FILM SPECTATORS ARE QUITE VAMPIRES
We've obviously seen others in NYC, but these are worth plugging.
Roman Polanski's - The Tragedy of Macbeth
Genre: Drama
Mood: Dark
Netflix Instantly?: No
In 1969, Polanski's pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, and several of his friends were murdered in his home by members of the Manson Family. Two years later, in 1971, after a deep depression, Polanski began filming this somewhat violent and graphic version of Shakespeare's Macbeth. No one would fund the film and one of Polanski's friends (a VP at Playboy) came to his aid by convincing Hugh Hefner to finance the film. Although some passages of the play are truncated to save time and many soliloquies were turned into inner monologues, the film is true to the original. (We found it helpful to read the play along with the film.) The film is a dark, macabre, psychedelic interpretation of the original Macbeth, in a style that is raw, real Polanski.
Mood: Dark
Netflix Instantly?: No
In 1969, Polanski's pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, and several of his friends were murdered in his home by members of the Manson Family. Two years later, in 1971, after a deep depression, Polanski began filming this somewhat violent and graphic version of Shakespeare's Macbeth. No one would fund the film and one of Polanski's friends (a VP at Playboy) came to his aid by convincing Hugh Hefner to finance the film. Although some passages of the play are truncated to save time and many soliloquies were turned into inner monologues, the film is true to the original. (We found it helpful to read the play along with the film.) The film is a dark, macabre, psychedelic interpretation of the original Macbeth, in a style that is raw, real Polanski.
Lars von Trier's - Melancholia
Genre: Drama / Fantasy
Mood: Melancholy
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Lars von Trier is an a**hole. But the man is incredibly talented. Just as Melancholia was to be screened at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, von Trier was deemed "persona non grata" by the Festival Board for comments he made at a press conference. When asked about his German roots, he responded, "I understand Hitler, but I think he did some wrong things, yes, absolutely. ... He's not what you would call a good guy, but I understand much about him, and I sympathize with him a little bit. But come on, I'm not for the Second World War, and I'm not against Jews. ... I am of course very much for Jews, no not too much, because Israel is pain in the ass, but still how can I get out of this sentence..."
Still, this film is incredibly well done and very thought provoking. The cinematography is a breath of fresh air, at once artistic and compelling, shot in super slow motion and an extraordinary example of what is lacking in so many Hollywood Blockbusters. It is a film about the end-of-the world, society and depression, but it's not only that. The scenes are rich, the dialogue deep and sparse, the tension and heartbreak is palpable and will leave you stunned...and wanting more.
Mood: Melancholy
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Lars von Trier is an a**hole. But the man is incredibly talented. Just as Melancholia was to be screened at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, von Trier was deemed "persona non grata" by the Festival Board for comments he made at a press conference. When asked about his German roots, he responded, "I understand Hitler, but I think he did some wrong things, yes, absolutely. ... He's not what you would call a good guy, but I understand much about him, and I sympathize with him a little bit. But come on, I'm not for the Second World War, and I'm not against Jews. ... I am of course very much for Jews, no not too much, because Israel is pain in the ass, but still how can I get out of this sentence..."
Still, this film is incredibly well done and very thought provoking. The cinematography is a breath of fresh air, at once artistic and compelling, shot in super slow motion and an extraordinary example of what is lacking in so many Hollywood Blockbusters. It is a film about the end-of-the world, society and depression, but it's not only that. The scenes are rich, the dialogue deep and sparse, the tension and heartbreak is palpable and will leave you stunned...and wanting more.
Ingmar Bergman's - Persona
Genre: Modernist Drama/Suspense/Thriller
Mood: Tense
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Ingmar Bergman, recognized as one of the most influential directors of all time, directed over sixty films in his lifetime. Persona, a minimalist film shot in 1966, is one of three the director himself held in high regard and considered it to be one of his most important works.
