This is a criminally underrated video. As a 16 year old French Canadian aspiring Filmmaker, Denis Villeneuve is the kind of director I’m striving to become. Thanks for making this!
No movie is life changing. No book or piece of art is either. There are some that lead you to think about issues but they aren’t going to change what you believe and how you feel about that issue based on your overall experience. They don’t change people.
@@soysource3218 It doesn’t change who they are in the way ‘life changing’ conveys. It is one of a person’s experiences but people don’t go watch a movie and come out as different people. If a piece of art speaks to you, it’s because your previous experience. It doesn’t change you. Others would be able to recognize it if it did. Now, a person could go see a movie and come out wanting to direct movies but if it hadn’t been that movie it would have been another.
@@sder It's a great video! Always a pleasure to watch your stuff. Have not seen your number 1 yet but is next on my to watch list! Thanks for great video!
If I may add, as a Québécois, I think what videos on Villeneuve don't show enough - understandably so - is the extent to which his cinematic art is highly influenced by the Québec film tradition of the 60s and 70s, often referred to as "cinéma direct". This documentary style of filmmaking is quite sociological by letting the camera roll to see what people have to say or do, without intervening or trying to fill the void/silence/dialogue. Villeneuve himself said that working in the Canadian North with Michel Brault, a prominent Québécois filmmaker of that tradition, taught him the sense of pacing and immersion by paying attention to behavioural and elemental details surrounding him. I do believe his genius is the combination of a documentary style of filmmaking and a wild imagination.
That's what it was that caught my attention about Sicario. I never knew what that feeling was until your comment just now. It was like a documentary. That's what aided the development of the tension, to feel the tension as if it was actually happening. As if it was real and we were simply watching. Very rare in Hollywood...
@@poindextertunesit’s hard sci-fi. Not everyone is gonna be into a movie where you have to be invested in Paul aka Muad’Dib aka Lisan al-Gaib, son of Leto, Duke of Caladan and leader of House Atreides. Not to mention 6 other Houses, a secret society of witches, and giant sand worms. That said I’m a giant nerd and have read most of the books and love the story and Denis’ adaptation. Incendies is still a better movie.
The die hard fans of Star Wars, LOTR, and GOT is an indication that we’ve got a lot of nerds in the world. That said, hard sci-fi isn’t for everyone. (Side note: I prefer Denis’ Dune over all of those by far)
If you want you can read the original story in book form. Incendie was first a play and the script was made into a book. Denis adapted the story after that in cinema. The book is read a lot in french canadian schools. Its really good!
@@lauremarchildon7312 And the play is quite popular. I saw it in a Russian theater some 12 years ago, so around the time the film was released, and I recently saw a poster in a Dutch theater. I think the movie is quite close to the script of the play.
Man, I am so glad you ranked Prisoners this high. Most of the time, people tend to place it in the lower spots on their lists. It is my favourite movie of all time. Although not pleasant watch, every scene builds and builds the tention, and the last hour honestly is just nerve vrecking panick attack. It allways gets me so emotional, the subtle touching score, the perfect cinematography and Hugh Jackmans and Jake Gyllenhall's greatest performences. (Altho for Jake, it could be arguably Nightcrawler). I am not a father yet, but I can only imagine, what it will be like watching this heart breaking story wit my own kids in mind. Btw Denis Villenueve is also my favourite director of all time, I am glad people are catching up to him, after Dune 2 and Rian Gosling's literally me.
I have little kids, and the drive to the hospital in Prisoners is the closest I've ever come to having a panic attack. I was so invested and captivated by that movie, I don't know how it's not more well-known.
Incendies was the first film that I saw of Villeneuve, and then Arrival was the second one. I was flabbergasted, and he became my favorite too. It's always fun to see a longform video like this about him. This video is great :)
I went 'Incendies', 'Prisoners', 'Arrival', and then followed up with 'Sicario'. Those four are all on my very short list of pieces of art that do at least one thing better than anything else. For 'Incendies', it's the coherence and weight with which this tragic story is told (and not once feeling over-the-top or trite). For 'Prisoners', it's the career defining performances of both Jackman and Dano combined with the exquisite yet very demure cinematography by Deakins. For 'Arrival', it's the fact that a sci-fi flight of fancy this grand manages to take its premise 100% seriously 100% of the time without wavering. For 'Sicario', it's the best tension and action I've ever seen. The fact that one director has managed to be the cinematic peak of both drama, acting, storytelling, cinematography and writing is _insane._ He is not just a generational talent, he is one of the best directors of all time. If he keeps up his current trajectory he could be considered *the* best director of all time. All while being humble, soft-spoken and by all accounts a joy to work with.
when "Arrival", widely considered as one of the best sci-fi movies ever made, is only ranked in the middle, you know this director's portfolio is LEGENDARY.
I watched Bladerunner 2049 twice, back to back, on a plane.... with no sound! I can't remember why I had no sound (I guess my seat's system was busted) but I was mesmerized by the visuals. Denis is an outstanding film maker. A few still to see, but highly recommend Incendie and Sicario as well.
I truly believe the Dune Part 2 is one of the best movies I have seen. I had the pleasure of watching in theatre, and when Paul fully embraced the title of Lisan al-Gaib, and gave his incredible speech in the War Council, I felt as though I was among the Fremen. I fully wanted to stand and scream alongside them all - fully immersed in the moment - something I haven’t really experienced before. And that moment was pretty much perfection. To tell the story of the dangers of religious fanatical dogma, to communicate how negative it is, to show Paul’s internal conflict knowing what may happen should he embrace that title, tie the audience in to all this, then somehow almost make you forget all that for the hype of the moment to immerse you so deeply that you basically fall for that dogma - THAT was masterful. To immerse you so that you truly understand the message and how dangerous that is, and how it can affect ANYONE. Brilliant.
