The Stars Look Down (1940)

The harsh world of English Miners during the 1930s as described by novelist A. J. Cronin is turned into a film directed by Carol Reed.  Michael Redgrave plays a teacher, Davey, who returns to his mining hometown with a wife that's not in love with him named Jenny played by Margaret Lockwood.  A parallel theme soon emerges as Jenny lusts for more personal gain and wealth so too the mining industry pushes their workers to the brink of tragedy.   This is a powerful story that will easily stay in your mind long after you watch it.  I only wish the copy I watched was better but it's very possible this is one of those lesser known classics that needs a desperate restoration.  Grade: A-  

Holy Motors (2012)

I can't decide if I loved this film because I hunger for surreal and warped storytelling (which never get made it seems anymore) or because this is actually a great film.  It's a wonderfully weird tale of an "actor" being driven around in a white limo all day in Paris from one assignment to the next taking on different "roles".   It works on so many levels as an anthology piece and as a metaphor for life and the challenges of being who we are.   It's also a showcase of actor Denis Lavant and his amazing range.  His various performances make watching this film a priority for lovers of acting.   Overall if you dislike anything out of the ordinary you might want to skip this one but if you're like me and want stories that live on the edge of what's acceptable then you have to watch this one.  It's an enthralling and imaginative work from director Leos Carax.   Grade: A

Kudos: I wanted to give a shout out for the use of actress Edith Scob from the film Eyes without a Face.  Nice tribute to said film with the mask she wears.  Another reason to love this film. 

Bread, Love and Dreams (1954)

Vittorio De Sica stars in a charming romantic comedy directed by Luigi Comencini about a small Italian village getting a new Marshall.  The Marshal Antonio Carotenuto arrives and quickly become smitten with a young girl known as Frisky.  Yet Frisky is in love with a young soldier under the Marshall's charge.  Misunderstandings create great comic fire and this story really burns really hot.   Speaking of hot, Gina Lollobrigida who plays Frisky sizzles and is memorable enough to warrant a return as the same character in sequel.  Grade: A-

Obssessione (1942)

The Italian adaptation of James M. Cain's novel The Postman Always Rings Twice directed by Luchino Visconti (his first film).  The plot is the classic film noir; drifter walks into a restaurant, gets a job, has an affair with the owner's wife.  They set out to kill the husband.  Yet this film has more depth than that, and that's what makes this version succeed.  I like the other adaptations a lot but I have to say this one is quite good.  It's only flaw is its length at 140 minutes.  Grade: B+. 

Stolen Kisses (1968)

Francois Truffaut’s second and half film about Antonie Doinel is the kind of sequel you rejoice not because he made it but because he succeeded at making it as good as the first one.   Jean-Pierre Leaud is grown up and falling for women just as he was in the last segment, the short Antoine and Colette.   Here he works for a detective agency while dating Christine Darbon (played by the beautiful Claude Jade).  Jean-Pierre Léaud proves that he's become an accomplished actor with strong comic gifts.  And to think I get to follow this character for two more films, what a treat.  It'll be interesting to see where Truffaut takes Antonie Doinel.  All I hope is that the love story between Antonie and Christine lasts.  Grade: A      

 

Lust for Life (1956)

Vincent Van Gogh is one of my favorite painters and if I had known that there was a film biography about his life staring Kirk Douglas I would have seen it by now.  Mr. Douglas seems to almost fly too close to the sun in his performance, meaning he almost over acts, but the emotional core of a manic depressive is there and because of that it’s spectacular.   It’s that typical biography that goes through the motions of A,B,C until his death but the acting and visuals are so great it doesn’t matter.    It shocks me that this film didn’t get nominated for Best Picture and in the year that Gigi one too.  Based on Irving Stone's novel and directed by the visual master Vincente Minnelli.  Grade: A-

Loving (1970) 3/25

In a startling character study directed by Irvin Kershner, we're introduced to an illustrator played by George Segal who is cheating on a beautiful wife, played by Eva Maria Saint, while dealing with the pressures of obtaining a new business account that will save him from financial ruin.   What a pathetic fool this guy is, and yet he's so human and fascinating you can't help but hope he stops his collapse. I wouldn't say he's likable but it's so enjoyable to watch him so goof up his life.  One of the only sex comedies I know of that drifts so close to the weaknesses of the modern man.  Dark at times yet always funny. Grade: A-

Stroszek (1977)

