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 film can be viewed as a companion to it rather than…
North American Films
Reviews of films made in Canada and United States including all films made by Hollywood.
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 David Lynch’s full-length directing debut feature. Based on his experiences in…
Blue Velvet: satirising American suburbia as cartoony more important than plot, characters and issues of exploitation
David Lynch, “Blue Velvet” (1986) A beautiful film to watch with noirish elements and a lot of symbolism yet oddly not very suspenseful or satisfying. “Blue…
Assassin of Youth: “educational” soap opera that titillates with flashes of sordid behaviour
Elmer Clifton, “Assassin of Youth” (1937) It’s a laughable anti-marijuana screed but “Assassin of Youth” at least has a comic drama going for it. A reporter,…
Little Shop of Horrors: dark horror and farce in trashy 1960 cheapie
Roger Corman, “Little Shop of Horrors” (1960) Here’s a cute comedy horror piece made on the cheap in just two days in 1960 that speaks to…
Palindromes: dark comedy fable of Western society’s exploitation of children and value of life
Todd Solondz, “Palindromes” (2004) A dark comedic fairy tale about a girl trapped in a life that goes around in circles, “Palindromes” does have the air…
North by Northwest: fun escapist enjoyment that encapsulates Hitchcock’s inner world
Alfred Hitchcock, “North by Northwest” (1959) After the intense “Vertigo” which initially wasn’t a great box office success, Hitchcock chose to film a light-hearted chase thriller…
Se7en: well-made if not great film about good and evil in an indifferent universe
David Fincher, “Se7en” (1995) “Se7en” is a well-made film with some excellent acting performances and an ingenious if implausible premise of a literate serial killer who…
Gasland: intelligent and unassuming documentary on fracking
Josh Fox, “Gasland” (2010) Written, filmed, narrated and directed by Josh Fox, this documentary is a personal journey investigating the nature and environmental impact of the…
Strangers on a Train (dir. Alfred Hitchcock): film labours under director’s favourite themes and obsessions
Alfred Hitchcock, “Strangers on a Train” (1951) As with many other films made by English-American director Alfred Hitchcock, “Strangers on a Train” plumbs the theme of…