The actors wear no make-up, simple black clothing, and no dressing-props are shown on-screen. One of the actors speaks only 14 words in the entire film. But Persona keeps you interested. It is suspenseful, a sort of "modernist horror movie" in which a famous stage actress is recovering from a nervous breakdown (it is suggested the breakdown is brought on in some part by her exposure to continual news coverage of the Vietnam War) and has decided to stop speaking. A nurse, the co-star, is assigned to tend to her while she recovers in a remote cottage near the shore. What transpires is a psychodrama nightmare in which the individuality that defines each character is blurred.
One scene, which was censored when originally screened in the U.S., is of nurse Alma, describing to the stage acress an orgy she participated in on a beach with two young guys. It's not something you typically see in a black and white film from the 60's, but it's a Swedish film and slightly less influenced by the puritanical constraints of mid-century American society.
Mood: Tense
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Ingmar Bergman, recognized as one of the most influential directors of all time, directed over sixty films in his lifetime. Persona, a minimalist film shot in 1966, is one of three the director himself held in high regard and considered it to be one of his most important works.
The actors wear no make-up, simple black clothing, and no dressing-props are shown on-screen. One of the actors speaks only 14 words in the entire film. But Persona keeps you interested. It is suspenseful, a sort of "modernist horror movie" in which a famous stage actress is recovering from a nervous breakdown (it is suggested the breakdown is brought on in some part by her exposure to continual news coverage of the Vietnam War) and has decided to stop speaking. A nurse, the co-star, is assigned to tend to her while she recovers in a remote cottage near the shore. What transpires is a psychodrama nightmare in which the individuality that defines each character is blurred.
One scene, which was censored when originally screened in the U.S., is of nurse Alma, describing to the stage acress an orgy she participated in on a beach with two young guys. It's not something you typically see in a black and white film from the 60's, but it's a Swedish film and slightly less influenced by the puritanical constraints of mid-century American society.
Everything is Illuminated
Genre: Historical, Drama, Comedy
Mood: Interested
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Based on a novel, this very charming film follows a young Jewish man on a mission to track the history of his grandfather during the Second World War. Accompanied by his clues and material memories, he sets off to an obscure Ukranian village that was decimated by the Nazis. His translator is eccentric and strangely likable (played by the guy from Gogol Bordello!) and his guide is a faux-blinded grandfather whose best friend is a border collie and is haunted by his own memories. This is a historic film that deals with anti-semitism through the lens of a touching personal journey; it is not contrived or demagogic; we were pleasantly surprised.
Mood: Interested
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Based on a novel, this very charming film follows a young Jewish man on a mission to track the history of his grandfather during the Second World War. Accompanied by his clues and material memories, he sets off to an obscure Ukranian village that was decimated by the Nazis. His translator is eccentric and strangely likable (played by the guy from Gogol Bordello!) and his guide is a faux-blinded grandfather whose best friend is a border collie and is haunted by his own memories. This is a historic film that deals with anti-semitism through the lens of a touching personal journey; it is not contrived or demagogic; we were pleasantly surprised.
Tennessee Williams' - Night of the Iguana
Genre: Drama
Mood: Questioning
Netflix Instantly?: No
This 1964 went above and beyond its time and ambition, as most of Tennessee William's plays do. Follow the travels of a defrocked priest, accused of "illicit" affairs with a young woman, who ends up with an uptight women's club traveling to a Mexican beach town. Then follow the priest meet the flighty and sensual "innkeeper" who defies religious and moral laws of gender and sexuality. For it's time, these themes were radical even if for an audience today they seem modest. 50 years later this film still inspires laughter and doubt. A must see.
Mood: Questioning
Netflix Instantly?: No
This 1964 went above and beyond its time and ambition, as most of Tennessee William's plays do. Follow the travels of a defrocked priest, accused of "illicit" affairs with a young woman, who ends up with an uptight women's club traveling to a Mexican beach town. Then follow the priest meet the flighty and sensual "innkeeper" who defies religious and moral laws of gender and sexuality. For it's time, these themes were radical even if for an audience today they seem modest. 50 years later this film still inspires laughter and doubt. A must see.
Tennessee Williams - A Streetcar Named Desire
Genre: Drama, Classic
Mood: Intense
Netflix Instantly?: No
How can you justify NOT seeing Marlo Brando at his best and most handsome in this 1951 film? How can you justify NOT knowing where the reference to the screaming "STELLA!" dialogue derives? If you had any expectations as to what this film is about, discard them now and watch it. Precocious, above the board, thought-provoking and typically audacious, this is Tennessee William's best play. And the film does it justice decades after.
