Our Selects: Series is an interview format we run with film and video directors. We ask directors to name key and influential works under the film, campaign, and music video categories. The series aims to broaden horizons of reference and acknowledge works from the back catalog.

You can check out one of Manu’s recent music videos below:

‘Reset’ Gesaffelstein (2018)

Directed by Manu Cossu

Below are Manu’s picks and what he had to say:

Essential: Films

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1979)

Directed by Irvin Kershner

I love this film. It’s a unique mix of an amazing story and art direction. Star Wars changed my life for sure. The realism of the special effects completely blew my mind, it was so real. I love the idea that everything has a soul or a vibe – the force.

Days of Heaven (1978)

Directed by Terrence Malick

One of my favourite movies. I have just one word: Grace.

Princess Mononoke (1997)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

I love animated movies. In France, we have the chance to grow up with Japanese cartoons, ‘Space Adventure Cobra’, ‘The Mysterious Cities of Gold’, ‘Gigi’, etc… I love Studio Ghibli in general, it’s beautiful and there is always poetry and philosophy in the stories.

Essential: Music Videos

‘Gimme Some More’ Busta Rhymes (1998)

Directed by Hype Williams & Busta Rhymes

Crazy, fun, loud, creative – just an amazing music video. A music video has to be entertaining and the duration of this is a pure moment of fun. The costume, the background.

I had this video in mind when we directed ‘Doopy Pomp’ for Skrillex.

‘Windowlicker’ Aphex Twin (1999)

Directed by Chris Cunningham

Chris Cunningham is one of my favourite music video directors. Just like Star Wars you get the feeling that what you’re looking at is real. And at the same time, it’s pop, strange, bizarre, unexpected, and beautiful. This music video is a masterpiece.

‘1999’ Cassius (1999)

Directed by Alex Courtes

Directed by my good friend Alex Courtes (White Stripes, U2, etc…), this video inspired me to pursue music video directing. This video was released in 1999, and for its time it was so fresh and different.

The likes of Kuntzel & Deygas, H5, Jonathan Glazer, Michel Gondry and Alex & Martin all completely changed the face of music video.

Essential: Commercials

‘Cog’ Honda (2003)

Directed by Antoine Bardou-Jacquet

I love this commercial. I started out as an intern with Antoine Bardou-Jacquet and Cog was my first commercial experience. I loved the creative process on the project, searching, searching, and searching again until we could find a way to make it possible – it was really fun.

‘Stanley Kubrick Season’ Channel 4

Directed by Siri Bunford

I’m a big fan of Stanley Kubrick so when I discovered this commercial I was just amazed.

‘Ball’ Sony Bravia (2018)

Directed by Nicolai Fuglsig

A strong idea and beautifully shot, what else?

Director