The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century

Overview

This episode explores The New York Times' list of the top 100 movies of the 21st century, delving into how the list was curated, the cultural significance of the films, and the debates sparked by its publication. Kyle Buchanan, along with filmmakers and actors, reflects on the enduring power of cinema and its ability to reveal truths about society and ourselves.

Notable Quotes

- Parasite is about the issues that we're contending with on a daily basis right now... It speaks to our current moment even better than it did when it came out. – Kyle Buchanan, on why Parasite topped the list.

- Culture specificity pushes people away? No, it actually pulls them in. – Gina Prince-Bythewood, on the impact of Black Panther.

- Watching a movie in a theater transports you. It's a magical place because of that. – Molly Ringwald, on the communal experience of cinema.

🎥 The Creation of the List

- Kyle Buchanan explains the methodology behind the list, which involved polling 500 industry professionals, including directors, actors, and writers, to rank their top 10 movies since 2000.

- The eclectic mix of contributors, from auteurs like Guillermo del Toro and Sofia Coppola to actors like Molly Ringwald, ensured diverse perspectives.

- The list sparked widespread debate, with millions engaging online and even creating their own reader-generated rankings.

😂 Comedies and Unexpected Picks

- Comedies like Bridesmaids, Superbad, and Anchorman made the list, surprising many who expected a focus on prestige dramas.

- Kyle Buchanan highlights how these films resonate deeply with audiences, often through their rewatchability and cultural impact.

- Even industry insiders like Julianne Moore included unconventional choices like The 40-Year-Old Virgin on their ballots, showcasing the personal nature of the rankings.

🎭 Auteur Filmmakers and Their Dominance

- Auteur filmmakers, defined as directors with distinctive personal visions, dominate the list. Examples include Christopher Nolan (Inception, The Dark Knight) and the Coen Brothers (No Country for Old Men, Inside Llewyn Davis).

- Kyle Buchanan compares Nolan to Spielberg, noting his ability to create highbrow studio films that connect with audiences.

- David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive, ranked #2, exemplifies the unique storytelling and dreamlike qualities that define auteur cinema.

🌍 Parasite and the Power of Social Commentary

- Parasite, the first non-English film to win Best Picture at the Oscars, tops the list for its prescient exploration of class divides and wealth inequality.

- Kyle Buchanan emphasizes how the film’s themes resonate universally, reflecting societal struggles that have only intensified since its release.

- Filmmakers and actors praise its ability to capture both the specific and the universal, making it a defining work of the century.

🎬 The Theatrical Experience vs. Streaming

- The list underscores the enduring importance of the theatrical experience, with many contributors recalling vivid memories of watching their favorite films on the big screen.

- Kyle Buchanan notes the absence of streaming films in both the Hollywood and reader-generated lists, suggesting that the communal and immersive nature of theaters leaves a stronger impression.

- Streaming’s convenience contrasts with the focused engagement of cinema, raising questions about how future generations will experience and remember movies.