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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z -S- simply click on a movie poster to purchase the film The
Safety of Objects
 (2001)
Indie Director/Screenwriter: Rose Troche Principals: Glenn Close, Dermit Mulrooney, Patricia Clarkson This film has all of the intellectual pomposity of a French art film except that it is one of ours. The characters and story develop slowly at a 56K pace but the finish is worth every minute. The ensemble cast of Glenn Close, Dermit Mulrooney Moira Kelly, Robert Klein, Mary Kay Place and Patricia Clarkson plays dysfunctional families and individuals coping with illness, divorce, job failure and meaningless existence. Their stories intertwine and form something noble and touching. Rose Troche wrote and directed this overly ambitious film which tries so hard that it can’t be ignored. Samia  (2001)
Algerian (subtitles) Director/Screenwriter: Philippe Faucon Principals: Lynda Benahouda, Mohamed Chabane-Chaouche * Unfortunately, at this time Samia is not available on DVD in the United States. This powerful, beautiful, touching film is about the difficult and often brutal life of an Algerian girl growing up in a Muslim family in Marseilles, France. The story combines culture clash and teenage angst. But, most of all, Samia is about the indomitable spirit of a teenager determined to live on her own terms. Scotland, Pa.  (2001)
Indie Director/Screenwriter: Billy Morrissette Principals: James Legros, Maura Tierney, Christopher Walken, Amy Smart, Andy Dick This dark tragi-comedy based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth involves fast food, death in a deep fryer, and a vegetarian detective. James Legros, Maura Tierney and Christopher Walken star in Billy Morrissette’s film with pulsating, electronic music by Bad Company. If you like guilty pleasures and weirdness to boot, Scotland, Pa. is a movie for you. The Sea Inside  (2004)
Spanish, subtitles Director/Screenwriter/Producer: Alejandro Amenabar Principals: Javier Bardem This film tells the true life story of Ramon Sampedro, a quadriplegic for nearly thirty years who wants with all his heart to commit suicide. This film explores the euthanasia question with wit, perception and sensitivity. Alejandro Amenabar produced, wrote and directed this deeply moving portrait of one man’s battle to defy conventional wisdom. Sampedro is played by the great Latin actor, Javier Bardem. As always, Bardem is magnificent and carries this film on his broad shoulders. Security, Colorado (2001) Indie Director: Andrew Gillis Principals: Karen Felber, Paul Schneider, Chuck Snow * Unfortunately, Security, Colorado is not available for purchase at this time. This lo-fi film is about a young woman who moves to a small Colorado town to be with her boyfriend. But, after settling in, she hates her job, dislikes her boyfriend’s friends, and yes, dislikes him as well. This all sounds pretty sick… and I guess it is but there’s something curiously addictive and voyeuristic about watching her descent. Karen Felber plays the lead role and appears in nearly every scene. You never get tired of watching her. Andrew Gillis produced, directed and edited this tiny budget film which simulates a documentary with its use of hand-held camera and its reliance on improvisation. Sexy Beast  (2000)
British Director: Jonathan Glazer Screenwriter: Louis Mellis, David Scinto Principals: Ray Winstone, Ben Kingsley Although somewhat misleading, the title does aptly describe Ray Winstone’s character in this film. Or is it Ben Kingsley’s character? No matter, both give amazing performances in a raw film about the criminal mind. These gangsters aren’t cardboard cutouts but rather fully developed, complicated characters. You may wince but you will also marvel. Reminiscent of Tarrantino, Ritchie, etc., this film packs a powerful punch with its three-dimensional characters, black comedy, and stylistic, noir-esque production design. Shadow Magic  (2000)
China, subtitles Director/Screenwriter: Ann Hu Principals: Jared Harris, Xia Yu This film is magical indeed. A simple story with so much complexity that it is hard to categorize. It includes a love story, a clash of cultures, a clash of generations, friendship, honor, betrayal, and so on. 1902 Peking is the setting for a British ex-pat to introduce the first silent movies to Imperial China. Lord Tan, Peking’s leading opera star, gets upset when “shadow magic” steals away his audience. Actors Jared Harris and Xia Yu are wonderful. Ann Hu directs with power and grace, but it is her screenplay which pushes this film into the upper echelon of The Movie Maven List. Please see this film. It will reward you in ways which you could hardly imagine. Shadowlands  (1993)
