The Great Gatsby

Australian writer and director Baz Luhrmann bounces back to top form with this lavish and visually stunning adaptation of the American classic which works surprising well. A man visiting his wealthy relatives gets a first hand experience of the corruption of wealth when he witnesses his reclusive and mysterious neighbor's quest to seduce his way back to the heart of a woman he loved with tragic consequences. Luhrman's over-the-top approach works well with the theme of the story set in the decadent twenties while giving his characters moments to shine through all the superficial excess. Luhrman and co-writer Craig Pearce manage to put focus on Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan complicated relationship without letting the flashier characters and scenes to overpower them. Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan star with nuanced performances that sheds light beneath the surface of their character's psyches. The stellar cast also includes Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke and Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan. As expected from Luhrman, the film is a feast for the eyes and ears thanks to a top notch artistic collaborators that includes producers Catherine Martin and Jay-Z who also shaped the sight and sound of the film. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

The Great Gatsby

British director Jack Clayton and writer Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of the classic failed on several levels, especially in the writing and casting of the film. An idealistic man becomes fascinated by his mysterious and wealthy neighbor and becomes entangled is his quest to win his long lost love. Based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, this was the first big budget adaptation with an A-list cast. Despite its high gloss and top talent attached, the film fails to fill the between the lines where the cinematic treatment could have provided essential clues to the psyche of the characters. Robert Redford and Mia Farrow star as Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan who seem like obvious choices but their performances lack the crucial nuances to reveal the darkness behind the surface of the characters and are easily upstaged by the flashier performances of Bruce Dern and Karen Black as Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson. Sam Waterston is the only one in tune with his character as Nick Carraway. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.  

Smashed

Writer and director James Ponsoldt delivered a powerful film with his second feature. A couple's marriage disintegrates when the wife decides to go sober and face the problems in her life. Ponsoldt and co-writer Susan Burke address the issue of alcohol addiction with an unflinching eye which makes for a powerful film. The issue of alcoholism has been addressed in cinema many times before but this film gives it a contemporary urgency of an often ignored topic. Mary Elizabeth Winstead delivers a riveting performance in the lead along with an equally terrific Aaron Paul. The solid supporting cast includes Octavia Spencer, Megan Mullally and Mary Kay Place. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

NAQOYQATSI

Filmmaker Godfrey Reggio and composer Philip Glass completed their trilogy which took almost three decades. The world and its people live in a constant stage of war in various forms that's driven by modern technology where the artificial and digital age has replaced the natural one. The prophecies of the first film has come true and nothing can change it. What was true in the first film has spread through the entire world and the transformation depicted in the second is still in progress in some form or another as the title in Hopi means "Life as War." Reggio and his team use and recycle archival footage to show the changes that happened or will happen while the entire planet fights for its survival from the consequences of global warming to overpopulation and ever changing effects of technology. The future will be nothing like the past for sure. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD and Online.

POWAQQATSI

Filmmaker Godfrey Reggio delivered the second film of his trilogy six years later which reflects the time to make them. A look of the humanity from around the world where most people live in primitive ways. While the first film focused on North America and the West, this film mainly focuses on the people, mostly in third world countries where they struggle with consequences of the modernity imposed on them from mines and factories to vast wastelands. The title in Hopi language means "Life in Transformation" reflects how the lives of the billions of people will change with the consequences of the modern civilization. Philip Glass delivers another haunting score to the unforgettable images by Reggio and his team. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

KOYAANISQATSI

Filmmaker Godfrey Reggio made his feature debut with this dazzling and groundbreaking film which remains his masterpiece and the best of the Qatsi trilogy. Set in the US, an exploration of the earth throughout the ages from prehistoric till modern times where the humans transformed it drastically from its origins. The title in the Hopi language means "Life out of Balance" which reflects its message. A documentary like no other that looks at the big picture through images and music that tells volumes beyond words. It marked the first collaboration between Reggio and composer Philip Glass whose music provides the emotional core to the breathtaking images shot by cinematographer and collaborator Ron Fricke who went to make his masterpiece with "Baraka." 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Magician

