| Title |
Director
/ Actors / Writer / Producer |
Description |
Buy
at Amazon USA or UK
|
Suggested
By
|
| Aguirre,
Wrath of God (1973) |
d.
Werner Hertzog
a. Klaus Kinski, Cecilia Rivera, Helena
Rojo
|
The search for Eldorado. A vivid and haunting masterwork where silent,
grotesque action is a glancing understatement through Hertzog's freehand
camera style. A perfectionist of historical ambience and location...
or has Hertzog discovered the secret of time travel? |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Alfie
(1966) |
d.
Lewis Gilbert
a.
Michael Caine, Shelley Winters, Millicent Martin
|
Effectively cast, Caine's most impressionable
character of Alfie still poses a plethora of questions about infidelity
and morality... Why do we find ourselves warming to the mischievous
cockney? Even in this new century, some moronic, primal male mentalities
still find inspiration from this shallow, '60's shag-hound! And
why do gullible females still submit to, and even forgive Alfie's
crude behaviour? Apart from perhaps these gender rolls being occasionally
reversed... or even shared, has much really changed in 40 years?
So, what is it all about Alfie?..
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Alice
(Neco z Alenky) (1988) |
d.
Jan Svankmajer
a.
Kristyna Kohoutová
|
The closest
a film maker could get to visualizing the impossible. Looking-Glass
and its offspring sites are specifically oriented towards animal and
environmental protection. Therefore inclusion of this disturbing celluloid
phenomena creates a dilemma... since, on many occasions Svankmajer
uses distressed body parts of animals. Saying that, this ingenious
interpretation of "wonderland" is at opposite ends of the
spectrum to the Disney offering. Watch this and perhaps relate one
step closer to the dimension of Dreambeat...(less the animated dead
animals) |
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| Alice
in The Cities (1974) |
d.
Wim Wenders |
Circumstances draw together journalist
Philip Winter, a German woman and her daughter Alice. Winter finds
himself solely responsible for Alice, which in turn triggers a quest
across Europe to find her grandmother. As usual in Wenders early
films, deeper focus on character and emotional analysis at street
level made such understated story lines particularly absorbing.
Other Wenders films listed: The
American Friend, Wings
of Desire
|
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| Alice
in Wonderland (1966) |
d.
Jonathan Miller
a.
John Gielgud, Peter Cook
|
Like Svankmajer's
interpretation Jonathan Millier's Alice almost defies description.
This 1966 BBC television adaptation is arguably the best version
of the wonderland fantasy.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
Amelie
(Le Fabuleux
Destin d'Amélie Poulain) (2001) |
d.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet
a. Audrey Tautou
|
Amelie is a unique cinematic experience.
It hits all the right emotional buttons; laced with euphoric moments,
blissful joy and cheeky humour. The combination of a brilliant director,
a trully outstanding actress and a great film composer surmount
to the success of this film. Although having played quality roles
in many French productions since 1996, it was Audrey Tautou's mesmerizing
performances in "Amelie" (Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie
Poulain) and then "A Very Long Engagement" (Un long Dimanche
de Fiançailles) that has since made her the darling of world cinema.
Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet is a perfectionist in every detail -
costumes and sets (even on location) are painstakingly manicured
and enhanced to emit the exact hues of colour and light needed to
create the required mood or visual dynamic. Yan Tierson composed
the memorable music which means that no DVD and CD collection would
be complete without Amelie the movie and Amelie the soundtrack.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| An
Affair to Remember (1957) |
d.Leo
McCarey
a.
Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr
|
The mother
of all pink champagne movies. Weepy. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
Apple
(The)
(Sib)
(1998) |
d.