In my opinion Sicario is clearly his best, the cinematography, the tension, the characters and the way he tackles such a realistic theme that is still relevant today, everything in it is just perfection for me. I’ve never experienced such tension in a movie before and I do also think it’s his darkest movie when it comes to imagery. I still haven’t seen Incendies but I need to watch it asap
yes sicario is probably my fave movie. ive rewatched that movie quite a few times now and it hits every time. in fact it just gets deeper each time, or i see different things. It gets sadder every time too. such a tragic movie. I do love the othe rmovies ive seen by Denis however. i haven't yet watched incendies, prisoners, a few others... looking forward to some rewatches too ! ones ting is for sure though, i absolutely love Denis' style!
Serious? It's the most unrealistic film ever made. A lawyer who loses his family somehow trains for only 7 years and becomes so good he can kill 100 special forces who were training for 10+ years each. So dumb
Great list and video essay. For me (from the films I’ve seen) it is: 8. Enemy 7. Dune Pt 1 6. Arrival 5. Dune Pt 2 4. Incendies 3. Sicario 2. Prisoners 1. Blade Runner 2049
Sicario left the biggest impact on me, it really put Denis on my radar from that point on. The tension, the score, the acting, the script, the cinematography, it all came togheter perfectly. Never missed anything that Taylor Sheridan made from that point forward eighter. Great video!
same - about sicario. that movie continues to have such an impact on me! thankyou for sharing your experience! good to know there a re other Denis impactees out there 😆
Incendies very deserved of the number 1 spot. By far my favourite Villeneuve film, I remember the shock I felt watching it. Nawal's letter to the son is beautiful and the letter to the father is heartbreaking. Few films stick with you like Incendies.
Not much of what he has done is truly ground breaking. But his ability to translate sub-text purely through images is amazing. He is so good at translating writer's original intentions into story boards, and make the cinematographer understand the job. If I was a writer, Denis would be the first person I would want to work with. He respects the Writer's vision and intentions so well. A good example of this would be Arrival, Incendies, Dune.
@@treyjordan1284They aren’t very memorable. I’d heard bad things about his Blade Runner before watching it. When I did watch it I thought it was pretty good. A year later I can’t remember much about it. I watched both Dune movies in the last week and I think they will be the same way.
I absolutely love Blade Runner 2049. I am a sucker for neon lights, and the futuristic looks of things, but the reason I love this one is because of how lonely it feels, and how we feel when we’re alone. I love Blade Runner
Denis is also my favourite director working today. I could talk for hours about each of his movies and how they have impacted me. From Incendies heartwrecking plot reveal. Sicario's palpaple tension. Prisoners' perfect ending. To Arrival's emotional themes and even how it impacted my personal life and influenced decisions that I've made. He truly is an amazing filmmaker. And although I'm enjoying his high budget sci-fi streak a lot, I am hoping he comes back to some more personal stories eventually.
In a few interviews I watched it sounds like Villeneuve also has a desire to make a lower budget French film. Based on his current upcoming projects though, it seems like we will have to wait some years for that.
Great video. Placing Incendies at the top of the list makes so much sense to me as it is a pivotal movie in his career. My personal favorite is Sicario.
He's such a master at work it's not even funny, I've loved every single thing he's done 8. Enemy 7. Dune 6. Blade Runner 2049 5. Prisoners 4. Sicario 3. Dune: Part 2 2. Incendies 1. Arrival
@@JayzVeez I love part 1 but it's really only for the sole reason that it just doesn't have that complete experience feeling quite like the other ones It's still great tho I mean I love Enemy too the fact it's over Enemy should be a testament to his catalog
That opening scene to dune 2 is just outstanding. I was in awe watching that in the cinema. Ive seen everyone of his films and have yet to be disappointed.
Thanks for the video. BR2049 was my first Denis film in cinema(i think i watched Arrival at home a day or so earlier) and its till my favorite cinema experience ever, also watched Dune 2(and 1) in cinemas which was incredible but at that point i had a idea of what the movie was going to be like which i did not with BR2049 since i hadnt watched the first before. Jesus what a experience that was. But i have to say that my favorite film that Denis had done so far is Arrival, i usually have a hard time crying/shedding tears from movies(even sad ones) but something just clicked towards the end of that movie and yeah tears started falling. He is by far my favorite director working today and i cant be more excited as to what he does next. And just as a bonus point for him but the highway shootout in Sicario is in my top 5 scenes of any movie.
So great to see, you put Incendies on top of those outstanding movies. I have this one in my collection and want to see it again. But I'm so scared of doing so...
Has become my favourite director, I was soooo afraid when it was published the second part for Blade runner, my favourite Sci FI movie of all time, but when I heard was Villeneuve making it I was more relaxed and of course, what a movie!!! Again for Dune and again, what a masterpiece.
My favorite Villeneuve movie changes from day to day. He's amazing, and he always chooses to work with *the best* actors/actresses, and, importantly, he lets his actors/actresses ACT. Many directors want to direct their actors into something that they are not and won't let them do what they are best at - act. But, that's where Villeneuve shines *extra* bright. He loves actors/actresses, and he lets them try different things. I think that's at least a pretty decent part of what makes his movies so incredibly great - the rest is his raw talent and his love for cinema. He is fantastic! And, this was a really good video about one of the greatest filmmakers alive. I'm so friggin' happy that I found your channel! Gonna follow you on Letterboxd next. I only created my Letterboxd account in October last year, so I haven't logged even half of all the films I've seen, but I'm working on it. Have an awesome day!
