Below are Karim’s selects and what he had to say:

Essential: Films

Seppuku (1962)

Directed by Masaki Kobayashi

This masterpiece was like a shockwave to me. The mystifying aesthetics, the unexpected rhythms, and the depth of cultural wealth that was, at that point in my life, completely unknown to me.

The Beat That My Heart Skipped (2005)

Directed by Jacques Audiard

Audiard is a genius. He digs out outstanding performances from his actors. I’ve seen Romain Duris in many films before but I’ve never seen Romain Duris perform like this.

Kikujiro (1999)

Directed by Takeshi Kitano

We live in a time where everything goes fast. Too fast. Watch this wonderful movie to slow down a bit.

The Wailing (2016)

Directed by Na Hong-jin

I love Korean cinema because they don’t follow the rules. You can sense tremendous freedom in the way they tell stories.

Empire of the Sun (1987)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Spielberg is underrated in the art scene. Fuck the art scene.

Whale Rider (2002)

Directed by Niki Caro

Inspired and inspiring. Movies are made to change your perspective, this one helps.

Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

Directed by Isao Takahata

I’m a huge fan of Japanese animation. Satoshi Kon is not an anime director to me, he’s one of the best filmmakers in the history of cinema, period.

Essential: Music Videos

‘Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See’ Busta Rhymes (1997)

Directed by Hype Williams

Hype Williams, audacious camera work and use of speed, references to Eddie Murphy’s ‘Coming to America’ and Busta being chased by an elephant. What more can you ask?

‘Thriller’ Michael Jackson (1983)

Directed by John Landis

To me, this one set the tone of the potential for creative concept and narrative structure in a format that was initially used just to feature a song in the most traditional way possible. Disruptive.

‘Army of Me’ Björk (1995)

Directed by Michel Gondry

Gondry was saying that one night he had a dream and when he woke up he called Björk to tell her about it. She immediately approved a budget to make this dream a reality. That’s the best way to make a music video, right?

Essential: Campaigns

‘Mental Wealth’ Playstation (1999)

Directed by Chris Cunningham 

Adverts can be art.

‘Odyssey’ Levi’s (2002)

Directed by Jonathan Glazer

Another epic film from the great Jonathan Glazer.

‘The Man Who Couldn’t Slow Down’ Hennessy (2013)

Directed by Martin de Thurah

This film shows that with the right client, a bold agency, and a fantastic director, the result will be more than just a commercial.