German and German-language Films
M (dir. Fritz Lang): an ordinary film with sharp social comment
Fritz Lang, “M” (1931) During the 1920’s and early 1930’s, Germany played unfortunate host to
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter … and Spring: lovely to look at but hollow
Kim Kiduk, “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter … and Spring” (2003) Presented in five episodes that
French and French-language Films
Thin plot and unsympathetic characters invite contempt for “Contempt”
Jean-Luc Godard, “Contempt” (1963) Partly set among some stunningly postcard-perfect islands rising out of the
French and French-language Films
The Rules of the Game: a good if dated satire of French high society
Jean Renoir, “The Rules of the Game” (1939) When you hear that a rich French
The War You Don’t See: an incisive and passionate John Pilger documentary
Alan Lowery and John Pilger, “The War You Don’t See” (2010) Last night (Sunday, 10
Vertigo: a beautiful film with disturbing themes of obsession and control
Alfred Hitchcock, “Vertigo” (1958) For a mainstream Hollywood drama, this famous film by Alfred Hitchcock,
French and French-language Films | German and German-language Films
Vampyr: vampire horror film explores issues of human existence
Carl Theodor Dreyer, “Vampyr” (1932) Made originally as a silent movie with a voice and
Borat movie tells more about film-makers’ biases and prejudices than those of its subjects
Larry Charles, “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” (2006)
Blade Runner: movie remarkable chiefly for visual impact and theme
Ridley Scott, “Blade Runner” (1982) The curious thing with this movie is that as it
L.A. Confidential: well-made with convoluted plot about deception and illusion
Curtis Hanson, “L.A. Confidential” (1997) Based on the novel by James Ellroy and named after