This is a criminally underrated video. As a 12 year old French South African aspiring Filmmaker, Denis Villeneuve is the kind of director i’m striving to become. Thanks for making this!
My personal top 5: 1) Arrival. 2) Blade Runner 2049. 3) Prisoners. 4) Enemy. 5) Incendies. I've loved every Villeneuve movie I've seen. The man is a visionary.
Great video! I’ve seen everything except his first two and appreciate you covering them. I would rate Polytechnique a bit higher but all the films I’ve seen are really excellent.
Dennis is also my favorite filmmaker today and my rankings like up closely with yours. Though, for me, Arrival and Sicario are in my top two. I feel like the philosophies presented in these films are the most thought-provoking of his work and can be directly attributed to today’s societal and political landscapes. Yes, Incendies is a masterpiece of a story with an overarching theme that forgiveness is the key to end the cycle of suffering (among others). Though, I don’t think the film’s idealogies and symbolism dive as deep as Arrival and Sicario. by the way, you create top-tier content and I very much appreciate it.
The Dune movies, particularly the second one, changed me. I absolutely LOVE them. I’ve seen part 2 an embarrassing amount of times since its release and regard it as one of my favorite movies ever. I’ve read the first 4 books now and fell in love with the universe.
This man’s ability to tell a story, EXACTLY how he wants it told Plus, his wisdom to work with the exceptional cinematographers, knowing how key they are to the films success Brilliant director Greig Fraser and Roger Deakins, my gosh are they brilliant
Dune part 1 was my introduction to Denis’ remarkable film making. After going through the rest of his catalog I can confidently say he’s one of if not my favorite director.
I love Denis and as soon as I heard your disclaimer before 6 I shook my head because I knew what was coming. Love that movie and it's so rewatchable, but I understand.
For me, he is one of the few directors who has never made a bad movie. Whatever movie of Villeneuve you pick and call bad, it will be miles better than most of the movies released these days. They just have so much to speak to the audience.
Denis's mentor, Roger Frappier did a beautiful move; Hochelaga, Land of Souls back in 2017 that gives us a window back into our history with the indigenous tribe of the Iroquois, the French and British during the colonisation of New France. When a storm opens a huge sinkhole in Montreal's Percival Molson Stadium, Mohawk archaeologist Baptiste Asigny finds the remains of Hochelaga, the village where his Iroquoian ancestors met the French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1935.
Denis made my favorite film of all time. He made my 11th favorite film of all time, and he is without a doubt an absolute legend, and even if he makes a 4 hour film about a guy running through his town, I'd watch it! Absolute king!
He's everything you said and showed here, but I also think the casting on his films are perfect. Every actor is so well casted for their role. I couldn't imagine Arrival without Amy Adams, or Prisoners without Hugh Jackman
What makes DV interesting is his commitment to story telling. He commits to a passion, a challenge, a striving. Clearly, for him, movies are a form of expression, then, a job, and not the opposite.
Arrival is my favorite movie. I fell asleep and didn’t finish it first time I watched it. Second time I was very skeptical, but it absolutely blew me away it’s so beautiful and sad. The music and visual theme, and this wild yet grounded sci-fi that is really a reflection on how language builds the mind
Denis is my favorite director. I remember watching Sicario for the first time and being completely drawn in. Then I watched Arrival (my #1 movie). After making the connection I haven’t stopped watching everything he’s made.
I absolutely love Villeneuve. Arrival touched me like few films ever have; that score and ending while my head filled with thoughts about my wonderful dad who passed when I was 22. Sicario was one of the best theatre experiences I've ever had; by myself and perfectly stoned, that score blew me back into my seat. Prisoners is so underrated. Incendies is devastating. He got me to enjoy Dune especially in 2 which is not a genre/source material that I care about. Shout out to Johann Johannsen as well I suppose.
As someone who also has Denis as their favorite director, I loved your dissection and opinions on his filmography. Lots of good insights, but we have extremely different rankings when it comes to his biggest 6 movies. Kinda cool to see two people with the same top director but a completely different preference of the filmography. I think you're really "sleeping" on both Dunes lol.
I think he has the potential to go down in cinema history as an all time great. A few of his movies I know will last forever. My Ranking 11. August 32nd (6/10) 10. Maelstrom (6/10) 9. Polytechnique (8/10) 8. Sicario (9/10) 7. Prisoners (9/10) 6. Enemy (9.5/10) 5. Arrival (9.5/10) 4. Dune (9.8/10) 3. Blade Runner 2049 (10/10) 2. Incendies (10/10) 1. Dune: Part Two (10/10)
A huge part of Villeneuve's achievement with Dune is the recreation of the written universe on the screen. In an alternate timeline where you'd read the source material you ranked it much higher.
Denis Villeneuve's career is a really fascinating character arc. He started with movies like Cleopatra and Blade Runner, and ventured into space and alien themes with Arrival. It seems that with each film, he learned and evolved. Now, he’s channeling all that experience into the Dune series. The build up is evident, with the puzzle pieces coming together beautifully.
It makes sense that the gut wrenching incendies is the work of this man. It was really a depressed 2 weeks of my life due to that movie. So deep its impact has.
Incendies was so heartbreaking for me since my father had to flee Lebanon from the civil war and I’m so connected with the country. The movie doesn’t say, but is inspired in Lebanese civil war
Arrival still ranks #1 in movies to show your friends in a theater, I saw it and subsequently dragged a few friends to see it. Watching their faces as the **realization** hits, was a theater moment I have not replicated.
