Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles (2021)

Though not a traditional narrative feature, *Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles* unequivocally belongs on a list of the best Robert Rodriguez movies due to its unmistakable directorial signature and innovative spirit. Rodriguez elevates a live performance into a bold cinematic experience, blending Billie Eilish's electrifying set at the Hollywood Bowl with striking animated sequences. This hybrid approach, merging dynamic musicality with visually arresting storytelling, showcases Rodriguez's consistent desire to push genre boundaries and experiment with form, even within the seemingly straightforward concert film format. Rodriguez's signature flair for innovative visual language and technical mastery is evident throughout, transforming the concert into a vibrant, almost dreamlike journey through Los Angeles. From the slick cinematography that captures the raw emotion of Eilish's performance to the seamless integration of imaginative animated elements, the film pulsates with the kind of creative energy and unflinching vision synonymous with his independent filmmaking ethos. *Happier Than Ever* stands as a testament to Rodriguez's ability to infuse any project with his unique aesthetic, proving that even a concert documentary, when guided by his singular artistic voice, can be as compelling and visually inventive as his most iconic action-thrillers.