Somewhere in the Caribbean sits an island that may seem like a beautiful slice of paradise, but is the refuge for criminals from all around the world, who make their way to this isolated utopia in the hopes of hiding from the law, not realizing that even when surrounded by fugitives, it is very likely…
Maps to the Stars (2014)
Hell hath no fury like an independent filmmaker scorned. Hollywood has always demonstrated a preference towards certain themes, and none are more adored than stories about the film industry itself. If you take any random assortment of around a dozen films, it is likely at least one of them will be situated in an arts…
The Forest for the Trees (2003)
“Teaching is the profession that makes every other profession possible” – these words adorn many a classroom wall, or are often repeated by educators in moments of self-doubt when they need a boost of confidence to know what they are doing is not only valuable but entirely essential. Maren Ade seems to have a true…
Wonka (2023)
One lesson we have all undoubtedly learned over the past decade or two is that if one waits long enough, every beloved property will be subjected to some kind of remake, reboot or revival, and that nothing is immune to the firm grasp that studios have over their productions when it comes to returning to…
Sugarbaby (1985)
One of the more unheralded filmmakers of European cinema is Percy Adlon, who has made some of the most fascinating films in both German and American cinema, but who inexplicably has never gained the recognition he deserves, outside of a small group of dedicated supporters of his work, who actively celebrate his vision and ability…
Fay Grim (2006)
He may be a director who works quite infrequently, and his output is often seen as divisive at best, but Hal Hartley is one of those filmmakers whose entire career embodies the spirit of pure independence. One of the pioneers of the movement towards more small-scale, arthouse-inspired productions, he has been celebrated as one of…
Never Say Goodbye (1946)
Something that becomes very clear when looking into the Golden Age of Hollywood is that what makes the industry run is the balance between reliability and ambition – they are not mutually exclusive, but we can easily divide the majority of mainstream films into one of the two categories – either, its a film aiming…
Just to Be Sure (2017)
When it comes to secrets, it is undeniable that some should remain unsaid, since the aftermath of certain revelations can have quite a harsh impact if whoever is receiving it is not adequately prepared. In the case of family secrets, we often feel we are entitled to know the truth about those we share our…
Sabrina (1954)
Billy Wilder’s approach to cinema was nothing short of exhilarating, with the stories he told and their vibrant execution being highlights of the period in which he was active, which mercifully stretches nearly half a century. Even when doing something decisively minor in terms of tone or storyline, he always found ways to make his…
The Five Heartbeats (1991)
One of the most encouraging and motivational stories of a filmmaker rising above adversity to have his work produced is found in the career of Robert Townsend, whose film Hollywood Shuffle is the epitome of tenacity. Profoundly dedicated to the premise, Townsend not only made the film on a shoestring budget, but whatever resources went…
The Postmodern Pelican 