Tag: drama

The Cat o’ Nine Tails (1971)

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I could write a lot about the many pluses and minuses of Dario Argento, but I will restrain myself. I saw an interview where the director said he didn’t care for The Cat o’ Nine Tails because it was too straight-forward. I love it. This is a pretty bloodless murder mystery. It was rated PG no less, but I think they had to cut a couple of graphic death scenes to get that certification. Those scenes have been restored on the versions available now as far as I know. This movie also features one of the catchiest Ennio Morricone theme songs. The Cat o’ Nine Tails is an excellent example of the giallo subgenre. Yes, it’s somewhat tame, but should not be missed.

Available on Blu-ray from Arrow Films.

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Under the Skin (2013)

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I enjoyed this when it first came out. Slow but beautifully shot SF / horror, worth a watch for sure. A few years later I read the book, which is extremely different. The novel is excellent and would have made a much better film. Unfortunately it would have been too graphic to do any justice to. I think that may explain the director’s more minimal / artsy approach. If you liked the movie, DEFINITELY read the book. I would not recommend the reverse situation.

Available on Blu-ray from Lion’s Gate.

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Santa Sangre (1989)

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This was my first Alejandro Jodorowsky experience so… not a terrible place to start. It isn’t his best film but absolutely worth a look if you’re unfamiliar. Hyper, surreal, funny, violent, and poetic. If you enjoy this, please see El Topo (1970), The Holy Mountain (1973), Jodorowsky’s Dune (2013), The Dance of Reality (2013), and Endless Poetry (2016).

Available on Blu-ray from Severin.

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Nico, 1988 (2017)

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I have become a big fan of the music of Nico in recent years. This docudrama is very enjoyable if you are also a fan. It may not be of much interest for other people. The choice of Trine Dyrholm to play the lead was daring as she doesn’t look much Nico, and only vaguely sounds like her. However she’s a fantastic actress and did an impressive job of doing her own version of the tragic musician. A sad story, but a beautiful movie.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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The Big Racket (1976)

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For a while there Italy was making the best crime thrillers in the world. They were initially inspired by Dirty Harry so you should know what to expect. The subgenre is called poliziotteschi and there’s a ton of these films to sift through. The Big Racket is one of my top favorites of this style, and I give it my highest recommendation.

Available on Blu-ray as part of the “Rogue Cops and Racketeers” set on Arrow.

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Headshot (2016)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer

You: “Hey Jonathan, I want to see a Netflix movie that is pretty much non-stop fist fighting for two hours.”

Me: “Headshot. It’s kinda dumb but… Headshot.”

Available on import Blu-ray from Arrow.

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The Tenant (1976)

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Let’s get this out of the way, I’m separating the man from his art.

(Shifts collar uncomfortably)

Ahem.

Here we have Roman Polanski’s strangest film. It’s creepy, funny, and surreal but does require a bit of patience to enjoy. However when you get towards the end… blast off for Weirdsville. The Tenant was not available for ages, so this 1080p HD version is a real pleasure to see. Do not miss.

Available on import Blu-ray from Kaleidoscope.

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Custody (2017)

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This is a very slow paced film but it is almost perfectly made and successfully teeters somewhere between drama and thriller. If I tell you anything more it might spoil it. Feeling patient and like getting your emotions toyed with for the sake of cinematic art? Custody is the movie for you.

Available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber.

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Hell or High Water (2016)

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This was written by Taylor Sherridan, who wrote Sicario, so I knew it’d be good. Good? Nope, it’s excellent (although his work after this got a bit uneven). While not as action-packed as his previous film, this is a tight, well-made drama with some shocking bursts of violence. It’s a shame I never hear anyone talk about this film. It is not to be missed.

Available on Blu-ray from Lion’s Gate.

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Suburra (2015)

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Here’s a high quality, graphic, gangster drama. It is also one of the better movies I’ve seen come out of Italy in recent years. If you enjoy this film, the series is just as good. It’s called Suburra: Blood on Rome.

Available on import Blu-ray from Kaleidoscope.

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.