Terry Gilliam was the often forgotten member of Monty Python. Rarely appearing onscreen, Gilliam instead applied his talent to co-writing much of Python’s material and inventing the ridiculous animated gags that would often open the show. In the post Python years Gilliam began to illustrate both a talent for film direction and a predilection for […]
At night, a crumbling museum guarded by well-meaning, but hapless security guards, stands alone on a deserted street in Chongqing, China. It’s the perfect target for thieves, as the flimsy defenses stand to protect an unbelievably rare jade stone on display at the museum. The irreverent lunacy of “Crazy Stone” is apparent at this moment:
Not many films conjure as much discussion as David Lynch’s “Eraserhead.” Stark and troubling, it’s a film that encourages additional visitations, but also becomes more disturbing with each viewing. It’s often self indulgent, like a student short on steroids, and suffers from oddly flat moments, but it’s also unwavering in its vision, and wraps the
For a time in the late 70s it seemed the only films Australia could produce were sumptuous period pieces. It was a cliché for a reason, with local filmmakers having pumped out “Picnic at Hanging Rock,” “The Getting of Wisdom” and “My Brilliant Career” in quick succession. It’s this synoptic relationship between Australian cinema and
An underling’s ultimate revenge fantasy comes to life in George Huang’s caustic look behind the scenes at the functioning of Hollywood’s inner machinery. Based on his own time spent groveling for minute snatches of progress up the slippery totem pole at Columbia, Swimming for Sharks (1994) is essentially a satirical black comedy. Though it has
It’s reached a point with modern film releases where local actors are hardly given a special mention when they appear in big budget American films. There are so many fine performers from this country making a success of themselves in Hollywood that the Australian media has become inured to the their ubiquitous presence. Almost an
Since its original run as a Tony-winning play in the early 1980s, “Glengarry Glen Ross” has often been mentioned in the same breath as Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” It’s a slightly reductive comparison, based purely on the fact that both works feature desperate peddlers running fast out of options. “Glengarry Glen Ross” is
I remember seeing a Helmut Newton photograph of Sigourney Weaver that seemed to sum up everything that was fascinating about the actress. In typical Newton style the pic was heavily stylised in its lighting and themes, but importantly it tapped into Weaver’s charged sexuality and natural charisma. In recent years she’s been on the verge
Maria Sole Tognazzi’s latest drama awakened the interest of many dormant film enthusiasts, looking forward to a rich, heavy atmosphere, led by the stellar cast of Monica Bellucci, Ksenia Rappoport and Pierfrancesco Favino. “The Man Who Loves (L’uomo che ama)” gives us a dark story, encased in shadows and pain; Roberto is a pharmacist who
Without having read the novel written by Melania Mazzucco, I felt hesitant watching “A Perfect Day (Un giorno perfetto)”, as if I was surrounded by one hundred laughing jackals, sneering at my confusion. Who were these characters, and why did they watch glumly from the shadows? Director Ferzan Özpetek creates a labyrinth of storylines here,