I had no clue about this filmmaker. But i ended up watching a lot of his films such Blade Runner, Arrival, Dune 2 ( not the first one, i missed it 😅😢). It was Sicario that blew my mind. Till this day I listen to the background score.
I’m glad I’m not alone! He’s definitely our generations best director. Dune solidified what I already knew after watching Sicario, Prisoner, Arrival, the list goes on.
Good on Villeneuve wearing his UQAM jacket during interviews. Love his movies and there’s a few here I need to see. In terms of sci-fi, Arrival was a great hard-sci-fi movie and thought provoking, I think I like it more than Dune.
Everyone rightfully points out the skillful acting of a swathe of those who've worked with Villeneuve, and there are so many. Two I feel are sometimes overlooked are Paul Dano and David Dastmalchian. I first saw Dano's work in 12 Years a Slave and he has impressed me ever since; in Prisoners he was terrific. Ditto, Dastmalchian has been sublime; in his short role in Blade Runner I was impressed, by the time I saw Prisoners I was hooked.
My favorite Denis Villeneuve film is _Blade Runner 2049._ I believe it's his best, and it is one of my absolute favorite films of all time. Bleak, yet hopeful. Grimy, yet beautiful. I cannot say enough about it. It is, if I could dare say it, perfect.
Very good video man. Your bias is similar to mine, so this was very fun to watch. Dennis has become my favorite Director very quickly. Thanks for teaching me more about him :)
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
People sleep on how Prisoners might very well be the best performance of Hugh Jackman's life. Motherfucker should've won an Oscar for that 100%.
Definitely an underrated performance.
Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal are a big reason why Prisoners is one of if not my favorite by Villenueve
Everyone was so on point in that movie. Jake Gyllenhaal and Paul Dano absolutely killed it. Terrance Howard was great in it as well.
i agree but melissa leo absolutely stole that movie in the end. Denis has a knack for showcasing chilling performances.
who is "sleeping" on it?! its on every "best movies.." list
Arrival still feels criminally underrated
I agree. It never got the degree of praise it was due.
I fkin loved arrival
@@byronwilliams7977 Really? Every review I saw when it came out said it was one of the best movies ever. Though I guess they were all german
I love Arrival. One of my favorite movies ever.
if u liked the movie and love sci-fi, by all means READ THE BOOK (is a short story, 60 pages)
Prisoners being his first Hollywood Film always amaze me cause it is so superior to other experienced Directors even on their most developed films
It’s so impressive
This is a criminally underrated video. As a 16 year old French Canadian aspiring Filmmaker, Denis Villeneuve is the kind of director I’m striving to become. Thanks for making this!
I wish you all the best, don’t give up on that dream. Thanks for watching the video!
How I envy knowing what you want to do at that age, best of luck.
Rien de nouveau. Woke et recyclé depuis Dune 2.
@@sder be honest, you didn t watch Arrival... he used a director trick. The begining is the end....
@@sderthanks !
The best director working today. He just doesn't miss, all his movies are, at worst, great or, at best, life changing masterpieces.
I don't know if it's possible for him to make a flop
No movie is life changing. No book or piece of art is either. There are some that lead you to think about issues but they aren’t going to change what you believe and how you feel about that issue based on your overall experience. They don’t change people.
@@michaelme1548
What?
Art can change someone’s perspective or at least their inspiration.
@@soysource3218 It doesn’t change who they are in the way ‘life changing’ conveys. It is one of a person’s experiences but people don’t go watch a movie and come out as different people. If a piece of art speaks to you, it’s because your previous experience. It doesn’t change you. Others would be able to recognize it if it did. Now, a person could go see a movie and come out wanting to direct movies but if it hadn’t been that movie it would have been another.
@@michaelme1548 yawwwwwwwwwn
also the intro to Blade Runner 2049 with Dave Bautista was brilliant. it locks you into your seat.
Yes indeed it does
but the film is rather flawed after that I have to say. I’m sorry 🙌 YES I have thought this over.
Personally Enemy is my 3rd favourite of his films. He is the best director working at this moment in my humble opinion.
I respect that take. I think Enemy will climb my ranking as time goes on.
@@sder It's a great video! Always a pleasure to watch your stuff. Have not seen your number 1 yet but is next on my to watch list! Thanks for great video!
I really like Enemy but that is crazy high. I do need to rewatch it though.
@@treytison1444 It's super fun watching it a few times there is always something interesting or new you find.
Where can I watch it?
If I may add, as a Québécois, I think what videos on Villeneuve don't show enough - understandably so - is the extent to which his cinematic art is highly influenced by the Québec film tradition of the 60s and 70s, often referred to as "cinéma direct". This documentary style of filmmaking is quite sociological by letting the camera roll to see what people have to say or do, without intervening or trying to fill the void/silence/dialogue. Villeneuve himself said that working in the Canadian North with Michel Brault, a prominent Québécois filmmaker of that tradition, taught him the sense of pacing and immersion by paying attention to behavioural and elemental details surrounding him. I do believe his genius is the combination of a documentary style of filmmaking and a wild imagination.
He’s literally the embodiment of Quebec cinema, and he’s brought it to the mainstream. In my opinion, he’s a historic talent for Quebec culture.
Je suis québécois🤓🤓
That's what it was that caught my attention about Sicario. I never knew what that feeling was until your comment just now. It was like a documentary. That's what aided the development of the tension, to feel the tension as if it was actually happening. As if it was real and we were simply watching. Very rare in Hollywood...
