5 Film Recs From Director Patricia Riggen

"I still remember the day I sat in a theater in my hometown of Guadalajara to watch this incredible film. Its intersecting stories and vibrancy was striking. The fact that the director was Mexican further strengthened my dream of making films. One of my own had just made a powerful and impactful movie like nothing I had seen before. The incredibly intense performances of its cast are imprinted in my heart forever. It was also the first time I experienced Lynn Feinchtein’s tremendous contribution as music supervisor. The song selection along with Santaolalla’s deep and painful score makes this one of the best soundtracks in film. 'Amores Perros' is a total life changer."

"This was the first Zhang Yimou film I ever saw. He quickly became one of my favorite directors. This movie had an impact on me from its opening shot, and I never forgot it. Gong Li’s beautiful face fills the screen. A tear rolls down her cheek. This film, about patriarchy and the subjugation of women set in 1920s China resonated profoundly in my feminist heart. The use of color and meticulous aesthetics sets Zhang Yimou apart from everyone else. 'Raise the Red Lantern' totally blew my mind."

"Spike Lee’s powerful film opened my eyes to a world that till then, as a Mexican, I had never seen represented in movies. The director presents a deeply fractured Brooklyn neighborhood, tremendously raw depictions of characters, and a moral dilemma that he purposely leaves open, inviting us as the audience to reflect on. It had a tremendous emotional impact on my young self and the perception I had of my new adopted country. It opened my eyes. Mookie, Radio Raheem, Sal and all the other colorful, complex characters still live deep in my heart."

"Watching this movie in 70mm is still a highlight in my life. I love the immensity of this movie. David Lean’s depiction of the majestic desert landscapes and its juxtaposition with the frailty of humans, impacted me profoundly. I love how the desert, beautiful and brutal at the same time, becomes a true character in the movie. Its nearly four hours duration allows us to delve deeply into the psychology and complexity of Lawrence and the colonial themes of conquest and liberation that the movie presents. 'Lawrence of Arabia' is monumental in every way. Movies cannot get bigger or more intimate than this one. It’s Hollywood at its best."

"This movie is an important inspiration for 'G20,' my Viola Davis action movie. Many years after its debut, La Femme Nikita is still a huge reference when we think of female led action movies. Sadly, there are still so few of them. Nikita is such a memorable action hero because she’s not just a badass when it comes to fighting, shooting big guns or jumping down garbage chutes. She is deeply human, unlike so many other characters in action movies today that are mainly excuses for violent extravaganzas. The director makes sure we see Nikita’s struggle with every kill. We feel her pain. We can sense her true want: she just needs love and human connection."