A Cinematic Collection of 11

To mark its release, Martine Assouline reflects on 11 films—some featuring Bardot—that continue to inspire her, from Godard’s hypnotic Le Mépris to Scorsese’s glittering Casino.

LE MÉPRIS / THE CONTEMPT (Jean-Luc Godard)

The slowness of the camera, the unexpected dialogues, the beauty of Brigitte Bardot, Capri, the iconic Casa Malaparte, and the magnificent music—all of it suddenly takes your soul somewhere new.

ROMEO + JULIET (Baz Luhrmann)

This film is Baz Luhrmann at his best. One second into the first scene, I was glued to my seat. A masterpiece that brings Shakespeare into fabulous modernity.

SEVEN SAMOURAI (Akira Kurosawa)

Kurosawa created this black-and-white masterpiece in the 1950s. I discovered it in the 1980s, and fell in love with the courage and values of the samurai. I even watched the full eight-hour version—it never felt too long.

THE LAST SAMURAI (Edward Zwick)

Years later, this film rekindled my love for the samurai. Tom Cruise, the incredible Japanese actors, and Zwick’s vision made it unforgettable.

CASINO (Martin Scorsese)

When Scorsese makes a film, I always see it. I love his world, his tribe, his style. Casino is my favorite because of Sharon Stone and Robert De Niro. Spectacular.

LES DEMOISELLES DE ROCHEFORT (Jacques Demy)

This movie is a dream! Catherine Deneuve and her sister Françoise Dorléac, George Chakiris, Gene Kelly… and the irresistible music by Michel Legrand. Pure joy.

HUNT (Lee Jung-jae)

I am not a fan of films with violence unless a strong, intelligent script supports it. Here, Lee Jung-jae shows his talent as both director and actor.!

GLADIATOR (Ridley Scott)

I love good historical films. This one is an incredible spectacle! Hans Zimmer’s music makes it unforgettable.

ITINERARY OF A SPOILED CHILD (Claude Lelouch)

The charm of two excellent actors and a beautiful story about a man in his fifties. Filmed by one of my favorite directors, Claude Lelouch, who won the Palme d’Or in Cannes for A Man and a Woman at just 27 years old.

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (David Lean)

This film won seven Oscars. The cinematography is remarkable—visually iconic, with desert landscapes that stay in your memory forever.

WEST SIDE STORY (Jerome Robbins & Robert Wise)

Another masterpiece. From the very first second of the opening credits to the last scene, it’s a fantastic lesson in cinema. Respect!