The acclaimed director was choosing some of his favourite films
CHE: Benicio del Toro stars in trailer
An Oscar-nominated director has revealed his pick for one of the greatest war films ever produced.
Earlier this year, Denis Villeneuve had the opportunity to visit the Criterion Closet and share his favourite films and recommendations with fans. His selection included films that have inspired him as a filmmaker, as well as his favourite works from renowned directors.
Villeneuve is recognised for directing films such as Sicario, Arrival, Prisoners, Blade Runner 2049, and Dune Parts One and Two. His work has earned him numerous Oscar and BAFTA nominations, including a Best Director nod for Arrival, reports the Express.
The Criterion Closet is a physical or sometimes mobile space created for events, housing every title distributed by The Criterion collection. Reportedly home to at least 1,700 films, celebrities are often invited to select their favourites while being filmed.
During his visit earlier this year, Villeneuve’s picks included The Three Colours trilogy directed by Krzysztof Kielowski, Lars von Trier’s Europa, Akira Kurosawa’s The Seven Samurai, Satyricon by Fellini, and Henri-Georges Clouzot’s The Wages of Fear.
The director also expressed his appreciation for documentaries, recommending Le Mystère Picasso from Henri-Georges Clouzot. Additionally, he highlighted a film about a historical figure which, in his opinion, ranks among the best war movies.
He remarked: “Che, with the great Benicio del Toro. For me, it’s by far one of the best movies about war, about what it is to be a leader of men.”
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Expanding on his thoughts, he stated: “The research behind this movie is astonishing, and I absolutely adore the directing. I think it’s a movie that is underrated. Honestly, it’s a masterful work by Soderbergh. My favourite movie from Soderbergh.”
Intriguingly, he hinted as well at a possible source of inspiration for his own monumental interpretation of the Dune novels when examining the double DVD boxset, noting: “Part one, part two. Maybe there’s an influence there. I don’t know.”
The 2008 epic biographical flick Che unfolded the story of Argentine Marxist revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara and came in a nearly five-hour-long two-part format. For those intrigued to delve into what Villeneuve extolled, they will be pleased to find both chapters available for streaming on Prime Video.
Under the directorial prowess of Steven Soderbergh, the film starred Benicio del Toro as Che and strayed from the conventional linear storytelling, instead opting to weave together various segments from Che’s life journey.
One enthusiast hailed the film, asserting: ” One of the best biopics ever. It should have won Oscar.”
A separate individual praised it further saying: “Gorgeously shot, superbly acted, and poignantly relevant.” For those inclined to watch, ‘Che Parts One and Two’ are streamable now via Prime Video.
Che Parts One and Two are streaming on Prime Video
