2023 sees a slate of films across the year from some of the greatest filmmakers working today. This issue we take a look at some of those Directors by watching some of their greatest films at home first. 

Martin Scorecese will release his latest, Killers of the Flower Moon, in late 2023. Right now, you can watch Goodfellas on Amazon Prime. 

Goodfellas is the perfect showcase for Scorsese’s unparalleled storytelling prowess and masterful craftsmanship. Combining the real-life story of American mobster Henry Hill with arguably career best performances from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci makes for an intoxicating mix, especially as those performances are extraordinary. De Niro’s charismatic and unpredictable Jimmy Conway is the a perfect balance of intoxicating and sinister, while Joe Pesci’s explosive and terrifying portrayal of Tommy DeVito earned him a well-deserved Academy Award. The ensemble cast, including Lorraine Bracco and Paul Sorvino, also bring depth, sympathy and authenticity.

From the very first frame, the pace is relentless and combines suspense, humour, and violence in a delicate balance that keeps viewers enthralled but horrified. As we’re pulled into the world of organised crime, the vivid picture of the rise and fall of Henry Hill (the brilliant Ray Liotta) and his fellow gangsters is seemingly effortlessly curated by Scorsese as being both glamorous but ultimately deeply flawed. As a high-water mark of Scorsese’s, it showcases his ability to blend camera movement, music, and editing to create a visceral experience. The iconic tracking shots and freeze frames throughout the film are great examples of his own unique style, but also complement the storytelling, immersing the audience into the characters’ perspectives. A shout out to the soundtrack too-a wonderful mix of easy listening, big band standards, classic rock and everything in between, makes for a classic soundtrack in its own right. Truly one of Scorsese’s greatest achievements.

Wes Anderson’s latest, Asteroid City, is released June 23rd. You can watch The Grand Budapest Hotel now on Disney+

If the only exposure you’ve had to Wes Anderson was the recent viral video trend of stealing his filmmaking style, then put this right by watching The Grand Budapest Hotel as soon as you can. In a body of extraordinary work, this stands out as one of his most extraordinary creations due to its meticulous attention to detail, a stellar ensemble cast, and genuinely laugh out loud physical comedy. 

Set in a fictional European hotel during the 1930s, the film follows the adventures of Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes), the legendary concierge, and his loyal protégé Zero (Tony Revolori). Anderson’s distinct visual style, characterised by symmetrical framing, vibrant colours, and intricately designed sets, transports viewers into a whimsical and enchanting world perfect for the adventures of the two leads. 

The film weaves together comedy and drama in equal measure, combining with Anderson’s unique storytelling style that combines witty dialogue, nostalgia, and unexpected plot twists, creating an experience that stands out from many filmmakers today. For fans of Anderson’s distinct style or for anyone seeking to understand what the fuss is all about, The Grand Budapest Hotel is the perfect introduction to Anderson and perhaps his best film: visually delightful and a heart-warming experience for all. 

David Fincher’s new film, The Killer, will be released in November on Netflix. You can watch Gone Girl on Disney+ and Amazon Prime. 

Fincher is an exceptional filmmaker responsible for many of the greatest films of the last 25 years, including Fight Club, Zodiac, The Social Network, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Seven.

Based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl is a gripping and meticulously crafted thriller that showcases Fincher’s mastery of storytelling. With his signature style and eye for breath-taking cinematography, Fincher weaves a dark and complex narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. The film delves into the psychology of relationships and explores themes of deception, manipulation, and media sensationalism and with Fincher’s direction, coupled with outstanding performances from the cast, creates a film that has an intense and unsettling atmosphere that stays with you. The use of colour and lighting add layers of depth to the story, and alongside Fincher’s eye for meaningful shot composition, creates a combination that means Gone Girl is a testament to Fincher’s talent. Add to this the genuinely shocking twists and turns of the narrative, unique casting and a genuinely unsettling and memorable score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and you have one of the best thrillers of recent years. 

Ari Aster’s latest film, Beau is Afraid, was released in May this year. You can see Midsommar on Netflix. 

If horror is more your thing, you might ‘enjoy’ something by Ari Aster, who, with his films Hereditary and Midsommar has become synonymous with visceral, explicit, cult classics. 

Midsommar is a mesmerising and haunting experience that demands your attention from start to finish. Aster delivers on his potential demonstrated in Hereditary with this folk-horror set against the backdrop of a Swedish summer festival. Whilst the film explores themes of grief, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships, it’s also deliciously nasty. Aster’s mastery lies in his ability to create an atmosphere of creeping dread and unease, using stunning visuals and a meticulously crafted soundscapes to immerse the audience in a sense of escalating horror. He manages to both foreshadow the horrors to come and also make those moments still shocking, when they do arrive, in part, because Aster never steps away from showing audiences EVERYTHING, no better how awful those things are. 

Midsommar then, is one for horror fans to savour and indulge in: its long running time demands patience, but those who persevere are greeted with a triumph of atmospheric storytelling that pushes boundaries to deliver something unforgettable.

And let’s not forget, we’ve also got new films coming from Chris Nolan (Oppenheimer), Greta Gerwig (Barbie), Steven Soderbergh (Magic Mike’s Last Dance), F. Gary Gray (Lift) and Zack Snyder (Rebel Moon). 

Ian Moreno-Melgar