Contents
Many new films are released every year, but only a few of them are destined to become real masterpieces of cinema. After the premiere, most of the films are forgotten; after a few years, no one remembers that they watched this film.
Of course, there are films that have been popular for many years. People like them, they are ready to review them again and again. Moreover, they are considered the best films not only by ordinary viewers, but also by directors. By the way, in many countries, a survey is conducted among film workers, they rank the best films. People are interested to know how modern directors evaluate the work of their predecessors and colleagues. Below is the top 10 best films according to the main directors of our time. The list is based on a survey of members of the Directors Guild of America.
10 The Godfather 1-2 (1972-1974)
Gangster drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Not surprisingly, the films made it to this list, winning several Oscars and many other awards. Also, paintings very often take first place in various ratings. The plot is based on the history of the Corleone family. The head of the family created a mafia clan, the whole city now lives according to its laws. Vito Corleone understands that he is not eternal, and he needs to prepare a replacement. But none of the sons are suitable for this role. Riots begin in the city, and an assassination attempt is made on Vito. The film is highly appreciated not only by the audience, but also by film critics. Its only drawback is the excessive romanticization of crime.
9. Apocalypse Now (1979)
And again Coppola. A film about the Vietnam War. A SWAT captain is sent on a mission. He must eliminate the colonel, who is accused of creating a “kingdom of his own”. He commands a detachment of local residents, commits murders. On the way, the captain will have to see a lot of cruelty and madness. Francis Coppola himself said that he was very pleased with this film, the director admitted that it was impossible to do better. However, the film received rather mixed reviews, someone admired it, someone poured mud on it. Apocalypse Now won two Oscars (for cinematography and sound), and many other awards. Most importantly, the participants of the Vietnam War appreciated the film, they called it the most believable of all the films about this war.
8. Only Girls in Jazz (1959)
Musical comedy directed by Billy Wilder. The story of two musicians who witnessed a shootout. Now they need to hide. They are hired to work in a jazz group, only it is female. They dress up as girls, no one notices anything, but all their plans are ruined by love. The comedy was recognized as the best in the history of cinema. The film could not go unnoticed, it was talked about a lot. The creators were even accused of violating the norms of morality. However, the comedy was released to the public. She received several awards, including an Oscar.
7. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
Drama directed by Milos Forman. McMurphy is serving a prison sentence. He doesn’t feel like working, so he decides to pretend to be crazy. He is placed in a psychiatric clinic. He has fun, relaxes and does not even assume that with his stupid trick he signed his own death warrant. The film was called the most important event of the “new wave” in American cinema. The audience also liked the picture. Critics, for the most part, described it positively. According to the number of Oscars, and there are five, the film took second place. The Golden Globe Award – also five nominations, no film had such success before.
6. Psycho (1960)
Psychological horror film by Alfred Hitchcock. A young woman, Marion, is dating a man, but it seems to her that the chosen one treats her badly. The boss asks her for a favor, Marion has to deposit a large sum of money into a bank account. But when the money falls into the hands of Marion, she decides to escape and leaves the city. The girl stops at a motel and meets its owner. Strange things start to happen. The film received not very good reviews, but the box office broke records. Then it was decided to reconsider it. As a result, “Psycho” received several awards and many positive reviews.
5. Courtyard Window (1954)
Another work by Alfred Hitchcock. Photographer Jeffreys has broken his leg and has to stay at home for a long time. The only entertainment is to look out the window. He observes the life of his neighbors, soon begins to realize that his neighbor committed the murder. Now Jeffries is struggling to prove to the police and acquaintances that the murder is not a figment of his imagination. The film is considered the most successful among all the works of Hitchcock, received many awards and prizes, including four Oscar nominations.
4. Goodfellas (1990)
Crime drama. Directed by Martin Scorsese. Henry Hill dreams of becoming a gangster since childhood. He will do everything to achieve his goal. The young man starts climbing from the very bottom, but he will definitely reach the top and become a real gangster. The film was a resounding success. Reviews from film critics are extremely positive. “Goodfellas” was released simultaneously with the third part of “The Godfather”, but it was this picture that was called the most significant film about gangsters. Many directors say The Goodfellas is one of Scorsese’s best films.
3. The Good, the Bad, the Ugly (1966)
Western by Sergio Leone. Civil War. A mysterious shooter meets cynical scum like him. They find out about the stolen gold and want to unite. But everyone understands that in this world no one can be trusted. The film was considered a failure for a long time. It was overlooked at film festivals and received a lot of negative reviews. It was said that the film has too much cruelty and violence. In the mid-80s, attitudes towards Westerns changed. He was even recognized as one of the best in the history of the genre. Directors Tarantino and Mikhalkov admitted that The Good, the Bad and the Ugly had a strong influence on their work.
2. Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Drama directed by Billy Wilder. Screenwriter Joe has big problems: failures at work, lack of money, persecution of creditors. He gets into the car and goes where his eyes look. Due to a burst tire, he literally breaks into the territory of the mansion. The star Norma Desmond lives there, but no one needs her, in the world of cinema she has long been forgotten. The film was a great success, was enthusiastically received by both the audience and film critics. He often gets into the ratings of the best films of all time, and is also considered almost the best work of Wilder.
1. Oil (2007)
Epic drama directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Entrepreneur Daniel’s story. He is looking for gold and silver, but trouble occurs, the man falls into the mine. He notices a piece of rock there, which indicates the presence of oil. Daniel becomes an oil producer. Soon the man is no longer interested in anything but oil. He becomes obsessed with her. The film is considered Anderson’s finest work. It is also called the greatest achievement in the world of cinema in the first 10 years of the XNUMXst century. The film received numerous awards. It can rightfully be considered one of the best films of all time.