Adore

French director Anne Fontaine made her English language feature debut with this female fantasy tale. Two mothers and best friends cross the moral line when they fall for each others teenage son's with unexpected consequences. Based on a short story by Doris Lessing and adapted by Christopher Hampton, the fairy tale for female adults has a perfect idyllic setting and a very attractive cast worthy of romance novels but explores a daring and controversial premise. Fontaine who's films have a strong female characters and themes seems the perfect choice for the material. Naomi Watts and Robin Wright star with solid performances which becomes the film's saving grace. The supporting cast includes James Frecheville, Xavier Samuel and Ben Mendelsohn. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

American Hustle

Writer and director David O. Russell continues his winning streak with another terrific comedy. A con man and his seductive girlfriend are forced by an FBI agent to entrap a politician with ties to mafia which heightens the stakes for all involved. Russell and co-writer Eric Singer took the real Abscam scandal and turned it into a hilarious comedy that pokes fun at the era with a stellar cast and crew that nailed the look and sound of the 70's. Christian Bale leads the terrific cast that includes Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence, Louis C.K., Robert DeNiro and many others with outstanding performances. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases. 

Elysium

South African writer and director Neill Blomkamp returned with another sci-fi for his second feature. In the near future when Earth has become a wasteland and the wealthy live on a luxurious space station, a desperate man attempts the impossible that could threaten both worlds. Blomkamp shows another vision of the future that's striking and original that falls a little short given the huge expectations he set with his debut. Never-the-less the film has a lot going for itself despite its shortcomings given the scope of its ambitions. It's far from disaster and makes for an entertaining ride if nothing more. Matt Damon stars with another solid performance along with fine supporting cast that includes Jodie Foster, Alice Braga, Diego Luna, Wagner Moura and Blomkamp regular Sharlto Copley with another outstanding performance. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Which Way Is the Front Line from Here? The Life and Time of Tim Hetherington

Journalist Sebastian Junger never thought his second film would be about his friend Tim Hetherington with whom he experienced and made their feature debut, "Restrepo." The life of Tim Hetherington is explored which was ended tragically when he was in Libya after surviving wars in Afghanistan and Liberia amongst other war torn countries. It's a heartbreaking film about a young man who found his calling in photography which lead him to war journalism far from home. It's fascinating tale why many Westerners leave their privileged lives to seek their destiny in dangerous places that the natives want to escape. I met Tim briefly after the screening of Restropo and had a brief chat which was interesting because being from opposite worlds and our paths intersected. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases. 

Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer

Directors Maxim Pozdorovkin and Mike Lerner bring the story of Pussy Riot in perspective in this powerful documentary. A female anarchist group who used art and music for their civil disobedience went too far when they performed at the alter of a Moscow cathedral which divided the country and put Putin's Russia under a global lens. Given Russia's troubled past and contemporary situation, Lerner and Pozdorovkin's film gives insight to the whole controversy which is done with clarity and balance. The girls thought to live in a free and democratic society found the opposite, making them to serve time in prison. Luckily the final two will be released soon which makes this film a cautionary tale. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

Berberian Sound Studio

British writer and director Peter Strickland went behind the scenes of filmmaking for this atmospheric thriller. A British sound engineer finds his new assignment on a low budget Italian horror film more challenging alas in different ways than he imagined. Strickland uses sound design to great effect for this visually striking film that blends horror and thriller elements. A perfectly cast Toby Jones stars with a terrific performance. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

RIP: Joan Fontaine 1917 - 2013

RIP: Peter O'Toole 1913 - 2013

 

The Great Beauty

Italian writer and director Paolo Sorrentino takes on Rome and la Dolce Vita in his latest film. An elderly writer who attends more social functions and parties than writing reflects on his existence and the reason he hasn't written anything in four decades. Sorrentino shows the dark side of la Dolce Vita where the eternal city hasn't changed much but the people are worse than ever with their delusions and superficial aspirations. Sorrentino aware of the Fellini status and his defining work on Rome, created a visually dazzling film that visits similar grounds without imitating the master that should be a new standard. Toni Servillo stars with another flawless performance that's the core of the film along with ace cinematographer Luca Bigazzi's dazzling and vibrant work that make this film soar. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

