This is a bio-drama about poet Pablo Neruda‘s escape from arrest by the Chilean fascist government. I didn’t know what to expect, but the skillful performances and elegant cinematography really made it an enjoyable experience. Pablo Neruda seems like he was a pain in the ass redeemed by artistic genius. It comes as no surprise that he was friends with Picasso.
Not available on Blu-ray.
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If you are not interested in ‘70s TV cop shows you will want to skip this recommendation. I don’t normally talk about television series here, but the feature-length pilot of the this gritty old cop drama was too irresistible. Please note the following important features: Dirty old LA, Richard Lynch as an uncredited hitman, a scene in a porno movie theatre, an appearance by a young Gordon Jump from WKRP, music by Lalo Schrifin (Mission Impossible, Enter the Dragon, Dirty Harry) and Hutch / David Soul’s sweet-ass leather jacket. I was impressed by the quality of the film-making too. That probably has a lot to do with the fact that it was helmed by Barry Shear, who also directed Across 110th Street.
I used to watch this show as a kid and had never seen this pilot. Obviously it was a lot of fun for me. I think anyone not into ‘70s TV crime shows would think it was just an old police action movie with all the blood and nudity cut out. I understand but I still can’t believe this was broadcast to every home from coast to coast. Starsky and Hutch seems to have begun with the idea that they would push the limit of what network censors would tolerate as much as possible. It really was a different world back then.
A police officer is assigned to work the emergency call center and gets involved in a crime in progress. It’s not a spoiler to tell you that the film never leaves that one location, but damn if things don’t stay intense for the duration. The Guilty is not the first single-set film ever made but it still makes for one of the most original thrillers I’ve seen in recent years. Oh and there was an American remake of this… don’t bother.
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Do you need a palate cleanser after all my other various weird movie suggestions? This is it. Shoplifters is a nearly perfect drama, and by the end you will clearly see why I think it qualifies as Anomalous. My only problem is that it’s a bit long, so maybe don’t watch it straight through for maximum impact.
Not available on Blu-ray.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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Anomalous Cinema 