Samira Makhmalbaf
|
Poignantly directed with warmth by
the then 17 year old Samira Makhmalbaf, this is a very extraordinary
film from the stables of new wave Iranian cinema. It's a beautifuly
captured true story about twin girls who have been kept inside their
home for 12 years, until a social worker persuades their family
to allow the children to explore the world outside. Remarkable acting,
particularly from the younger cast. This, along with many other
recent films from Iran is a wonderful example of earthy, untainted,
culturally inspired cinema - a million miles from plasticized views
of the world through a Hollywood camera lens. Since making this,
her first release, Samira Makhmalbaf has gone on to win prizes at
Cannes for her subsequent movies and has been hailed as one of the
most significant new directors in both Iranaian and International
Cinema.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| aThe
Accidental Tourist (1988) |
d.
Lawrence Kasdan
a.
William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Geena Davies
|
Trapped
between his own uncomfortable routine, a chaotic relationship or a
sideways exit into a new life, Hurt must tread his path carefully
- a particularly poignant challenge because of a broken leg. This,
with a constant recall of the memory of his son murdered a year before,
an estranged wife and a new oddball attraction in the form of Geena
Davies. A beautifully paced and endearing film. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| aThe
Age of Innocence (1993) |
d.
Martin Scorsese
a.
Winona Ryder, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daniel Day-Lewis
|
Another
"lost" recent classic?... just see for yourself! |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| aThe
American Friend (1977) |
d.
Wim Wenders
a.
Bruno Ganz, Dennis Hopper, Lisa Kreuzer
|
Wender's film noir approach is well
balanced with an uncomfortably sympathetic consideration for the
main character and his family... As morality is stretched to non-retrievable
limits the plot becomes secondary to the films overall ambience.
Highly commendable as a 1970's Wenders classic.
Other Wim Wenders films listed: Alice
in The Cities, Wings
of Desire
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| aThe
Apartment (1960) |
d.
Billy Wilder
a.
Jack Lemon, Shirley MacLaine
|
As the
title suggests, all the action takes place in Lemon's humble abode
as he unwittingly lends it out for his slimy boss' sexual pleasures.
Another watch over-and-over classic. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Bagpuss |
w.p.Oliver
Postgate |
Like
the patterns on the wallpaper in your childhood bedroom, the memory
of Bagpuss stays forever. If you have children Bagpuss for them. If
you don't buy it just to say hello again to Professor Yaffle, Madelaine
the rag doll, Gabriel the toad, the Mouse Organ Mice and of course
Bagpuss.... just a saggy old cloth cat... but Emily loved him. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Before
Sunrise (1995) |
d.
Richard
Linklater
a.
Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke
w.Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan
|
Thanks
to outstanding acting and an intelligent script the dialog between
Delphy and Hawke bounces along so naturally that you feel you are
a fly on the wall closely observing a real life situation. The film
draws out a scenario which could happen to any ordinary person faced
with such an ambivalent situation. From station to station it is one
of the most watchable rainy night movies of the 1990's. Just see it
(and its 2004 sequel). |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Being
There (1979) |
d.
Hal Ashby
a.
Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine
|
Ironically,
Sellers last film before he died. So simple yet so brilliant. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Betty Blue (37°2
le matin) (1986)
|
d.
Jean-Jacques Beineix
a.
Beatrice Dalle, Jean-Hugues Anglade
|
Outstanding
cinematography plays a key role in the opening stages of this film.
Wonderful light, colour and impression. It can only be a French movie
which carries great visuals in hand with deeper substance... sorrow,
confusion and fear... all blending with bright touches of humour and
surrealistic undertones. |
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| Bicycle
Thief (1948) |
d.
Vittorio De Sica
a.
Lamberto Maggiorani, Lianella Carell, Enzo Staiola
|
A milestone
of Italian neo-realism... played by amateur and non actors. Albeit
a feeling of incompleteness in terms of a rounded ending, the memory
of its natural qualities linger... Artistically superb drama by Vittorio
De Sica. |
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| Blow
Out (La Grande Bouffe) (1973) |
d.
Marco
Ferreri
a.
