The Fisher King (1991) Richard LaGravenese wrote this tragicomedy of guilt and redemption that Terry Gilliam directed, with Jeff Bridges as a former radio jock whose cynicism inspired a mass murderer, and Robin Williams as a manic driven by the death of his wife to find the holy grail that can cure him. Its subject … More The Fisher King (1991)
Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) A sitcom biopic that honors the free spirit of Radio DJ Adrian Cronauer by replacing him with the manic riffs of Robin Williams in free-style verbal improvisations. Parts of Sergeant Cronauer’s Vietnam experiences – volunteering to teach English to Vietnamese youth, witnessing the bloody aftermath of a Vietcong attack that he … More Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
Odds Against Tomorrow (1959) Desperation drives Robert Ryan over the brink in this outstanding film noir directed by Robert Wise from a script by blacklisted Abraham Polonsky. John Lewis of the Modern Jazz Quartet created the jazz soundtrack, and Harry Belafonte sings behind a vibraphone, as a gambler whose losing streak forces him to join … More Odds Against Tomorrow (1959)
The Yellow Submarine (1968) The Beatles used their wealth and fame to create a children’s film that championed innovative and experimental animators, much like Walt Disney did with Fantasia. Full of songs and good cheer, the vibrant colors celebrate pop art’s mischievousness. George Dunning is credited with keeping the crew of crafty talent all on … More The Yellow Submarine (1968)
Flight of the Navigator (1986) Disney desecrated the original ending, according to cult fans, and that’s the complaint most people have about this movie, even those who love it for allowing them to climb aboard a spaceship and fly it wherever they want. David Freeman (Joey Cramer), a genial 12-year-old, gets to do just that. … More Flight of the Navigator (1986)
Mississippi Mermaid (1969) Actually The Siren of Mississippi, Catherine Deneuve is paired with Jean-Paul Belmondo in François Truffaut’s opulent study of a torrid romance, where a wealthy tobacco plantation owner falls in love with a con-artist who marries him to abscond with all his money. When he finally catches up with her, instead of killing … More Mississippi Mermaid (1969)
Black Venus (2010) Yahima Torres deliveres a stunningly brooding performance as the abused and exploited “Venus Hottentot” in this film directed by Abdellatif Kechiche. Based on the real life of Sarah Baartman, Sawtche was bought from an Afrikaner farmer to nurse the children of a Dutch doctor who, seeing the body of his servant as … More Black Venus (2010)
War of the Satellites (1958) In response to the Russian Sputnik, Roger Corman slapped together and directed this tale of an alien force that is determined to prevent nations from launching satellites into space. The aliens have the ability to take the shape of humans and to duplicate themselves. Despite the pasteboard set, with its … More War of the Satellites (1958)
Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday/Les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot (1953) For the sweetness in life and the silliness of human behavior, vacations are our nostalgic scrapbooks. Jacques Tati wrote and directed the amusing satire of middle-class people on vacation. It is a film he revised twice after the success of his original release. Shot at the Hôtel … More Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday (1953)
Au rendez-vous de la mort joyeuse , aka Expulsion of the Devil (1973) Juan Luis Buñuel co-wrote and directed this horror film in which a house takes possession of its inhabitants and drives them mad. Dominique, the son, prefers playing outside with his toy soldiers, whereas Sophie draws imaginary buildings while her father sketches … More Au rendez-vous de la mort joyeuse , aka Expulsion of the Devil (1973)
