975

Manhunter (1986)

So irresistibly 80s! Cold melancholy and psychosexual crime, choices between duty or ego, style paired with substance. Reflectively ponders protagonist/antagonist dualities using innovative cinematography – plus a cheesy soundtrack.

Surprisingly tender and subdued, though. In my book.

(download)

974

Orphée (1949)

Contemplating the impossible mysteries of love, sacrifice and death. A famous myth masterfully reworked – tinged with imaginative touches of thriller and horror.

In my strange, dreamy book of resurrection.

– What is a poet?
– A writer that doesn't write.

(download)

969

Z (1969)

»His heart has incredible resistance«

Furious, bitter, and scathing, this unflinchingly effective dark thriller shows the cynicism, hypocrisy and corruption of a thinly disguised Greece verging on totalitarianism. Darkly ironic in its exposure of the populism and anti-intellectualism impregnating state, military, and media – as »mildew« spreads and »sunspot activity« intensify...

Blunt violence, absurd conspiracy theories, chaotic politics – surprisingly strong and still relevant, except for some embarrassing homophobia. Very much in my book.

»Always blame the americans. Even if you're wrong«

Z

968

Зеркало [The mirror] (1975)

»Words can't express anything a person feels«. Quite true, I guess, but bear with me as I will try anyway.

Generations are confusingly superimposed as seemingly irrelevant and unconnected events are brought together – a cabin in the woods, an absurd balloon scene, a book with Lionardo da Vinci's art, the spanish civil war. Trivial everyday events are elevated to the sublime in this slow, anecdotal, and lyrical tale mixing inner and outer experience, individual and political reflection, documentary and autobiographical fragments. A quiet, mysterious tenderness reigns, repeatedly accompanied by Tarkovsky's still and gentle magic of fire and running water.

Impossible to follow properly. Still in my book of remembrance, lament, and the importance of proofreading in a totalitarian society.

(download)

967

The Ghost and Mrs Muir (1947)

»I always wanted to be considered obstinate«

A sentimental, cosy, and at times corny gothic tale of independence and inner growth, aided by a parodic sea-dog. Exceedingly silly and morally somewhat contradictory, but also unusually endearing and goodhearted. In my most charming book.

»You can be much more alone with other people than you are by yourself«

Muir

966

Восхождение [Ascent] (1977)

Frozen, hungry partisans and poor peasants endure extreme hardships and unknowingly make a succession of wrong choices, having to face the grave consequences. A wounded, sick soldier takes on aspects of some mystic saviour of souls. Everyone's inner compass is ruthlessly scrutinized.

Unexpectedly ambiguous and non-propagandist for a soviet WW2 movie, concentrating on the individuals and their reactions to pressure instead of collective heroism. Primitive, unaestheticized beauty and hard, harrowing sounds supports transcendence of genre, turning this into a poetic and spiritual tale of moral struggle, sacrifice, and betrayal. In my book.

Ascent