Yorgos Lanthimos is a Greek filmmaker who is known for his distinctive and unconventional approach to storytelling.
His films are characterized by their dark humor, surrealism, and unflinching exploration of human relationships and social structures. Here are some of his best-known films:
“Dogtooth” (2009): This film is a surreal and disturbing exploration of family dynamics and the dangers of isolation.
It follows a family who keeps their adult children confined to their home, cut off from the outside world. The film is both darkly comic and deeply unsettling, and it won the Un Certain Regard prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
“The Lobster” (2015): This film is set in a dystopian future where single people are forced to find a romantic partner or be turned into an animal of their choice.
It’s a satire of modern relationships that’s both absurd and emotionally resonant, and it features a strong cast, including Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, and Olivia Colman.
Lanthimos’ films are not for everyone, but for those who appreciate his unique style, they are some of the most innovative and thought-provoking works in contemporary cinema.
Best Yorgos Lanthimos Films
His films challenge viewers to think deeply about the nature of human relationships and the complex social structures that shape our lives, and they offer a unique and powerful perspective on the world around us.
1. Dogtooth (2009)
“Dogtooth” is a 2009 Greek film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The film follows a family who keep their adult children confined to their home, cut off from the outside world.
The parents have created a twisted world for their children, full of lies and misinformation, and have taught them their own made-up vocabulary for everyday objects and concepts.
The family’s routine is disrupted when a security guard is hired to provide sexual release for the son, and he introduces a new element into the family’s dynamic.
The film is both darkly comic and deeply unsettling, and it’s known for its surreal and disturbing exploration of family dynamics and the dangers of isolation.
“Dogtooth” won the Un Certain Regard prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and it has received critical acclaim for its bold and unconventional approach to storytelling.
The film is a powerful commentary on the dangers of controlling and manipulating those around us, and it raises important questions about the nature of power and control in modern society.
![Dogtooth [DVD] (2009)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61YndTh-jFL.jpg)
2. The Favourite (2018)
“The Favourite” is a 2018 period comedy-drama directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.
The film is set in the court of Queen Anne of Great Britain in the early 18th century, and it stars Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz.
The story revolves around the power struggle between two cousins, Lady Sarah Churchill (Weisz) and Abigail Masham (Stone), as they vie for the queen’s favor and influence.
The film is a darkly comedic exploration of the complexities of female relationships and the pursuit of power, and it features Lanthimos’ trademark biting social commentary and unconventional storytelling.
The performances from the three leads, particularly Olivia Colman, were highly praised, and the film was nominated for ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
While “The Favourite” is more accessible and conventional than some of Lanthimos’ earlier work, it still features his distinctive style and approach to storytelling.
The film challenges viewers to think deeply about the nature of power, desire, and manipulation, and it offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the social structures of the past and present.
3. The Lobster (2015)
“The Lobster” is a 2015 dark comedy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, and Olivia Colman.
The film is set in a dystopian society where people must find romantic partners in order to avoid being turned into animals.
The main character, David (Farrell), is a man who has recently been divorced and is sent to a hotel to find a new partner, or face being turned into a lobster.
The film is a commentary on modern relationships, love, and societal expectations. It features Lanthimos’ trademark dark humor and unconventional storytelling, and it offers a satirical and thought-provoking take on the absurdity of modern dating rituals.
The performances in the film, particularly from Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz, were highly praised, and the film won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
“The Lobster” is a unique and challenging film that encourages viewers to think deeply about the nature of love, relationships, and identity.
It’s a film that asks important questions about the role of society in shaping our lives and the way we interact with one another, and it offers a darkly comic and insightful commentary on the human condition.
![The Lobster [Blu-ray + Digital HD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41iphoVAe0L.jpg)
4. The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
“The Killing of a Sacred Deer” is a psychological horror-thriller film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and released in 2017.
The film stars Colin Farrell as a successful surgeon named Steven Murphy, who befriends a teenage boy named Martin, played by Barry Keoghan.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Steven has a dark secret connected to the death of Martin’s father, who was a former patient of Steven’s.
Martin begins to exact a twisted form of revenge on Steven, threatening his family with a deadly curse that will kill one member of his family each day unless he chooses to sacrifice one of them himself.
The film is known for its surreal and disturbing atmosphere, with Lanthimos’ signature deadpan style and bizarre dialogue adding to the sense of unease throughout.
The acting performances, particularly by Farrell and Keoghan, have also been praised for their intensity and emotional depth.
Overall, “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” is a dark and unsettling film that explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and the lengths that people will go to protect their loved ones.
![The Killing of a Sacred Deer [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/419BvkhnSDL.jpg)
5. Alps (2011)
“Alps” is a Greek drama film released in 2011, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, who also directed “The Lobster” and “The Killing of a Sacred Deer.” The film follows a group of four people, who offer a service to grieving families by impersonating their deceased loved ones.
The group is called “Alps” and each member is assigned a code name of a mountain.
The story is centered on the character of Monte Rosa, played by Aggeliki Papoulia, a nurse who moonlights as an “Alps” member. She becomes emotionally involved with a client, a young gymnast who recently lost her best friend in a car accident.
As Monte Rosa tries to cope with her own feelings of loss and grief, her involvement with the “Alps” becomes increasingly complex and her professional and personal lives start to blur together.
“Alps” is a deeply unsettling film that explores the nature of identity, loss, and the complexity of human relationships.
The film features Lanthimos’ signature deadpan style, with its minimalistic and surrealistic approach. It received critical acclaim for its unique storyline, striking cinematography, and strong performances by the cast.
Overall, “Alps” is a thought-provoking film that challenges the audience to reflect on the value of human connections and the importance of confronting loss and grief in our lives.