Marcello Mastroianni, Michel Piccoli
|
One of
those films which, if seen when released lingers tastelessly in your
memory... and probably would if seen now for the first time. Four
middle-aged men decide to eat themselves to death. The house - where
the explicit action takes place - the food, the cold room, and a Bugati
are all essential props in this oddball French tale. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Blow
Up (1966) |
d.
Michelangelo
Antonioni
a.
David Hemmings, Jane Birkin, Vanessa Redgrave
|
For someone starting a cultural collection
of British swinging 60's Arthouse movies this classic combined with
other titles such as The Prisoner, Up the Junction and If, would
be a good start.... The memorable atmosphere of the eerie wind blown
park scenes linger forever.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| Boyz
N The Hood (1991) |
d.
John Singleton
a.
Morris Chestnut, Na'Blonka Durden, Ice Cube
|
A
story of two friends. Through close and considerate character development
Boyz N The Hood intelligently bleeds bitter sentiment and understanding
of hardened cultural anxieties within the 1990's gangland killing
fields of the US. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Broken
Blossoms (1919) |
d.
D.W Griffith
a.
Lillian Gish, Louis Gottschalk, Richard Barthelmess
|
The
graphically harsh life of East London's Limehouse is depicted in this
dark crafted D.W. Griffith silent classic. Carl Davies reworked the
beautiful music score in 1988. A landmark of such poetical, contemporary
movies during the Great War era.... and of Lillian Gish's career.
Heart rendering stuff. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| bThe
Breakfast Club (1985) |
d.
John Hughes
a.
Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson
|
John
Hughes' teen genre films of the 1980's are shamelessly underrated.
They in fact turn out to be obvious templates for most "schools
in - schools out" productions ever since, right up even to Buffy
The Vampire Slayer. The Breakfast Club was the milestone which
brought the anxieties and self searching of 80's American youth to
mainstream audiences. A must. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Buffy
The Vampire Slayer (TV series)
|
a.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony
Head |
From a rather disappointing and average
pilot a few years back, Buffy improved in huge leaps and bounds
(and bites). A well chosen cast delivered a brilliant script laced
with classic one liners ... blink and you'll miss them.
All dialogue and editing is immaculately
paced, synchronous with pin sharp wit and outrageous deadpan irony.
The bouncy, fluffy lingo deserves entry into dictionaries everywhere
to brighten up all languages around the world.
Humour and brilliantly understated
horror cross seamlessly with intelligent character study. Powerful
emotional turmoil, teen angst and cool-cute persona flourishes throughout
its cast, supported by a fine music score, great featured bands,
kicking special FX's and quality production design - including some
very creepy moments. (Watch out for "The Gentlemen" (Hush)
episode...ooohhh)
The natural, cool, quirky drama makes
Buffy a show of unique, class quality... with a few stakes, potions
and demons thrown in for good measure.
The purchase links here point to:
Buffy
UK and USA at Cult Digital
|
Buffy
UK and USA
|
|
| cA
Canterbury Tale (1944) |
d.
Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
a.Eric
Portman,Sheila Sim
|
A real
period piece portraying a modern day (1944) pilgrimage to Canterbury
in Southern England during WW2. Close-to-life examination of the characters,
blended with vivid location shots amount to Powell and Pressburger's
finest documented portrayal of British wartime spirit. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| cA
Clockwork Orange (1971) |
d.
Stanley Kubrick
a.
Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee
|
Banned
from re-release in the UK until Kubricks death, this is arguably the
movie which he will be mostly remembered for... as will writer Anthony
Burgess. Shocking, disturbing, eerie, provoking... but that was 1971.
Even so, the films age doesn't dilute the effect 36 years on. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Chance
or Coincidence (1998) |
d.
Claude Lelouche
a.
Alessandra Martines, Pierre Arditi
|
A Clever
and most unusually paced French drama which, although edges towards
Arthouse contrivance, makes up for it through a strong and sensitive
portrayal of a woman dealing with a death crisis. Accompanied by some
stunning location photography. A slightly uncomfortable switch of
feely-mood on occasions, but none the less most memorable . |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Cinema
Paradiso (1990) |
d.
