Mike Leigh names his four favourite movies of all time
Mike Leigh's back catalogue is nothing if not unique, an so, it makes sense that his selection of favourite movies would be equally as eclectic.
(Credits: Far Out / Alamy)
Film Âť Cutting Room Floor
Sun 2 February 2025 9:30, UK
Mike Leigh might be a legendary British filmmaker known for his emotionally complex films and unwavering commitment to his ideals, but heâs also a singular and unique talent. Heâs renowned for taking a more theatre-esque approach to his films, rehearsing voraciously with his cast before shooting, allowing them to improvise and embody their characters before interacting with the script. And, while heâs beloved for his emotive, social realist films, heâs also put his hand to elaborate period dramas.
Essentially, his back catalogue is nothing if not unique, and therefore it makes sense that his selection of favourite movies would be equally as eclectic. Where many directors would name much more well-known and obvious films, Leigh goes for two lesser-known but still significant films that speak to his love for social realism, an iconic 1950s comedy and an animated short.
As with most people posed the question by Letterboxd, he doesnât find it easy, âItâs hard to say my four favourite films, but I could do some of my favourite films.â He then goes on to name them seemingly off the top of his head and without much elaboration. First up a film that heâs spoken to the significance of several times in the past, âThe Tree of Wooden Clogs by Ermanno Olmi. Great film.â A 1978 Italian film that shares much with earlier Italian neo-realism, it follows the life of a Lombard peasant in the late 19th century and, much like Leighâs films, focuses on the lives of the poor and the unrelenting cycle of their lives.
Without skipping a beat he names French New Wave film Jules et Jim by François Truffaut. While New Wave founder Truffaut often appears on filmmakers lists, including an earlier one of Leighâs, itâs usually for his masterpiece The 400 Blows. But itâs clear to see why Leigh chose to highlight Jules et Jim, too. Considered obscene by some at the time for depicting what they saw as a menage a trois, it takes an unflinching look at love, in all its forms and demonstrates the directorâs love of life even in its messiness. Something that Leigh often manages to capture in his own films.Â
Then, of course, the filmmaker throws in a bit of a curveball considering his first two contemplative choices, âI would say, Some Like It Hot, which I canât get enough of. Great movie.â A gender-bending Marilyn Monroe romp, it doesnât really need an introduction given its fame. While we might not expect it from Leigh, it is frequently named as one of the greatest films and comedies of all time, so it undoubtedly deserves a space on his or anyone elseâs list. Especially considering the humour thatâs often present in the British auteurâs movies, albeit in a much more natural way.Â
And last, but certainly not the least bizarre, is How a Mosquito Operates. In fact, it is definitely the most unique of his picks. A 1912 short animation by Windsor McCay that depicts exactly what youâd expect from the title, it is by turns funny, cute and more than a little creepy. Itâs a little more difficult to place as inspiration among Leighâs filmography, especially considering the answer comes while promoting his new film Hard Truths. But hey, itâs nothing if not realistic to how infuriating those little guys can be, except for maybe the briefcase and top hat.
While Leigh does little to explain his picks, the true eclecticism and wide-ranging nature of them demonstrates his deep love for cinema. Especially considering how casually he lists them off.
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