| 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 |
| 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 |
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
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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
|
| 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 |
|
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 |
|
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
|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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. |
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 |
| Mo
Betta Blues (1990) |
d.
Spike Lee
a.
Denzel Washington
|
Spike Lee's, "Mo Better Blues"
captures the angst of a musician with fairly accurate realism.
There are typical muso-style scenarios; battles of egos, self-generated
temper and plenty more nonsense from inside the heads of struggling
musicians - a place that nobody understands ...etc. etc. while
searching for creative perfection in an imperfect world. In
a cynical and embittered land of aging musos, perhaps the outcome
is painfully apparent.... Take five (out of five) Spike.
|
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
|
Dreambeat
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