The Interview From Cannonball: What NYT’s Top 100 Movies Missed
Aug 2, 2025
Eric Hynes, Director of film curation at the Jacob Burns Film Center, dives into the New York Times's list of the 100 best movies of the 21st century. He and host Wesley Morris discuss surprising omissions and what's celebrated. The conversation touches on the significance of international cinema and the representation of women and minorities in filmmaking. They reflect on personal favorites and the lasting impact of iconic directors, while emphasizing the need for bold storytelling to captivate diverse audiences.
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Mulholland Drive: A Changing Perspective
- Wesley Morris initially thought Mulholland Drive was a terrible movie because of Naomi Watts's performance.
- After seeing a pivotal scene, he realized the performance was intentional, which transformed his view completely.
Rise of Global Cinema
- The top 10 films include three non-English language movies, showing international cinema's ongoing significance.
- The acceptance of subtitles represents a big cultural shift in how audiences engage with world cinema.
Subtitles Normalize Foreign Films
- The comfort with subtitles has removed stigma from foreign films, expanding viewers' appetites.
- Subtitles now blend into regular viewing habits, especially for home audiences.
