CRITERION - Mark Rylance’s Closet Picks
Mark Rylance shares his top ten films, highlighting their impact on his career and personal life. He begins with 'Hidden Fortress' by Kurosawa, which inspires him as he prepares to direct his first film. Rylance admires Kurosawa's framing and narrative techniques. He also praises 'Ikiru' for its bold narrative structure and Shimura's performance. 'Miracle in Milan' by De Sica is noted for its inventiveness and beauty. 'The Tree of Wooden Clogs' is appreciated for its immersive storytelling, reminiscent of Mike Leigh's style. Rylance reflects on 'Small Axe' by Steve McQueen, which captures the essence of London in the '80s, resonating with his own experiences. He recalls Spielberg's advice to study a laugh in 'High Sierra' and expresses admiration for Kurosawa's 'Dodes’ka-den', his first color film. Rylance appreciates Robert Mitchum's effortless acting in 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle'. He fondly remembers 'Woman in the Dunes' as an incredible love story from his youth. Finally, he expresses gratitude to Criterion for their film collection, which he plans to explore further.
Key Points:
- Mark Rylance is inspired by Kurosawa's 'Hidden Fortress' as he prepares to direct his first film.
- 'Ikiru' is praised for its narrative structure and Shimura's performance.
- 'Small Axe' by Steve McQueen resonates with Rylance's memories of London in the '80s.
- Rylance admires Robert Mitchum's minimalistic acting style in 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle'.
- He plans to explore more films from Criterion's collection.
Details:
1. 🎬 Mark Rylance's Film Selection Journey
- Mark Rylance has been invited to select ten films, indicating his recognition and influence in the film industry, showcasing his influence and recognition.
- He chose 'Hidden Fortress' by Kurosawa as the first film, highlighting its impact and potential inspiration for his own directorial debut, reflecting a strategic selection that aligns with his directorial aspirations.
- Rylance's decision to direct his first film marks a significant career development, indicating a shift towards filmmaking, suggesting a new phase in his career where he aims to incorporate similar elements from Kurosawa's style into his work.
- This selection reflects a thoughtful approach, likely aiming to blend artistic inspiration from iconic directors into his own unique style as he transitions into directing.
2. 🎥 Kurosawa's Mastery: 'Hidden Fortress' and 'Ikiru'
2.1. The Influence and Techniques in 'Hidden Fortress'
2.2. Profound Themes in 'Ikiru'
3. 🌟 Celebrating Performances: 'Miracle in Milan' and More
3.1. Innovative Narrative Structure
3.2. Outstanding Acting Performance
4. 🌳 Immersive Storytelling in 'The Tree of Wooden Clogs'
- 'The Tree of Wooden Clogs' is highlighted for its immersive storytelling, engaging viewers by making them feel part of the families working under a landowner.
- The film is praised for its authenticity and ability to captivate audiences, suggesting a strong sense of being inside the story.
- Mike Leigh, known for his commitment to realism, introduces the film, adding credibility and emphasizing its emotional depth.
- Specific storytelling techniques, such as the use of naturalistic dialogue and long takes, contribute to the film’s immersive experience.
- Authentic settings and detailed character interactions are used to create a relatable and engaging narrative that resonates with viewers.
5. 🏙️ 'Small Axe': A Trip to 1980s London
- 'Small Axe' is an extraordinary piece of work by Steve McQueen, highlighting its cinematic excellence and storytelling.
- The series captures the essence of 1980s London, drawing from personal experiences of the cultural and social atmosphere.
- The depiction resonates with those who lived through the era, providing an authentic and relatable view of the time.
- The series reflects the challenges and vibrancy of the West Indian community, offering a deep exploration of themes such as racial tension and community solidarity.
- The narrative is enriched with historical context, showcasing the struggles and resilience of the communities portrayed.
6. 🎭 Influence of 'High Sierra' and Spielberg's Insights
6.1. 🎭 Spielberg's Insights on Character Development
6.2. 🎥 Educational Impact of 'High Sierra'
7. 🎨 The Vibrance of Kurosawa's 'Dodes'ka-den'
- Akira Kurosawa's 'Dodes’ka-den' marks his first venture into color filmmaking, a pivotal shift in his artistic journey, illustrating his innovative use of color to convey emotion and narrative depth.
- The film is crucial for understanding the evolution of Kurosawa's cinematic style, particularly for film enthusiasts and scholars interested in the transition from black and white to color cinema.
- Personal insights highlight a unique connection to the film through a friendship with Kurosawa's daughter, providing a deeper personal context to the film's analysis.
- 'Dodes’ka-den' is not only a milestone in Kurosawa's career but also offers a rich study of its reception and influence, reflecting broader trends in global cinema during the early 1970s.
8. 🎞️ The Minimalism of Robert Mitchum
- Robert Mitchum is highlighted as a favorite actor for his minimal effort style which gives an impression of not caring much, adding to his appeal.
- Despite his seemingly indifferent demeanor, there is a belief that Mitchum cared enormously about his work.
- The contrast between Mitchum's perceived indifference and actual dedication is noted as an attractive quality.
9. 🏜️ Timeless Impact of 'Woman in the Dunes'
- The film 'Woman in the Dunes' creates a captivating experience that draws viewers in, highlighting the power of cinema to evoke emotional connections.
- The film is recognized for its remarkable stillness and beautiful voice work, which contribute to its lasting impact.
- Personal anecdotes reveal that 'Woman in the Dunes' is considered an amazing film with an incredible love story, emphasizing its timeless appeal.
- Films like 'Woman in the Dunes' offer lasting images and memories that evoke feelings long after viewing, demonstrating the enduring emotional resonance of impactful cinema.
10. 🔍 Exploring 'After Life' and Parting Thoughts
- The film 'After Life' is a recommended watch, underscoring its quality and appeal.
- Released in 1998, 'After Life' offers a timeless narrative that remains relevant.
- Criterion films are praised for their expansive and enriching collection, akin to discovering a space that grows with time.
- Gratitude is expressed to Criterion for their exceptional film curation, highlighting the appreciation for quality cinema.
- A humorous acknowledgment of the continued relevance of physical media, like needing to buy a DVD player, emphasizes the value of accessing such curated collections.