Mood: Intense
Netflix Instantly?: No
How can you justify NOT seeing Marlo Brando at his best and most handsome in this 1951 film? How can you justify NOT knowing where the reference to the screaming "STELLA!" dialogue derives? If you had any expectations as to what this film is about, discard them now and watch it. Precocious, above the board, thought-provoking and typically audacious, this is Tennessee William's best play. And the film does it justice decades after.
Mammoth
Genre: Drama
Mood: Heavy
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Not quite sure why this got such bad reviews in 2009, but we thought it deserved positive mention here. Perhaps the criticisms are based on the movie trying too hard to be like Inarritu (Babel, 21 Grams) with deep, piercing intersecting anecdotes interwoven on a global scale. But this movie is not just cheap imitation. It has its own voice portraying a wealthy, young NY couple unable to connect, and bluntly unaware of their privilege, as their lives affect others around them. It may trigger some "guilt" in certain corners by those who consider it "preachy," but the real message is open to interpretation. We found it engaging and stimulating.
Mood: Heavy
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Not quite sure why this got such bad reviews in 2009, but we thought it deserved positive mention here. Perhaps the criticisms are based on the movie trying too hard to be like Inarritu (Babel, 21 Grams) with deep, piercing intersecting anecdotes interwoven on a global scale. But this movie is not just cheap imitation. It has its own voice portraying a wealthy, young NY couple unable to connect, and bluntly unaware of their privilege, as their lives affect others around them. It may trigger some "guilt" in certain corners by those who consider it "preachy," but the real message is open to interpretation. We found it engaging and stimulating.
Bill Cunningham New York
Genre: Documentary
Mood: Creative, Inspiring, Light
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Synopsis: Bill Cunningham is this 80-something New York Times photographer. He has been referred to as a "cultural anthropologist" and it seems a fitting title. He rides his Schwinn all over NYC and captures candid photos of people (regular Joe Schmos and Fancy Schmancies alike) based on what catches his eye. His photographs, often taken while he's on the move (or the subject, in any case, is on the move) are so vivid and lively. Despite being welcomed into so-called "high-class" society, Bill only seems to accept invites to over-the-top soirees, just so he can document it. He refused to drink or eat at these events, kindly refusing the requests of his hosts to "please eat!" Despite rubbing elbows with Astors, Rockefellers and other big names, Bill lives a quiet, unassuming and fortuneless life in a tiny apartment in Carnegie Hall, surrounded by file cabinet after file cabinet bursting at the seams with the immense volumes of his lifelong work. The documentary addresses his living conditions, his sexuality, what motivates him to do what he does, each and every day...in the end, you're left feeling as if you could share just an ounce of his enthusiasm for life, fashion, the city, and, especially, for other humans.
Mood: Creative, Inspiring, Light
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Synopsis: Bill Cunningham is this 80-something New York Times photographer. He has been referred to as a "cultural anthropologist" and it seems a fitting title. He rides his Schwinn all over NYC and captures candid photos of people (regular Joe Schmos and Fancy Schmancies alike) based on what catches his eye. His photographs, often taken while he's on the move (or the subject, in any case, is on the move) are so vivid and lively. Despite being welcomed into so-called "high-class" society, Bill only seems to accept invites to over-the-top soirees, just so he can document it. He refused to drink or eat at these events, kindly refusing the requests of his hosts to "please eat!" Despite rubbing elbows with Astors, Rockefellers and other big names, Bill lives a quiet, unassuming and fortuneless life in a tiny apartment in Carnegie Hall, surrounded by file cabinet after file cabinet bursting at the seams with the immense volumes of his lifelong work. The documentary addresses his living conditions, his sexuality, what motivates him to do what he does, each and every day...in the end, you're left feeling as if you could share just an ounce of his enthusiasm for life, fashion, the city, and, especially, for other humans.
