Discover ten of the hit films from Atom Egoyan, the Canadian director known for his hypnotic narratives. From Exotica to The Sweet Hereafter, learn how Egoyan’s unique perspective on themes of alienation, technology, and relationships has shaped independent cinema over the past four decades.
Canadian director Atom Egoyan has created a unique body of work spanning nearly 20 feature films. Known for their exploration of themes such as alienation, the impact of technology on relationships, and the complexities of grief, Egoyan’s films often challenge audiences with hypnotic narratives and fragmented storytelling.
What follows is a countdown of his top ten films, illustrating the evolution of his cinematic style and thematic concerns.
Atom Egoyan
Date of birth: July 19, 1960
Cairo, Egypt
🔟 where is the truth (2005)
This grimy, messy investigative mystery set in Los Angeles in the 1970s and 1950s marked a shift from more mainstream thrillers. While it differs from Egoyan’s earlier work, it also marks his attempt to broaden his cinematic horizons.
Film critics say: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Audience Rating: 62%
9️⃣ worship (2008)
One of the most acclaimed films of the second half of Egoyan’s career, worship Some of the director’s familiar themes, such as technology, identity and relationships, may be revisited.
Film critics say: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Audience Rating: 70%
8️⃣ Chloe (2009)
Egoyan’s highest-grossing film worldwide Chloe is an erotic thriller starring Julianne Moore. It is worth noting that this is the first feature film directed by Egoyan without a screenwriter, and is a remake of the French film “Nathalie…” (2003).
Film critics say: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Audience Rating: 51%
7️⃣ speaking part (1989)
An early gem in Egoyan film history, speaking part Described as an operatic love triangle. It explores themes of identity, desire and the power of images, centering on the relationship between a screenwriter and an aspiring actor and the complex relationship that unfolds.
Film critics say: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Audience Rating: 78%
6️⃣ family viewing (1987)
family viewing is Egoyan’s second feature film, a Canadian drama that showcases his early mastery of complex themes and unconventional storytelling. The film stars David Hembron, Aidan Tierney, Gabriel Rose, Alsine Khanjian and Thelma Kekelikian. The show tells the story of a young man from a dysfunctional family who fakes the death of his beloved grandmother with the help of a phone sex worker. Meanwhile, his father was obsessed with home movies and dominated his life. The film embodies Egoyan’s fascination with family dynamics, the impact of technology on relationships, and the power of recorded images.
Film critics say: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Audience Rating: 72%
5️⃣ adjuster (1991)
Another early Egoyan film, adjuster He may continue to explore themes related to intimacy, isolation, and the role of images in mediating human experience.
Film critics say: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Audience Rating: 75%
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4️⃣ kiwi (1994)
kiwi Marked Egoyan’s commercial breakthrough and is considered the culmination of his early career’s thematic and aesthetic interests. Set in a strip club, the film is a clever mystery that gradually reveals the relationships and traumas of the entire cast. It’s a gut-wrenching exploration of grief, appearance, and the performative elements of love and desire.
Film critics say: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Audience Rating: 85%
3️⃣ Felicia’s journey (1999)
Adapted from the novel by William Trevor, Felicia’s journey is one of the most beloved films of the second half of Egoyan’s career. It is set in Ireland and England and is quite different from his usual settings and period features.
Film critics say: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Audience Rating: 76%
2️⃣ remember (2015)
Starring Christopher Plummer, remember is a senior drama about a Nazi hunter that received positive attention. It was one of Martin Landau’s last performances and likely combined the techniques of Egoyan’s complex narrative with historical themes.
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Editor’s note: I ranked this movie higher than the ratings suggested. Why? Because it’s awesome. Christopher Plummer does a great job in this movie. Highly recommended! Things are not what you think…
Film critics say: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Audience Rating: 69%
1️⃣ sweet afterlife (1997)
Widely regarded as Egoyan’s masterpiece, sweet afterlife is his most famous and critically acclaimed film. Adapted from the novel by Russell Banks, it follows the aftermath of a tragic bus accident in a small community. The film showcases Egoyan’s fragmented narrative technique, using non-linear narrative to create emotionally resonant effects. It’s a riveting and deeply sad exploration of grief, morality and community, earning Egoyan two Oscar nominations.
Film critics say: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Audience Rating: 89%
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