5 Films That Ryan Coogler Watched To Prepare For 'Black Panther'

Given the success of Black Panther, many have been curious about Ryan Coogler’s directorial process and how we went about directing the film. From traveling to Africa to hone in on the idea of what it means to be African versus what it means to be African-American, Coogler clearly did extensive research. However, he also looked to a variety of other films to serve as inspirations. Here are five films Coogler watched to prepare for Black Panther.

1. Casino Royale

A personal fave for Coogler and many James Bond afficaiandos, Casino Royale was the first film to star actor Daniel Craig as the MI6 agent in the infancy of his espionage career. Armed with a license to kill, Bond ventures to Montenegro in his first mission, where he goes toe-to-toe with Le Chiffre, a mysterious poker player and a private banker to terrorists. Agent 007 takes part in a high-stakes poker game, orchestrated by Le Chiffre, with help from M, Felix Leither, and Vesper Lynd, filled to the brim with lethal stakes, violence and a great number of casualties.

 

2. Baraka

A non-narrative documentary by Ron Fickle released in 1992, Baraka serves as a showcase for the dark side of humanity and the complexities of human life. Throughout the documentary, viewers are treated to various images of former concentration camps, disaster zones and natural wonders such as the barren wilderness.

3. Timbuktu

Directed by Abderrahmane Sissako, Timbuktu looks at the brief occupation of Timbuktu, Mali, by Ansar Dine. Scenes of Islamic militants incurring a regime of terror and warfare are juxtaposed with scenes of a cattle herder living peacefully in the dunes with her family. The film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards.

4. The Godfather

Regarded as one the greatest films ever, The Godfather chronicles the family of powerful mob kingpin Don Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando. When the kingpin’s youngest son Michael, a former WWII Marine, joins the mafia, viewers are treated with the cycle of violence, deceit and “dishonor” that pervades the mob life.

5. Embrace of the Serpent

An adventure drama from the mind of Ciro Guerra, Embrace of the Serpent  was released in 2015 to universal acclaim and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards. The film chronicles the relationship between Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman, and two scientists who work together to find a sacred healing plant among the vast expanse of the Amazon over the course of four decades.