Thief (1981)

dir. Michael Mann. Making my way back through his catalogue. I now see the connections to HEAT (1995) more closely, thanks @phil_jablon. I forgot how great James Caan is, just so natural and comfortable. Seeing him in this makes me want to re-watch MISERY (1990) and THE GAMBLER (1974) again. Once again phone booths date the…… Continue reading Thief (1981)

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

dir. Irvin Kershner. My favourite Star Wars film. A masterpiece, but now so familiar that I can’t be objective about it. Watched again tonight, will certainly reappear in this movie diary. This time I loved watching the moment of eye contact between Vader and Leia before Han is frozen in carbonite. It’s just a second,…… Continue reading Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Kiss (1963)

dir. Andy Warhol. Silent experimental film of couples kissing, gay and straight. Felt dull when watched during university, but now I can appreciate the almost luxurious lighting design, and enjoy the refreshingly simple concept. It would feel more voyeuristic if the actors weren’t hamming it up, but I suppose that extra acting is part of…… Continue reading Kiss (1963)

One, Two, Three (1961)

dir. Billy Wilder. I watched this for the first time, at the annual Open Air Kino presented by the Goethe Institute. Super fast dialogue, sidesplittingly funny, full of great physical comedy, and cold war politics jokes. Horst Buchholz (“the German James Dean”) steals the show.#onetwothree #1961 #billywilder

Heat (1995)

dir. Michael Mann. Infinitely re-watchable, cold and gripping even 25 years later. One of the first “action” films I saw growing up. The female cast members stood out this time, Ashley Judd on the balcony is terrific. The over-the-top dialogue is still enjoyable. “For me the action is the juice”.

Bait (2019)

dir. Mark Jenkin. Gorgeous British film, made with a hand cranked vintage 16mm camera. More unsettling and bitter sweet than expected, but stunning.

Marnie (1964)

dir. Alfred Hitchcock. If it wasn’t a follow-up to Psycho and The Birds, may be more fondly remembered. I loved Tippi Hedren’s performance, and Sean Connery just playing himself is always fun. Diane Baker is amazing, with perhaps the best bob hairstyle ever captured on camera? It’s a shame the restoration done for the Blu-Ray…… Continue reading Marnie (1964)

The Fits (2015)

dir. Anna Rose Holmer. Rewatched by my favourite film of the decade last week. Superb performances from the young cast, and magical soundtrack. Don’t read too much about it before you see it.