Giuseppe Tornatore |
If you
haven't yet seen this Italian mega masterpiece... why not! Needs no
description... and as with many of the films listed, this is the kind
you can keep on the shelf forever and never get tired of seeing it
over and over. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| City
Lights (1931) |
d.a.
Charlie Chaplin |
When
re-released in 1950, Time Magazine described it as the greatest film
ever made. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Contact
(1997) |
d.
Robert Zemeckis
a.
Jodie Foster
|
From
a story by Carl Sagan and therefore based on a profusion of scientific
possibilities, this is an outstanding movie, which throws more equations
and questions into the extra terrestrial melting pot than Fox Mulder
could tackle in a lifetime. The most searching feature of its kind
since "2001". Apologies for
the following review cliché but... "this is an absolute
must see". |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| cThe
Cement Garden (1993) |
d.
Andrew Birkin
a.
Charlotte Gainsbourg, Andrew Robertson
|
Disturbing, darkly atmospheric film.
Unpleasant, troublesome subject but performed with eerie simplicity
by Charlotte Gainsburg and cast. Again one of those offbeat rarities
where the actors react to each other and not to the camera....
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
d$ (The Heist) (1972) |
d.
Richard Brooks a.Warren Beatty, Goldie
Hawn |
The best
thing about this movie is the Quincy
Jones soundtrack... retro heaven! |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Dead
Like Me (2003-4) |
a.
Ellen Muth, Laura Harris, Rebecca Gayheart, Callum Blue, Mandy Patinkin,
Cynthia Stevenson, Jasmine Guy, Britt McKillip, Callum Blue
|
Finally, a TV series that was set
to cheer up the millions who had still been suffering cold-turkey
since the end of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer". "Dead Like Me" oozes
subtle deadpan humour, great character profiles and a consistently
strong script. With flavours of "Buffy", "Six Feet Under", "Donnie
Darko" and even elements of modern British comedy thrown in for
good measure, this truly unusual series has it all. The lead character
'George' is played by the gifted Ellen Muth, who as well as projecting
a rather extraordinarily offbeat acting talent is also a member
of Mensa. In fact, Muth's father has an entire museum named after
him. Supported by a music score courtesy of Stewart Copeland, "Dead
Like Me" is destined to become a high-pedigree cult classic...
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Death
in Venice (1971) |
d.
Luchino Visconti
a.
Dirk Bogarde
|
One of
Bogarde's finest performances. The subject matter was covered with
so much style that it was considered both controversial and aesthetically
appealing in its time. Beautifully shot in Venice, and most notably
remembered for its use of Mahler's music, the Adagietto
from the 5th Symphony. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Demon
Seed (1977) |
d.
Donald Cammell
a.
Julie Christie b.Fritz Weaver
w.
Dean R. Koontz
|
A quality
sci-fi / horror which was way ahead of its time. The frightening concept
of computer domination as it eats its way into the organics of humanity
itself...and, 25 years on not far from scientific possibility since
the advent of nanotechnology and A.I. !! ooer |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Desperately
Seeking Susan (1985) |
d.
Susan Seidelman
a.
Rosanna Arquette, Madonna
w.Leora
Barish
|
On the
surface this is a quirky, fun, cute, easy going gem. But there is
an undertow of melancholy that makes it somehow unforgettable. Rosanna
Arquette's (wonderfully understated) enigmatic presence may have something
to do with it. But so maybe does the general ambience...which becomes
increasingly reflective as years go by. This may seem overstated but
is this movie, as yet, an un-hailed 1980's period piece? |
USA
UK
|
LG
|
| Doctor
Zhivago (1965) |
d.
David Lean
a.
Omar Sharif, Julie Christie
|
A movie
classic which never fails to keep one attached to their seat whenever
it's shown... therefore thoroughly recommended as a DVD purchase to
keep forever... Beautifully filmed. |
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
|
Doctor Strangelove
(1963)
|
d.
