A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks (2021)

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Streaming on Max | imdb | trailer

Gordon Parks is probably best known for directing Shaft, which really kicked off the Black Action craze of the ‘70s. While that is no small achievement, he was already a hugely successful photojournalist when he started making films. This documentary is a good overview of his career and also shows his influence on artists during, and after, his lifetime. Parks’ work is mind blowing on multiple levels, so don’t pass on this movie. I give it a 10/10, and my most enthusiastic recommendation.

BONUS: You can watch a short video about the excellent book “Gordon Parks: The Atmosphere of Crime, 1957” here. This publication is sadly out of print (and expensive to buy), but I highly recommend you check to see if your local library carries it. That, or any publication on Parks’ photography, is well worth seeking out. You can also see many of his photos online at the Gordon Parks Foundation website.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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Gandahar (1987)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer (in French, no subtitles – sorry)

Director René Laloux’s is best known for his acclaimed animated psychedelic sci-fi film Fantastic Planet (1973). Gandahar is not quite as good, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. What is missing is the involvement of Roland Topor, who was an amazing artist and also wrote the novel “The Tenant” (which was adapted as the infamous film). This screenplay was adapted by Laloux from the book “Les Hommes-machines contre Gandahar” by Jean-Pierre Andrevon. The story is epic in scope, and manages to intelligently deal with problems of the real world along the way. It involves the inhabitants of a utopian society being attacked by the fascistic Men of Metal. A lot of interesting plot developments take place over the runtime. Those twists and turns, as well as the social commentary, kept me engaged. The animation is a bit clunky, not as bad as Heavy Metal (which I enjoyed), but not as good other animated movies from the same time period. The flaws stand out because Fantastic Planet looked so innovative when it came out. However I liked this movie overall, and I am recommending it because it struck me as 100% Anomalous Cinema. There’s a small added bonus in that the English language dub features the voices of Christopher Plummer, Glenn Close, and Jennifer Grey. I hope you appreciate this weirdo sci-fi head trip as much as I did.

NOTE: This has been restored in 4K for a French disc, so I assume that means a US release is in the works.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray (but here’s the French special edition).

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Oddity (2024)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a low budget production from Ireland, and one of the better horror films I saw in 2024. Oddity really struck me with its originality and genuine creepiness. I don’t want to say much aside from the fact the plot is complicated in a good way, and dark as hell throughout. There is some pretty gruesome violence as well. If you are even a casual horror fan, you need to see this.

Available on Blu-ray from Shudder.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes (2022)

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Streaming on Max | imdb | trailer

The Chernobyl mini-series got a ton of well-deserved attention. However I have a feeling that only a small fraction of viewers also watched this fantastic documentary. It is just as sad and grim as you can imagine, but I think this is essential viewing for anyone not afraid to look at the dark side of history. I am astonished this was even made, as the sheer amount of source film and video footage must have been daunting. Director James Jones and crew did an amazing job assembling a tasteful and coherent documentary that succeeds in making the story of the Chernobyl disaster comprehensible. 

BONUS: You can watch an interview with the director discussing the making of the film here.

Not available on Blu-ray.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

The Evil Eye (1963)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

(AKA The Girl Who Knew Too Much) This is often cited as the first giallo film. However if you’re picturing black gloves and razors, this is not that kind of movie. It is an early Mario Bava work that is more of a comedy thriller than a horror film. That might sound disappointing, but I personally enjoyed rewatching this one recently, and recommended it for those with a fondness for Italian cult cinema. The main attraction here is that you get to watch a young John Saxon in action, and it is a total pleasure. The Evil Eye is simply a fun mystery with tons of twists and turns, and it looks great too. Keep your eyes peeled for a rare, and pretty hilarious, Mario Bava cameo.

The domestic Blu-ray is currently out of print.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

SLY LIVES! (2025)

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Streaming on Hulu | imdb | trailer

(AKA The Burden of Black Genius) If you are already a fan of Sly and the Family Stone you have probably seen this. My recommendation is for those of you that know little or nothing about Sylvester Stewart or his music. This documentary is director Questlove’s follow up to the excellent Summer of Soul. Here he does a great job of mixing old footage with new interviews that together tell the story of Sly’s life and music. The good news is that there is no attempt to gloss over the negative aspects of the man’s behavior and bad decisions. You get the bad, the good, and everything in between. SLY LIVES! also manages to reveal larger truths about Black artists and the music industry. Even if you are not a fan of soul music, you are likely to enjoy seeing this film. I liked Sly and the Family Stone before, but have gained a much deeper appreciation after watching.

Not available on Blu-ray at this time, but you can pre-order the soundtrack here.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1964)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

A fake psychic medium gets her husband to kidnap a child in order to help out business. This movie is a true oddball of the early ‘60s. It is tense, weird, and dark, but all done in a way I’ve never quite seen before. Kim Stanley was nominated for an Oscar for her part, and Richard Attenborough (brother of David) is really fantastic here as well. John Barry’s score is also very good and appropriately creepy. Check out Seance on a Wet Afternoon to experience a crime drama of a very unusual kind.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

Truck Turner (1974)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Honestly this whole recommendation should simply be “Isaac Hayes is the star of a Black Action film.” I’m not that lazy, so our hero Truck and his partner are hunting for a pimp, and Turner finds out he’s got a contract out on his life. This is a solid ‘70s cult shoot ‘em up. It’s not quite up to the level of Coffy or Shaft, but it is entertaining for sure. You also get to see Nichelle Nichols play the polar opposite of her character Uhura from Star Trek TOS. There’s also Yaphet Kotto, Scatman Crothers, and Dick Miller along with several other familiar faces. This is a cheesy fun ride. When someone asks what you watched last night, you can quote the man himself: “…tell ’em you been hit by a truck: Mac ‘Truck’ Turner!” 

P.S. – Make sure to check out the previously recommended I’m Gonna Git You Sucka too, if you haven’t already had the pleasure.

The domestic Blu-ray is currently out of print.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

Femme (2023)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Jules is a drag performer whose life is upended by a homophobic assault. He finds his attacker and then things get extremely complicated. I discovered this one thanks to John Waters’ excellent Top 10 for 2024, and it is quite an experience. This film explores the nuances of sadism and masochism without pulling any punches. Judging by the IMDb Meta Score, the critics found this to be difficult viewing. I really appreciated how challenging it is to stereotypes and audience expectations. Femme may be difficult to sit through, but I think that’s part of what makes it special.

Available on Blu-ray from Utopia.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

Nr. 24 (2024)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer

This is an excellent docudrama on Gunnar Sønsteby, who worked his way up to be the leader of a group of resistance fighters in Norway during World War 2. He went on to become that country’s most decorated war hero. The film balances action, tension, drama, and ethical issues throughout in a really intelligent way. I found myself surprisingly invested in what was happening. Nr. 24 taught me about a part of WW2 history I was totally unaware of, and I give it an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.