Patrick McGilligan

Comments

The General

Hard to choose one silent comedy but such a golden era must be represented.

Metropolis

Crazy film that is the father of all sci-fi fantasy filmmaking and still riveting.

Citizen Kane

Remains brilliantly cinematic and thematically layered. I am partial to films written and directed by the person starring in a demanding role.

8½

The best and my favorite film about filmmaking. Competitive with LA STRADA and AMARCORD as Fellini's greatest.

The Seventh Seal

A film that forced other filmmakers (and filmgoers) to think more deeply. Eloquent visually and in terms of the script as well. Bergman continues to tower, and for my money only WILD STRAWBERRIES is as perfect a film.

The 400 Blows

The French New Wave broke ground and changed ideas and methods, and this film remains powerful and influential.

Tokyo Story

"Life is disappointing." A profound film. Ozu's zen style at its simplest and most sublime.

Nashville

Altman's masterpiece among several. Sprawling, troubling and deep, prophetic. His maverick style and approach remains his own and when it works it really works.

Annie Hall

Influential in form and style for all comedy, but especially in America. Personal yet not autobiographical. Beloved for the humor and romance. Written, directed and starring Woody - he doesn't get enough credit.

Do the Right Thing

A clarion call for justice and action that still leaves a jolt. Brilliantly directed and edited and designed and cast - and always great black music with a Spike Lee Joint. Writer, director, and actor Spike in his best provocateur role. This film re-awakened the American cinema - and American society.

Further remarks

Thank you for inviting my vote.