How Yorgos Lanthimos is redefining cinema with weird, wonderful films
What's the story
Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos is quietly building an impressive legacy in Hollywood. With a mind for the absurd and a penchant for the bizarre, Lanthimos has established a place for himself that very few of his contemporaries can boast of. His films are often an exploration of human behavior and societal norms, leaving audiences to think critically about the world around them.
#1
'The Lobster': A turning point
The Lobster, which was released in 2015, changed Lanthimos's career. Its dystopian story and dark humor struck a chord with the global audience, earning him critical acclaim and several award nominations. This success established Lanthimos as an innovative voice in cinema. The film's quirky premise—where single people must find a romantic partner or face transformation into an animal—highlighted his knack for mixing absurdity with deep commentary on relationships.
#2
Collaborations with Colin Farrell
Lanthimos's collaborations with actor Colin Farrell have been crucial in his Hollywood journey. Their partnership started with The Lobster and continued with The Killing of a Sacred Deer. Farrell's performances have brought depth to Lanthimos's complex characters, making them more impactful to the audience. This collaboration also highlights how strategic partnerships can elevate both the director's vision and an actor's career.
#3
Recognition at major film festivals
Notably, recognition at prestigious film festivals has been instrumental in cementing Lanthimos's reputation. Movies such as Dogtooth and The Favourite were honored at the Cannes Film Festival and Venice Film Festival, respectively. These accolades not only boosted his visibility but also endorsed his unique style of filmmaking among the global cinema community.
#4
Impact of 'The Favourite' on career trajectory
Meanwhile, The Favourite, which was released in 2018, changed Lanthimos's career path completely. The film was a critical success and received a whopping 10 Academy Award nominations. It also proved Lanthimos's versatility as the film departed from his usual style but still had thematic depth with a story revolving around power dynamics among women at court during Queen Anne's reign.