| 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
|
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 |
| 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
|
Dreambeat
Listings