Since Mary Pickford began United Artists in 1919 with her then-husband Douglas Fairbanks and their friends Charlie Chaplin and D.W. Griffith, the idea of women in film has propelled not just from starring in or writing films, but producing, directing, and creating a cinematic universe of their own. The topic rings perhaps even more relevant today, as the issue of equal pay and proper roles for women in the industry remains unsolved and in need of a drastic, timely change.
READ MORE: Jennifer Lawrence Talks Gender Pay Inequality
In a new video essay by Fandor, other directors were asked to pick their favorite films directed by women and be ranked from 20-to-1. The list spans decades, going as far back as 1943 to Maya Deren’s “Meshes of the Afternoon,” a circular, surrealist masterpiece, and as recent as the brilliant Kelly Reichardt’s 2011 western drama “Meek’s Cutoff.”
The ever-inspirational and paramount Agnes Varda and Claire Denis each appear on the list twice, with “Cleo From 5 to 7,” “Le Bonheur,” “Trouble Every Day,” and “Beau Travail,” respectively.
Academy Award-winner Kathryn Bigelow’s “Near Dark,” the eloquent and hysterical Elaine May’s “Mikey & Nicky” and “A New Leaf”, and Jennifer Kent’s terrifying “The Babadook” secure their own places on the list, as does Sofia Coppola’s unforgettable “Lost in Translation.”
After watching the essay and realizing just how many of these films I need to rewatch (or, I regrettably admit, see for the first time), the presence of strong, intelligent women in cinema is undeniable; the only way to go from here is up.
What is your favorite female directed film? Let us know in the comments below.
There is an article in vulture online magazine dated November 2, 2015 titled 100 Women Directors Hollywood Should Be Hiring. Great list.
Why the HELL isn\’t "Zero Dark Thirty" on the list?! Were these America-hating critics or something?!
I know that this is entirely un-cool to say mostly because of the Boy\’s Club mentality of the Academy, but Streisand needs to be added to that list. I know anything I say will be dismissed as nonsense but I encourage everyone to take a look at the movies she directed. They are emotionally packed and well crafted. I worked on, The Prince of Tides and I have never seen another director with the insight and craft she brings to project. You may not like her subject matter or the romantic bent of her films and that is of course your privilege but step away from the fact that she is Barbara and you will be wowed!
Glad to see French Motion Picture
Director AGNES VARDA
(who also directed LIONS LOVE) included.
Ishtar or Your Sister\’s Sister. Hard to decide.
Cleo de 5 a 7, Fish Tank, Marie Antoinette, Chocolat (Denis), Archipelago or Exhibition (Joanna Hogg), Boys Don\’t Cry, Europa Europa (Agnieszka Holland), Persepolis and about a dozen more not on this Anglo-centric list. Agree about Jeanne Dielmann though!
Love Debra Granik\’s Winter\’s Bone and the great Jennifer Lawrence. That movie is special.
Only 20, Kevin? You couldn\’t find a video essay with 100? GEEZ
Some of my favorite films directed by women are; Wayne\’s World dir. by Penelope Spheeris, Jesus\’ Son dir. by Alison Maclean, Awakenings dir. by Penny Marshal, and Strangers In Good Company dir. by Cynthia Scott. Excellent work on the video montage.
Good list. But not one Lynne Ramsay? I think she has done two films that belong.