Stanley Kubrick
a.
Peter Sellers, George C. Scott
w.Peter
George
|
Starring Peter Sellers in three completely
contrasting rolls. This father of all black comedies parodies the
nuclear arms race to insane, epic proportions. As usual Kubrick's
directorial technique is far ahead of it's time. Hilariously dark
masterpiece.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Donnie
Darko (2001) |
d.
Richard Kelly
a. Jake Gyllenhaal
|
A gem of profound twists, illusion
and thought provocation. Beautifully directed. Choose the original
cinematic release DVD rather than the "Directors Cut"
version. A surreal cult classic.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Don't
Look Now (1973) |
d.
Nicholas Roeg
a.
Julie Christie, Donald Sutherland
|
Although
a predictable list topper for arties and trendies alike, this is still
an incredibly powerful mind meld of a movie. There is little of it's
105 eerie minutes one can really ever forget, including, of course
the shlocking ending. Still a source of "creative" inspiration
(and parodied) in media circles nearly 30 years on. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Dream
Life of Angels (1998) |
d.
Erick Zonca
a.
Elodie Bouchez, Natascha Regnier
|
Bleak
Cannes award winner about two young vulnerable girls, both misfits,
searching for wonderlands within the margins of a dead end existence.
Depressing circumstances therefore transpire. Haunting end title music...
(who was it by, anyone? l-g ed) |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| dThe
Dissapearance (1977) |
d.
Stuart Cooper
a.
Donald Sutherland, David Hemmings, John Hurt
|
A tense
Canadian thriller which, unjustly seems to have been long forgotten.
A clever and well paced plot which would sit nicely on the shelf next
to The American
Friend |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| e84
Charing Cross Road (1986) |
d.
David Hugh Jones
a.
Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, Judi Dench
|
Marks and Co., 84 Charing Cross Road, London is a bookshop and the
focus of this pleasant, enchanting little film about a growing relationship
between a New Yorker and Frank Doel the bookseller. However, I don't
know from which pleasant, enchanting little dimension this films Charing
Cross Road is in, cos it sure ain't the Charing Cross Road I was in
yesterday... unfortunately! |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Eraserhead
(1977) |
d.
David Lynch
a.
Jack Nance
|
The original
arthouse classic which has since inspired many a Lynchesque movie
maker. This tops them all... every surreal, dark, disturbing element
you can imagine against the ambience of industrial drone... but also
emotionally absorbing...as was Lynche's Elephant
Man. Again, I am sure Lynch was also inspired by Vigo Essential
viewing... even in reverse... |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Eternal
Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004) |
d.
Michel Gondry
a. Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet
|
Michel Gondry's second directorial
gem from 2004 (and a break from making his outstanding pop promos).
This is a truly unusual movie romance, penned by Charlie Kaufman
("Being John Malkovich") which might leave you in a similar philosophical
quandary as "Lost in Translation". However, "Eternal Sunshine Of
The Spotless Mind" also works in a similar way that "Sliding Doors"
played out a unique, fantastical experience, without over-emphasing
on the science fantasy - and so retaining a warm attachment to the
characters and therefore the emotional turmoil that ensues..
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| eThe
Elephant Man (1980) |
d.
David Lynch
a.
John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins
|
David
Lynches first major release, built on the success of his earlier arthouse
classic Eraserhead. The style is unmistakable,
the story is both captivating but extremely upsetting even to the
point of leaving the film only half watched... you have to be in the
mood to take on the heavy emotional burden of this brilliant, true
story. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Fail
Safe (1964) |
d.
Sydney Lumet
a.
Henry Fonda, Dan O'Herlihy
w.Walter
Bernstein
|
An utterly
disturbing cold war theme inspired by worldwide fear of nuclear threats
during that period. Even in today's climate, the films scenario, based
on human / mechanical misjudgment could easily be considered a potential
reality. Edge of your seat viewing enhanced by some eerily polarized
shots... and add to this the "sound" of an unforgettable
ending. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Fantasia
2000 |
Walt
Disney |
The original
release of Fantasia in 1940 was intended to be the first of an ongoing
work in progress.. with each successive release including new works...
