Psycho (dir. Gus van Sant): a decent remake with a different message from the original film
Gus van Sant, “Psycho” (1998) A shot-for-shot remake of the Hitchcock original with much the
Category: North American Films
Reviews of films made in Canada and United States including all films made by Hollywood.
Melodrama, spy thriller hi-jinks and conservation activism a strong mix in “The Cove”
Louie Psihoyos, “The Cove” (2009) This documentary by American photographer and film-maker Louie Psihoyos combines
Taxi Driver: good study of an alienated and traumatised individual groping for purpose in a lost society
Martin Scorsese, “Taxi Driver” (1976) As a character study of a lonely and alienated man
5 Days of War: as the movie admits, truth is the first casualty
Renny Harlin, “5 Days of War” aka “5 Days of August” (2011) Directed by Renny
Characters and plot are as flat and blank as snowscapes in “Fargo”
Joel Coen, “Fargo” (1996) A kidnap plot cooked up to save a car salesman’s hide
Klute: crime thriller / psychological character study about personal control, paranoia and saving face
Alan J Pakula, “Klute” (1971) Ostensibly a crime thriller about a prostitute who assists a
Midnight Cowboy: satirical character study of two men pursuing their particular American Dreams
John Schlesinger, “Midnight Cowboy” (1969) Over forty years ago when this movie was released, it
Marnie: rehash of many Hitchcock themes, ideas and methods showing the master in decline
Alfred Hitchcock, “Marnie” (1964) Not a bad psychological thriller / character study of a compulsive
Crash (dir. David Cronenberg): dark comedy satire on Western obsession with technology and material culture
David Cronenberg, “Crash” (1996) Based on the eponymous 1973 novel by J G Ballard, this
Eraserhead: fascinating and hilarious dark horror film about social and religious pressures on struggling families
David Lynch, “Eraserhead” (1977) Five years in the making from 1971 to 1976, “Eraserhead” was