Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome: celebration of a religious ritual that imprisons as much as it liberates
Kenneth Anger, “Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome” (1954) A lush creation by famous underground avant-garde
The Meth Epidemic: confrontational documentary doesn’t quite go far enough in investigating a major social problem
Carl Byker, “The Meth Epidemic” (2011) Having seen and reviewed “Winter’s Bone” last year, I
The House is Black: a meditation on human condition, suffering and the beauty of creation in a leper colony
Forough Farrokhzad, “The House is Black” / “Khaneh siah ast” (1962) Made about 50 years
Invention of Love: short film challenges us to rediscover our humanity or allow technology to define us
Andrei Shushkov, “Invention of Love” (2010) Came across this elegant and melancholy film short by
Quasi at the Quackadero: time travel and psychological self-study in a fun fair
Sally Cruikshank, “Quasi at the Quackadero” (1975) Here’s a great little cartoon about a mismatched
Jumping (dir. Osamu Tezuka): experimental short snapshot of the human condition through a child’s viewpoint
Osamu Tezuka, “Jumping” (1984) Boing! BOING! BOI-I-I-ING-G-G!!! Here comes “Jumping” by the legendary Osamu Tezuka,
Doggy Poo: cute existential heartwarmer about the value of all creation
Kwon Ohsung, “Doggy Poo” / “Ganggajidong” (2003) Here is a very sweet and beautiful little film
German and German-language Films
Das Rad: little film about rocks packs in history of human development and ecological themes
Chris Stenner, Arvid Uibel and Heidi Wittlinger, “Das Rad” / “The Wheel” aka “Rocks” (2003)
The Matrix: film trapped in formula Hollywood action-thriller matrix of convoluted plot, trite message and flat characters
Larry and Andy Wachowski, “The Matrix” (1999) Strip “The Matrix” of its sci-fi trimmings, its
A Chairy Tale: fable about importance of communication, respect and equality
Norman McLaren and Claude Jutra, “A Chairy Tale” (1957) A delightful little number that even