You may not recognize Drake Doremus’s name, but that’s likely because you probably haven’t seen any of his films. The 28-year-old Southern California native directed his first feature, Moonpie, in 2006, and his second film, Douchebag made its way to Sundance and a small theatrical release, but neither were big box office hits. Earlier this year, however, his latest film, Like Crazy, picked up the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, marking him as a young independent director to watch. Starring Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones as a young couple trying to navigate the tricky waters of an international romance, Like Crazy has received some impressive reviews thus far, leading to a Certified Fresh stamp. We asked Drake to name his Five Favorite Films, to which he responded by narrowing it down to his five favorite love stories. Read on for the full list!
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Michel Gondry, 2004; 93% Tomatometer)
Not only is it one of my favorite love stories of all time, I feel it’s a generation-defining romance that breaks my heart every time I see it. Impossible to get through without crying.
Certainly hard to watch at times but impossible to look away from. Emily Watson’s performance leaves me devastated. Feeling that much love for someone is just as painful as it is joyous. What a film.
Ok, this film is everything that I think a good love story is. It’s intense, profound and full of discovery. Definitely the most unpredictable love story I have ever seen. Director Fatih Akin’s bold direction and straightforward storytelling make this one of my favorite love stories of all time.
Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor’s chemistry is a benchmark for me. I first saw this in film school and it changed the way I make movies forever.
What an original and resonating film. I love watching this one anytime, anyplace. Its originality, tone and understanding of the human connection is breathtaking.
The Certified Fresh Like Crazy is currently in theaters in limited release.