Dune pt 2 is the best theater experience I’ve had in a decade
Same
right. i don’t get all of these lists where Dune 2 isn’t 1st 😂
@@poindextertunesit’s hard sci-fi. Not everyone is gonna be into a movie where you have to be invested in Paul aka Muad’Dib aka Lisan al-Gaib, son of Leto, Duke of Caladan and leader of House Atreides. Not to mention 6 other Houses, a secret society of witches, and giant sand worms. That said I’m a giant nerd and have read most of the books and love the story and Denis’ adaptation. Incendies is still a better movie.
The die hard fans of Star Wars, LOTR, and GOT is an indication that we’ve got a lot of nerds in the world. That said, hard sci-fi isn’t for everyone. (Side note: I prefer Denis’ Dune over all of those by far)
And Dune 1 is a boring mess. I slept 10x. Good for him for making the 2nd film better but the 1st film never should've existed.
Incendies was incredible. Finally watched it last month and it just stands above everything else. It is so gut wrenching and so well done. A must see.
If you want you can read the original story in book form. Incendie was first a play and the script was made into a book. Denis adapted the story after that in cinema. The book is read a lot in french canadian schools. Its really good!
Agreed. Seemed to me an expression of Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex." Perfect classicism.
@@lauremarchildon7312 And the play is quite popular. I saw it in a Russian theater some 12 years ago, so around the time the film was released, and I recently saw a poster in a Dutch theater. I think the movie is quite close to the script of the play.
Man, I am so glad you ranked Prisoners this high. Most of the time, people tend to place it in the lower spots on their lists. It is my favourite movie of all time. Although not pleasant watch, every scene builds and builds the tention, and the last hour honestly is just nerve vrecking panick attack. It allways gets me so emotional, the subtle touching score, the perfect cinematography and Hugh Jackmans and Jake Gyllenhall's greatest performences. (Altho for Jake, it could be arguably Nightcrawler). I am not a father yet, but I can only imagine, what it will be like watching this heart breaking story wit my own kids in mind. Btw Denis Villenueve is also my favourite director of all time, I am glad people are catching up to him, after Dune 2 and Rian Gosling's literally me.
I think Hugh Jackmans greatest performance is the Wolverine,,,,Nah joking, as Danton in The Prestige
I have little kids, and the drive to the hospital in Prisoners is the closest I've ever come to having a panic attack. I was so invested and captivated by that movie, I don't know how it's not more well-known.
Incendies was the first film that I saw of Villeneuve, and then Arrival was the second one. I was flabbergasted, and he became my favorite too. It's always fun to see a longform video like this about him. This video is great :)
Thanks so much! Great movies for an introduction to his work
those are his two best movies imo
Incendies delivers the greatest gut punch in any movies I've watched. 😫✊
I went 'Incendies', 'Prisoners', 'Arrival', and then followed up with 'Sicario'. Those four are all on my very short list of pieces of art that do at least one thing better than anything else.
For 'Incendies', it's the coherence and weight with which this tragic story is told (and not once feeling over-the-top or trite).
For 'Prisoners', it's the career defining performances of both Jackman and Dano combined with the exquisite yet very demure cinematography by Deakins.
For 'Arrival', it's the fact that a sci-fi flight of fancy this grand manages to take its premise 100% seriously 100% of the time without wavering.
For 'Sicario', it's the best tension and action I've ever seen.
The fact that one director has managed to be the cinematic peak of both drama, acting, storytelling, cinematography and writing is _insane._ He is not just a generational talent, he is one of the best directors of all time. If he keeps up his current trajectory he could be considered *the* best director of all time. All while being humble, soft-spoken and by all accounts a joy to work with.
Arrival is still my favorite by Denis... Such an intimate and deeply emotional film!! Movie broke me in pieces and stitched me back together.
when "Arrival", widely considered as one of the best sci-fi movies ever made, is only ranked in the middle, you know this director's portfolio is LEGENDARY.
I watched Bladerunner 2049 twice, back to back, on a plane.... with no sound! I can't remember why I had no sound (I guess my seat's system was busted) but I was mesmerized by the visuals. Denis is an outstanding film maker. A few still to see, but highly recommend Incendie and Sicario as well.
You know it’s a good film when you can still appreciate it without sound and on an airplane screen 😂
Okay well…if the visuals alone did it for ya then don’t give all the credit to Denis.
Incendies is criminally undermentioned. Thank you. It's an incredible piece of work, and an almost untouchable high point in a staggering career.
I truly believe the Dune Part 2 is one of the best movies I have seen. I had the pleasure of watching in theatre, and when Paul fully embraced the title of Lisan al-Gaib, and gave his incredible speech in the War Council, I felt as though I was among the Fremen.
I fully wanted to stand and scream alongside them all - fully immersed in the moment - something I haven’t really experienced before.
And that moment was pretty much perfection. To tell the story of the dangers of religious fanatical dogma, to communicate how negative it is, to show Paul’s internal conflict knowing what may happen should he embrace that title, tie the audience in to all this, then somehow almost make you forget all that for the hype of the moment to immerse you so deeply that you basically fall for that dogma - THAT was masterful. To immerse you so that you truly understand the message and how dangerous that is, and how it can affect ANYONE. Brilliant.
Finally a list where the author has watched and included his Canadian films!
While I haven’t seen all of Denis’s films yet Incendies is my number one of his as well, fantastic video!
Thanks for watching! Definitely check out his other films
In my opinion Sicario is clearly his best, the cinematography, the tension, the characters and the way he tackles such a realistic theme that is still relevant today, everything in it is just perfection for me. I’ve never experienced such tension in a movie before and I do also think it’s his darkest movie when it comes to imagery. I still haven’t seen Incendies but I need to watch it asap
FR FR SICARIO STANS RISE UP
yes sicario is probably my fave movie. ive rewatched that movie quite a few times now and it hits every time. in fact it just gets deeper each time, or i see different things. It gets sadder every time too. such a tragic movie. I do love the othe rmovies ive seen by Denis however. i haven't yet watched incendies, prisoners, a few others... looking forward to some rewatches too ! ones ting is for sure though, i absolutely love Denis' style!
