Mirror (1975) dir. Andrei Tarkovsky
Andrei Tarkovsky is my favorite director of all time. This is probably the least accessible thing in his filmography, but it’s also one of the most unique cinematic experiences I’ve had. Truly mesmerizing.
Suspiria (2018) dir. Luca Guadagnino
Maaaaaybe it’s a bit of a stretch to call this film underrated since most people that I know seem to love it. But the 6.9/10 rating on IMDB is far too low; this should definitely be somewhere on the top 250. And the lack of Oscar nominations is baffling considering that this could have easily won best editing, cinematography, costume design, visual effects, actress, supporting actress, and picture. Instead they gave it to Green Book :/ See it if you haven’t already, and if you have just watch it again.
Birds of Passage (2018) dir. Ciro Guerra, Cristina Gallego
I’m shocked that more people haven’t seen/heard about this masterpiece. The film feels like an entire miniseries worth of content stuffed into a two-hour long film. The cinematography is gorgeous, the score is unforgettable, and the performances are so good that you forget the actors are even acting. You will be blown away by it, trust me.
Gimme Shelter (1970) dir. Albert Maysles, David Maysles, Charlotte Zwerin
This film is no ordinary concert doc. It depicts the disastrous Altamont Free Concert which took place in December of 1969. It captures more effectively than most films the death of the dream of the 1960s. Seeing thousands and thousands of people smooshed together like they are here will likely make you not mind the quarantine so much as well.
Shortbus (2006) dir. John Cameron Mitchell
It’s the best porn you’ll ever see.
The Seventh Continent (1989) dir. Michael Haneke
In conversations about Haneke’s work, most of the focus is usually on his more recent films, which are undeniably incredible. But this film is so good it’s almost unbelievable. Lots of directors go their entire career without achieving what Haneke was able to on his first try.
Pina (2011) dir. Wim Wenders
This film honoring experimental choreographer Pina Bausch is absolutely dazzling. Just let the dancers hypnotize you.
The Act of Killing (2012) dir. Joshua Oppenheimer
The first half of Oppenheimer’s duo of films exploring the Indonesian genocide of 1965, with the other being The Look of Silence. One of the most disturbing films ever made. Seriously don’t say I didn’t warn you.
A Town Called Panic (2009) dir. Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar
It’s the French-est movie ever made!
Operation Avalanche (2016) dir. Matt Johnson
I’m guessing most people haven’t seen this because they look at the poster and assume it’s some stupid moon landing conspiracy documentary or something. I’m glad that Matt Johnson is one of the few directors left attempting to breathe some life into the found footage genre. I enjoyed this movie a lot when I first saw it, but learning afterward about the way it was filmed honestly blew my mind and made me appreciate it so much more.
Sam Smit is a movie nerd and student filmmaker working on a degree in Film Production at the University of Colorado. Follow Sam on Letterboxd @sammo34.