I Love You Phillip Morris
_Genre: Based on a True Story
Mood: Funny, Surprising
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Synopsis: Based on a true story about Steven Russell, an average, happily-married "Joe" cum flamboyantly gay spectacular conman who gets into a lot of trouble, escapes from the Texas prison system four different times and keeps coming back for more. Why does he do it? Well, he's in love....with Phillip Morris, of cour-iss. Heh. We watched this on the plane ride to NYC, and almost found ourselves glued to our seats (literally, we couldn't move because the airlines don't give you space anymore). There are a couple of raunchy scenes that may cause you to cringe, especially if you're on a plane with small children sitting nearby, but nothing you can't handle. We were laughing and crying. Funny to think we avoided this film because the title sounded like it had something to do with a cigarette company. But no, turns out, it's a gem. Jim Carrey is absolutely phenomenal.
Mood: Funny, Surprising
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Synopsis: Based on a true story about Steven Russell, an average, happily-married "Joe" cum flamboyantly gay spectacular conman who gets into a lot of trouble, escapes from the Texas prison system four different times and keeps coming back for more. Why does he do it? Well, he's in love....with Phillip Morris, of cour-iss. Heh. We watched this on the plane ride to NYC, and almost found ourselves glued to our seats (literally, we couldn't move because the airlines don't give you space anymore). There are a couple of raunchy scenes that may cause you to cringe, especially if you're on a plane with small children sitting nearby, but nothing you can't handle. We were laughing and crying. Funny to think we avoided this film because the title sounded like it had something to do with a cigarette company. But no, turns out, it's a gem. Jim Carrey is absolutely phenomenal.
You Don't Know Jack
Genre: HBO Documentary
Mood: Heavy, Compelling
Netflix Instantly?: No
Synopsis: First, Al Pacino is just so wonderfully convincing as Jack Kevorkian in this film. His acting skills are mind-blowing. This film is about Jack Kevorkian, "Dr. Death" to some, hero of the century to others. It exposes the puritanical and downright cruelty that the taboo topic "death" provokes. If you knew of Kevorkian via news articles, you really get to know him in an intimate way in this film. He was so driven and passionate in his belief that a person has a right to determine when and how they want to die. He fought for this right, defending himself in court, against obscurantism, in the face of picketing, in a jail cell. You will cry, you'll get angry, you will experience awe at his determination and you will undoubtedly learn a great deal about this man, who pitted himself against the "powers that be" in hopes that dignity in human death (and therefore acceptance of mortality and end of suffering) could be restored.
Mood: Heavy, Compelling
Netflix Instantly?: No
Synopsis: First, Al Pacino is just so wonderfully convincing as Jack Kevorkian in this film. His acting skills are mind-blowing. This film is about Jack Kevorkian, "Dr. Death" to some, hero of the century to others. It exposes the puritanical and downright cruelty that the taboo topic "death" provokes. If you knew of Kevorkian via news articles, you really get to know him in an intimate way in this film. He was so driven and passionate in his belief that a person has a right to determine when and how they want to die. He fought for this right, defending himself in court, against obscurantism, in the face of picketing, in a jail cell. You will cry, you'll get angry, you will experience awe at his determination and you will undoubtedly learn a great deal about this man, who pitted himself against the "powers that be" in hopes that dignity in human death (and therefore acceptance of mortality and end of suffering) could be restored.
Grey Gardens 1975 & 2009
Genre: Documentary (1975) Film (2009)
Mood: Eccentric, Entertaining, A little bit sad
Netflix Instantly?: No
Synopsis: Big Edie and Little Edie Beale are living relatives of Jackie O and other "old money" families. Right from the start you get a sense that they are the eccentric embarrassment of the family. The dirty, dingy black sheep. They live in utter filth in an old mansion called "Grey Gardens" in the posh uber-rich community of South Hampton, New York. There was so much about this documentary that is intriguing -- their accents, the way they'd shunned the opulence that surrounded them and their idiosyncratic dialogue and mannerisms. The 2009 film (with Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange) was so excellent! They both are so convincing as Big and Little Edie that you feel as though you are watching a cleaned-up and re-edited version of the documentary...that is until you get the back story. Some of it may be a little embellished but, from what is described, it's fairly accurate. Another laugh-inspiring tear-jerker.
