2023 Film Aesthetics
favorite shots from my favorite films
Every year, I share a list of my favorite films, TV series, and books that I’ve consumed over the previous 365 days. I used to share a Best Of list, but I got tired of people telling me I was wrong, or that I’d forgotten a certain title. So now, it’s my Favorites. It’s subjective. You can’t argue with me. For 2023, I’m doing something a little different. I’m trying to lean into my love of aesthetics (I am a Libra, after all), so this year I will be sharing my favorite shots from my favorite 2023 films. These are in alphabetical order as I am too indecisive to rank them any other way (again, Libra).
All of Us Strangers Director: Andrew Haigh Cinematographer: Jamie D. Ramsay The first scene of this film certainly sets the tone for the beauty to come. I gasped when I saw this shot. Haunting.
Asteroid City Director: Wes Anderson Cinematographer: Tristan Oliver I think this shot gave me more joy than any other scene in any other movie this year. I just love this little alien freak.
Barbie Director: Greta Gerwig Cinematographer: Rodrigo Prieto “You’re so beautiful.” “I know it!” is the new “I love you.” “I know.” And to think someone wanted Greta to remove this scene.
Carmen Director: Benjamin Millepied Cinematographer: Jörg Widmer So many theatrical (as in, of the theatre) shots in this film but there is something so haunting, beautiful, and CINEMATIC about this shot of the legendary Rossy de Palma.
Godzilla Minus One Director: Takashi Yamazaki Cinematographer: Kôzô Shibasaki Sometimes seeing the reaction to a monster is even scarier than the monster itself.
The Holdovers Director: Alexander Payne Cinematographer: Eigil Bryld Newcomer Dominic Sessa is incredible in this film. You know exactly how he feels in this scene. Heartbreaking. He’s going to be a big star.
Leave the World Behind Director: Sam Esmail Cinematographer: Tod Campbell Perhaps the most shocking shot on this list. You know something big is happening “out there,” and after two hours, this reveal is powerful.
May December Director: Todd Haynes Cinematographer: Christopher Blauvelt Extremely uncomfortable scene featuring Natalie Portman as Elizabeth Berry as Gracie Atherton. Putting herself in an impossible, erotic situation and letting herself feel it fully.
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One Director: Christopher McQuarrie Cinematographer: Fraser Taggart The gang is back together - for the last time. This brief, quiet moment reveals the heart of this franchise. Ethan Hunt loves his friends!
Oppenheimer Director: Christopher Nolan Cinematographer: Hoyte van Hoytema That this was achieved in camera and not via CGI is pure magic. Staggering beauty.
Past Lives Director: Celine Song Cinematographer: Shabier Kirchner I love a simple, symmetrical shot. This is the fork in the road where two paths diverge. When everything changed for these two characters.
Poor Things
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Cinematographer: Robbie Ryan
Bella discovers the world is an ugly and horrible place. Literally caught between the rich above and the poor below, all she can do is scream and collapse.
Priscilla Director: Sofia Coppola Cinematographer: Philippe Le Sourd Relief. Freedom. Independence. I felt so happy for Priscilla during this scene. Here she is reclaiming her power. Sofia’s still got it!
Saltburn Director: Emerald Fennell Cinematographer: Linus Sandgren I was overwhelmed by the number of beautiful shots in this film. The intense red tone here is so eerie and upsetting.
Scream VI Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett Cinematographer: Brett Jutkiewicz With this shot, I knew we were getting something different from the Scream franchise. Ghostface doesn’t take his mask off until the final act! Anything goes!
Sharper Director: Benjamin Caron Cinematographer: Charlotte Bruus Christensen I don’t think too many people have seen this twisty little film and that’s a shame. This still shot really captures the loneliness of Justice Smith’s character. I’ve been him before.
Wonka Director: Paul King Cinematographer: Jeong Jeong-hun Wonka opens his chocolate shop. The magic and joy of this entire scene is summed up by this shot. It just makes me happy. Willy Wonka says gay rights!