British Director: Richard Attenborough Screenwriter: William Nicholson Principals: Deborah Winger, Anthony Hopkins This is an old fashioned film without the over-the-top camera angles of Spielberg, the mile-a-minute special effects of Lucas, the rat-a-tat timing of Tarrantino, or the theatrical styling of Scorsese. No, this is just straightforward, brilliant filmmaking by a master, Richard Attenborough. The story of the love affair of Joy Gresham and C.S. Lewis would be little more than a great soap opera without the deft touch of director Attenborough, and mature acting by Deborah Winger and Anthony Hopkins. They make this film something beautiful and special, complex and intriguing. Shall We Dance  (1995)
Japanese, subtitles Director/Screenwriter: Masayuki Suo Principals: Koji Yakusho, Tamiyo Kusakari Shall We Dance proves that ballroom dancing can prove to be an effective antidote for the inevitable mid-life crisis. Koji Yakusho turns in a spirited performance, and this witty film is funny, poignant and full of life. Although lacking the beauty of dance exhibited in Strictly Ballroom, this film more than makes up for it with its humor and understated acting. For those from different cultures, this film also highlights some of the quirks and idiosyncrasies of Japanese life. Sideways  (2004)
Indie Director/Screenwriter: Alexander Payne Principals: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Hayden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh This film about two lovable losers travels along with raucous energy. Actors Paul Giamatti, Thomas Hayden Church, Virginia Madsen & Sandra Oh get it right in every frame. The screenplay is dry, yet fresh. Writer/director Alexander Payne does the impossible by creating characters the audience loves despite one of them stealing money from his elderly mother, and the other spending the entire film trying to screw a woman in the wine country before tying the knot with somebody else later that week. Nevertheless, you keep rooting for them because life is bittersweet like a merlot from the Napa Valley. Silver City  (2004)
Sayles Director/Screenwriter: John Sayles Principals: Chris Cooper, Richard Dreyfuss, Thora Birch, Daryl Hannah This is another film by the great John Sayles, not his best but plenty good. The story is set in a small town in Colorado and involves a heavy blend of political corruption, economic determinism, ethnic divergence, and the occasional ethicist. A gubernatorial race gets complicated when a dead body turns up in a lake. The campaign manager of the governor-to-be hires a private detective to ferret out the mystery and make sure that no hint of scandal taints his candidate. Since Sayles produced, wrote and directed, there is no cheesy Hollywood ending here. The best part of this film is watching the ensemble cast of Chris Cooper, Richard Dreyfuss, Thora Birch, Daryl Hannah, Danny Huston, Maria Bello, Kris Kristofferson, Tim Roth and Billy Zane in so many interesting roles. Sling Blade  (1996)
IndieDirector/Screenwriter: Billy Bob Thornton Principals: Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakum A simple-minded eleven year old boy commits murder with a farm implement known as a sling blade after witnessing his mother and her boyfriend having sex. After spending the next twenty-five years of his life in prison, he tries to live a quiet life on the outside but sometimes history finds a way of repeating itself. Billy Bob Thornton writes, directs and stars in this film about how a person with a “little” life can still be blessed with a huge heart. Dwight Yoakum creates an utterly nasty villain who can’t say anything without “pissing” you off. The ending is a little weak but it really doesn’t matter since the rest of the film is so powerful. Smoke Signals  (1998)
Native American Director: Chris Eyre; Screenwriter: Sherman Alexie Principals: Adam Beach, Evan Adams, Irene Bedard This wonderful comedy tells the heartwarming story of a young Native American, Victor Joseph, and his best friend, Thomas Builds-A-Fire, whose lives become forever intertwined after Victor’s father saves Thomas from the house fire that kills his parents. This road picture follows the exploits of Thomas and Victor as they embark on a journey from the Coeur D’Alene Indian reservation in Idaho to the home of Victor’s estranged father in Arizona. Along the way, they learn the sad but remarkable truth about their shared past. This film offers a fascinating glimpse into Native American culture. The Snapper  (1993)
