Ordinary People
The 1980 family drama represents what Cholodenko loves about movies.
That was a big one for me.
That showed me you’re free to really say somestuffabout peoples weird psychologies, she says.
Credit: Photo Illustration by Braulio Amado for EW; Photo by Art Streiber / AUGUST
Here was a parent [breaking] that myth of unconditional love.
I found it comforting!
It felt like truth I hadnt really seen out there, validated.
I love the dangerous truth-telling.
Thats what I really love about movies.
It reminds me that theres still hope out there to make stuff thats really layered and restrained.
It packs an enormous punch that’s really character-deep.
My Own Private Idaho
Gus Van Sants 1991 queer classic arrived as Cholodenko was just coming up.
And its so sexy to look at.
It opened up my mind in that way: thewowfactor.
For some reason I’ve been thinking a lot aboutThe Godfather, she says.
It’s such a beautiful form.The Godfathercould have been a limited series.
Sweetie
Cholodenko says Jane Campions 1989 drama is the film that made her want to direct.
Maybe men have had that experience more easily.
For more fromEntertainment Weeklys celebration of LGBTQ pop culture,order the June issue now.
