Mark Ruffalo’s four favourite films
Mark Ruffalo is one of those actors who seems to quietly crop up in some of the most influential films of each decade, whether it be supporting roles in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Zodiac or his stellar performance in Dark Waters, Spotlight and Poor Things.
The actor has had somewhat of a creative renaissance in recent years, finally shaking free from his role in the Marvel franchise and finding his way back into the weirdness of independent cinema, collaborating with the likes of Yorgos Lanthimos, Bong Joon ho and Martin Scorsese.
With that, Ruffalo has been linked to many exciting upcoming projects, seemingly expanding his cinematic purview and returning to his roots, with the actor forging a name for himself through work in similarly odd projects. His talents only continue to surprise and be utilised in unexpected ways, perhaps as a result of his exquisite taste in film and the artists that have shaped his creative identity.
When asked about his favourite films of all time by Letterboxd, the actor revealed the stories that have most resonated with him over the years, shining a light on the cinematic journey that led him to where he is today.
What are Mark Ruffalo’s four favourite films?
The work of Federico Fellini could not be more ingrained within the cinematic canon, with the Italian director still influencing filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Paolo Sorrentino and Martin Scorsese. Through his deeply personal stories and stellar collaboration with Marcello Mastrianni, the director became known for semi-autobiographical films such as La Dolce Vita, Amarcord and La Strada, with Ruffalo giving two of his top spots to his work.
8½ is perhaps the most highly regarded film in his filmography. The story follows a director who is looking back on his life and reflecting on his many regrets, loves, and past experiences. It is a mesmerisingly melancholic story that touches on all aspects of Fellini’s personal life, incorporating memories from his childhood with his current worries as he explores a life lived through the silver screen and the impact this has had on his relationships.
As well as this, Ruffalo described La Dolce Vita as one of his favourites, a dream-like series of vignettes from Fellini that depicts a journalist who is struggling to find his place in the world, torn between the upper-class elite of Rome, the comfort offered by his relationship and how this intervenes with his plans to be a serious writer.
In a surprising addition to the list, Ruffalo included the 1991 film Toto The Hero, directed by Jaco Van Dormeal. It charts the memories of an old man who is recounting his memories of childhood and middle age, believing that his chance for a better life was snatched away from him at birth. It has a similarly pensive quality to the work of Fellini, perhaps revealing that the actor has a soft spot for nostalgic stories.
Finally, his selection wouldn’t have been complete had he not rounded it off with a more modern film that reflects the trajectory of his current cinematic journey, describing his love for The Favourite. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring recent co-star Emma Stone, the actor saw his career spiralling into a new direction after collaborating with the Greek auteur, and perhaps this would not have happened had he not been influenced by the timeless madness of his 2018 film.
Mark Ruffalo’s four favourite movies:
- La Dolce Vita
- 8 1/2
- Toto the Hero
- The Favourite
