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…
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 musical soundtrack added later, this film boasts very creative if contrary…
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) Using the narrative form of a naif travelling in a foreign…
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 recedes back in time – 2012 will be its 30th anniversary!…
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 an actual 1950’s magazine which focussed on celebrity scandal, “L.A. Confidential”…
German and German-language Films
Pandora’s Box: apart from its lead star, it’s an ordinary film with soap opera plot
G W Pabst, “Pandora’s Box” (1929) On its cinematic release, this German movie garnered little attention for its American star Louise Brooks in her home country…