Mood: Eccentric, Entertaining, A little bit sad
Netflix Instantly?: No
Synopsis: Big Edie and Little Edie Beale are living relatives of Jackie O and other "old money" families. Right from the start you get a sense that they are the eccentric embarrassment of the family. The dirty, dingy black sheep. They live in utter filth in an old mansion called "Grey Gardens" in the posh uber-rich community of South Hampton, New York. There was so much about this documentary that is intriguing -- their accents, the way they'd shunned the opulence that surrounded them and their idiosyncratic dialogue and mannerisms. The 2009 film (with Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange) was so excellent! They both are so convincing as Big and Little Edie that you feel as though you are watching a cleaned-up and re-edited version of the documentary...that is until you get the back story. Some of it may be a little embellished but, from what is described, it's fairly accurate. Another laugh-inspiring tear-jerker.
The Tillman Story
Genre: Documentary
Mood: Heavy, Interesting, Political
Netflix Instantly?: No
Synopsis: When Corporal Pat Tillman is killed in 2004 as a soldier in Afghanistan, his family is told it occurred as a result of enemy fire. However, this story is exposed as a cover-up by Tillman's determined family. And the cover-up reaches the very upper echelons of the U.S. military. This film documents the life of this American football hero who gives it all up to "serve his country" in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. But his motivations and his view of the world are not simply unwaveringly patriotic. The film reveals to what lengths the government would go to cover up his death and his opinions. A very compelling, riveting documentary that'll have you grinding your teeth and clenching your fists. It stands true to the understanding that: Life is not a conspiracy, but there are certainly conspiracies in life.
Mood: Heavy, Interesting, Political
Netflix Instantly?: No
Synopsis: When Corporal Pat Tillman is killed in 2004 as a soldier in Afghanistan, his family is told it occurred as a result of enemy fire. However, this story is exposed as a cover-up by Tillman's determined family. And the cover-up reaches the very upper echelons of the U.S. military. This film documents the life of this American football hero who gives it all up to "serve his country" in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. But his motivations and his view of the world are not simply unwaveringly patriotic. The film reveals to what lengths the government would go to cover up his death and his opinions. A very compelling, riveting documentary that'll have you grinding your teeth and clenching your fists. It stands true to the understanding that: Life is not a conspiracy, but there are certainly conspiracies in life.
Marwencol
Genre: Documentary
Mood: Awe, Artistic, Pensive
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Synopsis: Mark Hogancamp emerged from a coma after being beaten by five men in a bar. When he emerges back to his life, struggling with recollection, and relearning how to talk, walk, and create memories, he embarks on a version of cathartic therapy unlike any other. He creates a town called Marwencol starring his own alter ego which is supposed to take place during World War 2. In this miniature world 1/6 the size of reality, his dolls are his escape. Except he creates this world, photographing it in stills that looks uncannily like the real deal. This film is exhilarating, unique and touching. Best of all, it's humbling.
Mood: Awe, Artistic, Pensive
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Synopsis: Mark Hogancamp emerged from a coma after being beaten by five men in a bar. When he emerges back to his life, struggling with recollection, and relearning how to talk, walk, and create memories, he embarks on a version of cathartic therapy unlike any other. He creates a town called Marwencol starring his own alter ego which is supposed to take place during World War 2. In this miniature world 1/6 the size of reality, his dolls are his escape. Except he creates this world, photographing it in stills that looks uncannily like the real deal. This film is exhilarating, unique and touching. Best of all, it's humbling.
Desert Hearts
Genre: Drama / Romance, Gay and Lesbian
Mood: Dramatic, Romantic
Netflix Instant Play?: Yes
Synopsis: Set in 1959, and filmed in 1985 this movie is the noted as the first film to depict a lesbian relationship in which both characters are end up content. Previous films usually ended with loneliness or one of the women returning to a relationship with a man. The plot: an English professor from Columbia University plans a 6 week stay at a guest house/ranch in Nevada while she waits for her divorce to become finalized. The erudite professor becomes enamored of Cay, the “free-spirited” artist/local lesbian. We won’t give away the entire plot, but let’s just say, this is a must add movie to your gay movie canon. So funny to see a 1985 interpretation of what clothing looked like in 1959. Plenty of drama, nudity and passion to make for a perfect date night movie.