Legendary Swedish writer and director Ingmar Bergman made one of his most personal films with this drama. When a town's police and doctor want to expose a traveling magician and his troupe as charlatans, a battle of wits ensues where everybody tries unmask the other in order to reveal what's beneath the masks. Bergman shows the epic battle between the arts and the sciences where the artists are ridiculed by the scientists yet the artists manage to outsmart them. Through the magic of cinema with all of its tools, Bergman takes a scathing attacks on the scientific-minded disbelievers that has belittled artists for centuries. The stellar cast includes several of Bergman regulars such as Max von Sydow, Ingrid Thulin, Gunnar Björnstrand, Bibi Andersson and Erland Josephson. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Thérèse

Veteran French writer and director Claude Miller's final film is another literary adaptation. A woman of wealth and privilege marries a man of her class without hesitation or love until she snaps at the passionate love of her best friend and sister-in-law which sends her to a downward spiral that changes the course of her life. Based on the novel by François Mauriac, Miller's approach is cold blooded and distant to reflect the state of mind of his trapped heroine who's forced to act the way she does. Audrey Tautou stars with a reserved and nuanced performance along with Gilles Lellouche and Anaïs Demoustier as the siblings she spends her life with. 1001 Films' coverage of the 56th San Francisco International Film Festival.

Ruby Sparks

Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris took their time for the follow up of their hit comedy "Little Miss Sunshine" with this romantic comedy. A young writer struggling with writer's block meets the woman of his dreams but the only problem is that she's a fiction of his imagination. Dayton and Faris deliver a funny and romantic film that's written by the lead actress, Zoe Kazan, who delivers a solid performance along with her real life partner, Paul Dano in the male lead. The only problem with the story and film is its pretentiousness which it could have done without it and still kept it whimsical story intact like the director's debut film. The eclectic supporting cast includes Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas, Chris Messina, Elliott Gould and Steve Coogan is all over with their performance which reflects the problem of the film. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Mary and Martha

Australian director Phillip Noyce and British writer Richard Curtis joined forces for this compelling drama that brings two different together to fight a deadly but preventable disease. A high strung American woman takes her young son out of school where he's bullied to Africa for some adventure but their journey leads to tragedy which leads her to a British woman who shares her grief and they join forces to fight malaria which kills millions of children every year. Noyce and Curtis deliver a powerful film with a profound emotional core thanks to the powerhouse performances of Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn in the leads. The terrific supporting cast includes Frank Grillo, James Woods and Sam Claflin. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases. 

After Lucia

Mexican writer and director Michel Franco's second feature deals with a family attempt to overcome a traumatic event which paves the way for more tragedy. After a tragic event, a man and his teenage daughter move to another city to start fresh but instead find themselves tangled with new problems which has tragic consequences. Franco meticulously unfolds a gripping story where a family can't escape everyday grief and violence that tears them apart. Franco's depiction of bullying strikes a raw nerve which is utterly disturbing because it's happening everyday at every school to some extent. Newcomer Tessa Ia gives a riveting performance as the teenage girl viciously bullied by her classmates. 1001 Films' coverage of the 56th San Francisco International Film Festival.

Something in the Air

Acclaimed French writer and director Olivier Assayas returns with another drama which is more personal due to autobiographical elements that inspired it. After the turbulent events of May, 1968, a group of young students continue to defy the authorities with their rebellious acts which adds to their confusion while discovering themselves. Assayas demystifies the era by going back shows how a generation was carried away by the force of the political climate that was a volatile period in modern French history. Due to its semi-autobiographical elements, Assayas hits the right notes with this coming of age drama where love, art and politics clash with each other. Newcomer Clément Métayer makes his feature with a solid performance along with Lola Créton, Felix Armand and Carole Combes amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of the 56th San Francisco International Film Festival.

