
BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
Alejandro Iñárrit
A play within a play, Birdman is a masterpiece of storytelling. The film has an incredible cast of characters and was the first film in Michael Keaton’s return to acting. The film is mostly long take sequences, but there s one scene that although not a true one-shot scene gives a perfect illusion of a single take that is artfully choreographed and infinitely rewatchable.
SHORTS
DIRECTOR’S SERIES VOL. 3
Michel Gondry
Focused on the short films and music videos by Director Michel Gondry, the disk is a collection of stand out works. Gondry is a clever filmmaker, and when set to music many of his visuals are hypnotic and mesmerizing. Each leaving you to wonder how they were created. The entire volume set of the Director’s Series are great, and if you come across the box sets you won’t regret picking them up.
TOKYO!
Michel Gondry| Leos Carax | Bong Joon Ho
Tokyo! is a 3 part anthology film, each lead by a different director. All 3 short films are well made with a distinct direction, offering a unique take on the city and it’s inhabitants.
POWERS OF TEN
Ray and Charles Eames
Under 10 minutes long, but unforgettable. We all have a fundamental sense of scale, but seeing a gradually increasing scale from humans to the edge of the universe, and back down the the atoms that build everything, really give a sense of perspective. Made in 1977, the illustrations used in this film are still striking.
DIRECTOR’S SERIES VOL. 2
Chris Cunningham
Chris Cunningham has a powerful visual style that still feels confrontational decades on from much of the work in this collection. His personal experience with robotics directly impacts his films, and what would now be done with CG was done with practical mechanics. The entire volume set of the Director’s Series are great, and if you come across the box sets you won’t regret picking them up.