THE WATCH LIST WITH OMARI DOUGLAS
“I will never forget seeing this film for the first time.”
As he gears up to lead the highly anticipated West End adaptation of A Little Life, breakout star Omari Douglas talks to us about the films that inspire him.
1. FAME (1980)
“I love how Alan Parker captures this bleak, harsh landscape of New York City and then in comes this absolute life force of music and dance; it feels raw and authentic. Irene Cara and Gene Anthony Ray are just mesmerising.”
2. ROCKS (2019)
“This film feels like the result of true collaboration; a sensitively drawn portrayal of young, black female friendship that is given nuance by its ensemble of actors, who share such admirable chemistry. I am in awe of the ease and power in Kosar Ali and Bukky Bakray's performances.”
3. FREE SOLO (2018)
“For me, this is the documentary of all documentaries; you are literally watching a man scale a three-thousand foot mountain in Yosemite without a rope. I don't think you can create more tension than this. It's also a fascinating study of Alex Honnold's ambition and how it affects the lives of the people around him.”
4.
TANGERINE (2015)
“Another beautiful portrayal of friendship but in a community that does not get enough visibility on screen; I love how Sean Baker's gaze always feels sensitive and humane. There's a DIY element to the filmmaking and the result feels very intimate, but there's still so much chaos and humour at the forefront.”
5. PRECIOUS (2009)
“I will never forget seeing this film for the first time. The themes are so dark and yet Lee Daniels is able to subvert big moments and infuse them with hope. Mo'Nique's transformation in this film is unsettling and extraordinary.”
Honourable mentions go to:
WHIPLASH (2014)
DANCEHALL QUEEN (1997)
BARBERSHOP (2002)
THE FLORIDA PROJECT (2017)
SHREK 2 (2007)
Started as a way to end our scrolling during the first COVID-19 lockdown, The Watch List is a series of film recommendations handpicked for you by those in the know - actors, directors, filmmakers and writers whose work has been inspired by the films that came before them.