Mood: Dramatic, Romantic
Netflix Instant Play?: Yes
Synopsis: Set in 1959, and filmed in 1985 this movie is the noted as the first film to depict a lesbian relationship in which both characters are end up content. Previous films usually ended with loneliness or one of the women returning to a relationship with a man. The plot: an English professor from Columbia University plans a 6 week stay at a guest house/ranch in Nevada while she waits for her divorce to become finalized. The erudite professor becomes enamored of Cay, the “free-spirited” artist/local lesbian. We won’t give away the entire plot, but let’s just say, this is a must add movie to your gay movie canon. So funny to see a 1985 interpretation of what clothing looked like in 1959. Plenty of drama, nudity and passion to make for a perfect date night movie.
World's Greatest Dad
Genre: Dark Drama, Comedy
Mood: Intense but Comfortable
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Synopsis: It's hard to describe whether this is a comedy or a drama because it's a little of both. Robin Williams does a stellar performance as a dad of a somewhat disturbed teenager who lacks a filter and is an overall unsavory young lad. When his son dies, Robin Williams finds himself forced to recreate the persona of his son, painting him favorably in pastel colors in order to cover up the somewhat embarrassing and revealing circumstances of his death. It's hard to say much else without revealing too much.
Mood: Intense but Comfortable
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Synopsis: It's hard to describe whether this is a comedy or a drama because it's a little of both. Robin Williams does a stellar performance as a dad of a somewhat disturbed teenager who lacks a filter and is an overall unsavory young lad. When his son dies, Robin Williams finds himself forced to recreate the persona of his son, painting him favorably in pastel colors in order to cover up the somewhat embarrassing and revealing circumstances of his death. It's hard to say much else without revealing too much.
The Bubble
Genre: Political, Gay/Lesbian
Mood: Emotional, Anger-inducing, Pensive
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Synopsis: This incredible Israeli film traces the lives of three roommates in Tel Aviv. Their lives begin to revolve around the life of a Palestinian man who has become the gay lover of one of the roommates, an army reservist who encountered him at a checkpoint into Nablus. The story is more than a Jew-Arab love story - it a s very vivid depiction of the sentiment and frustration of many Israeli youth yearning for an escape from war and racism, but with no mechanism to do so other than dismissing politics and pushing a kind of free love. The depth of this story rests in its ability to touch the daily imprisonment of Palestinans in the Occupied Territories as well as the political implications of being gay in the Arab world.
Mood: Emotional, Anger-inducing, Pensive
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Synopsis: This incredible Israeli film traces the lives of three roommates in Tel Aviv. Their lives begin to revolve around the life of a Palestinian man who has become the gay lover of one of the roommates, an army reservist who encountered him at a checkpoint into Nablus. The story is more than a Jew-Arab love story - it a s very vivid depiction of the sentiment and frustration of many Israeli youth yearning for an escape from war and racism, but with no mechanism to do so other than dismissing politics and pushing a kind of free love. The depth of this story rests in its ability to touch the daily imprisonment of Palestinans in the Occupied Territories as well as the political implications of being gay in the Arab world.
Fish Tank
Genre: Drama
Mood: Intense, Controversial
Netflix Instant Play?: Yes
Synopsis: This film is about a teenager named Mia in a poor, working-class family in London who, as a loner, gets refuge from dancing and carefully studying the crumbling world around her. When her detached and drunk mother brings home a new boyfriend, Mia develops a contradictory and complicated with this supposed father figure, and their relationship soon becomes charged with sexuality. Mia is a character who is fully developed in personality, both in her angst, confusion and compassion. An excellent movie that deals with real social issues of class and sex.
Mood: Intense, Controversial
Netflix Instant Play?: Yes
Synopsis: This film is about a teenager named Mia in a poor, working-class family in London who, as a loner, gets refuge from dancing and carefully studying the crumbling world around her. When her detached and drunk mother brings home a new boyfriend, Mia develops a contradictory and complicated with this supposed father figure, and their relationship soon becomes charged with sexuality. Mia is a character who is fully developed in personality, both in her angst, confusion and compassion. An excellent movie that deals with real social issues of class and sex.
