Princess Mononoke: flawed epic with ambition and good intentions
Hayao Miyazaki, “Princess Mononoke” (1997) When I first saw this movie about a decade ago, like everyone else I was bowled over by the stunning animated…
The 39 Steps (dir. Alfred Hitchcock): the movie with the secret code that cracked success for Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock, “The 39 Steps” (1935) Very loosely based on John Buchan’s novel “The Thirty-Nine Steps” – it’s best if you don’t read the novel first…
Milestone of 100 Films reviewed – and thanks to everyone for comments
Hi all, Wow, I’ve racked up reviews of over 100 films on this little blog site already! I’ve been fortunate enough to find a lot of…
French and French-language Films
Band of Outsiders (dir. Jean-Luc Godard): pop culture, the art of film and existential philosophy in one pulp crime film
Jean-Luc Godard, “Bande à part” aka “Band of Outsiders” (1964) Once upon a time, the French had a knack for making gangster and pulpy crime movies in…
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 some extremely vicious serial killers, one of whom, Peter Kürten, inspired…
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 mimic the yearly cycle of the seasons, this film follows a…
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 Mediterranean Sea, “Contempt” is a great-looking film that showcases the young…
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 marquis decides to have a huge party at his country estate…
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 April 2011), I caught this documentary presented by veteran Australian journalist…
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, regarded by some as his greatest work, features some very disturbing…