The Well Digger's Daughter

French acting legend Daniel Auteuil returned to Provence and Marcel Pagnol to make his writing and directing debut which seems like a perfect fit. In the idyllic setting of southern France, a young couple's love has tragic consequences for their families during WWI but can't escape the force of destiny. Auteuil chose the perfect material for his debut which lets the actor, writer and director shine with a solid drama. The film has all the elements you expect from a French drama. Auteuil stars along with veterans Kad Merad, Sabine Azéma and Jean-Pierre Darroussin as well as newcomers Nicolas Duvauchelle and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

French director Michel Gondry delivered his best film with his second feature which reunited him with writer Charlie Kaufman. After a bitter breakup, a couple try to erase the memories of their love only to discover the real meaning of it. An utterly original and unique film that fits the talents of Gondry and Kaufman brilliantly which blends several genres seamlessly that attracted an stellar cast and crew. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet star with terrific performance along with superb supporting cast that includes Tom Wilkinson, Kirstin Dunst and Mark Ruffalo. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Patience Stone

French based Afghan novelist turned director Atiq Rahimi adapted his second novel for the screen which puts him in a small circle of authors adapting their own novel for the cinema. Set during an unspecified time, a young Afghan woman finds solace in her own comatose husband whom she imagines as her own magical stone that she can tell her secrets and desires. Rahimi who won the highest literature prize in France for his novel, the Prix Goncourt adapted his novel with legendary writer Jean-Claude Carrière helping him to open the mostly monologue driven novel for cinematic interpretation. Rahimi who also adapted his first novel "Earth and Ashes" for the screen, succeeds even more the second time around which cuts deep into the hypocrisy of the male dominated Afghan culture to shed light on the plight of Afghan women who have the burden to overcome their suffering of mythical proportions that's beyond imagination. Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani gives a tour-de-force performance in the lead with a flawless performance overcoming the language barrier. Ace French cinematographer Thierry Arbogast's contribution can't be underestimated with his stunning photography from the first frame to the last. 1001 Films' coverage of the 56th San Francisco International Film Festival.

The Island President

Director Jon Shenk's second feature documentary took him to the islands of Maldives and its President, Mohamed Nasheed. Nasheed was the first elected president of islands that was ruled by a dictator for three decades while the islands were a vacation destination for the rich and famous. Nasheed's first challenge was to save the islands from disappearing into the ocean due to global warming which threatens the islands everyday. Shenk got unprecedented access to Nasheed as he prepares for the global climate conference in Copenhagen. It's fascinating and inspiring film that tackles of the greatest threats in human history that's being ignored by the superpowers while the president of a small nation fights for the survival of his country. Unfortunately the fate of Maldives remains critical while Nasheed has been ousted and fights for a return for power. Besides the stunning footage of the islands, most of the soundtrack is provided by Radiohead classics which makes for an haunting experience. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Burn!

Legendary Italian director Gillo Pontecorvo followed his masterpiece "The Battle of Algiers" with another absorbing attack on Colonialism which united him with another legend, Marlon Brando. A mercenary is sent by the British to a Portuguese colony in order to instigate the slaves to revolt which initially helps the British before it backfires. Pontecorvo exposes the common practice of many Western powers whose foreign policy has ravaged many countries for their self-interest and continues to do so. A powerful film with an important message that attracted Brando to deliver another terrific performance. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

To the Wonder

Reclusive writer and director Terrence Malick continues his spiritual exploration with sixth feature which another visually stunning and lyrical film. After falling in love, a couple find themselves with spiritual void which tears them apart and unable to find joy or happiness around them. While Malick explored the burden of the past and childhood innocence in his "The Tree of Life," he explores the adulthood in the same manner in this unofficial sequel where the power of love is fleeting and the world void of spirituality. It's a darker and more hopeless film despite its attractive cast and gorgeous scenery. Ben Affleck and Olga Kurylenko star with almost silent performances along with Rachel McAdams and Javier Bardem in the supporting roles. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

