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The Complete Film Listing on One Page
PINK CHAMPAGNE
RAINY NIGHT
DARK ATTIC
MATINEE
SUMMERDAYS
STREETLIFE
DRY MARTINI

FRILLERS
(camp, kitsch and colourful)
SEVEN OF NINES
(sci-fi/ fantasy)
WINTER TALES
WISH YOU WERE HERE
CHEESEBOX

ROADS LESS TRAVELLED
FUNBALLS
NEVERNEVER LANDS
(including children's classics)
OCTOBER
(melancoly)
OTHER DIMENSIONS
ARTHOUSE
REDSQUARE

 

Dry Martini
with direct purchase links to Amazon USA & UK where available

Title Director / Actors / Writer / Producer Description
Buy at Amazon USA or UK
Suggested By
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
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
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 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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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

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.

USA

UK

L-G

Leon (1994)

(akaThe Professional (USA))

d. Luc Besson
a. Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman

Luc Bessons American directorial debut. No point explaining... just brilliant... just see it.

USA

UK

L-G

Les Enfants du Paradis (1945)

(Children of Paradise) (USA)

d. Marcel Carne
a. Jean-Louis Barrault, Pierre Brasseur

A 195 minute epic director by Marcel Carné and still regarded as one of France's richest cinematic treasures.

USA

UK

L-G
Lost In Translation (2003)

d. Sofia Coppola
a.
Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray

A subtle drama set in Tokyo and expertly directed by Sofia Coppola. Lost In Translation stars the hugely talented Scarlett Johansson and a surprise change of acting style by Bill Murray. Highly thought provoking.

USA

UK

L-G
lThe Last Picture Show (1971)

d. Peter Bogdanovich
a. Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd

Atmospheric American arthouse classic, and another keep forever movie.

USA

UK

L-G

mA Matter of Life and Death (1946)

aka Stairway To Heaven (USA)

d. Michael Powel, Emeric Pressburger
a. David Niven, Kim Hunter, Marius Goring

Perhaps inspired by the cinematic trickery of Jean Vigo 25 years previous, Powell and Pressburger's memorable journey from reality into contemporary fantasy marked the introduction of such film making into mainstream cinema. David Niven and all supporting actors are perfectly cast. The memory of this film remains with you always, and perhaps strikes a chord similar to the 1997 What Dreams May Come.

USA

UK

L-G
Manhattan (1979)

d. Woody Allen
a. Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemmingway, Meryl Streep

This movie deserves special attention. New York may be the location but the scenario relates to metropolis' from London to Sydney. Possibly Woody Allen's finest observation of self absorbed, media oriented pseudo intellects, wrecking their own lives as much as each others in the search for the selfishly unattainable. As each character (except Mariel Hemmingway) whines and whinges self sympathy about their "predicament", one wonders how many towny trendies watching this are actually viewing their own traits without a hope in hell of self admission. The films final frame speaks volumes as Allen's character turns to a camera close-up....You only need to imagine his thoughts: "I'm such a whinging hypocritical arsehole but hey, I just can't help myself." In retrospect, and on the humorous side, Seinfeld fans may also recognize an inspired format. Incidentally, Manhattan never seems to date.

Choose from a complete list of Woody Allen Films here

Full List

L-G
Midnight Cowboy (1969)

d. John Schlesinger
a. Dustin Hoffman, John Voight

Hoffman's brilliant free-fall performance of a terminally ill down-and-out New Yorker could be considered a precursor to De Niro's concept of method acting 11 years later. John Voight was also outstanding in this movie. Midnight Cowboy was the first X rated movie to receive a best picture Oscar. Music supervision by John Barry. Un-missable.

USA

UK

L-G
Mon Oncle (1958) d.a. Jacques Tati

For further details on Mon Oncle see Monsieur Hulot's Holiday.... since the next paragraph is just an L-G ed letting of a little well deserved steam regarding some of the dead wood he has dragged behind him in the past....!

One incredibly self righteous, English, ex-colleague of mine would mock my interests in "foreign films with subtitles"... (she would rather watch Brookside)... Well.... perhaps Jacques Tati is a painlessly simple introduction to fun foreign film culture for you...!!! (Oh, isn't it nice how the web allows one to let off a little anonymous steam. I could go on but... tut tut... unprofessional!

USA

UK

L-G
Monsieur Hulot's Holiday (1953)

d.a. Jacques Tati,
a. Nathalie Pascaud

The film that introduced Tati's gauche character Monsieur Hulot, whose increasingly surreal adventures continued up until 1970 with Mon Oncle, Playtime, and Traffic (all listed here). Tati's films define a European style which one loves or snubs. The comedies of errors... funny or sad. Tati was both... and brilliant at it.

USA

UK

L-G
Night of The Hunter (1955)

d. Charles Laughton
a. Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish

If you are becoming familiar with the concept of the Dreambeat, you will no doubt conclude also that this is one of the most affecting films ever made. The scene which hits that harmonic is when the sickening "demonic" con-man character played by Mitchum chases the two children towards the river who luckily escape in a rowing boat. The atmosphere, as they float away, is one of the most haunting sound and visual moments in movie history.

USA

UK

L-G

Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)

d. Werner Hertzog
a. Klaus Kinski

Remake of Murnau's 1922 gothic nightmare (also listed). As with many of Hertzog's films, a disturbing undercurrent of anxiety and dark melancholy agitates viewers emotions... much enhanced by the music of Popol Vuh.

USA

UK

L-G
Nosferatu (1922) b/w silent

d. F.W Murnau
a. Max Schreck
w. Henrik Galeen

Darkest German fantasy horror with an atmosphere only matched again in Hertzog's 1979 remake. All other films featuring Bram Stoker's Dracula character have failed to capture the shocking and disparate nightmare which Murnau's masterwork.. Henrik Galeen also scripted the 1914 gothic milestone The Golem .

USA

UK

L-G
O Lucky Man (1973)

d. Lindsay Anderson
a. Malcolm McDowell
w. David Sherwin
p. Michael Medwin and Lindsay Anderson

The unconnected sequel to IF... (1968). A surreal and disturbing abstraction of early 70's England dominates this tale of Michael Travis' (McDowell) bizarre journey through early manhood. Hardly ever shown on TV due to its 3 hour 20 min length, it has therefore fallen to dusty corners of forgotten classic 70's weirdness. See "IF"... then this.

USA

UK

L-G
oThe Odd Couple (1968)

d. Gene Saks
a. Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau
w. Neil Simon

The coolest film theme music ever and a most memorable movie vehicle to introduce the Lemmon and Matthau screen partnership.

USA

UK

L-G
Performance (1970)

d. Nicholas Roeg
a. Mick Jagger, James Fox

A Roeg creation which, along with Easy Rider is a must for arty 40 and 50 something's gauging their own increasingly exaggerated reminiscences of that patchouli drenched period.... Alternatively it's a prime reference movie for '60's / '70's culture historians. Jagger at his prettiest..... Pass the joint.... and the lipstick.

USA

UK

L-G
Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)

d. Peter Weir
a. Rachel Roberts, Helen Morse, Anne-Louise Lambert

An essence of Dreambeat, in style, surreality, music, eerieness and soft focus melancholy. A classic.

USA

UK

L-G
Playtime (1967) d.a. Jacques Tati see