As an Illustrator, vision is how I understand everything I’ve learned about the world, and everything I remember and feel has visuals attached. It’s how I can do a mental walk through of every place I’ve ever lived, remember all of my most vivid dreams from childhood and remember every book I’ve ever read.
So when I say movies are like food, then you know what I mean. I need movies like I need books. Some movies are like junk food. They’re not very stimulating intellectually, but rich with detail and some movies are a smorgesbord. Theyre satisfying in every manner.
These are some of the movies I’ve found the most satisfying both visually and intellectually, in no particular order:
Paprika
Directed by Satoshi Kon 2006
Apparently this film is just a little too deep for me. I couldn’t make heads or tails out of its philosophy, or it only has dream logic. Well, whatever is going on, this is still the very best eye candy.
Inception
Directed by Christopher Nolan 2010
This movie satisfies on every level. Intellectually, visually and emotionally, it”s a feast.
The Fall
Directed by Tarsem Singh 2008
I would’ve nominated this director’s first film, The Cell but this is the movie I enjoyed more. Its a lovely fairy tail, with an emotional resonance that sticks with you, long after the movie ends.
Baraka
Directed by Ron Fricke 1992
This is a film meant to be enjoyed on a visceral level. It has no dialogue, but its rich visuals more than make up for this lack.
The Watchmen
Directed by Zack Snyder 2009
This is one of the best looking superhero movies ever made. The plot is pretty horrifying , but it’s visual movement and detail are exquisite. If you can stomach some of the gore and the nihilistic philosophies of the characters, it’s worth your time.
The Tree of Life
Directed by Terence Malick 2011
The plot is a fairly standard coming of age story, about a young boys rocky relationship with his overbearing father, but its themes of how small human relationships are in the scheme of the cosmos, yet are the end all and be all of our short lives, lends itself to some truly stunning, and occasionally, perplexing imagery.
The House of Flying Daggers
Directed by Zhang Yimou 2004
Okay, I’m not Asian, so maybe this movie really resonates with someone directly from one of the cultures depicted in the movie, but I don’t care, I just like the way it looks and sounds. Its absolutely gorgeous.
Hero
Directed by Zhang Yimou 2002
The first WuXia movie by the director of House of flying Daggers, this movie is Good practice. The story, characters, action and colors are all breathtaking. If you were impressed by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, you will love this movie.
Spirited Away
Directed by Hiyao Miyazaki 2001
I’ve introduced this movie to two generations of little WoC, and for every single one of them, the story resonates so wonderfully and so deeply, that it quickly becomes one of their absolute favorite films. My niece, The Potato, is always up for a rewatch of any film by the legendary Miyzaki, but it is this film in particular, that seems to truly speak to her.
Okay! Me too.
Bladerunner
Directed by Ridley Scott 1982
I knew I was going to love this movie from the moment I saw the first trailer, back in 1982. C’mon people! Robots, flying cars, detectives in trenchcoats and lots and lots of rain and neon. The style that every SciFi movie, for the next 20 years, attempted to copy.
The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
Directed by Andrew Dominik 2007
I only need to say one thing: Brad Pitt.
Dark City
Directed by Alex Proyas 1998
This is another movie, I knew I was going to fall in love with when I saw the trailer. Its dark and broody and stars William Hurt, and that would’ve been enough, but the story is intellectually compelling, as well. This was one of Roger Ebert’s favorite Science Fiction movies, such that he did two different audio commentaries for the two DVD releases.
300
Directed by Zack Snyder 2006
Many male critics professed not to understand why this movie seemed to captivate so many female fans. They seemed to be under the impression that we were fascinated by the presence of Lena Heady. This is why you shouldn’tlisten to critics.
Here’s why we loved this movie:
There are about a bajillion more movies that I could add to this list, but these are the ones I’ll watch over and over.
Geeking Out about It 