Serious? It's the most unrealistic film ever made. A lawyer who loses his family somehow trains for only 7 years and becomes so good he can kill 100 special forces who were training for 10+ years each. So dumb
Great list and video essay. For me (from the films I’ve seen) it is:
8. Enemy
7. Dune Pt 1
6. Arrival
5. Dune Pt 2
4. Incendies
3. Sicario
2. Prisoners
1. Blade Runner 2049
BR 2049 is honestly a bit overrated. Much of it is amazing but much of it is unfocused.
Sicario left the biggest impact on me, it really put Denis on my radar from that point on. The tension, the score, the acting, the script, the cinematography, it all came togheter perfectly.
Never missed anything that Taylor Sheridan made from that point forward eighter.
Great video!
same - about sicario. that movie continues to have such an impact on me! thankyou for sharing your experience! good to know there a re other Denis impactees out there 😆
Incendies very deserved of the number 1 spot. By far my favourite Villeneuve film, I remember the shock I felt watching it. Nawal's letter to the son is beautiful and the letter to the father is heartbreaking. Few films stick with you like Incendies.
Not much of what he has done is truly ground breaking. But his ability to translate sub-text purely through images is amazing. He is so good at translating writer's original intentions into story boards, and make the cinematographer understand the job. If I was a writer, Denis would be the first person I would want to work with. He respects the Writer's vision and intentions so well. A good example of this would be Arrival, Incendies, Dune.
I completely agree
He co-wrote Incendies and Dune. Also, fun fact, he completely changed Sicario's original ending.
id say making Dune actually work as a movie is pretty groundbreaking
i mean. bladerunner and dune are pretty groundbreaking if you ask me.
@@treyjordan1284They aren’t very memorable. I’d heard bad things about his Blade Runner before watching it. When I did watch it I thought it was pretty good. A year later I can’t remember much about it. I watched both Dune movies in the last week and I think they will be the same way.
I absolutely love Blade Runner 2049. I am a sucker for neon lights, and the futuristic looks of things, but the reason I love this one is because of how lonely it feels, and how we feel when we’re alone. I love Blade Runner
It’s so focused on the messages that it forgets to tie plot together though.
Denis is also my favourite director working today. I could talk for hours about each of his movies and how they have impacted me. From Incendies heartwrecking plot reveal. Sicario's palpaple tension. Prisoners' perfect ending. To Arrival's emotional themes and even how it impacted my personal life and influenced decisions that I've made. He truly is an amazing filmmaker.
And although I'm enjoying his high budget sci-fi streak a lot, I am hoping he comes back to some more personal stories eventually.
In a few interviews I watched it sounds like Villeneuve also has a desire to make a lower budget French film. Based on his current upcoming projects though, it seems like we will have to wait some years for that.
Blade runner may be a sci-fi film but I view it primarily as a drama. One of the best dramas I've ever watched
Great video. The dudes a true artist, great thing to see nowadays
Thanks for watching!
Denis Villeneuve is undoubtedly one of the greatest directors of all time. Brilliant video, hoping you'll do one for Christopher Nolan soon! ✨
Nolan is definitely on my list
@@sderYupp I’m seated for Nolan too!
@@yolanda_pchyl no k
Also wanna know more about Michael Mann
Incendies too here. You describe it perfectly. What a beautiful movie.
I'm a fan of Denis Villeneuve and I appreciated your video, really well done.
Thank you 🙏
Great video. Placing Incendies at the top of the list makes so much sense to me as it is a pivotal movie in his career. My personal favorite is Sicario.
I appreciate it!
He's such a master at work it's not even funny, I've loved every single thing he's done
8. Enemy
7. Dune
6. Blade Runner 2049
5. Prisoners
4. Sicario
3. Dune: Part 2
2. Incendies
1. Arrival
Great ranking, hurts seeing 2049 that low, but I get it because they’re all amazing
@@sder everything BR2049 on is pretty much 5/5 territory so I have to start being bias and nitpicking things
How is Dune Part 1 is so low? It's some of his best work along with Part 2.
@@JayzVeez I love part 1 but it's really only for the sole reason that it just doesn't have that complete experience feeling quite like the other ones
It's still great tho I mean I love Enemy too the fact it's over Enemy should be a testament to his catalog
Dune 2 is his magnum opus. he revived actual art in cinema
I freaking love Enemy, such a great and strange film. It just sort of exists within the film world, in its own little place near the edge
you are severely underrated. I really do hope you get the attention you deserve. keep these videos up
I appreciate it!
That opening scene to dune 2 is just outstanding. I was in awe watching that in the cinema. Ive seen everyone of his films and have yet to be disappointed.
It is unreal
Thanks for the video. BR2049 was my first Denis film in cinema(i think i watched Arrival at home a day or so earlier) and its till my favorite cinema experience ever, also watched Dune 2(and 1) in cinemas which was incredible but at that point i had a idea of what the movie was going to be like which i did not with BR2049 since i hadnt watched the first before. Jesus what a experience that was. But i have to say that my favorite film that Denis had done so far is Arrival, i usually have a hard time crying/shedding tears from movies(even sad ones) but something just clicked towards the end of that movie and yeah tears started falling. He is by far my favorite director working today and i cant be more excited as to what he does next.
