Civil WardirectorAlex Garlandhas taken on the role of curator for the theater chain’s Guest Selects series, in collaboration with Alamo Drafthouse. The director ofEx Machina, Annihilation,andMen(and writer ofThe Beachand28 Days Later) named five films that have inspired him, and explained how he ‘ripped off’ one of them for his upcoming movie,28 Years Later. PerScreen Rant, Garland’s selection is a mix of classic and contemporary cinema (Anatomy of a Fall), with titles that reflect his diverse tastes and artistic influences.
Among his picks,The Third Manstands out for its moral complexity, a quality that Garland admires and often incorporates into his own work.All That Jazzis lauded for its bravery, a trait that resonates with Garland’s approach to filmmaking. The “trippy” nature ofPhantasmis another aspect that Garland appreciates, as seen in the surreal moments ofMenandAnnihilation.
Interestingly, Garland acknowledges the influence ofKesonhis upcoming film28 Years Later, the long-awaited third installment in the28 Days Laterseries.Kesis a social realist drama directed bythe legendary socialist filmmaker Ken Loachin 1969, concerning a troubled boy who picks up falconry to escape his hopeless situation. This candid admission highlights Garland’s respect for the films that have inspired him and his willingness to pay homage to them in his own work. Garland said:
“In the film scripts I delivered to Danny [Boyle],what I did was ripped off this film called Kes. Very unexpected thing to rip off in a zombie movie.I think the script I delivered and Kes both focused around the experience of a young lad to the extent it’s tonal. Those are the most obvious ways, but there are some slightly more subtle things to do with landscape as well. And sort of, humans and nature.”
Garland’s selection of films offers audiences a glimpse into the cinematic influences that have shaped his career. With Garland announcing that he plans to quit directing and return to only writing, the Alamo selections give us a better understanding of the filmmaker’s headspace.
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His latest project,Civil War, has already created a buzz among critics and is poised to be one of the standout films of 2024. AsCivil Warapproaches its theatrical release, Garland’s Guest Selects series offers fans an opportunity to delve into the cinematic tastes of one of today’s most intriguing directors. With early reviews praising the film’s ambiguity and power, it’s clear that Garland’s unique vision continues to resonate with audiences and critics.
WatchCivil War’sofficial trailer below:
Alamo Drafthouse’s inclusion of Garland in their Guest Selects series not only celebrates the director’s contributions to film but also provides moviegoers with a curated experience that bridges the gap between past and present cinema. As Garland prepares to bid farewell to directing, this series stands as a testament to his lasting impact on the film industry and his enduring legacy as a storyteller.
Civil Warwill premiere on August 05, 2025.
