Paul Schrader Chooses His Own 'First Reformed' As The Best Film Of The Past Decade

Even before he wrote and directed one of 2018’s best films with “First Reformed,” filmmaker Paul Schrader had already established himself as a legend in Hollywood. Sure, he may not be the person most likely to play by the studio game and say all the most appropriate things (which makes his Facebook a must-follow), but this is the man responsible for writing some of the best films ever. Period. And so, it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility to think that he might have a bit of confidence.

READ MORE: Paul Schrader, Guillermo Del Toro, Luca Guadagnino & More Share Their Favorite 2019 Films (Including A Video Game & TV Series)

Well, that confidence was on display in the new issue of Film Comment, where he was asked about his favorite films of the last decade. He lists films like “Clouds of Sils Maria,” “The Irishman,” “Ida,” and “Boyhood,” amongst others. However, it’s his #1 pick that raised a few eyebrows and brought forth a few chuckles — “First Reformed.”

That’s right, Schrader chose his own film as his favorite film of the last decade. Again, it can’t be overstated that “First Reformed” is one of the best films of the decade, hands down. It’s just, uh, uncommon to see a filmmaker list his own work as the best of the last ten years. But hey, Schrader has earned it, right?

READ MORE: The 100 Best Films Of The Decade [2010s]

In addition to news of the filmmaker celebrating his own work, Schrader took to Facebook to talk about his upcoming film “The Card Counter.” In a post that seems to have been taken down (maybe a bit too early to announce the cast?), the writer-director revealed some pretty big names joining him in the new film.

Schrader wrote, “Every film I’ve written or directed circles around the drain of suicide. I believe I have another film in me. It’s called “The Card Counter” with Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Tye Sheridan and Willem Dafoe” (and it’s on our list of the 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2020).

READ MORE: Paul Schrader Isn’t A Fan Of Mark Ruffalo’s “Stupid” Comments About Scorsese & A National Film Endowment

Previously, we heard that “The Card Counter” was likely next for Schrader and that Oscar Isaac was attached to star. The additions of Haddish, Sheridan, and Dafoe only adds to the excitement. While Sheridan and Dafoe are two dramatic actors that have been turning in some great work in recent years, Haddish is a huge star in the world of comedy and only recently, with last year’s “The Kitchen,” has truly started to flex her dramatic muscles. It’ll be interesting to see what she can do with Schrader.

READ MORE: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2020

No word on when we might see “The Card Counter.” According to that social media post, it doesn’t sound like it’s been greenlit just yet, anyway. But let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later.