Renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has unveiled his top 20 films of the 21st century on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast. In his unique selection, he imposed a one-film-per-director rule, showcasing a mix of popular and lesser-known titles. The list reflects not only his personal tastes but also hints at an emerging aesthetic trend focused on entertainment value and irreverence.
Black Hawk Down: Tarantino’s Top Pick
The standout film on Tarantino’s list is Ridley Scott’s “Black Hawk Down.” Released in 2001, this intense war movie has earned acclaim as one of the best achievements in Scott’s career. Tarantino describes the film as a masterwork that captures an “Apocalypse Now” sense of purpose and filmmaking intensity. He believes it deserves more recognition and states that its continuous gripping nature keeps audiences invested throughout its nearly three-hour runtime.
Overview of the Top 10 Films
In addition to “Black Hawk Down,” Tarantino’s top 10 list includes a diverse range of films that have left a significant impact since the start of the century:
- 2. Toy Story 3 (Lee Unkrich): Celebrated for its emotional depth and comedic elements, it’s deemed a perfect animated film.
- 3. Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola): Tarantino expresses his admiration for the film, sharing a personal anecdote about his affection for Coppola.
- 4. Dunkirk (Christopher Nolan): Initially met with mixed feelings, Tarantino grew to appreciate its mastery upon subsequent viewings.
- 5. There Will Be Blood (Paul Thomas Anderson): Praised for its craftsmanship and Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance, although he notes a significant flaw in the supporting role.
- 6. Zodiac (David Fincher): Over time, this film evolved into a complex and engaging experience for Tarantino.
- 7. Unstoppable (Tony Scott): He acknowledges its unique action aesthetic as one of the best monster movies of the 21st century.
- 8. Mad Max: Fury Road: Despite initial hesitation, Tarantino found it to be a testament to great filmmaking.
- 9. Shaun of the Dead (Edgar Wright): This zombie film transcends the genre by blending humor and horror effectively.
- 10. Midnight in Paris (Woody Allen): Tarantino reflects on his evolving opinion of Owen Wilson’s performance in this film.
Additional Insights
In total, the full list includes 20 films, comprising a mix of genres and styles. He highlights notable mentions, such as “Battle Royale,” which he claims influenced “The Hunger Games,” and recognizes the unique storytelling in films like “Big Bad Wolves” and “The Passion of the Christ.”
Tarantino’s distinct criteria for his selections revolve around memorable cinematic experiences rather than conforming to popular consensus. His intentional omission of traditionally acclaimed films like “Mulholland Drive” emphasizes his unique approach.
By spotlighting “Black Hawk Down” as his top film, Tarantino not only elevates its status but also invites audiences to reconsider its place in modern cinema.