IrishDirector: Stephen Frears Screenwriter: Roddy Doyle Principals: Tina Kellegher, Colm Meaney This film is about the heartache of an unwanted pregnancy but told in a comedic way. Set in Ireland, twenty year old Sharon Curley lives at home with her mother and father, and too many brothers and sisters to count. After she becomes pregnant, Sharon refuses to reveal the name of the father, and thus becomes the target of so much malicious gossip that she and her family are tested to the limit. Colm Meaney is funny and believable as the father. Tina Kellegher is wonderful as the daughter who wants to do right by all. If there was ever a film which portrayed familial loyalty, this is it. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and...Spring  (2003)
Korean, subtitles Director/Screenwriter: Ki-duk Kim Principals: Yeong-su Oh, Ki-duk Kim This meditative film illustrates the Buddhist experience as no other. Spring… tackles questions involving motivation, forgiveness and inherent evil in a meaningful and thought-provoking way. A quiet, contemplative film, Spring… seethes underneath the surface with deep emotions. Although it tells the story of a world far removed from our own, you will probably contemplate your own life after watching this film. The Station Agent  (2003)
Indie Director/Screenwriter: Jim McCarthy Principals: Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson, Bobby Cannavale This beautiful film was written and directed by Jim McCarthy. It stars Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson and Bobby Cannavale. The story revolves around a train-obsessed reclusive dwarf (Dinklage) who moves from Hoboken, New Jersey to a small rural town called Newfoundland. There, he meets a happy-go-lucky Cuban hot dog vendor (“Gorgeous Franks”) and a suicidal artist. Together, these three misfits open up their hearts, and in the process open up ours a little too. The actors speak in a naturalistic, colloquial way making the screenplay seem truthful and vibrant. Beautifully photographed with fine acting, this film is a wondrous experience and a must-see. The Straight Story  (1999)
Indie Director: David Lynch Screenwriter: John Roach, Mary Sweeney Principals: Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek This true story chronicles the journey of seventy-three year old Alvin Straight, who traveled 240 miles from Laurens, Iowa on a riding lawnmower to visit his ailing brother Henry in Wisconsin. Richard Farnsworth’s portrayal of Straight earned an Oscar nomination, but my favorite character is his “slow” daughter Rosie (Sissy Spacek) who makes every word crackle. Nevertheless, the real star of this film is director David Lynch, who lends his inestimable visual imagination to a not so weird story about the people who populate the heartland of America. Stranger Than Paradise  (1984)
Indie Director/Screenwriter: Jim Jarmusch Principals: John Lurie, Eszter Balint, Richard Edson This quirky film is about three Czech émigrés trying to live the American dream. The story may be about them, but through their eyes and experiences, we learn even more about ourselves and the U.S. Jim Jarmusch wrote and directed this odd, sadly funny film. You kind of feel sorry for the characters in this film but why, since they harbor no self pity and confidently go about their business. The acting is first-rate, the offbeat music befits the story, and the ending will blow you away. Suzhou River  (2000)
Chinese, subtitles Director/Screenwriter: Ye Lou Principals: Xun Zhou, Hongshen Jia, Zhongkai Hua This haunting film about love, mistaken identity & suicide will take you away for ninety minutes to another place and another time. The style, grace and efficiency of the direction and overall production are a sight to behold. See this film and you will be reminded of the master, Hitchcock. Swimming Pool  (2003)
French but mostly English Director/Screenwriter: Francois Ozon Principals: Charlotte Rampling, Ludivine Sagnier This sexy film looks and feels old-fashioned but hold on, wait a minute. Francois Ozon wrote and directed this film in a style reminiscent of Hitchcock that leaves you on edge and continually wondering… wait, am I getting this? A successful British mystery author escapes the grind of city life at her publisher’s home in the South of France. Her calming vacation turns complicated and even scary when the publisher’s reckless daughter arrives and a series of disturbing events take place leading up to a possible real-life murder. Ozon makes every scene begin and end with a clarity that makes it feel complete and distinct from every other scene. Actresses Charlotte Rampling and Ludivine Sagnier give fine performances and their interaction is chilling at times, but it is Ozon’s control and technique which will blow your mind. |
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