Towards the beginning of American Boy: A Profile of Steven Prince, before the arrival of the eponymous subject, a young Martin Scorsese looks at his cameraman and asks how much film they have left. The answer is roughly two minutes, and Scorsese asks “can we fit a Steven Prince story into two minutes?” and he…
Author: The Postmodern Pelican
Spirits of the Dead (1968)
The anthology format is a genre of filmmaking that has seemingly gone out of fashion, with the exception of the occasional attempt to revisit the form, albeit from a more self-aware perspective. Yet, it is a remarkably effective means to make a film – shorter stories sewn together by some narrative or thematic thread. The…
Too Late for Tears (1949)
There are some elements that are so omnipresent in film noir, it has come to almost stereotypically define the genre – fog-laden streets populated by unlikable ruffians, smoky modernist apartments and offices that harbour malicious intentions, deceptive and conflicted men that are compelled to cross the moral boundaries to achieve certain goals, the complex femme…
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Something I’ve learned through my years of devouring movies is that when it comes to bigger blockbusters, always have your expectations set somewhat low. This has never been truer than with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a franchise that I have had quite the tumultuous relationship with over the years. There have been good times and…
Ruben Brandt, Collector (2019)
Absolutely everything about Ruben Brandt, Collector (Hungarian: Ruben Brandt, a gyűjtő) radiates pure artistry. It is set in the world of art collecting, is heavily inspired by the fine arts in how it was animated and stands as a work of art all on its own. A nightmarish and utterly brilliant blend of art and…
And Breathe Normally (2019)
Lára (Kristín Þóra Haraldsdóttir) is a single mother living in Iceland with her young son, Eldar (Patrik Nökkvi Pétursson). She doesn’t make much money, and even when she seeks work as a border control officer, it isn’t sufficient to support their lives. As a result, they are forced to leave their home and take refuge…
Guava Island (2019)
When news broke in 2018 that Donald Glover, alternatively known by his musical pseudonym Childish Gambino, was working on a secret film project, to be helmed by his creative partner Hiro Murai (who directed Glover in some episodes of Atlanta as well as the groundbreaking “This Is America” music video, a watershed moment for contemporary…
Old Joy (2006)
Mark (Daniel London) is about to become a father. One afternoon, he gets a call from an old friend, Kurt (Will Oldham), who has just arrived in town and wants Mark to accompany him on a journey to the Bagby Hot Springs, a natural wonder that is well-hidden in the forests of their native Oregon….
The Deep End (2001)
Everything about The Deep End is terrific. It is the epitome of exactly what a good thriller should be – it isn’t overly complex, but rather intelligent in the story it tells, with a tense atmosphere and a quiet intensity that pervades the central storyline and elevates it into the realm of the utterly chilling….
Wise Blood (1979)
Hazel Moates (Brad Dourif), an eccentric young man returns home from war, discharged after being wounded. His home in what is assumed to be Georgia has been abandoned and stands as a neglected, looming farmhouse without any signs of life. Hazel’s outlook on life is one of considerable gloom, most likely a result of what…
The Postmodern Pelican 