Friday, September 9, 2011

Dune / THX 1138

Dune (1984) dir. David Lynch


 THX 1138 (1971) dir. George Lucas

I really enjoyed watching this pair because each film touches a very distinct corner of science-fiction.  Lynch develops the mythos of Dune with techo-surrealist imagery that often bleeds into the grotesque.  The dystopian sterility of THX 1138 counterpoints this ethereal vision by planting the viewer on much firmer (read: foreboding) ground.  Plus, you get to see what George Lucas was doing before Star Wars ate the world.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Rebecca / Lolita



 Lolita (1962) dir. Stanley Kubrick

A strong pair of leading ladies, even though,**spoiler alert** you never actually see the titular Rebecca. She is, however, terrifyingly present. Peter Sellers probably plays the strongest character in Lolita besides Sue Lyon whose career seemed to peak with this film.  I'll always associate this double feature with a special someone. Try it with a person like that.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Wake of the Red Witch / Through a Glass Darkly




John Wayne plays an alcoholic, heartbroken, but inevitably likeable sea captain on-board a more subtle critique of colonial exploitation in the south Pacific. There's also a giant octopus that's probably a metaphor or something. Cut this gem with Bergman's Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Film** and you get a duel of schizoid protagonists that won't disappoint.

**This award most recently went to Dogtooth, an agreeably unsettling family drama/science-fiction/black comedy from Giorgos Lanthimos.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Monday, September 5, 2011

Deliverance / The Shining




This pair is a bit hard to get through.  Both of these movies kind of destroy you--in every way sounds and images can.  Wine helps.  I also suggest tackling this duo with some friends, good friends.  Or at least someone who's going to tell you it's all going to be okay.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

SPECIAL TRIPLE FEATURE! The 39 Steps / A Fish Called Wanda / Gothic





Gothic (1986) dir. Ken Russell

Three visions of England, and reassurance that Americans aren't the only psychos in the world speaking English. If you're unfamiliar with the work of Ken Russell, check out: Altered States, The Devils, and Lair of the White Worm.  His career is a bit under appreciated (partly due to his negotiation of taboo and "blasphemous" subject matter) but contains some truly remarkable pieces of cinema history along with some of its most haunting, memorable images.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Yojimbo / Mulholland Drive




Kurosawa, like pizza, stands well enough on its own but also goes well with everything; and although Mulholland Dr. carries more than enough visual and psychological weight for the typical screening, these two films balance nicely together in a dark, cold room.  Pair Yojimbo with A Fistful of Dollars if you're into cultural dialogue.

Thursday, September 1, 2011