At Reelay, we love our creators. Each one brings incredible perspective and personal experience to their reviews – ensuring the entire community discovers something new. But Marta Djordjevic (www.martadjo.com) takes these qualities to a whole other level. Her work as a film journalist comes through in each of her Reelays as she not only showcases some hidden gems but explains exactly what makes them undiscovered masterpieces. So, without further ado, we’re casting this week’s creator spotlight on one of our favorite Canadians, @marta.mcfly.
Reelay: Alright, let’s have it. Give us some of your favorite films.
Marta: In the Mood for Love (I can’t think of a more atmospheric, melancholy, and overall stunning romance film, to be honest), The Holy Mountain (it would take a short essay to explain all the dense concepts this film tackles, so I’ll just say that visually, nothing tops The Holy Mountain for me. Just the attention to detail and sheer scope of it all is bewildering). Persona (My favourite Ingmar Bergman film. It’s an impressively layered watch that you can approach from so many different perspectives, plus it features some truly glorious camerawork and editing). Lastly, is Tampopo (which is just my ultimate comfort watch. The rule is you need to enjoy it with a bowl of ramen — no cheating!).
How did you hear about Reelay?
Sergio Zaciu reached out to me about it, and I thought it was just the coolest idea. A film app made by film buffs, what more could you want?
Which users are some of your favorite follows on Reelay?
@immigrantfilm, @medusaoblonggato, @alejandroxpadilla, @colinspencer, @echowood
What’s your most controversial movie opinion?
I don’t really know if I have a mega-controversial answer, but I greatly disliked 2018’s remake of A Star is Born. It was beloved by so many when it came out, but I found it to be incredibly superficial and a bit corny (it just felt like any other movie about an aspiring musician, if you ask me). If you want an *actual* controversial take, I can give you one for TV: I much prefer the UK version of The Office to the American one. In my opinion, sometimes, less is more.
What elements do you think make a good movie?
An outstanding film will inject me directly into its scenes and hypnotize me through lush imagery, proper lighting, sound editing, and score. I’ll always gravitate toward movies like that. Essentially, I’m all about films that heighten your senses and whisk you away. Of course, dialogue plays a huge role in this, as well, and a good film will make me feel something through its dialogue — be it laughter, tears, anger, the list goes on.
If you were to work on a movie/tv show, what position in-front of or behind the camera would best fit you?
I’d probably take a stab at being a screenwriter – it was my dream job as a teenager.
Do you have a favorite quote from a movie? If so, what is it, and which movie is it from?
“Every problem has its solution. But if you don’t talk, no one can help you” – Abbas Kiarostami’s Taste of Cherry.
How many movies do you watch a week?
At least seven, but sometimes I try and squeeze in a couple extra unless I’m too tired.
What is the most underrated movie of all time?
I’m so horrible at questions like these — I can never pick just one as an “all-time” selection! I think 2006’s Russian Ark is tremendously underrated considering the sheer scope of it all (it was shot in one take in the Hermitage museum, using over 2,000 cast members, 33 museum rooms, 3 orchestras, and covering a span of 300 years of Russian history). It’s a visual spectacle, and as it stands right now, there aren’t even 4,000 reviews on it on Letterboxd.
When you aren’t watching movies, how do you spend your time?
This is difficult question to answer as I’m a movie journalist, so when I’m not watching movies, I’m most likely writing or thinking about them. Besides that, I’m a big foodie, so exploring new restaurants and cooking are both definite hobbies. Throw in my daily yoga classes or going to the gym, and that’s about that! Traveling used to be a big part of my life when I lived in Spain, but since moving back to Canada, it’s harder to bounce around. I try and make time for 2-3 trips outside the country every year.
Want to sign up for Reelay? Want to see more of what Marta has to say? Use her referral code during sign-up: marta.mcfly.