WhenAndorstarDiego Lunastopped by the Criterion Closet, he wasted no time in recommending some truly life-changing stories. Luna was presented with a selection of movies fromThe Criterion Collection, and he selected some of his favorite movies of all time.He spoke about movies in the collection that have influenced him personally, and highlighted directors andactorswho have inspired him throughout his career.
Luna’s picks showcase just how versatile his tastes are as an artist. The movies he chose ranged from those by well-known European directors to those by up-and-coming artists from around the world. These movies showcase just how much of a cinephile Luna is, and how much he appreciates movies as works of art. Seeing some of the movies that have inspired Luna makes it easier to appreciate how he perceives himself as an actor.
8’Amarcord' (1973)
Directed by Federico Fellini
As one of his first recommendations, Luna immediately grabbed a copy ofAmarcord, one of director Federico Fellini’s seminal works. Luna noted the fact that its long shots and characters make it such an important movie. He also mentioned the significance of the plaza in particular.Luna highlighted howAmarcordis a deeply authentic story at its core. He talked about how this movie gave him a unique perspective on reality.
The colorful characters and the often surreal events that happen to them reflect both personal memories and collective Italian experiences…
Amarcordis a surreal, semi-autobiographical story that examines what life was like in fascist Italy. Titta (Bruno Zanin), a teenage boy, serves as the story’s anchor as he experiences a time of massive societal change with his family. The colorful characters and the often surreal events that happen to them reflect both personal memories and collective Italian experiences under Mussolini’s regime. The story is ultimately an exploration of the importance of memory and the complexities and richness of community.
7’The 400 Blows' (1959)
Directed by François Truffaut
Luna also highlightedThe 400 Blowsas his second choice. When selecting this from the Criterion Closet, he talked about how heartbreaking this story is. This makes sense, considering the fact that the movie is a deeply tragic story about a young man who finds himself imprisoned after a traumatic life.Luna may not have had a lot to say about this movie, but his visceral reaction to how impactful it was to him is clear.
Another coming-of-age story,The 400 Blowsfollows French teenager Antoine Doinel (Jean-Pierre Léaud) as he experiences neglect at home and at school. Because of this, he starts to rebel, first in small ways and then by running away. Eventually,Doinel finds himself in a juvenile detention facility. The movie explores how deeply Antoine longs for freedom while incarcerated. DirectorFrançois Truffautfollowed Antoine as a character in three features and one short movie.
The 400 Blows
6’La Jetée' (1962)/‘Sans Soleil’ (1983)
Directed by Chris Marker
When selectingLa JetéeandSans Soleil, Luna referenceda Japanese bar called La Jetée, named after the movie, that he happened upon during a visit to Japan.Luna talked about how happy he was to know that there were such passionate movie fans in Japan. He then spoke about how much he lovesChris Markeras a director, and how he would recommend any of his movies to movie fans everywhere.
Both movies, directed by Marker, explore existential themes that people have always faced.La Jetéeis a short movie that presents a series of photos meant to be from a post-nuclear war experiment.Sans Soleilis a documentary that focuses on the unreliability of memory and how this impacts everyone’s perspective. Both movies use unique visuals to tell stories, and highlight Marker’s unique vision as a director.
Sans Soleil
Sans Soleil: A contemplative film exploring the intersections of time and memory through the narrated reflections of a world traveler. The narrative weaves together vivid imagery from diverse locales such as Japan, Guinea-Bissau, Iceland, and San Francisco, inviting viewers to ponder the complexities of human experience.
5’Y tu mamá también' (2001)
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón
Luna choseY tu mamá también, and said that this was such a special project for him. He talked about his experience working with directorAlfonso Cuarón, which completely changed his perspective.When talking about this movie, his love for this experience shone through. He ultimately decided not to take a copy ofY tu mamá tambiénfor himself, and to leave it for someone else to choose, since he said he had several copies at home.