The Host

Writer and director Andrew Niccol returned to familiar territory with another stylish sci-fi drama about aliens trying to take over the human race. A young woman resists the takeover of her body by an alien and become reluctant allies due to mutual respect and interests. Given the source material by Stephenie Meyer, Niccol probably did a decent adaptation given its angle on aliens and human love triangles. Niccol brings his usual flair of style which hasn't changed much since his debut more than a decade ago. Saoirse Ronan stars and gives the character more credibility than expected and becomes the film's saving the grace. The supporting cast includes William Hurt, Diane Kruger and Max Irons. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Man of Steel

Director Zack Snyder was chosen to revive the Superman franchise with the help of Chris Nolan. A young infant is sent to Earth to save his species from extinction but his supernatural powers make him an outsider among humans until a reporter tries to expose his identity which becomes a threat to the planet. Snyder along with writer David S. Goyer and Nolan had the daunting task of the greatest superhero but also the most difficult to update on screen which they somewhat successfully manage with an extended back story which has problems on its own that becomes even more problematic later in the story. Henry Cavill stars and fits the character with a solid supporting cast that includes Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Haute Cuisine

French writer and director Christian Vincent brings the story of François Mitterrand's personal chef to the screen. A female chef becomes unexpectedly the personal chef of François Mitterrand and gets entangled in politics of the male dominated kitchen. Vincent took the true story of Danièle Delpeuch and turned it into a winning comedy where French cuisine and politics make for an entertaining dish. Catherine Frot stars with a terrific performance along with Arthur Dupont, Jean d'Ormesson and Hippolyte Girardot amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Neighboring Sounds

Brazilian writer and director Kleber Mendonça Filho made his feature debut with this striking urban thriller. Residents of a middle-class neighborhood experience everyday nuisances from annoying noises to petty thefts while greater danger and violence lurks. Filho created a haunting and original film with his outstanding debut. Through the use of sound design and moving camera, the intricate landscape is explored and exposed to maximum effect. Filho and his talented cast and crew deliver an authentic slice of Brazilian life that's refreshing and unexpected. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Frozen Ground

New Zealander writer and director Scott Walker made his feature debut with this impressive thriller. A young prostitute becomes the only link between a cop and a serial killer in a race against time. Based on actual events, Walker has a created an atmospheric thriller for his terrific debut which is quite an accomplishment. Nicolas Cage stars with his best performance in a while along with an outstanding Vanessa Hudgens with a breakthrough performance and a terrific John Cusack in a chilling performance. The solid supporting cast also includes Radha Mitchell and Dean Norris amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

CRITICS AWARDS 3: LA Film Critics Association

Best Film (TIE) 
GRAVITY
HER 

Best Director 
ALFONSO CUARÓN, GRAVITY

Best Actor 
BRUCE DERN, NEBRASKA

Best Actress (TIE)
CATE BLANCHETT, BLUE JASMINE
ADÈLE EXARCHOPOULOS, BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR

Best Supporting Actor (TIE)
JAMES FRANCO, SPRING BREAKERS
JARED LETO, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB

Best Supporting Actress
LUPITA NYONG'O, 12 YEARS A SLAVE

Best Foreign Language Film 
BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR

Best Documentary 
STORIES WE TELL

Best Animated Feature
ERNEST & CELESTINE

Best Screenplay
RICHARD LINKLATER, JULIE DELPY & ETHAN HAWKE, BEFORE MIDNIGHT

Best Cinematography 
EMMANUEL LUBEZKI, GRAVITY

Best Production Design 
K.K. BARRETT, HER

Best Score
T BONE BURNETT, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

2012
2011 
2010
2009
2008
2007

For more info: www.lafca.net

The English Teacher

Veteran TV director Craig Zisk made his feature debut with this winning comedy. A small town English teacher's life is turned upside down when a former student returns with hilarious consequences. Zisk and writers Dan & Stacy Chariton use drama as the source for their comedy which makes it funny and heartbreaking at the same time. The always reliable Julianne Moore delivers another terrific performance in the lead which elevates the film a notch or two above the standard. The terrific ensemble includes Michael Angarano, Greg Kinnear, Nathan Lane and Jessica Hecht amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Walking the Camino

Director Lydia B. Smith makes her feature debut with this documentary about several people making their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella. Six different people with different reasons walk the Camino and discuss what it means to them along with experts describing the 1200 year old way which started as a Christian pilgrimage but has become a spiritual one for many. Smith found the perfect subject for a documentary which has a great history, locations and plenty of characters to choose from which she has chosen well. It's a great introduction for anybody who's curious about the Camino de Santiago as it provides great insight and might inspire people to attempt the almost 500 miles in the north of Spain. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

Philomena

British director Stephen Frears bounces back with another terrific film with this heart wrenching film based on a true story. A disgraced journalist takes the case of an elderly woman whose child was viciously taken from her and sold when she was a teenager at a Catholic institution. Based on the book by Martin Sixsmith about Philomena Lee, Frears and writers Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope have a created a powerful film that wears its heart on its sleeve with a perfect blend of drama and comedy. The glorious Judi Dench stars with another stellar performance which is the heart and soul of this film. Coogan is also a delight as Sixsmith along with a solid cast and crew that includes Michelle Fairley and others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

CRITICS AWARDS 2: National Board of Review

Best Film
HER

Best Director
Spike Jonze, HER

Best Actor
Bruce Dern, NEBRASKA

Best Actress
Emma Thompson, SAVING MR. BANKS 
Best Supporting Actor
Will Forte, NEBRASKA

Best Supporting Actress
Octavia Spencer, FRUITVALE STATION

Best Foreign Language Film
THE PAST

Best Documentary
STORIES WE TELL

Best Animated Feature
THE WIND RISES

Best Adapted Screenplay
Terence Winter, THE WOLF OF WALL STREET  

Best Original Screenplay
Joel & Ethan Coen, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS 

2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007

For more info: http://www.nbrmp.org/awards/

CRITICS AWARDS 1: NY Film Critics Circle

Best Film
American Hustle

Best Director
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave

Best Actor
Robert Redford, All Is Lost

Best Actress
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

Best Supporting Actor
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Best Supporting Actress
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle

Best Foreign Language Film
Blue is the Warmest Color

Best Documentary
Stories We Tell

Best Animated Film
The Wind Rises

Best First Film
Ryan Coogler, Fruitvale Station

Best Screenplay
American Hustle

Best Cinematography
Bruno Delbonnel, Inside Llewyn Davis

2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007

For more info: http://www.nyfcc.com/index.php

The Deep

Icelandic writer and director Baltasar Kormákur brought the incredible true story to the screen. A fisherman survives an harrowing ordeal after his boat capsizes and he has to swim through freezing waters to become a celebrity. Based on a true story that defied scientific explanations, Kormákur has created a riveting tale with a terrific cast and crew. Ólafur Darri Ólafsson stars with terrific performance with physically challenging performance. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

The Sapphires

Australian director Wayne Blair made his feature debut with this heart wrenching drama based on a true story. In 1968, four Aboriginal girls escaped prejudice and racism in their country to form a group to entertain US soldiers in Vietnam with the help of an Irish guy. Writer Tony Briggs based the story on his mother who was in the group which Blair brought to the screen with a splendid cast and crew. Chris O'Dowd and Deborah Mailman star with outstanding performances which is the heart of the film. The stellar supporting cast includes Jessica Mauboy, Miranda Tapsell and Shari Sebbens. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.