Only Werner Herzog could make a film like this.  A strange, wonderful and relevant look at the so-called American Dream.  With Bruno S. as the lead, playing a version of himself I believe, Herzog creates another unique character for the silver screen.  You can assume that Herzog loves working with peculiar artists, flawed people with a lot to say.   This would explain his desire to work with Bruno S again after The Enigma of Kasper Hauser.   Stroszek is a simple German ex-con who leaves German for America to escape street criminals and to be with his prostitute girl friend, Eva .   Yet it's here in the good old USA where Stroszek and Eva become victims of another form of predator, the Big Bad Bank as they consume and own like a typical American.   The beginning is a bit slow but stick with it because this is an exceptional story told with an independent spirit.  Grade: A 

My Beautiful Laundrette (1986)

Omar is a young Pakistani business man who convinces his uncle to let him clean up a rundown launderette and manage it.  To assist him in his endeavor he takes on his secret lover, Johnny, a street-wise thug he's known since childhood.  Directed by Stephen Frears and written by Hanif Kureishi this was one of Working Title's first productions.  While an excellent exploration of class, race, sexuality and '80s economics in London, I can't say this film kept my interest that much.  There are some wonderful moments and Omar and Johnny's relationship is fascinating on many levels but the film never seems to have a strong narrative destination.   I never felt invested in the success of the business or the various relationships to care.  I wanted to like this film more than I actually did.  Grade: B-

Zero for Conduct (1933)

Jean Vigo's short 41 minutes boarding school film is a visual rich journey with lots of humor.  It's about a small group of misfits who stir up a revolution against their strict adult overseers.  I know from reading about Vigo and how influential he was to the French New Wave twenty plus years later that this inspired many film makers.   I don't know if Wes Anderson ever watched it but I would be surprised if this film didn't enter his imagination dream-box at some point.  Even if your dislike older films, you should watch this one (it's so short, just do it).   But if you choose to only watch one film by Vigo, then skip this one in favor of the film he made after this one, L'Atalante.  It's too bad Vigo had such a short life; it would have been wonderful to experience more of his unique vision.  Grade: A-

The Trip to Bountiful (1985)

Horton Foote adapts his own play into a classy film directed by Peter Masterson.  Yet it’s Geraldine Page as Carrie Watts that transforms what could have just been a sentimental made-for-tv movie into something more.    It’s the story of an older woman living with her son who flees on bus to go back to her home town for one last visit.    I guess she’s never heard the expression you can’t go back home again.  John Heard, Carlin Glynn and Rebecca De Mornay give quality performances as well.   Grade: B+

Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1961)

Albert Finny’s anti-hero Arthur Seaton is the kind of character that you love to despise.  He’s a factory worker who loves a good time, and it doesn’t matter if it’s with a co-worker’s wife.   When she’s preoccupied he scopes out his next score, a girl undeserving of his affections, but hey, we like him so much we find ourselves rooting for him, even when he gets the girl he’s having an affair with a pregnant.  How Finny is able to make us like a creep like this is a stunning achievement.   Karal Reisz directs in black and white what feels like a film from the film's producer, Tony Richardson.   I even mistakenly told some friends it was directed by Richardson and only while researching did I discover differently.  I wonder how much of a micro-manager Richardson was?  Grade: B+

Wild Reeds (1994)

This French film explores the friendship between two teenagers going through sexual awakenings.   Francois’ discovers he’s gay after a sexual experience with a school mate.  Maite, a less adventurous girl, finds herself in love with the same boy, a young man who passionately supports Algeria’s revolution.   I loved how unexpected this film was, like walking into the unpredictable life of a real French teen.   Andre Techine directs what is a believable and honest journey that anyone can relate to no matter their sexual orientation.  Grade: A-

Mr. and Mrs. Bridge (1990)

Real-life husband and wife, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, star in a Merchant Ivory film about a conservative husband and wife living during the 1930s and 40s who are faced with a changing American.  Mr. Bridge is a lawyer content being an emotionless, career focused gentlemen and Mrs. Bridge is a lonely, old-fashion woman struggling to find her purpose now that her children are leaving the nest.  Written by master literature adapter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala from the novels by Evan S. Cornell and directed by James Ivory, here is another testament to one of the greatest cinematic partnership there ever was.  I really don't know how they created films like this one, films so well-developed and thematic it's easy to take for granted.  Grade: A- 

Genevieve (1954)