Boogie Nights

Writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson took on the adult film industry in his second feature. A young man joins a group of misfits that form a family working in the porn industry during the changing times of the late 70's and early 80's where he becomes the rising star. Anderson takes a classic Hollywood story to shed light on its backyard where the adult film industry has always flourished and recruited its members. As in Hollywood, the porn industry has its stars whose rise and fall is driven by fame and drugs. Mark Wahlberg stars with career changing performance along with a stellar supporting cast that includes Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle, John C. Reilly, Heather Graham, Luis Guzmán and Philip Seymour Hoffman amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Author turned director Stephen Chbosky adapted his own novel into a terrific film which is a rare feat. A troubled high school freshman befriends a group of misfits and outsiders who help him discover friendship, love and himself. It's triumph for Chbosky to make the transition from book to screen by hitting all the right notes in his second feature. The film perfectly captures the agony and ecstasy of teenage years which paves the way for adulthood. Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller star with terrific performances. The solid supporting cast includes Paul Rudd, Dylan McDermott, Melanie Lynskey and Joan Cusack. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Top of the Lake

Kiwi writer and director Jane Campion returned to her native New Zealand for this epic drama series where feminism clashes with misogyny. A detective visiting her hometown is drawn to an investigation of the disappearance of a 12-year-old pregnant daughter of a local drug lord that opens old wounds that could shatter her forever. Campion and co-writer Gerard Lee created a dense and richly layered tale with complex and memorable characters set in the majestic landscapes of New Zealand which provides glorious sights while looking at the darkness beneath. Elisabeth Moss and Peter Mullan star with riveting performances along with terrific supporting cast that includes David Wenham, Thomas M. Wright and Holly Hunter who reunited with Campion on her return. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

Sleepless Night

French writer and director Frédéric Jardin delivers an action packed thriller set in Paris. An undercover cop's attempt to expose a powerful drug dealer puts the life of his son at risk when police and criminal face off at a nightclub. Jardin sidesteps plausibility to deliver the goods which action movies like this requires, non-stop action from beginning till the end. Tomer Sisley stars along with Serge Riaboukine, Joey Starr and Birol Ünel. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

To Rome With Love

Legendary writer and director Woody Allen continued his journey abroad with another travelogue that took him to the eternal city. Rome is experienced differently by four different characters, an American family clashes with an Italian one when their children want to get married, a Italian couple on their honeymoon get separated and meet a prostitute and a movie star, an American student falling for the friend of his girlfriend and an ordinary Roman finds celebrity status addicting. Allen seems to have fallen under the spell of Rome that he tried to bring four different stories into one film which doesn't add up to a coherent film. As usual with a Allen film, it's up to the actors to make an impression and some manage to do that while others struggle but none can match the allure and grace of the eternal city which deservedly gets all the attention. Veterans such as Allen, Judy Davis, Roberto Benigni, Alec Baldwin and Penélope Cruz face off with newcomers like Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, Alison Pill, Alessandra Mastronardi and Flavio Parenti. 1001 Films coverage of films on DVD.

Bachelorette

Writer and director Leslye Headland made her feature debut with this comedy about female bonding and rivalry. Three friends are shocked to find out that their overweight friend is getting married which sends them on a journey of self-discovery while trying to sabotage the wedding. Headland taps into the female psyche of entitlement that's rooted in superficiality more than substance allowing the talented cast dive into the characters with hilarious results. Kirsten Dunst stars along with Rebel Wilson, Lizzy Caplan and Isla Fisher with winning performances allowing them to shine. The supporting cast includes James Marsden, Adam Scott and Ann Dowd. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Cemetery Junction

British comedian, writer and director Ricky Gervais joined forces with fellow Brit, Stephen Merchant for his sophomore film going down the memory lane. In the 1970's England, three working class men try to escape their small town and its trappings, only to find themselves as adults. Gervais and Merchant tap into the formula trap to create this nostalgia infused homage to a bygone era full of its cliches and idealism. The best moments are the details in the conversations between several characters that seem genuine with its candor. Newcomers Christian Cooke and Tom Hughes star along with Felicity Jones and Matthew Goode and the strong support of veterans such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Watson, Anne Reid, Gervais and Merchant. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Kumaré

