29 Comments
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Olga Wefler's avatar

I`ll add First Reformed to my list. Thank you for the ideas. Im finishing A24 horror challenge now and it was a fun week)

Jim Fields's avatar

Hi Olga,

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think of "First Reformed" after you've seen it. If you like the movie, the other two films in the loose trilogy by Paul Schrader, "The Card Counter" and "The Master Gardener" are also worth seeing too.

Lou Rinaldi's avatar

A couple of good ones that come to mind: “The Lonely Cow Weeps At Dawn” and “Dark Valley”.

S Mooney's avatar

I saw It Comes at Night on a first date because she said she "liked horror movies." Well... I'll just say, not a great date movie...

I think Under the Skin is now seen as a pretty highly regarded A24 movie.

I haven't seen any of the others (or even heard of most of them), will definitely need to check them out. Great read!

Jim Fields's avatar

Hi S Mooney,

Thanks for reading! Wow, I can’t imagine a worse movie to take a fan of horror movies to on a first date. I’m sorry that happened. Also, I think Jonathan Glazer, the director of “Under the Skin” (and “The Zone of Interest”) is one of those filmmakers who is always 5 years ahead of their audience. I hope you enjoy the other films on my list once you get a chance to see them - let me know afterwards.

Matt Cyr's avatar

Good post. Some great pics in here. Everyone should watch that opening dance scene in Climax to Supernature. I like the film but that scene is incredible regardless of what anyone thinks about Noe or the rest of the movie.

Jim Fields's avatar

Hi Matt,

Thanks for reading! I agree with you about the opening dance sequence in "Climax." I haven't seen that kind of dancing since Fosse's "All That Jazz." I also think the elaborate camerawork throughout the film is like dance choreography too - like you said, regardless of what one thinks about Noe as director or the movie - the dancing and camera work (and music) are amazing.

Andrew's avatar

I would also add last black man in San Francisco

Jim Fields's avatar

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for the recommendation! That's a movie I've always wanted to see but haven't found yet. I'll keep looking for it.

ERIN REESE's avatar

I'd love to hear what you think if you see it. ☺️

Gregory's avatar

Terrific list, looking forward to the films yet to be viewed. First Reformed is a bona fide cinematic masterpiece from one of Our great auteurs. Jonathan Glazer’s feature length films are a cinematic grand slam. Under the Skin begs repeated viewings that reward each & every effort. Quick plug-Zone of Interest, swinging in the clean up slot. Nuf ced. Thank you.

Gregory's avatar

Just saw your note on 2001:A Space Odyssey & we are simpatico in toto. Lucked into(via my Da) a screening of that masterwork as a boy in 1970 & walked out totally mesmerized. My best cinematic experience ever. The only film I make a point to watch at least once each decade b/c it dazzles, delights, & disturbs to at least that same degree with each viewing. Regular repeat rotation with all of Kubrick’s major catalogue. Paths of Glory remains my fav anti War film from yute, onward. Cheers

Jim Fields's avatar

Hi Gregory,

Thanks! "Paths of Glory" is really great too.

Gregory's avatar

Cool, looking forward to Lamb / Climax / A Prayer Before Dawn. American Honey, possibly. Spot on with the remainder of your list. Thanks

Jim Fields's avatar

Hi Gregory,

Thanks for reading! Paul Schrader and Jonathan Glazer are two of my favorite indie writer/directors, so I think "First Reformed" and "Under the Skin" are masterpieces too. I would also add "The Zone of Interest" to that list. I hope you'll enjoy some of the other movies on my list that you haven't seen yet. Let me know what you think after you've had a chance to watch them.

Michael McGrath's avatar

First Cow (2019) should be on this list..

Gregory's avatar

Agreed. Top flight 21st century Western. Make it a Kelly Reichardt Western twin-bill with her top flight Meeks Cutoff. Terrific cast, featuring a stellar performance from the always solid, under appreciated Bruce Greenwood.

Michael McGrath's avatar

I haven't seen Meek's Cutoff ..now on my 'must watch' list. Thanks👍🏼

Jim Fields's avatar

Hi Gregory,

I love "Meek's Cutoff," so I think I'll definitely like "First Cow." Now, I just need to find it. Maybe it's on Mubi - I'll check. Thanks!

Jim Fields's avatar

Hi Michael,

Thanks for reading! I haven't seen "First Cow" - I'll definitely check it out now. Thanks for the recommendation.

Michael McGrath's avatar

Enjoy ..it's a really good film👍🏼

ERIN REESE's avatar

Thank you! I've seen a few and will watch several others you recommend. I'm glad you highlighted *Queer*. Craig's edgy portrayal of Burroughs was thoughtful and perfect, and it was a standout, creatively chosen soundtrack.

On the Beat theme, it's not A24 but did you happen to see the Polish Brothers' film *Big Sur*? Also underrated, I felt they captured the spirit of Kerouac's drunken-madness novel perfectly. Great casting, too.

Jim Fields's avatar

Hi Erin,

Thanks for reading! I still think it's awful that Daniel Craig didn't get an Oscar nomination for his performance in "Queer." He added so many little things to his performance that made the character multi-dimensional and yet sympathetic to viewers. Also, I've heard of the Polish Brothers' adaptation of "Big Sur," but I've never seen it. I'll definitely find and watch it now. Thanks for the recommendation.

Henny Hiemenz's avatar

I can’t believe I’ve never heard of most of these

Jim Fields's avatar

Hi Henny,

Thanks for reading! Well, I don't think it's surprising that you've never heard of most of these films. As I note in my post, many of them "flew under the radar" or weren't given wide releases. I hope you'll check out the ones that sound interesting to you. If you do, let me know what you think after you've watched them.

Henny Hiemenz's avatar

👍🏼 a couple of them had been on my radar. Now I need to find the time to watch them!

I’m slated to watch the original Willy Wonka this week - for my first time ever!

Jim Fields's avatar

That's great! And I'm sure you're going to love the original "Willy Wonka." And, as an adult, you'll pick up on a lot of things I didn't "get" when I first saw the film as a kid.

Michael Alleman's avatar

An excellent appreciation. I've seen six of the films, and would like to see the remaining four. I was most impressed with your explanation of why American Honey did not register with audiences: length, unpleasant characters, etc. Those are the reasons my wife and I turned it off 30 minutes or so in.

Jim Fields's avatar

Hi Michael,

Thanks for reading and for your kind words about my article. Generally, I'm not a fan of long movies unless they're epics (with an intermission). I think if "American Honey" had been cut down to a reasonable length, it would've found a wider audience and done better at the box-office. Let me know what you think of the other 4 movies from my list that you haven't seen after you've had a chance to watch them.