6. Kinetta (2005)
“Kinetta” is a Greek drama film released in 2005, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, who also directed “The Lobster” and “The Killing of a Sacred Deer.”
The film follows three individuals – a plain-clothes cop, a hotel maid, and a photographer – who live and work in an isolated seaside resort in Greece.
The film is characterized by Lanthimos’ signature style, which includes long takes, a surreal and often confusing storyline, and minimalistic dialogue.
The three characters engage in a series of odd and mysterious activities, including reenacting murders and engaging in bizarre rituals.
The cop is investigating a crime that may or may not have taken place, while the maid and photographer appear to be complicit in some way.
“Kinetta” is a slow-paced and abstract film that is not easily accessible to all audiences.
It has been described as a meditation on the nature of performance and identity, with the characters engaging in a series of role-playing exercises that blur the lines between reality and fiction.
Overall, “Kinetta” is a challenging and experimental film that offers a glimpse into Lanthimos’ early work as a director.
It is likely to appeal to viewers who appreciate unconventional storytelling and who are willing to engage with the film on a deeper level.
![Kinetta [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41YXD02gibL.jpg)
7. My Best Friend (2001)
My Best Friend” is a French comedy-drama film released in 2001, directed by Patrice Leconte.
The film tells the story of François, a successful antiques dealer played by Daniel Auteuil, who discovers that he has no real friends after a business partner challenges him to produce his best friend.
Desperate to win the bet, François embarks on a quest to find a true friend, enlisting the help of a boisterous taxi driver named Bruno, played by Dany Boon.
As François and Bruno spend time together, they develop an unlikely friendship that begins to change François’ outlook on life.
“My Best Friend” is a heartwarming and charming film that explores themes of friendship, love, and the importance of human connection.
The film features strong performances by Auteuil and Boon, who bring humor and warmth to their characters. The film also has beautiful cinematography, capturing the beauty of Paris as the characters explore the city together.
Overall, “My Best Friend” is a delightful film that will appeal to audiences who enjoy light-hearted comedies with a heartwarming message.
The film reminds us of the importance of true friendship and the value of human connection in our lives.
3 Characteristics of Yorgos Lanthimos Films
Yorgos Lanthimos is a Greek filmmaker known for his distinctive style and approach to filmmaking. Here are three characteristics that are often present in his films:
Deadpan Delivery: Lanthimos is known for his use of deadpan delivery, where the actors deliver their lines in a flat, emotionless tone.
This creates a sense of detachment and alienation, making the characters and situations seem surreal and unsettling.
Unconventional Storytelling: Lanthimos often uses unconventional storytelling techniques, such as non-linear narratives, ambiguous plotlines, and enigmatic characters.
He frequently blurs the line between reality and fiction, leaving the audience questioning what is real and what is imagined.
Dark Humor: Despite their surreal and unsettling qualities, Lanthimos’ films often contain elements of dark humor.
The deadpan delivery and unconventional storytelling techniques create a sense of absurdity that can be both humorous and unsettling at the same time. The humor in Lanthimos’ films is often used as a way to comment on the darker aspects of human nature and society.
3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Yorgos Lanthimos Films
Yorgos Lanthimos is a Greek filmmaker known for his distinct, often darkly comedic, and unconventional approach to storytelling. Here are three reasons why you should watch his films:
Unique Storytelling: Lanthimos has a unique style of storytelling that is both refreshing and challenging.
His films often feature absurdist elements, dark humor, and unconventional narrative structures. For example, his film “The Lobster” is set in a dystopian future where single people are turned into animals if they don’t find a partner within a certain period of time.
This type of storytelling is not something you’ll see in mainstream Hollywood movies and is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
Bold and Uncompromising Vision: Lanthimos is known for his bold and uncompromising vision. He is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects and push boundaries.
For example, his film “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” deals with themes of guilt, punishment, and revenge. The film is unapologetic in its approach, leaving the audience to grapple with the moral implications of the characters’ actions.
Masterful Direction: Lanthimos is a masterful director who is skilled at creating visually stunning films. His use of long takes, static camera shots, and wide-angle lenses give his films a distinct visual style.
His films are also meticulously crafted, from the set design to the costumes, to the performances of the actors. Watching his films is like watching a work of art come to life on the screen.
In conclusion, Yorgos Lanthimos is a unique and talented filmmaker whose films are sure to challenge and captivate audiences.
If you’re looking for something different and thought-provoking, his films are definitely worth watching.
Best Yorgos Lanthimos Films – Wrapping Up
Yorgos Lanthimos is a highly acclaimed filmmaker known for his distinctive style and unconventional approach to storytelling. Here are some of his best films:
“Dogtooth” (2009): Lanthimos’ breakthrough film, “Dogtooth” is a dark, surreal and disturbing tale about a family living in isolation, cut off from the rest of the world.
It won the Un Certain Regard prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.
“The Lobster” (2015): A darkly comedic satire set in a dystopian future, “The Lobster” tells the story of a man who must find love in 45 days or be turned into an animal. It won the Jury Prize at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
“The Killing of a Sacred Deer” (2017):
A psychological horror-thriller about a surgeon who is forced to make an impossible decision when a teenage boy he has befriended takes an interest in his family. It won the Best Screenplay award at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.
“Alps” (2011): A surreal drama about a group of people who impersonate the recently deceased for grieving families, “Alps” is a thought-provoking and challenging film that explores the nature of identity and human connection.
“Kinetta” (2005): Lanthimos’ debut film, “Kinetta” is an enigmatic and abstract exploration of performance and identity, featuring long takes and minimalistic dialogue.
Each of these films showcases Lanthimos’ unique style and vision, with his signature use of deadpan delivery, unconventional storytelling, and dark humor.
These films have been widely praised for their originality and impact, and have cemented Lanthimos’ place as one of the most exciting and innovative filmmakers working today.
