Reinis Spaile is a film director from Northern Europe, currently based in Riga, Latvia.

Below are Reinis’ selects and what he had to say:

Here are some fundamental inspirations of mine. Each work describes a certain idea or method I keep in my toolbox. I hope they also become useful for you.

Selects: Films

1. Underwater Love (2011)

Directed by Shinji Imaoka

There are many things about this Japanese underground pink-porn-musical. The main thing is the one-take technique – every scene is shot once. It’s an extreme rule but I like to remind myself of it once in a while. I think having ”one chance” mimics how life is – it stimulates imperfection, it becomes more instinctive and brings out a raw energy from the cast. The film itself is a playful musical with amazing Stereo Total music in it. (Check out Stereo Total if you haven’t.)

2. The Idiots (1998)

Directed by Lars von Trier

The Dogma 95 movement inspires me a lot. It is a revolutionary reminder that the story and performance of actors come first. It is a reminder that drama can be created without pulling out a gun, without cheap tricks and visual cosmetics. Besides that, it was a fun film to watch about a First World existential crisis.

3. You, the Living (2007)

Directed by Roy Andersson

Roy Andersson’s world simply makes me happy; it gives me hope, it makes me laugh, it calms me down. It’s like visiting your grandparents country house where suddenly all your existential problems become seamless and absurd.

4. Man On the Moon (1999)

Directed by Miloš Forman

”I see life as an illusion, and we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously.’’ – a quote from the movie that stayed with me. The film treats human life as a surprising miracle that is full of games. I would love to hold onto this perspective every time life gets overly serious.

5. Paris Texas (8mm Scene – 1984)

Directed by Wim Wenders

This one is mentioned a lot here on DL, but I can’t exclude it. It’s such a fundamental film for me. I have selected the 8mm sequence. A magnifying glass over everyday life that composes such a raw sentiment. I look back to this one often.

Selects: Music Videos

1. ‘I’m Waiting Here’ David Lynch & Lykke Li (2013)

Directed by David Lynch & Lykke Li

”It’s both – beautiful and strange.” I forgot the context of this quote, but I think its David Lynch describing what he seeks in art. I love this mixture; it creates such an odd balance that I see in most of his work – both, beautiful and strange. I prefer when music videos aim to become music films. Onscreen performances doesn’t get me somehow. This video is a cinematic experience that moves me when I feel stuck – evokes the imagination of possibilities when being on the road.

2. LEARN: 1st World Problems (2017)

Directed by Jodeb

Jodeb is such a talented contemporary filmmaker that I look up to. This work blew my mind – the balance of music and narrative, the depth of the storytelling, and the visual aesthetics.

Selects: Campaigns

I think commercials have the power to set new social norms & change perceptions. It is the most common visual media with the highest reach. I love to see when big companies recognise the value of storytelling and aim for the common good.

Here are two recent ones that I picked up from DL – strong messages and excellent execution.

1. Staying (2021)

Directed by Chloe Hayward

What a level of detail and the incredible performance by Elektra Kilbey.

2. Super. Human 21 (2021)

Directed by Bradford Young

I remember a loud ”wow” coming out of my mouth when I first saw it. There is no pity, there is only strength.

Reinis Spaile

Director