Some favourite, beautiful, black and white films

A selection of favourite black and white films that work so well in black and white. These are giving me a new appreciation for B&W!

In a quest to better understand black and white photography, I’ve been watching more B&W films. I’m not sure what my observation is other than striving to convey a sense of the quality of light. How one actually does in practice I’ve yet to explore. One day, perhaps.

Meanwhile, here are some gorgeous-looking - and excellent - films for your enjoyment!

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In no particular order…

Radio On

A stylish road trip delight! Coolness of the film aside, I was one years old when this was filmed and it does a great job of showing Britain - mostly London, the M4 and Bristol - of that time.

Paths of Glory

The earliest of Kubrick’s films I’ve seen, there’s a dark humour and punching up (anti war) vibe that I love. The framing is less geometric than his later work, but this more classic approach still fits well.

Elephant Man

I didn’t realise this was by David Lynch for years, as it had a reputation as a ‘scary’ film when I was at school, so I avoided it thinking it was an unsympathetic horror but it’s the opposite. I’ve got Eraserhead to watch and then I’ve seen (enjoyed!) all of his work.

The Lighthouse

I find myself lost in this film - I live through the intensity of the isolation, the conditions and the relationship between the co-leads. The sound track is incredible. I love the academy ratio and the framing this brings, at times stifling. B&W works well for the era of the story, I can’t imagine this film in colour.

Kings of the Road

True to Wim Wenders’ reflection “my films are about people trying to figure out their place in the world” (paraphrasing) there’s an immersion in the circumstantial affiliation of the two lead characters that I love. There’s a laid back poetic vibe and the framing really conveys this.

Roma

Well paced, poetic, at times slightly surreal, and I love that it tells the story of a domestic worker, without whose work and courage society would be much poorer.

The White Ribbon

The first film from the director of The Zone of Interest - and mentioned as an unintentional prequel (and influence) to the director and co-lead of TZoI - I keenly watched this while awaiting the blu ray release of TZoI. It’s gorgeous, framed and told so well and I’m keen to watch again.

Bait

Filmed on 16mm film (and produced by a team based here in Bristol!), I found the high contrast grainy effect worked so well. I love the tension in this, the framing, narrative, everything. See also Enys Men (colour). More reading here.

Ripley

This oozes class - the kind I’ve not seen as a TV/streaming series for ages. At times it feels like an Escher painting. I notice they filmed in the rain lots, perhaps to accentuate the texture of the built environment as much as to set the mood. (Just one dodgy scene - the long road with the trees back lit from above - doesn’t look quite right to my heathen eyes). Now I know the characters, I’m looking forward to watching afresh while already knowing their motivations etc.

Pickpocket

My first Robert Bresson film experience and it hit that sweet spot of being both classic and with a timeless style that still looks so good. Now to check out some of his other work.

Ida

Most scenes are shot with a static frame, with a geometric style that also makes incredible use of negative space. Gorgeous tonality - lots of delicate textures and light. I’ve only watched it through once, and keen to see many times more.

La Haine

I’d not seen this for 20 years and re-watched on blu ray just recently; I recalled the characters and soundtrack, but not how well framed and acted it is. Nor how good the story is!

Metropolis

Made in 1927 this is a theatrical experience as much as a film and, for me, it helped to let go of ideas and expectations around what a sci fi is. I really enjoyed it and could see how it went on to influence modern sci fi film making.

A field in England

Surreal and at times dark film. I’ll need to re-watch it to remember what I thought it was about (for me). Lots of natural rhythms and elements. Immersive and with humour too. Watched this a few times now, and appreciated more each time.

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Hope you discover some new gems amongst this selection!

On my list to watch in the coming months are: Persona and Cries and whispers, both by Ingmar Bergman; La dolche vita, by Fellini; The last picture show, by Larry Mcmurtry.

I’m keen to expand my repertoire, so please suggest away with films that you think I may enjoy. Thanks.