The Essentials

‘After Hours’ is a comedy, but it’s also a drama. And a horror film. And an essential masterpiece in Scorsese’s filmography.

‘To Live and Die in L.A.’ is one of the last films to carry over the dark cynicism of ’70s cops/robbers cinema.

‘The Happiness of the Katakuris’ is a revelation for most people only familiar with his darker, far more cynical, and gruesome side.

‘Time After Time’ is a fun, thrilling, and sweetly romantic ride that works beautifully as cross-genre entertainment.

‘Nine to Five’ is about letting go of prejudices and preconceived notions and opening your mind to new ideas.

Jonathan Mostow’s ‘Breakdown’ is a lean, muscular machine that hits the pavement in high gear and rarely lets up until the end.

Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s ‘Amélie’ is a romantic comedy that is also an expression of creativity and an appreciation of human contact.

“If you’re so depressed how come you’re eating pizza?”

Welcome to The Essentials, a series of articles originally published in 2016 that dared to try and create a list of essential movies for film…