Indian-American writer and director Vikram Gandhi made his feature debut with this fascinating documentary. Gandhi suffering from a spiritual crisis finds inspiration in guru and pretends to be one to explore the nature of phenomena with unexpected and hilarious results. Gandhi taps into some interesting territory with this film which can be interpreted in many way which changes himself in the process. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Sound of My Voice

Writer and director Zal Batmanglij along with co-writer Brit Marling made their feature debut with this riveting drama. A couple try to infiltrate a mysterious cult whose enigmatic leader claims to be from the future. Batmanglij and Marling hit all the right notes with this original mystery tale that's executed expertly until the end. Co-writer Marling stars with Christopher Denham and Nicole Vicius where all deliver credible performances in this fascinating story about a cult set in Los Angeles that echoes another one with directly referencing it. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Winning Streak

Spanish writer and director Eduard Cortés made this drama based on a real story about a family's attempt to break the bank at a casino. After years of trying to come with a system to beat a casino, a gambler seems to found it and enlists his family's help which takes them on journey of defying the odd. Cortés uses the "Ocean 11" formula which gives the film its slick visuals but also one note characters. This kind of film requires meticulous plot and character development with perfect pacing for the climax to pay off. After the initial setup the story and film struggles to find the right balance which derails long before the pay off. Lluís Homar and Daniel Brühl star as the father and son along with solid cast that includes Eduard Fernández, Miguel Ángel Silvestre and Blanca Suárez. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

End of Watch

Writer and director David Ayer scored with his third feature which again deals with the LAPD officers in the streets. Two police officers on their daily routines in the streets of Los Angeles get themselves involved with the Mexican cartels which has tragic consequences for the two friends and family men. Shot in documentary style, Ayer hits all the right notes that feels compelling and authentic thanks the stellar cast, some which deliver their best work. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña deliver career best performances in the leads. The solid supporting cast includes Anna Kendrick, Natalie Martinez, David Harbour, Frank Grillo and America Ferrera amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Phil Spector

Writer and director David Mamet delivers his best work in a decade with this riveting drama based on the notorious case. Defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden is called upon to defend legendary music producer Phil Spector accused of murder. Mamet takes a well known case to create a Greek tragedy that challenges the audiences perception at every turn with its brilliant writing and performances. The Phil Spector case is used as tool to raise universal questions about the nature of guilt, celebrity and practice of law amongst others. Spector whose eccentric appearance played into the media frenzy is brilliantly played by Al Pacino who delivers his best performance in ages along with a superb Helen Mirren who delivers another riveting performance. The supporting cast includes Jeffrey Tambor and Chiwetel Ejiofor. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

RIP: Bigas Luna 1946 - 2013

A Royal Affair

Danish writer and director Nikolaj Arcel serves a delicious slice of Danish history with this splendid period drama. When a charismatic German doctor becomes the physician of the King, he brings the principles of the Enlightenment to the royal court which makes the lonely queen fall in love with him,  paving the way for tragedy for all involved. Based on the novel by Bodil Steensen-Leth, Arcel and his talented cast and crew delivered an excellent film about an important part of Danish history. Swedish beauty Alicia Vikander shines in the lead with a star making performance along with equally terrific performances by Danish superstar Mads Mikkelsen and newcomer Mikkel Boe Følsgaard who made his feature debut. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

RIP: Roger Ebert 1942 -2013

RIP : Ruth Prawer Jhabvala 1927 - 2013

RIP: Milo O'Shea 1926 - 2013

Lay the Favorite

British director Stephen Frears returned to the US for this uninspired comedy. A former stripper finds her calling in Las Vegas where she gets herself entangled in the world of gambling. Based on the memoir by Beth Raymer, Frears wasted his talent on this forgettable tale that doesn't bring anything new or fresh to the genre. The talented Rebecca Hall stars with a decent performance while the supporting cast doesn't fare so well which includes Bruce Willis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vince Vaughn and Joshua Jackson. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.