Aelita, Queen of Mars: a multi-plot story with a moral about living in fantasy versus living in reality
Yakov Protazanov, “Aelita, Queen of Mars” (1924) This silent Soviet film from the mid-1920’s can be
Frostbiten: comedy/horror vampire story lacking in teeth
Anders Banke, “Frostbiten” (2006) ‘Tis a Swedish vampire movie that begins with a shot of
Corruption, authoritarianism, oppression of women and intolerance are a hidden presence in “Häxan: Witchcraft through the Ages”
Benjamin Christensen, “Häxan: Witchcraft through the Ages” (1922) Intended as a study on how superstition
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”
French and French-language Films
Rififi: godfather of heist movies with a morality tale of redemption
Jules Dassin, “Rififi” (1955) A film about a technically perfect crime, only for its participants
Downhill: Hitchcock comedy is early showcase of technical innovation and flair
Alfred Hitchcock, “Downhill” (1927) Before he found his niche as Master of Suspense, the young
The true Hitchcock universe begins with “The Lodger: a Story of the London Fog”
Alfred Hitchcock, “The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog” (1927) Only the third film
Profound themes of evolution, maturity, cycles of life and death, and Japan’s modern history in Katsuhiro Otomo’s “Akira”
Katsuhiro Otomo, “Akira” (1988) In an alternative but parallel universe in 1988, a scientific experiment
French and French-language Films
Eyes without a Face: mad-scientist horror genre gets serious treatment with issues of control and identity
Georges Franju, “Eyes without a Face” / “Les yeux sans visage” (1959) Lean and elegant in
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