Well its been a 60 year gap for this next installment to appear, but
in doing so it presents itself not only in 35mm but most effectively
as the first IMAX animated feature. The gigantic IMAX hi-tech cinema
experience is the place to really absorb this enchanting experimentation
of brand new and reworked older pieces. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Father
Goose (1964) |
d.
Ralph Nelson
a.
Cary Grant, Leslie Caron, Trevor Howard
|
A delightful
and repeatedly enjoyable matinee romp with Walter Eckland, (played
by Grant), Caron and her sprinkling of charges... seven schoolgirls...
all of them stranded on a pacific island during WWII. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Ferris Buellers
Day Off (1986)
|
d.
John Hughes
a.
Mathew Broderick, Mia Sara, Alan Ruck
|
Determined
to have a day off from school and despite of what the principal thinks,
Ferris and co. make the madcap most of it. There's a "cultural
awakening" scene in this movie as the three truants visit an
art gallery, accompanied by some affecting music... all which sums
up a sharp directorial balance between emotion and humour; something
which John Hughes accomplished so well in his films of the 80's and
90's |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Friends
(the complete
TV Series) (1994-2004)
|
a.
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew
Perry, David Schwimmer, |
One of the slickest, finely tuned
American comedies in recent years. From the sublime to the ridiculous,
a magnetic TV choice for anyone who doesn't take life too seriously.
And you can simply watch them over and over. Great blues lifters.
Here we list only the new DVD versions.
Every series is now available in this format in complete volumes
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Funny Games
(1997)
|
d.
Michael Haneke
a.
Susanne Lothar
|
This
film has to be mentioned because it, unfortunately, exists....It invokes
an emotionally uncomfortable viewpoint and invites a simple question,
why was this movie ever made?
Abusing (or questioning) the creative
arts to the extent this film does, opens discussion for the delectation
of movie and "life" critics alike. Read or listen to those
philosophically contrived views if you wish, but here we point out
the simple cause and effect of Michael Haneke's cruel and overly
clever joke. Funny games is painfully real... OK, it may succeed
in putting Tarantino's pumping blood designer movies into shameful
perspective. But Funny Games travels precariously along a shocking,
sticky path of controversy... being either too philosophically clever
for it's own good or downright dangerously sick minded.
Funny Games is not at all entertaining....
it does however have magnetic qualities and so plays on viewers
compelling needs to watch and watch until some right is made from
all the horrific wrongs....you may hope.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Goodbye
Mr Chips (1939) b/w |
d.
Sam Wood
a.
Robert Donat, Greer Garson
w.
James Hilton
|
Impossible
for anyone to hold a tear back by the end of this Oscar winning masterpiece.
Shown through flashbacks, this is the life of a shy classics master
at an English public school. Apart from the odd exceptions (like Untamed
Heart and Before Sunrise) this is a prime example of a lost art in
sentimental but intelligent film making. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
gThe
Golem (1914)
|
d.w.
Henrik Galeen
a.
Paul Wegener,Rudolf Blmner, Lyda Salmonova
|
Even though this silent was made by
Gothic visionary Henrik Galeen in 1914 it is not available on video
or DVD, So instead make all efforts to catch the theater screening
scored live by Captain Beefheart guitarist Gary Lucas. An innovative,
ethereal wall of sonic musicality and haunting swirls using arrays
of guitars, pedals and amps.... Modern sound technology over an
ancient movie artifact may seem an odd marriage... but experience
it and you'll see it works wonderfully. Timelessly organic... it
blends perfectly with Galeens visuals and all in seamless, real
time performance by the master of digital delays, Lucas. To read
more about this visit the Gary
Lucas site, linked to Looking-glass. One other observation regarding
the Golem... check out the incredible asymmetrical building architecture...
surreal... wonderful...
|
GL
USA
|
L-G
|
|
gThe
Graduate (1968)
|
d.
