Australian and New Zealand Films
The Sound of One Hand Clapping: retreating into blandness and relying on stereotypes and a banal plot-line
Richard Flanagan, “The Sound of One Hand Clapping” (1998) If there’s any value to this
Spirited Away: a lavish film representing the peak of Studio Ghibli’s creativity and the start of its decline
Hayao Miyazaki, “Spirited Away” (2001) In many ways, “Spirited Away” represents the peak of Studio
French and French-language Films
Marguerite: a rich film of how loyalty, control and hypocrisy intersect with innocence and free spirit
Xavier Giannoli, “Marguerite” (2015) The inspiration for this film may have been the American socialite
Italian and Italian-language Films
The Hawks and the Sparrows: a rambling road movie enquiry into the social and political conflicts of Italian society in the 1960s
Pier Paolo Pasolini, “The Hawks and the Sparrows / Uccellacci e Uccellini” (1966) A bit
Whistle: a bland and modest sci-fi thriller that saves its killer punch for the last
Duncan Jones, “Whistle” (2002) “Moon” director Duncan Jones’ first feature is a 29-minute short that
Moon: using familiar ideas and concepts to generate thinking about the nature of individuality and identity
Duncan Jones, “Moon” (2009) Like father, like son, no? … decades ago David Bowie sang
The Image: a tiny study of mental crisis, homoeroticism and creepy atmosphere sets a template for David Bowie’s future career
Michael Armstrong, “The Image” (1967) Notable mainly for being singer and sometime actor David Bowie’
French and French-language Films
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie: mocking the middle classes for their hypocrisy, sense of entitlement and shallow values
Luis Buñuel, “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie / Le Charme Discret de la Bourgeoisie” (1972)
Son of Saul: a modern morality play in the midst of extreme evil
László Nemes, “Son of Saul / Saul Fia” (2015) Of all the stories László Nemes
French and French-language Films
The Phantom of Liberty: a snapshot of modern life where social conventions and hypocrisy limit personal freedom and responsibility
Luis Buñuel, “The Phantom of Liberty / Le Fantôme de la Liberté” (1974) This film