In preparation for his first feature film, MONSTERS AND MEN, Reinaldo studied Iñárritu's immaculate script for instruction. "I'm still on edge even just talking about that film because it's so palpable, so raw, so visceral," he says.
Appreciating Singleton's depiction of urban landscape, Rei describes the film as revolutionary when it came out. "At that time, there wasn't really much going on outside of music that was tackling the issues in our community in that way."
Spike Lee's Brooklyn opus was a staple in Reinaldo's house growing up. Lee's stylization and sharply drawn characters inspire Reinaldo to elicit memorable performances in his own films.
"I love the tender love story, man discovering himself and who he wants to be and rejecting the status quo," says Reinaldo, calling out the film's ending as an all-time favorite.
While the subject matter of Steve McQueen's historical drama can be painful to witness, Reinaldo says it "also shows you the humanity inside and how deep someone is willing to go to fight for the things that they believe in."
"To see someone in your community being represented on the big screen in that way, and with your favorite actor putting on one of the performances of a lifetime...a remarkable achievement.
Familiar themes hooked Reinaldo on Barry Levinson's story of family connection. "Your whole life you're seeking your parents' approval-at least I find myself doing that, even to this day," he laughs.
For the director of KING RICHARD, authenticity is king: Green believes that putting actors in real environments-like the concrete courts of South Central, where tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams trained-brings a script to life.
