ESSENTIAL CINEMA

Essential Cinema curated by Jodi

Jodi Balfour

For slow days and long nights ahead, we invited our dear friend and actor, Jodi Balfour, to curate a selection of films that have continued to resonate with her—long after the final scene.

Jodi Balfour
(1) ANATOMY OF A FALL

It’s been interesting to hear such differing opinions about Justine Triet's film in my community— some people loving it, others distinctly not.  I was spell-bound. Granted, in one of my reliable happy-places: mid afternoon, alone at the cinema, a crisp beer in the cup holder.  Regardless of whether this film is for you, I think it’s worthy of your time and attention. The writing, the cinematography and Sandra Hüller’s performance are evocative and excellent. 

(2) BLUE JEAN

Blue Jean (2022)

Probably my favorite thing I saw this year, very likely taking a spot on my top 10 of all time, I LOVE everything about Georgia Oakley’s feature directorial debut.

Day for Night (1973)

(3) DAY FOR NIGHT

1970’s France, a romp of a film, depicting what it’s (sometimes) like to make a film… in which the director of the film (François Truffaut) plays the director of the film-within-a-film… this one was a recent first-time watch, and I think I smiled the entire way through it.

(4) AN UNMARRIED WOMAN

Recently scrutinized in a memoir I liked a lot, I’m going to stand by my affection for this film. I just love it. 1970’s New York, female friendship, a mother-daughter relationship to idolize, Soho’s art scene at the time, a love story full of self-determination… it’s spectacular in all the ways, ok!?

(5) MONSTER

Kore-eda Hirokazu’s latest film is a lesson in perspective and humanity. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking and stayed with me long after seeing it.

Explore Jodi's Rituals interview here.

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