Anna Backman Rogers

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The Virgin Suicides

In my view, the greatest adaptation from page to screen of all time. An astonishing debut film from a landmark director.

Wanda

Quite simply, there is nothing else like this film. Bleak, uncompromising filmmaking. Loden had the courage of her convictions. Some filmmakers might spend an entire career trying to make a single film half as good as this. Loden got one shot & knocked it out of the park. Her too-early death was a loss to cinema.

In the Cut

Campion's greatest film in my opinion. Many people have misunderstood this one: they are all categorically wrong. This is one of the boldest statements that exists on the violence of cinema itself: violence wrought on the female body as entertainment, violence wrought on the female imaginary by romantic narratives. And made by a director in her prime. Easily Meg Ryan's greatest performance, too - genius casting.

Born in Flames

A feminist classic. As powerful, necessary & meaningful now as it was then. Essential viewing.

Picnic at Hanging Rock

The closest thing we have to cinematic hallucination. A profound reckoning with Colonial & patriarchal violence. Ultimately terrifying.

Trouble Every Day

This remains the most disturbing film I have ever seen. It never leaves me. When the kiss becomes a bite.

3 Women

Gorgeous, strangely apocalyptic, & utterly weird. Quite simply, I just adore this film.

Daisies

Feminist anarchy now, & with cake.

Possession

This is as much Adjani's film as it is Zulawski's. I think she may just give one of the most committed performances of all time in one of the most utterly bonkers films ever made. I challenge anyone to watch this & not find her incredible.

Harold and Maude

Cinema's most life-affirming statement. A paean to those who do things differently.