I love finding these diamonds of cinematic antiquities.  An old comedy that still holds up today as a hilarious and in many ways universal story.  It's about a couple who are a part of the Veteran Auto Club who drive to Brighton from London with another couple.  The two men, Alan McKim (John Gregson) and Ambrose Claverhouse (Kenneth More), become competitive about their cars, to the point where they make a bet that causes an outlandish race on the road.   Alan's wife, Wendy (Dinah Sheridan) doesn't want to go on the trip and is at first against the two friends quarrelling (a tension that seems inspired by Ambrose's cozy friendship with Wendy).  Then there's Ambrose's date, Rosalind Peters (Kay Kendell) who knows her way with a trumpet.   It's also an innovative film too, as the film is shot on location instead of on a set.  This was certainly a logistic challenge for that time and is one of the reasons this film still holds up.   So if you're in the mood for a goofy good British comedy then take a ride with this one; it's a real blast.  Grade: A 

The Angry Silence (1960)

Is this an anti-union film or is it a film about a man suck in the middle of two stubborn forces?   You be the judge.  Richard Attenborough stars as a worker who refuses to get involved with an unofficial strike.   Doing so makes him a pariah in his community, even from his best friend.  Directed by Guy Green and shot in bold and beautiful black and white.  Grade: B+

Sadly this film isn't available on DVD.  I was able to stream it on Amazon.  If you're at all curious about this film check it out now before it's gone forever. 

Fists in his Pocket (1968)

I'm not sure how to classify this strange drama that at times feels like a black comedy.  Marco Bellocchio's debut film about a young man's desire to kill his entire family.  It has a blending of various tones and because of that it's hard to grasp what's going on in the main character's head.   This is why it's such an intriguing film, the kind of experience that stands out.  I enjoyed this film a lot and think it's worth watching a second time even.  Grade: B+

True Blood (Season 3)

It's been a while since I watched this series but this HBO guilty pleasure is impossible to ignore.  Someday I might read the novels by Charlaine Harris which inspire this series but until then I'll keep renting these out to see what happens to Miss Sookie Stackhouse.  I'm not going to go into too much detail but to say that I enjoyed this third entry and loved the introduction of werewolves and other mystical creatures.  Anna Paquin is great as Sookie and I really love what happens with Sam Trammell's Sam Merlotte character.   My interest in the four season has been piqued.  Grade: B+

The Master (2012)

The true master of this film is the writer/ director Paul Thomas Anderson.  What an accomplishment of cinematic storytelling.  Here's a love story between two men: a unstable WWII vet looking for healing and meaning in his life played by Joaquin Phoenix and a con man, new age religion/ cult developer seeming to enslave himself in his own Frankenstein theology played by the always incredible Philip Seymour Hoffman.   Love story, you say?  Sure, not a sexual one, but a psychotic bromance if there ever was one.  Yes, let's be clear, Hoffman's character is a thinly-disguised interpretation of real life creator of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard.   Is Anderson attacking Scientology?  Of course he is, the sneaky devil, but he's doing it by composing a fascinating drama between two lost souls battling their own demons the best way they can.  Hoffman lies and Phoenix misbehaves and tortures himself.  Visual stunning, seemingly perfectly acted, this film does what great art should and that is force its viewers to tackle big questions while looking in the mirror.  Grade: A-.

Straight Time (1978)

Never doubt Dustin Hoffman’s acting talent.  For example there’s this character piece about a career thief who tries to go straight after getting out of prison but ultimately is unable to conform to society’s ways.   This is one of those films that’s effortless to watch because it’s well-acted and expertly written.   Also stars Theresa Russell as the innocent girl he falls for, the girl who wants to love him no matter his nature.   Such an underrated work from director Ulu Grosbard.   Don't miss out on this one if you like '70s cinema or are interested in watching Mr. Hoffman at his best.  Grade: A

This is Kathy Bates' first film and contain one of Gary Busey's best supporting roles. 

