American Psycho (Mary Harron, 2000)
This film is a huge personal favorite of mine. While it is raw and gritty and oftentimes a terrifying look into the mind of such a violent and empty person, it was one of the films that genuinely made me start interpreting what I was watching. Director Mary Harron was able to brilliantly display a unique blend of the horrors women face along with the inner commentary of their villain. American Psycho is seen as a classic and a must see film, and it has every right to be. Something that gets deep into what audiences will fear the most has gained such a large cult following that it truly does live up to the hype.
We Need to Talk About Kevin (Lynne Ramsay, 2011)
Before You Were Never Really Here there was We Need to Talk About Kevin. Lynne Ramsay’s art really shines when delivering this film. It is raw and a beautiful puzzle of modern America. It’s quiet and unnerving and strikes both a deep chord in nostalgia and fear. I seriously recommend this film to any fans of Ramsay’s recent success, this film is an endeavor that I’ve appreciated since it’s initial release and I wish everyone would view it.
Clueless (Amy Heckerling, 1995)
What kind of list about great female made films would this be if I did not include Clueless? This groundbreaking film is a modern retelling of the book “Emma” by Jane Austin. Amy Heckerling already being a great influence in late 20th century comedies (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Nat. Lampoon’s European Vacation), created such a cult classic that is a true statement of practicing femininity in your own terms while
Meshes of the Afternoon (Maya Deren, 1943)
I remember watching this short for the first time in my English class senior year. It was towards the end of the year and I was already accepted to film school and was just so tired every day. But, when my teacher opened the class with this film I immediately perked up, truly, it was nothing like I had ever seen. This film is the shortest on the list at under 15 minutes (and easily accessible on youtube) and the oldest being released in 1943, but it has one of the biggest impacts. To this day I am still left intoxicated in wonderment from its chilling soundtrack, well weaved patterns, and borderline disturbing symbolism. Director Maya Deren was a true artist and used the ever growing platform of film to voice herself. It is truly a classic and a must see for any film lover.
