Xavier Dolanwas born in Montreal and began his career as a child actor. He would later become renowned for directing several arthouse films, beginning with 2009’sI Killed my Mother. Since his debut as a director, Dolan has produced a string of successful and critically acclaimed films with a style that is instantly recognisable. Dolan has been hailed a contemporary professional in the field of French-Canadian cinema, and his style explores themes of gender, sexuality, self-discovery and love in a way which feels fresh.
Dolan is a force in cinema, easily adopting the role of director, actor, screenwriter, costume designer and editor, evenlending his talents to voice actingy. While heacts outside of his own films, Dolan is widely known for his directing talents. Indeed, he has cultivated a filmography like no other, so here’s a look at the best movies from Xavier Dolan as director, ranked.
8The Death & Life of John F. Donovan
Xavier Dolan’s 2018The Death & Life of John F. Donovanmarked the his first English-language directorial effort. The film takes place in three different sequences which are scattered through the film: one showing a young actor who reminisces on a correspondence he shared with a since dead TV actor, and the other two depicting the lives of both of these characters at the time of the correspondence. The film was highly anticipated and boasts an all-star ensemble including Kit Harington, Susan Sarandon, Natalie Portman and Kathy Bates. The filmwas not as well received as others in Dolan’s repertoire, however Dolan’s personal style can still be felt throughout the film.
7It’s Only the End of the World
It’s Only the End of the Worldwas released in 2016 and is based on the play of the same name by Jean-Luc Lagarce. The film’s story ultimately revolves around a young playwright who reunites with his family after a long absence and informs him that he is going to die. The film was met with mixed reviews, but showcases Dolan’s excellent exploration of themes such a self-discovery and class stereotypes in an awkward and engaging way. The casting is particularly strong, with lead actors Gaspard Ulliel, Nathalie Baye and Vincent Cassel delivering memorable and emotional performances.
6Matthias & Maxime
The next addition to the list is 2019’sMatthias & Maxime. This is one of the several films in Dolan’s filmography which also features his talents in an acting role as well as directing, this time taking the leading role of Maxime. The story tells the tale of two young men whobecome involved in a student film which requires them to share a kiss.Matthias & Maximetakes a simple subject matter and uses Dolan’s specialities of camera techniques and strong dialogue to evoke feelings of longing resulting in a beautiful story of vulnerability.
5Tom at the Farm
2013’sTom at the Farmwas another addition to Dolan’s catalogue where he both starred and directed in. The film is based on the play of the same name by Michel Marc Bouchard and received strong critical praise. Dolan plays a young man who travels to an isolated farm for a funeral and is drawn into a sexual dynamic by his lover’s brother, played by Pierre-Yves Cardinal. Themes of sexuality and repression are dealt with in typical Dolan style, making for an intense viewing experience.
4Heartbeats
Heartbeatswas an early addition to the Dolan film collection and tells the story of two friends who fall in love with the same person. Dolan stars as Francis, who competes against his best friend Marie (Monia Chokri) for the affections of Nicolas (Niels Schneider). The film is comedic in its tone and feels different to others Dolan films. In fact, Dolan drew inspiration from Wong Kar-wai’s romantce hitIn the Mood For Love.
Related:Best Wong Kar-Wai Movies, Ranked
3Laurence Anyways
Laurence Anywayswas released in 2012 and tells the story of a transgender woman’s relationship with her lover over the span of 10 years, documenting the challenges and prejudices they faced as a result of her transition.Laurence Anywaysis unique as it presents connections between people and the ways in which transness influences or doesn’t influence these relationship dynamics, while also focusing on the beauty of intimacy in a way which feels unique.
2I Killed My Mother
Xavier Dolan first burst onto the scene with 2009’sI Killed My Mother, and it’s easy to see why this has remained one of most praised of his films even years after it’s release.I Killed My Motherwas Dolan’s directorial debut,and is semi-autobiographical, depicting the difficult relationship between a mother and a son. The film received international recognition and introduced us to the captivating style of Dolan, portraying raw and real emotion on screen with a vision that always remains clear.
Xavier Dolan’sMommyarrived in 2014, telling the story of a mother’s relationship with her teenage son and her struggles as he turns to violence and destruction. Anne Dorval plays Diane, the mother of Steve (played by Antoine Olivier Pilon), and the difficulties of their relationship as she desperately tries to avoid her son becoming institutionalised make for a compelling watch laced with raw emotion and powerful performances. Mommy was a critical success and showcases Dolan’s talent through hard hitting dialogue and cutting directorial choices.