Santa Sangre (1989)

Alejandro Jodorowsky is the closest anyone has come to being the next Luis Brunel.  This bizarre, beautiful yet disjointed tale of the son of circus performers transformation from mental patient to serial killer is not to be missed by anyone claiming to love the avant-garde.  It has shocking moments, B-movie quality gore and silliness mixed in with a poetic Greek tragedy like aura.  I would have liked it if the tempo was a bit more consistent but regardless this is one of those unique experiences worth checking out, unless of course you dislike weird cinema from outside the Untied States.  It's too bad more of this brand of film making was more desired.  Grade: B+

Pretty Baby (1978)

Louis Malle directs a film written by Polly Platt about a twelve-year-old girl growing up in a whore house in New Orleans in the early part of the last century.  The girl, played by then newcomer Brooke Shields, ends up becoming a prostitute and romantically getting involved with a photographer played by Keith Carradine.  Unjustly controversial when it came out for being so blatant about history (I guess showing that such practices like men auctioning for the chance to sleep with a virgin girl should just be ignored) it deserves a second look for being a great example of strong unbiased storytelling.  I understand if people become uncomfortable but that's kind of the point, especially when it's clear Carradine's character really does love Shields as lover and not a father figure even if she's incapable of loving him back.  It's tragic, morbid, and complex and I recommend it as a great historical artifact and brilliant drama.  Susan Sarandon also stars as Shields mother and it's one of her best supporting roles.  Grade: A.    

Fatal Attraction (1987)

Having an affair has never been more a bad idea than in this classic thriller from director Adrian Lyne.  It's a bit hard to believe Michael Douglas' character would choose to cheat on such a gorgeous wife, played by the stunning and sympathetic Anne Archer, yet the skilled Glen Close is able to create the kind of femme fatal that makes such an unthinkable choice believable.  This film has been called a monster film and it does structurally mirror the classic horror film motif, with Close being the monster that punishes the hero for a mistake.  Think Frankenstein if you don't believe me. 
Yet it's more than that, it's a drama about a deeply disturbed woman corrupted by a likable but ultimately flawed male authority.   It amazes me that Michael Douglas' character never seems to regret his actions, his lying and his anger for being caught doing something in his mind is "so innocent".   The true victims in this film are not Douglas or Close but Anne Archer and her daughter.  Affairs might not always become a cinematic violence but they always hurt the innocent.  Grade: A     

Ted (2012)

Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy, brings his crass, juvenile wit and cynical brand of humor to the big screen with a surreal fantasy about a man and his walking talking Teddy Bear.  It's a strange combination of sardonic Hallmark movie that tries to be a sentimental romantic comedy, which works and doesn't at the same time.  Mark Wahlberg is pretty good playing his loveable kind of dumb guy and Mila Kunis is adorable (if a bit young for Wahlberg) as the girl friend that wants her man to grow up.  The joke of watching a teddy bear with a potty mouth does get old pretty fast but I was able to appreciate MacFarlane's attempt at making Ted a complete character.  The problem is that I'm not sure who I'm supposed to be rooting for:  Wahlberg's character learning to be a better boyfriend or Ted stepping out on his own as the only living Teddy Bear in the world.   These two opposing stories at times thwart each other.  That said there are some hilarious moments, my favorite dealing with a Flash Gordon cameo that makes watching this semi-amusing film worthwhile.  Grade: B+

Foreign Correspondent (1940)

Alfred Hitchcock's espionage thriller stars Joel McCrea (a year before his memorable work in Sullivan's Travels) as an American journalist caught up in a conspiracy involving the kidnapping of a Dutch diplomat before the coming of the second world war.  What makes this such a fun adventure, besides the incredible suspense and various Hitchcockian set pieces (big windmill or plane crash to name two), is the wonderful dry humor scattered about the film.   Whether it's McCrea's delivery or Robert Benchley's added wit, it never takes it self too seriously and yet like all Hitchcock films it stays unpredictable and exciting.  And it holds up even today, although it's clear the plot doesn't exactly make that much sense and is there just to juggle the characters about for entertainment stake.  Nominated for best picture, it's worth checking out especially if you're a fan of the Hitch.  Grade: B+

The Bakery Girl of Monceau (1963)

So begins Eric Rohmer's Six Moral Tales film series.  Inspired by F. W. Murnau's Sunrise, each film follows a male character yearning for a girl while committed in some way to another.  This first film is a short 26 minute story about a young man who becomes obsessed with a girl he spotted on the street.  He goes on a search to find her, ending up in a bakery.  Soon the girl at the counter in the bakery shows interested in him.  Simple yet very satisfying, it's a good start for what is considered a respected series of films from a French New Wave Original.  I have to admit I did see the fifth film of the series many years ago, Claire's Knee, and it didn't impress me that much but I'm looking forward to the other four.   The next film in the series is Suzanne's Career.  Grade: B+

Moonlighting (1982)