Mike
Nichols
a.
Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross
p.
Lawrence Turman
|
Mike
Nichols' coolest of period pieces which became a template for modern
teen genre movies (and ads). The inclusion of the Simon and Garfunkel
soundtrack was an added masterstroke. Here's to you Mrs Robinson. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| gThe
Great Race (1965) |
d.
Blake
Edwards
a.
Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, Peter Falk
|
Wacky Races on speed and obviously
the movie that inspired the cartoons. Completely potty from start
to finishing post. They don't make 'em like this anymore, etc. etc.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Head
(1968) |
d.
Bob Rafelson
a.
The Monkees
p.
Jack Nicholson
|
The Monkees
parody their own manufactured image in this popadelic rarity. The
soundtrack
album is a lost classic (which became trendy again in the early
90's). It highlights a hidden emotion and melancholy which obviously
bubbled under the foursomes comic shells. The film and particularly
it's music confirms that deeper artistic talents were present in some
guise or another (particularly Mike Nesmith). |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| How
To Steal A Million (1966) |
d.
William
Wyler
a.
Audrey Hepburn, Peter O'Toole
w.
Harry Kurnitz
|
Starring
the jet set princess of Pink Champagne comedy. Some nice lines and
subtle comic character studies. Set in a Paris we all like to imagine
still exists. (Particularly when viewed from behind the wheel of a
primrose coloured E-type convertible). |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| If.... |
d.
Lyndsay Anderson
a.
Malcolm McDowell, Arthur Lowe
|
The prequel
to Oh Lucky
Man. An authentic public school setting is the backdrop to fantasy,
farce and a bizarre, violent climax. Directly inspired by Jean Vigo's
1923 fantasy Zero De Conduit |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| I'm
All Right Jack (1959) |
d.
John Boulting
a.
Peter Sellers, Terry-Thomas, Richard Attenborough
|
The star
cast for this great British comedy by the brothers John and Roy Boulting
goes on and on. Along with other Petter Sellers Classics of that time,
such as Heaven's Above, The Smallest Show on Earth etc. such films
as part of a DVD library will be enjoyed forever. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| iThe
Icicle Thief (1989) |
d.
Maurizio Nichelli
a.
Maurizio Nichelli,Calerina Sylos Labini
|
A clever
parody of Bicycle Thief with an added dimension! A surreal concept
which slowly reveals itself throughout the film. (Check out the "bambino"
who crawls in and out of most precarious situations!) ... bizarre. |
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| Kes
(1969) |
d.
Ken Loach
a.
David Bradley, Brian Glover
|
An
account of a boy's life amongst Northern England's working classes
of the 60's. Accurately portrayed, the film evokes an emotion of stark
grey reality... but given uncertain sentiment by the presence of a
Kestrel... the boy's only contact towards outward compassion and a
brief glimpse into a wonderland he would never otherwise reach. Brilliant. |
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| Koyaanisqatsi
(1983) |
d.
Godfrey Reggio
|
Although
well over two decades have past since the visionary Reggio shot this
trippy masterpiece on almost no budget, it could easily have been
filmed today - or in another 20 years... only the clothes show it's
age. The film triggers, then perpetuates emotions and melancholy like
a windmill, primarily down to ingenious use of nothing more than a
camera - using time-lapse - and intuitive, masterful, gadget free
post production. Frame perfect editing, fluid pacing and the music
of Philip Glass completes this undoubted masterpiece of cinematic
history. Many film makers have been inspired - and have tried to emulate
the essence of Reggio's artistry... as yet Kyaanisqatsi is unsurpasable. |
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| kThe
Kitchen (Wo ai chu fang) 1997 |
d.
Ho Yim
a.
Yasuko Tomita, Jordan Chan
|
Well
worth discovering this charming, melancholic gem from Hong Kong directed
by Ho Yim. |
|
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listings
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