Y tu mamá tambiénintroduces two teenage boys, Julio (Gael García Bernal) and Tenoch (Luna), as they embark on a road trip with an older woman named Luisa (Maribel Verdú). As they travel through rural Mexico searching for a mythical beach,they confront their deepest wants and desires that they haven’t had a chance to express. The story is set against the backdrop of the massive cultural changes of the late 1990s that were happening in Mexico.
Y Tu Mamá También
Two teenage boys from Mexico City embark on a spontaneous road trip with a beautiful, older woman. As they travel through the Mexican countryside, their friendship, desires, and views on life are tested, leading to unexpected revelations and deep emotional growth.
4’Carlos' (2010)
Directed by Olivier Assayas
Luna choseCarlos, which is uniquein that it’s a miniseriesand a movie. Luna said that this was one of the first examples of long format storytelling he was exposed to. He notes how inspired he was by this project since it’s a unique way to tell a story. Luna talked about how much he loves miniseries in general, since they allow actors to delve deeper into the characters they portray.He said he loves watching miniseries that allow characters to reveal their layers over time.
Carlosis a political thriller, biopic and miniseries that chronicles the life of Venezuelan revolutionary Ilich Ramírez Sánchez (Édgar Ramírez). The story tracesSánchez’s rise from a radical militant in the early 1970s to a well-known mercenaryinvolved in high-profile international incidents.Carlosalso follows Sánchez’s later years, and his waning influence in politics and the isolation he experiences while being hunted by global authorities.
3’Three Colours' Trilogy
Directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski
Luna chose the Three Colours trilogy, and spoke about how important these movies are to him. He spoke about how he was inspired byKrzysztof Kieślowski’s integrity as a filmmaker. He also mentioned thathe felt that these movies came to him at the right moment in his life, which made them easier for him to appreciate. While he referencedThree Colours: Bluespecifically, he talked about how many of Kieślowski’s movies have influenced him.
Three Colourstakes its name from the three colors in the French flag.Each movie in the trilogy is inspired by the French Revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.Bluefocuses on a woman coping with the loss of her family as she looks for freedom for herself.Whitefollows a Polish man out for revenge after a divorce, and explores themes of justice and what redemption can look like.Redintroduces a model who forms an unlikely connection with a reclusive judge.
Three Colors: Blue
2’Tótem' (2023)
Directed by Lila Avilés
Luna choseTótem, a movie by Mexican director Lila Avilés. He talked about being inspired by Avilés as an artist, and noted thatshe began her career in the industry as an actress before transitioning to directing. He talked about that this movie showcases Avilés' unique vision as a director. In addition to recommendingTótem, Luna told viewers to watchLa camarista, Avilés' first feature film that he said has a similar vibe.
TótemintroducesSol (Naíma Sentíes), a young girl who spends a single day at her grandfather’s house where her family prepares a surprise birthday party for her critically ill father, Tona (Mateo García Elizondo). The story follows Sol and her family as they find ways to prepare for their impending loss.Tótemis a meditation on how fragile life is, and how difficult and liberating it can be to go through the grieving process.
Tótem (2024)
1’Parasite' (2019)
Directed by Bong Joon Ho
Just before he left the Criterion Closet, Luna grabbed a copy ofParasiteto take home with him. While he didn’t have much to add about why he chose this, it’s clear, based on his previous choices, why this movie would appeal to him.Parasiteis an innovative storythatpushes the boundaries of satire, and presents deeply complex characters who are confronted with their own humanity. It makes sense why Luna would take this movie to go.
Parasitefollows the story of the Kim family, a working-class family living in South Korea. When they meet the wealthy Parks, they use deception and manipulation to get jobs in the Park household as a tutor, driver, and housekeeper.As the two families find their lives increasingly entwined, they all have to confront secrets and dark realities that come to light.Parasiteexplores the perils of greed and the tragedy of social inequality.
Greed and class discrimination threatens the newly formed symbiotic relationship between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan.
