the last metro (1980)
considered by many to be the film that aptly bookmarks the end of francois truffaut’s career, the last metro marks an interesting counterpoint to the whistful youth of his debut work the 400 blows. while the core themes remain the same; disillusionment in authority, rebellion against thy bearers, the scope of this later work is … Read more
the electric horseman (1979)
an oddity of sorts from director sydney pollack that tells the story of ‘sonny’ steele, five times champion ”all-round-cowboy”, whom becomes disillusioned with his status as advertising icon, and flees the bright lights in an attempt to free the mistreated horse that he calls partner. reminiscent of eastwood’s bronco billy, the electric horseman tackles similar … Read more
faubourg 36 (2009)
christophe barratiers follow up to the chorus is perhaps the most staggeringly beautiful film i have had the pleasure of seeing so far this year. the highly stylised paris that stands as the films backbone looked beautiful in the 70mm print that i saw the film shown on over the weekend. alas i wasnt able … Read more
carny (2007)
an interesting little documentary on the role of the “carny” or carnival worker within the modern world of present day america. while maintaining an overtly positive facade of the its subject the film doesnt shy away from the darker side of this line of work (child abandonment, felony implication and three-way relationships are just three … Read more
how the west was won (1962)
one of only two films shot in glorious cinerama, the triple-director led how the west was won is an epic look at several generations of american settlers. i watched the film in the unique ‘smilebox’ style, that aims to replicate the look of the film as it was originally meant to be seen on the … Read more
a. effect (2009)
a great little short film, a. effect tells the story of a 30 year old slacker that is trying to find his way as an actor on a college drama course. the real star of the show is his best friend patrick, a young asian guy with a mean travis bickle impression in his repertoire. … Read more
OMG/HAHAHA (2007)
when setting out on writing this review i headed the title with the year 2009, assuming that it was a new film. however upon looking at the imdb entry for the film i found that it was actually 2 years old. this is an important note, as it confirms that the film has been as … Read more
citizen kane (1941)
where does one begin with orson welles’ debut/magnum opus? often voted “the greatest film of all time” by publications as far and varied as sight and sound magazine, the american film institute and cahiers du cinema, citizen kane is not only an outstandingly produced piece of cinema, but its incredibly likeable and accessible too. having … Read more
stolen kisses (1968)
after the relatively out of character piece fahrenheit 451 and the film that would later go on to inspire quentin tarantino’s kill bill series the bride wore black, francois truffaut returned to the antoine doinel series in 1968 with stolen kisses. we pick up with antoine freshy discharged (dishonorably) from the army, and on the … Read more
the chorus (2004)
christophe barratier’s multi-oscar nominated 2004 effort proved to be reliable middle of the road euro-fare. the story of an inspirational teacher at a school for delinquent boys is an inspirational affair, following the sort of inspirational teacher lines that one has come to expect in the likes of dead poets society. formidable comedy actor gérard … Read more
