As summer begins, movie enthusiasts are looking for the perfect flicks to indulge in during their leisure time.
Whether you’re in the mood for thrilling action, heartfelt dramas, or captivating documentaries, three University of Miami School of Communication experts shared their recommendations for films to add to your must-watch list.
Dia Kontaxis, professor and chair of the Department of Cinematic Arts, said if you can’t travel to Greece this summer, bring the Mediterranean home with these three award-winning films taking place on the Greek Isles.
“The Lost Daughter” (2021)
Watch for the award-winning performances by Olivia Coleman, Jessie Backley, and Dakota Johnson and the genius film editing of Affonso Conçalves. Adapted from a short story by acclaimed pseudonymous Italian novelist Elena Ferrante, this film was shot in Spetses, Greece, and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
“Triangle of Sadness” (2022)
The 2022 Cannes Film Festival Palm D’Or winner, directed by Ruben Östland, is about power, beauty, and very rough seas, with a stellar ensemble cast. It was filmed in Evia, Greece.
“Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love” (2019)
Find out all about the cultural appeal of the island of Hydra in the 2019 documentary, beautifully directed by award-wining filmmaker Nick Broomfield.
Jim Virga, associate professor of professional practice in the School of Communication, recommends a variety of films for all the movie-lovers in your life.
“Strangers to Peace” (2022)
Former members of the FARC guerilla army in Colombia tell their stories as they try to assimilate back into everyday society. Incredible access into a very complex story. Director and University alumnus, Noah Debonis, and Laura Angel hit a home run with this engaging documentary. The project was also co-produced by cinematic arts professor, Margaret Cardillo.
“The Beaches of Agnes” (2008)
Agnes Varda’s documentary is a visual autobiography. The great French director reflects on filmmaking, relationships, and her childhood. Her unique outlook on life is inspiring. A great introduction into her large body of work, which includes “Cleo From 5 To 7” and “Vagabond.”
“All You Need Is Cash” (1978)
This mockumentary about the fictious band The Rutles (The Beatles) includes members of Monty Python and Saturday Night Live. The soundtrack includes an album’s worth of faux Beatles songs that are hilarious. Eric Idle co-wrote the script as well as portrays the Paul McCartney character. George Harrison makes a cameo appearance as a reporter covering the fall of Rutle Corps (Apple).
“La Notte” (1961)
This is the second of Michelangelo Antonioni’s trilogy on alienation and disillusionment, starring Marcello Mastroianni and Jeanne Moreau. The atmosphere and mood of this film takes the viewer on a journey through existential ennui. I love it, but I’m not sure if it matters.
“Shake! Otis at Monterey” (1987)
D.A. Pennebaker captured Otis Redding’s entire live performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967. An incredible performance that is part of music mythology. Sadly, Redding would die only a few months later in a plane crash. Play this loud.
Rene Rodriguez, manager of the Bill Cosford Cinema, suggested visiting the on-campus cinema to view film classics this summer.
The Cosford Cinema offers a stellar lineup through The Directors’ Turn: 10 More Selections from the Sight & Sound Poll Summer Series 2023 Pass.
All screenings begin at 1 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 13. Admission is $5 per film, but you can get a series pass good for all the movies at the link above.
Here's the complete lineup:
June 18: “Ali: Fear Eats the Soul” (1974)
June 25: “8½” (1963)
July 9: “Do the Right Thing” (1989)
July 16: “The Rules of the Game’’ (1939)
July 23: “Come and See’’ (1985)
July 30: “Barry Lyndon” (1975)
Aug. 6: “Cleo from 5 to 7” (1962)
Aug. 13: “Yi Yi: A One and a Two” (2000)
