Rediscovering Cinema: Chloe Zhao and Fellow Visionaries Curate Regal’s Month of Masterpieces
There is something irreplaceable about the magic of the big screen—the immersive sound, the towering visuals, and the collective energy of a theater full of strangers. To celebrate this timeless experience, Regal Cinemas is launching its second annual “Month of Masterpieces” this September, a curated showcase of classic films that have left an indelible mark on cinema history.
This year, the event reaches new heights by inviting four of today’s most acclaimed filmmakers to act as guest curators: Chloe Zhao, Rian Johnson, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Edgar Wright. Each director has hand-picked five films that served as pivotal influences in their artistic journeys.
Inside Chloe Zhao’s Cinematic Inspirations
Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao, known for her evocative storytelling and stunning visuals, has curated a list that reflects her eclectic tastes. From the surrealism of social commentary to the vastness of the American frontier, Zhao’s selections offer a window into her creative mind.
Zhao describes her picks as a blend of three things she loves: “anime, the Old West, and a film that sets us free.” Her curated schedule includes:
- Sep 6: The Truman Show (1998) – A meditation on freedom and reality.
- Sep 7: A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016) – A poignant exploration of empathy and redemption.
- Sep 8: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) – A Studio Ghibli masterpiece of environmentalism.
- Sep 9: The Last Picture Show (1971) – A haunting look at small-town life.
- Sep 10: Hud (1963) – A classic study of character and conflict.
A Diverse Palette of Masterpieces
Beyond Zhao’s selections, audiences can explore the tastes of other industry titans. Rian Johnson brings a mix of joy and suspense (including Strangers on a Train), while Gina Prince-Bythewood focuses on the theme of “the fight” for humanity and legacy (featuring 12 Years a Slave). Edgar Wright rounds out the curation with a selection of high-energy, magical, and thrilling films like American Graffiti and Mad Max 2.
To make these classics accessible to everyone, Regal has set a special ticket price of $7.99 for all screenings throughout September at all participating locations.
Regal’s Own Curated Selection
In addition to the director-led picks, Regal Cinemas will showcase legendary titles that define the medium. Highlights include:
- The Epic Scale: Braveheart and The Bridge on the River Kwai.
- Sci-Fi Visions: Blade Runner: The Final Cut and Blade Runner 2049.
- Suspense Masters: Rear Window and North by Northwest.
- Family Favorites: Jurassic Park and other nostalgic gems.
Why This Matters for Film Lovers
As Brooks LeBoeuf, Senior Vice President of US Content at Regal, noted, the goal is to remind audiences why they fell in love with movies in the first place. By seeing the films that inspired directors like Chloe Zhao, viewers can better understand the DNA of modern storytelling.
Whether you are a die-hard cinephile or someone looking for an affordable night out, the Month of Masterpieces is a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of film on the screen where it belongs: the silver screen.
