But what inspires the master of psychological thrillers himself? We learned about six films that Aronofsky considers his favorites.
“La Dolce Vita” (1960)
Director: Federico FelliniStarring: Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, Anouk Aimée
Genre: Satirical Tragicomedy
Plot
Marcello Rubini is a cynical Roman journalist specializing in celebrity gossip. He mingles with the rich and famous, observing their idle lives filled with parties, intrigues, and fleeting passions. He becomes both a witness to and a participant in the decadent lifestyle that both attracts and repels him.Why You Should Watch
- Iconic Scene: The film introduced one of the most recognizable scenes in cinema history—Anita Ekberg bathing in the Trevi Fountain.
- Critique of Consumer Society: Fellini critiques the superficiality and meaninglessness of the "sweet life," showcasing its moral decay.
- Visual Splendor: Stylish cinematography and the atmosphere of 1960s Rome.
- Cultural Influence: The word “paparazzi” originated from the name of one of the film's characters, photographer Paparazzo.
Darren Aronofsky’s Opinion
In an interview with “Letterboxd,” the director called “La Dolce Vita” one of his favorite films.
"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966)
Director: Sergio LeoneStarring: Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, Eli Wallach
Genre: Spaghetti Western
Plot
During the American Civil War, three gunslingers—Blondie ("The Good"), Angel Eyes ("The Bad"), and Tuco ("The Ugly")—independently learn about hidden Confederate gold. Each of them holds only part of the information about the treasure's location. They are forced to join forces, constantly betraying and deceiving each other, to reach the treasure.Why You Should Watch
- Spaghetti Western Classic: The film is a benchmark of the genre with its characteristic features: taciturn heroes, tense duels, and epic landscapes.
- Iconic Characters: The trio of main characters are some of the most memorable figures in film history.
- Ennio Morricone's Music: The film's soundtrack became as famous as the film itself.
- Spectacular Filming: Panoramic shots and battle scenes.
Darren Aronofsky's Opinion
Speaking about the film in an interview with "Redbullmusicacademy," the director especially highlights the soundtrack:There is a wonderful moment in the film with Eli Wallach ('The Ugly') when he lets go of the pain, wraps himself in a poncho, and takes a breath, and Morricone starts playing, possibly the greatest melody ever written for a film soundtrack. In this film, Leone creates an opera. It's no longer just a movie; it's an opera.
"Angel Heart" (1987)
Director: Alan ParkerMain Cast: Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, Lisa Bonet
Genre: Thriller
Plot
In 1955, private detective Harry Angel is hired by the mysterious Louis Cyphre to find the missing singer Johnny Favorite. The investigation leads Harry to New Orleans, where he delves into a world of voodoo, the occult, and brutal murders. The further he progresses in his investigation, the more strange and frightening events occur around him.Why You Should Watch
- Atmospheric noir.
- Engaging plot.
- Brilliant acting: Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro created unforgettable characters.
- Dark atmosphere: the film immerses the viewer in a world of dark secrets and occult rituals.
Darren Aronofsky's Opinion
According to the director, he first watched this film at the age of 18 while traveling through Europe "without a penny to his name":Spent a lot of time in cinemas, escaping the rain. That's how I saw Alan Parker's 'Angel Heart' in Paris, and it was the first time I watched a film to the end and then watched it again.
"Full Metal Jacket" (1987)
Director: Stanley KubrickStarring: Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin, Vincent D'Onofrio
Genre: War film, Drama
Plot
The film begins by depicting the brutal training of U.S. Marine recruits at Parris Island under the strict Sergeant Hartman. It then transports the viewer to Vietnam, where the trained soldiers face the horrors of war and lose their humanity.Why Watch
- Realistic depiction of war: Kubrick portrays war without embellishment, in all its brutality and senselessness.
- Strong anti-war stance: The film prompts reflection on the cost of war and its impact on the human psyche.
- Psychological depth: The film explores the process of dehumanization and the loss of moral bearings in the conditions of war.
Darren Aronofsky's Opinion
In the same interview for "Redbullmusicacademy," the director described his emotions after watching the film:The first half of 'Full Metal Jacket' is all about order and turning people into machines, but there is one element of chaos — a soldier with excess weight, who is gradually driven to a boiling point. Then it all comes down to turning these machines and order into chaos. Suddenly, the entire filming style changes, and it becomes a completely different film. I think the final shot of the film is an attempt to overlay this grid of order onto chaos while they are in hell, literally.
"West Side Story" (1961)
Directors: Robert Wise, Jerome RobbinsStarring: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, George Chakiris
Genre: Musical Romantic Drama
Plot
A modern interpretation of Shakespeare's tragedy "Romeo and Juliet," set in 1950s New York. Two rival street gangs, the Jets (white Americans) and the Sharks (Puerto Ricans), fight for territory control. Tony, a former member of the Jets, falls in love with Maria, the sister of the Sharks' leader Bernardo. Their love is doomed to a tragic end due to the hatred and violence between the gangs.Why You Should Watch
- Classic Musical: The film is one of the most famous musicals in cinematic history.
- Captivating Choreography: The dance numbers in the film are striking for their energy and skillful execution.
- Immortal Music by Leonard Bernstein: The musical compositions from the film have become true hits.
- Relevant Themes: The film addresses issues of racial intolerance, violence, and social inequality.
Darren Aronofsky's Opinion
Darren was particularly impressed by the film's sets, which he finds very realistic:I love that the sets are so realistic, and there's a drive toward that realism, even though they're dancing and singing. And again, this realism combined with fantasy is something that really attracts me, and it has definitely had a big influence on me.
"Raging Bull" (1980)
Director: Martin ScorseseStarring: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci
Genre: Drama, Biographical Film
Plot
A biographical drama about the life and career of famous boxer Jake LaMotta, nicknamed the "Bronx Bull." The film portrays his rise and fall in the ring, as well as his complex and contradictory character, which leads to the destruction of his personal life and relationships with loved ones.Why You Should Watch
- Outstanding performance by Robert De Niro: he won an Oscar for this role, transforming physically and emotionally.
- Realistic depiction of boxing.
- Black and white cinematography that emphasizes the drama of the story.
- Psychological depth: the film explores the dark sides of human nature, such as aggression, jealousy, and self-destruction.
Darren Aronofsky's Opinion
In an interview with the popular publication "Time Out," Aronofsky compared "Raging Bull" to his film "The Wrestler":Well, 'Raging Bull' is great in many ways. It's a completely different type of film than 'The Wrestler,' but it had a big influence on me. Scorsese used the camera like a brush, especially in the fight scenes. I watch this film and wonder if it's possible to make something like that today.