Crossing the Line
Genre: Documentary
Mood: Interested in history
Netflix Instant Play?: Yes
Synopsis: This documentary is about the life of James Dresnok, who defected from the U.S. army in the 1960s during the Korean War to live in North Korea. As one of the few Americans living to the north of the DMZ, Dresnok discusses his life, his ideas, and his reasons for staying, despite his isolation and his being called a traitor. It gives an inside glimpse into this very closed country and, while offering some subtle opinions, is not grotesquely and blindly tilted towards the U.S.
Mood: Interested in history
Netflix Instant Play?: Yes
Synopsis: This documentary is about the life of James Dresnok, who defected from the U.S. army in the 1960s during the Korean War to live in North Korea. As one of the few Americans living to the north of the DMZ, Dresnok discusses his life, his ideas, and his reasons for staying, despite his isolation and his being called a traitor. It gives an inside glimpse into this very closed country and, while offering some subtle opinions, is not grotesquely and blindly tilted towards the U.S.
Catfish
Genre: Documentary
Mood: Suspenseful, Thought-provoking
Netflix Instantly?: No
Synopsis: It seems like it's not real life, but it is. This documentary was filmed by a guy who started to develop a "facebook" relationship and decided to make a movie about it. The footage captures his web and phone-based remote affair with a gorgeous artist/dancer mystery woman. As you get absorbed into his life, and speculation into what it will become when they finally meet face to face, you are pulled into a whirlwind story that asks more questions than give answer. The twist at the end is surprisingly touching, shocking and bizarre all at once.
Mood: Suspenseful, Thought-provoking
Netflix Instantly?: No
Synopsis: It seems like it's not real life, but it is. This documentary was filmed by a guy who started to develop a "facebook" relationship and decided to make a movie about it. The footage captures his web and phone-based remote affair with a gorgeous artist/dancer mystery woman. As you get absorbed into his life, and speculation into what it will become when they finally meet face to face, you are pulled into a whirlwind story that asks more questions than give answer. The twist at the end is surprisingly touching, shocking and bizarre all at once.
Dog Day Afternoon
Genre: Drama based on real events
Mood: Intriguing
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
This is a classic, especially if you live in NYC. It is a day in the life of a bank robbery in 1975. What it carries with it is the unique social and political climate at the time. Since when do you hear a bank robber getting cheered on when facing a line of cops to the chants of "Attica!" Or a contingent of gay activists cheering on such an unexpected hero because of a secret life he leads? The entire movie takes place in one afternoon, but the picture it paints is wide and abundant. Good entertainment value as well, of course.
Mood: Intriguing
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
This is a classic, especially if you live in NYC. It is a day in the life of a bank robbery in 1975. What it carries with it is the unique social and political climate at the time. Since when do you hear a bank robber getting cheered on when facing a line of cops to the chants of "Attica!" Or a contingent of gay activists cheering on such an unexpected hero because of a secret life he leads? The entire movie takes place in one afternoon, but the picture it paints is wide and abundant. Good entertainment value as well, of course.
Two Days in Paris
Genre: Comedy, "Chick flick" without the cheesiness
Mood: Funny, Light
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Julie Delpy writes and stars in this very well-done movie about a couple, whose relationship goes on a roller-coaster while in Paris. What's clever about the film is the dialogue and the character development - you can't side with either her or him entirely because they are both unbearable in their flaws. What's more, the movie will make you laugh and will probably remind you of at least one person you know. The arguments and the romance here are the real thing.
Mood: Funny, Light
Netflix Instantly?: Yes
Julie Delpy writes and stars in this very well-done movie about a couple, whose relationship goes on a roller-coaster while in Paris. What's clever about the film is the dialogue and the character development - you can't side with either her or him entirely because they are both unbearable in their flaws. What's more, the movie will make you laugh and will probably remind you of at least one person you know. The arguments and the romance here are the real thing.