Rosamund Pike names her favourite movies of all time
To call Saltburn a divisive film would be an understatement. When the Emerald Fennell-directed feature arrived in cinemas last autumn, social media was immediately overflowing with opinions and critiques on its class commentary, spoilers for the most shocking moments, and fan cams of Jacob Elordi. But if there was one element of the movie that seemed to unite Saltburn lovers and haters, it was the scene-stealing presence of Rosamund Pike.
Taking on the role of Lady Elspeth, Pike seamlessly delivered some of the most iconic and idiotic lines in the film. From ignorant comments about Liverpool to claims of a youth spent with Britpop icons, she somehow managed to outshine even Barry Keoghan’s most off-putting moments. It’s clear from her stellar performance that Pike revelled in the narcissism and vanity of the character, so it’s no surprise that she sits firmly in the Saltburn lover category.
Pike even included her most recent outing in her top movie picks while divulging them to Letterboxd. Asked for her favourite movies, Pike, accompanied by Fennell, firmly began with the words, “Our film, number one.” While many would dispute her choice, it’s understandable that Pike would include it in her list.
For her second choice, Pike looks much further back. She names David Lean’s 1945 drama Brief Encounter, a tale of love and choice that was widely applauded during award season. Since then, it has only grown in acclaim, remaining one of the most well-respected films of all time.
Pike also adds Steven Spielberg’s iconic and otherworldly 1982 family classic, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, to the list. It’s a movie even the director believes to be near-perfect and one that would likely appear in many favourite lists, a magical story of the suburban and the extra-terrestrial that appeals to kids and parents alike.
The actor struggles to round out her list with a fourth pick, stumbling around “oh gosh”s and “maybe”s before eventually landing on John Schlesinger’s 1965 work Darling with Julie Christie. Another award-season success, the film followed the story of model Diana Scott through sex, friendship, and love.
With a varied list that spans decades and genres of cinema, Pike’s picks are well-rounded and seem to reflect her own interests in character and plot. She’s displayed a penchant for drama and complicated, questionable women in her own career, as well as starring in family classics like Johnny English Reborn.
It’s a collection of essential watches for any fan of Pike, though Saltburn will surely already be ticked off on the list. Find the full list of films below.
Rosamund Pike’s favourite movies:
- Saltburn (Emerald Fennell, 2023)
- Brief Encounter (David Lean, 1945)
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Steven Spielberg, 1982)
- Darling (John Schlesinger, 1965)
