Blow Out (1981) – dir. Brian De Palma
Watching Blow Out is watching a master performing at the peak of his powers. De Palma’s films from the early-to-mid 80’s (Dressed To Kill, Scarface, Body Double) are my favourite because I think this is when he has a true understanding of his aesthetic. The violence is thrilling but just watching each scene unfold is purely intoxicating. The filmmaking is flawless on every level.

Baby Driver (2017) – dir. Edgar Wright
I love the ambition. Wright may struggle to move an audience with his words, but his penchant for the spectacle is something to behold. Baby Driver’s action sequences are some of the most exciting moments of cinema I’ve seen for years. But besides that, there was nothing I really responded to. I found Elgort to be too smug for my liking, and Jamie Foxx literally plays Motherfucker Jones from Horrible Bosses. The script is weak, too many of the jokes fall flat, and the whole rhythmic ideas that Wright tries to impress us with come off as nothing more than a gimmick. Still an enjoyable watch.

Blaise Pascal (1972) – dir. Roberto Rossellini
Random borrow from the library, wholly worth it. Stunning. Easily some of the most incredible blocking and framing I have ever seen. The camera moves with such grace; each angle so very precise but played out with such coolness. Each sequence unfolds with some kind of ambient loop in the background that is haunting, subtle and mesmerising. And it was made for television!

Soldier (1998) – dir. Paul W.S. Anderson
Some pretty inventive camera movement, exciting moments of pure cinema, but ultimately a pretty disposable movie. There’s some interesting editing ideas but all its worst aspects are a distraction. Not as bombastic as the Resident Evil franchise, namely the 6th. Next!