5. Koyaanisqatsi (1982; dir. Godfrey Reggio)
Directed by Godfrey Reggio and with an amazing score by Philip Glass, “Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance” is the first movie of the Qatsi trilogy and one of the most intriguing films of the 1980s.
Not actually having a plot, the movie is a collection of moving images that explores the connection between nature and humanity.
With astonishing cinematography by Ron Fricke, this movie explores so many themes and has such powerful imagery that, though it might not seem to have an actual plot, is able to approach many intriguing and complex questions. Definitely a movie every cinephile should check out.
4. The Blood of a Poet (1932; dir. Jean Cocteau)
Directed by French master Jean Cocteau, “The Blood of a Poet” is a film that has some of the most powerful metaphors seen in the history of film.
Following the story of an artist who draws a face in a canvas, and when it starts talking is sent to some sort of different kind of reality, this film is definitely proof that plot may not always be what is most important in a movie.
With a strong performance by Enrique Riveros, “The Blood of a Poet” does not have a very conventional plot, but has such powerful images and metaphors that it’s a movie that every cinephile should definitely watch.
3. The Color of Pomegranates (1969; dir. Sergei Parajanov)
One of the most complex movies of all time, “The Color of Pomegranates” is Sergei Parajanov’s masterpiece. A surreal biography of the life of Armenian poet Sayat Nova, the movie tells a story using poetic images that are not narrative.
With astonishing compositions, amazing production design and such complex imagery, “The Color of Pomegranates” can definitely be considered one of the greatest movies in history. A masterpiece that every cinephile should watch.
2. News from Home (1977; dir. Chantal Akerman)
One of the most influential filmmakers of all time, Belgian director Chantal Akerman released in 1977 one of the most intriguing films of her career.
Composed only of images of New York City, and narrations of the letters her mother sent her from Belgium, this film is truly a unique cinematic experience for how masterfully she is able to approach this story in a very singular way.
“News from Home” might not be as remembered as other movies from her career, but is definitely one of the best in her filmography and a movie that every cinephile should check out.
1. Blue (1993; dir. Derek Jarman)
Written and directed by Derek Jarman, “Blue” is a film that has a single shot of blue colour on the screen for all its 79 minutes of running time.
The film tells through music and narrations the story of Jarman’s experience with AIDS, while it also approaches his life and his vision. Even though it consists of a single image, this is one of the most touching films of all time and is a very complex work. It is truly astonishing how we are able to dive deep into the life of such an amazing artist, and how the color becomes more powerful as the movie goes on.
“Blue” is definitely a masterpiece that should be watched by every cinephile.