Charli XCX's Criterion Closet Picks: A Cinephile's Dream

Charli XCX: A Celebration of Film Through Music

As a discerning culture critic, I find it exhilarating to see the intersection of music and film, especially when it involves someone as vibrant as Charli XCX. Known not just for her pop anthems but also for her expressive creativity, Charli's latest excursion into the Criterion Collection's closet sparks joy and curiosity for cinephiles.

When she entered the Criterion Closet, she wasn't just there to grab a few DVDs; she was carrying the weight of her favorite films and their influence on her artistic expression. It's a delightful reminder that our cinematic experiences shape our musical journeys, and vice versa.

Charli's Picks: A Cinematic Journey

During her visit, Charli handpicked a handful of classics that mirror her eclectic taste and appreciation for the art of filmmaking. Her journey began with Celine and Julie Go Boating by Jacques Rivette, a film she described as transformative.

“This was kind of the first, actually the second film that I saw that truly, truly blew my mind,” she remarked.

This revelation of the impact film can have on one's creative consciousness resonates deeply with me as a critic. It reminds us that the films we connect with can indeed leave a profound imprint, stretching far beyond the screen.

Next up was her nod to her favorite Canadian auteur, David Cronenberg. Charli selected The Shrouds, a piece she described as confusing but captivating, reflecting her dynamic approach to art. “I kind of like to watch films to escape how repetitive life on the road is,” she said, captured the essence of art as a dual escape and reflection of life.

The Artistic Reflection of Love

Her journey took a romantic twist when she selected Antonioni's La Notte, watched while honeymooning near Sicily. This mesmerizing detail adds a layer of intimacy to her choices, evidencing how personal experiences entwine with her artistic endeavors.

To round out her picks, she chose Bergman's Autumn Sonata, another film rich in emotional depth, showcasing her taste for storytelling that does not shy away from complex human emotions.

Connecting Cinema and Music

Charli's film choices reflect a broader dialogue between cinema and music, particularly in how narratives converge in different art forms. As a culture critic, I often ponder how films inspire musicians—whether through themes, visuals, or emotional arcs. Charli embodies this interconnectivity beautifully. She states, “I have an affinity for a lot of Swedish things, whether that be Robyn and Yung Lean, whether that be the little red Swedish fish candy, or whether that be Bergman.” Her connections are vibrant, playful, and a perfect demonstration of cultural appreciation that knows no bounds.

A Shared Experience at Sundance

Charli's love for the moving image resonates beyond just personal selections; it materialized on the big screen at this year's Sundance Film Festival, where she starred in three films: The Moment, I Want Your Sex, and The Gallerist. Each film offers another layer to understanding her evolving artistry and the synergies between her musical output and cinematic ventures.

As I reflect on Charli XCX's selections and their implications, it reinforces a long-held belief that entertainment journalism should do more than simply recount facts. It should delve deep, contextualizing creativity and culture, allowing readers to appreciate the intricate weave of influence between artists and their art forms.

In Conclusion: Cinephilic Connections

Charli's Criterion Closet expedition is not merely about film selection; it's an invitation for us to explore our own connections to cinema as fans and creators. What films have moved you? How do your cinematic choices shape your creative expression? As Charli cuts through the superficial, she layers in humor, relatability, and a fierce love for craft that makes her choices matter.

For those who wish to dive deeper into her reflections and the plotted connection of music and film, you can read the full article here.