And just as a bonus point for him but the highway shootout in Sicario is in my top 5 scenes of any movie.
I am jealous, I wish I could have seen it in theaters
This is exceptional. A massively impressive analysis with a deep and emotionally resonant reflection of DV's work.
That means a lot, thank you.
So great to see, you put Incendies on top of those outstanding movies. I have this one in my collection and want to see it again. But I'm so scared of doing so...
Has become my favourite director, I was soooo afraid when it was published the second part for Blade runner, my favourite Sci FI movie of all time, but when I heard was Villeneuve making it I was more relaxed and of course, what a movie!!! Again for Dune and again, what a masterpiece.
Thanks you for putting Incendies at number one. It contains the greatest plot twist ever in my opinion
Incendies is one of the most heartwrenching movies ever made, yet amazing and almost perfect. No 1 for me!
The opening of Incendies blew me away.
I love how his inner child is so present. That’s rare.
I love love love the Incendies analysis. Pls share your process!
My favorite Villeneuve movie changes from day to day. He's amazing, and he always chooses to work with *the best* actors/actresses, and, importantly, he lets his actors/actresses ACT. Many directors want to direct their actors into something that they are not and won't let them do what they are best at - act. But, that's where Villeneuve shines *extra* bright. He loves actors/actresses, and he lets them try different things. I think that's at least a pretty decent part of what makes his movies so incredibly great - the rest is his raw talent and his love for cinema. He is fantastic!
And, this was a really good video about one of the greatest filmmakers alive. I'm so friggin' happy that I found your channel! Gonna follow you on Letterboxd next. I only created my Letterboxd account in October last year, so I haven't logged even half of all the films I've seen, but I'm working on it.
Have an awesome day!
This is a criminally underrated video. As a 12 year old French South African aspiring Filmmaker, Denis Villeneuve is the kind of director i’m striving to become. Thanks for making this!
A great Canadian filmmaker.🍁 I've seen 'The Arrival', 'Blade Runner 2049', 'Enemy', and 'Dune Part I & II'.
Do yourself a huge favour and watch sicario
@@lifes2short4aname I will. Thanks for the suggestion btw!
My personal top 5: 1) Arrival. 2) Blade Runner 2049. 3) Prisoners. 4) Enemy. 5) Incendies.
I've loved every Villeneuve movie I've seen. The man is a visionary.
Very solid ranking
No sicario? Bad list
thank you for this..and merry xmas 🎄
Incendies is the best experience I’ve ever had on big screen
SO much work, so much insight, thanks for sharing this incredible essay
thanks!
Great video! I’ve seen everything except his first two and appreciate you covering them. I would rate Polytechnique a bit higher but all the films I’ve seen are really excellent.
Dennis is also my favorite filmmaker today and my rankings like up closely with yours. Though, for me, Arrival and Sicario are in my top two. I feel like the philosophies presented in these films are the most thought-provoking of his work and can be directly attributed to today’s societal and political landscapes. Yes, Incendies is a masterpiece of a story with an overarching theme that forgiveness is the key to end the cycle of suffering (among others). Though, I don’t think the film’s idealogies and symbolism dive as deep as Arrival and Sicario.
by the way, you create top-tier content and I very much appreciate it.
The Dune movies, particularly the second one, changed me. I absolutely LOVE them. I’ve seen part 2 an embarrassing amount of times since its release and regard it as one of my favorite movies ever. I’ve read the first 4 books now and fell in love with the universe.
1) Part 2
2) Sicario
3) Blade Runner
4) Prisoners
5) Part 1
This man’s ability to tell a story, EXACTLY how he wants it told
Plus, his wisdom to work with the exceptional cinematographers, knowing how key they are to the films success
Brilliant director
Greig Fraser and Roger Deakins, my gosh are they brilliant
Dune part 1 was my introduction to Denis’ remarkable film making. After going through the rest of his catalog I can confidently say he’s one of if not my favorite director.
The plot twist at the end of Incendies felt like a gut punch and made me think about the film for several days
I love Denis and as soon as I heard your disclaimer before 6 I shook my head because I knew what was coming. Love that movie and it's so rewatchable, but I understand.
Thanks for reminding me to watch Sicario again. Adding a few of these to the list. Dune was breathtaking on the cinema big sçreen.
For me, he is one of the few directors who has never made a bad movie. Whatever movie of Villeneuve you pick and call bad, it will be miles better than most of the movies released these days. They just have so much to speak to the audience.
I agree with you
The ending of Prisoners is the best thing ever
Loved this video! We got to be in Dennis shoes for a little bit, thank you!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it
Denis's mentor, Roger Frappier did a beautiful move; Hochelaga, Land of Souls back in 2017 that gives us a window back into our history with the indigenous tribe of the Iroquois, the French and British during the colonisation of New France. When a storm opens a huge sinkhole in Montreal's Percival Molson Stadium, Mohawk archaeologist Baptiste Asigny finds the remains of Hochelaga, the village where his Iroquoian ancestors met the French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1935.
Denis made my favorite film of all time. He made my 11th favorite film of all time, and he is without a doubt an absolute legend, and even if he makes a 4 hour film about a guy running through his town, I'd watch it! Absolute king!
I would also watch that
He's everything you said and showed here, but I also think the casting on his films are perfect. Every actor is so well casted for their role. I couldn't imagine Arrival without Amy Adams, or Prisoners without Hugh Jackman
So true
blade runner will forever be my favorite movie
What makes DV interesting is his commitment to story telling. He commits to a passion, a challenge, a striving.
Clearly, for him, movies are a form of expression, then, a job, and not the opposite.