Jerzy Skolimowski writes and directs one of the best films of the early eighties.  I'm surprised this film isn't talked about more; it's a skillfully thought out parable about how abusive it can be using illegal immigrants.  Jeremy Irons plays a Polish foreman who supervises three other Polish workers in the illegal renovation of a London flat.  It seems innocent enough until the Polish trade union protests occur back in Poland.   This leaves the main character in an moral pickle.  He needs his men to keep working but if he tells them what's going on back at home he risks they stop.  On top of that worry is that he doesn't have that much money so he needs to stretch his coin as much as he can.  With very little dialogue, the film could have been made as a silent film.   It's the kind of story that's impossible to turn away, almost like a thriller at times.  Excellent film making in so many ways, I can't recommend this one enough.  Grade: A

Novecento [1900] (1976)

It's a challenge to review this film without mentioning its dubbing.  Shot with an international cast to help guarantee financing,  Bernardo Bertolucci allows the actors to speak their native language, then dubs over them so he can have three soundtracks: English, French and Italian.  Yet I hate dubbing so much that the technique distracts from what is a very impressive if unnecessary long film.  The story told is about two men who have known each other since childhood.  Robert De Niro plays Alfredo Berlinghieri, the son of a landowner.  He represents the upper class.   Gérard Depardieu  plays Olmo Dalcò, a bastard farmer's child who represents the lower class.   What Bertolucci does is to show a slice of Italian history through these two men's class.   Olmo becomes a communist and Alfredo continues a passive upper-class life trying to live in the shadow of his family's legacy.  Films with two complex heroes are hard to pull off (especially ones so hard to root for) but you have to give Bertolucci a lot of credit for taking on such an ambitious project.  There are many memorable scenes that will forever stand the test of time.  Even just the shot of a young Olmo with living frogs tucked in his hat is an image I will never forget.  There's the scene of the evil Donald Sutherland as Attila Mellanchini, who represents the future tyranny of fascism, killing a cat.  There's the threesome between De Niro, Depardieu and Stefania Sandrelli that I'm sure many will remember.  And let's not forget Burt Lancaster's shocking scene where he makes a young girl touch him before killing himself.   There are many versions of this film, and the one I saw was the director's cut which is 317 minutes long.  If only Bertolucci could have shot this film with an all Italian cast and not dubbed it, I think I might have been able to get swept away but instead this was an endurance exercise, where I spent half the time switching the audio from English to French to Italian depending on the main actor in the scene.   If you can ignore a dubbed soundtrack then certainly check this one out, but be warned it's long and none of the characters are really that likable.  Grade: B+

Poetry (2010)

Lee Chang-dong's work here on this film is remarkable.  It's a modern day masterpiece and I hope more people discover it's beauty.  It might seem simplistic but it's actually a psychological profound story about a 80 year old grandmother coping with old age and a grandson's horrible crime.   Turning to a poetry class for inspiration and a means to "see" the world and react to it, she soon finds a way to not only express herself but to accept her fate.  Do not miss this film if you're a fan of beautifully moving films about spiritual growth and enlightenment.  There's a reason this film won Best screenplay at Cannes that year.  Grade: A

Matrimonio all'italiana [Marriage Italian Style] (1964)

Legendary director/actor Vittorio De Sica reunites with his leads from Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni, to tell the story of a prostitute's endeavor to get a rich businessman she fell in love with when an innocent girl to marry her.  Is it a love story or is it a comedic con job, you be the judge.  I loved this movie and thought it was better than the trio's last film mentioned earlier.  Lorena and Mastroianni are wonderful, playing off each other like two great actors do.  It's clear they are comfortable with each other and it's so fun to watch.   De Sica proves again what an exceptional storyteller he is.  Grade: A  

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2012)

Paul Torday's novel of the same name is adapted by Slumdog Millionaire's screenwriter Simon Beaufoy and directed by Lasse Hallström.  The result is a rewarding and charming film about an Englishman fishery expert (Ewan McGregor) and a financial advisor's (Emily Blunt) quest to help a wealthy sheikh bring salmon to a Yemen river to introduce fly fishing to his nation.   The leads in McGregor and Blunt have terrific chemistry and its their love story that drive the film.  I'm a huge fan of these actors and they always amaze me.  Sure, it's a little predictable sometimes but not in a bad way.  It's inspiring because it's not so much about fly fishing as it is about finding ones calling in life, whether you're a stuffy Englishmen or an entire nation.  Grade: A