Great video, I was going to hit subscribe, but I’m already subbed 😂
Good problem to have 😂, thanks for watching!
i’ve never met anyone with this much of a passion for directors and movies and i love it sm
🤝🤝
Arrival is my favorite movie. I fell asleep and didn’t finish it first time I watched it. Second time I was very skeptical, but it absolutely blew me away it’s so beautiful and sad. The music and visual theme, and this wild yet grounded sci-fi that is really a reflection on how language builds the mind
Denis is my favorite director. I remember watching Sicario for the first time and being completely drawn in. Then I watched Arrival (my #1 movie). After making the connection I haven’t stopped watching everything he’s made.
I'm glad I watched this video. I didn't realize how much I love his movies!
I'm also glad you watched it
I absolutely love Villeneuve. Arrival touched me like few films ever have; that score and ending while my head filled with thoughts about my wonderful dad who passed when I was 22. Sicario was one of the best theatre experiences I've ever had; by myself and perfectly stoned, that score blew me back into my seat. Prisoners is so underrated. Incendies is devastating. He got me to enjoy Dune especially in 2 which is not a genre/source material that I care about. Shout out to Johann Johannsen as well I suppose.
As someone who also has Denis as their favorite director, I loved your dissection and opinions on his filmography. Lots of good insights, but we have extremely different rankings when it comes to his biggest 6 movies. Kinda cool to see two people with the same top director but a completely different preference of the filmography. I think you're really "sleeping" on both Dunes lol.
It felt so wrong putting Dune at 7 but for how good the rest are, it had to be done. What’s your ranking?
I think he has the potential to go down in cinema history as an all time great. A few of his movies I know will last forever.
My Ranking
11. August 32nd (6/10)
10. Maelstrom (6/10)
9. Polytechnique (8/10)
8. Sicario (9/10)
7. Prisoners (9/10)
6. Enemy (9.5/10)
5. Arrival (9.5/10)
4. Dune (9.8/10)
3. Blade Runner 2049 (10/10)
2. Incendies (10/10)
1. Dune: Part Two (10/10)
Very solid ranking
A huge part of Villeneuve's achievement with Dune is the recreation of the written universe on the screen.
In an alternate timeline where you'd read the source material you ranked it much higher.
Denis Villeneuve's career is a really fascinating character arc. He started with movies like Cleopatra and Blade Runner, and ventured into space and alien themes with Arrival. It seems that with each film, he learned and evolved. Now, he’s channeling all that experience into the Dune series. The build up is evident, with the puzzle pieces coming together beautifully.
It makes sense that the gut wrenching incendies is the work of this man. It was really a depressed 2 weeks of my life due to that movie. So deep its impact has.
Another banger video! Make more! Every Owen Wilson film next?
Incendies was so heartbreaking for me since my father had to flee Lebanon from the civil war and I’m so connected with the country. The movie doesn’t say, but is inspired in Lebanese civil war
What I love about Denis, my favorite too, is we can all have very different lists.
Arrival still ranks #1 in movies to show your friends in a theater, I saw it and subsequently dragged a few friends to see it. Watching their faces as the **realization** hits, was a theater moment I have not replicated.
Nicely done.
I had no clue about this filmmaker. But i ended up watching a lot of his films such Blade Runner, Arrival, Dune 2 ( not the first one, i missed it 😅😢). It was Sicario that blew my mind. Till this day I listen to the background score.
You gotta go back and watch Dune 1 😂
@@sder 🤣 hehe sure bro!
Incendies might be my favourite movie of all time, and yet I don't think I can ever bring myself to see it again.
Yes. That’s it.
This a great video thank you, you’ve given me some movie I haven’t seen to add on my list.
Glad you enjoyed it!
“1 + 1 = 1” Is one of the most twisted pieces of dialogue I’ve ever heard. Hit so deep
I’m glad I’m not alone! He’s definitely our generations best director. Dune solidified what I already knew after watching Sicario, Prisoner, Arrival, the list goes on.
Good on Villeneuve wearing his UQAM jacket during interviews. Love his movies and there’s a few here I need to see. In terms of sci-fi, Arrival was a great hard-sci-fi movie and thought provoking, I think I like it more than Dune.
Everyone rightfully points out the skillful acting of a swathe of those who've worked with Villeneuve, and there are so many.
Two I feel are sometimes overlooked are Paul Dano and David Dastmalchian. I first saw Dano's work in 12 Years a Slave and he has impressed me ever since; in Prisoners he was terrific.
Ditto, Dastmalchian has been sublime; in his short role in Blade Runner I was impressed, by the time I saw Prisoners I was hooked.
Two incredible actors, Dano is a personal favorite of man. He is excellent in Let There Be Blood.
Sicario is one of my favorite movies
Beautiful...Thank you so much!!!
My favorite Denis Villeneuve film is _Blade Runner 2049._ I believe it's his best, and it is one of my absolute favorite films of all time. Bleak, yet hopeful. Grimy, yet beautiful. I cannot say enough about it. It is, if I could dare say it, perfect.
phenomenal film
Very good video man. Your bias is similar to mine, so this was very fun to watch. Dennis has become my favorite Director very quickly. Thanks for teaching me more about him :)
thanks for watching!
incendies is a movie that will live with me for the rest of my life
Ok loved the video. Here is my top three
1- Sicario
2- Prisoners
3- Arrival
Sicario is getting a lot more love than I was expecting, It's incredible.
I saw Incendies at a cinema in Montreal not knowing what I was going into -- I just wish more people would take the time to watch this masterpiece.
that must have been an unforgettable experience
Denis is the best working director imo this dude can't miss - Arrival will be considered a sci-fi classic in the next 5 years. So underrated