This part of the listen harkens back to the first week of October. Several of my Halloween viewing choices are here, including a film that my boys watched on repeat for a while when they were younger. 

231. Love In the Afternoon
232. Breathless
233. Rashomon
234. Strongman
235. Nothing But A Man
236. Mickey One
237. Horror Express
238. Teen Wolf
239. Equinox
240. The Black Cauldron

Love in the Afternoon (1972)

This is a wonderful film about long-term relationships, that nature of marital fidelity, and the difference between lust and love- if there is a difference. As opposed to other films that are about these themes, Love In the Afternoon never creates a villain out of any of its characters. It remains deeply empathetic towards all of the people it chooses to depict (a through-line present in all of Rohmer's work).

Standout Moment: The ending is quiet and understated, but perfect for the story. 

Breathless (1960)

You've seen Breathless. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? It is one of the defining moments of film and pop culture. Without Breathless, many of the best modern films simply would not exist. It laid a foundation that artists continue to build upon decades after its release. 

Standout Moment: I love that beautiful final shot. 

Rashomon (1950)

It's crazy to imagine this film coming out in 1950. Not that there weren't any good films coming out during that period (in fact the reality is quite the opposite) but because of how thoroughly modern this film is. Kurosawa utilized the filmic medium to make a piece of art that could not be expressed in any other way. The subtleties of the filmmaking flesh out the different viewpoints and make a film that is essentially the same event told over and over again into a thrilling masterpiece. This is one of the most incredible films made in the first century of the medium. 

Standout Moment: The ending is a perfect wrap-up of the rest of the film. 

Strongman (2009)

Nothing But A Man (1964)

I find it insane that more people haven't seen Nothing but A Man. It was a brave and singular film when it was made, and it still holds up as one of the most important films about race ever made in America. What is beautiful and powerful about this film is the quiet way that it tells its story. There is so much empathy and beauty here. It is heartbreaking yet honest. Especially as our world grows more hateful and divided, I think this is an important film to remember.

Standout Moment: The performances are incredible. 

Mickey One (1965)

This movie is so good. The imagery, the soundtrack (by one Stan Getz), and performances are all great. I could watch it over and over, especially the killer opening montage. If you are a fan of Beatty, film noir, or any modern film at all, check this one out. 

Standout Moment: The first 10 minutes are just about perfect.

Horror Express (1972)

Horror Express is nuts. It is a weird premise that gets weirder and weirder. It involves energy beings, possession, zombies, prehistoric creatures, political intruige, and awesome performances by Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. It isn't exactly a great film, but it is a fun one to watch if you are into hammer horror or 70's weirdness. 

Standout Moment: When the zombies come to life. I would bet that the makers of Heavy Metal watched this film before making their zombie bomber segment in the film. 

Teen Wolf (1985)

Just look at that face. Do you want to watch this face for an hour and forty minutes?

Standout Moment: When the teen is a wolf. 

Equinox (1970)

After watching this film for the first time, my boys and I watched it on repeat for several weeks after. It is not a great film, but it is a ton of fun. It began as a short made by a bunch of monster fanatics, and was then purchased and distributed by Jack Harris. The short was made by a young Dennis Muren, who would go on to work on a little film called Star Wars.

Standout Moment: "What are you?" 

The Black Cauldron (1985)

As you can see from the screenshot, this is not your typical Disney film. It is one of my personal favorites (up there with Sleeping Beauty and Fantasia). It is a much darker film, and almost didn't see the light of day because of it. Structurally, it isn't the greatest, but it makes up for story issues with beautiful animation. 

Standout Moment: The first foray into the Horned King's castle. 

I can't believe that it's already the end of November. This challenge has been an interesting one. It has allowed me to expand my repertoire, as well as discover films that I normally wouldn't have watched. I am still uncertain whether I will be able to complete my goal, but will at least get pretty close. Let's dive in!

221. Don't Bother to Knock
222. La Notte
223. Saturday Night Fever
224. Seven Samurai
225. I Was a Teenage Zombie
226. The Thief and the Cobbler (workprint)
227. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
228. Beavis and Butthead Do America
229. Jubilee
230. Dark Places

Don't Bother To Knock (1952)

I found this film surprising in the best way. I do not want to say much about it, so that I do not ruin the way that it twists and turns, but just know that you are in for an incredible early Marilyn Monroe performance.

Standout Moment: There is a specific moment where the film breaks into a new type of story. It is a signal of things to come.

La Notte (1961)

As with any Antonioni film, La Notte is meandering (meant as a compliment) and gorgeous. The film takes its time and for good reason. Antonioni films, at least in my opinion, are more about feelings than they are about story. As far as its part in his trilogy, La Notte is really my 2nd favorite. It is hard to live up to the success of L'avventura, but this film explores some interesting territory with its middle aged couple on the verge of collapse. 

Standout Moment: The last thirty-or-so minutes at the party are incredible. 

Saturday Night Fever (1977)

I finally had a chance to watch this. After all of the years of build up to "one of the best films of the 70's" I have to say that I was totally disappointed. This is a timeless story that has been told many other times in a variety of better ways. The "heroes" are all supremely unlikable, the dancing is laughably bad, and the movie condones rape in a variety of ways. The only things that save it are the killer cinematography and the amazing soundtrack.

Standout Moment: That opening is incredibly promising.

Seven Samurai (1954)

This one was on my list of "must watch" films for this year. I have seen the majority of Kurosawa's work, yet I had put off Seven Samurai because of the extremely long running time. After watching it, it is now one of my favorite films in his oeuvre (right after Yojimbo and High and Low). My boys loved it as well, and you know if a 3+ hour film can keep the attention of a 7 year old and a 5 year old, it has to be incredible. 

Standout Moment: The very end is earned and incredible. 

I was A Teenage Zombie (1987)

This film is all kinds of crazy. If the name and the screenshot get you excited: go for it. If the idea of a zombie drug dealer killing off dopey teens gets you flummoxed, maybe you should pass. 

Standout Moment: There are some really great jokes amid the teen boy humor. 

The Thief and The Cobbler (workprint) (2016)

As a longtime fan of The Thief and the Cobbler, I jumped at the opportunity to see the never-before-seen work print at MoMA, along with an intro by the director himself. Seeing the work print was amazing. It was interesting to compare what was missing from this and what was brand new in comparison to the Recobbled Cut that was put together by fans of the film. The film is beautiful. There is nothing else like it, and it is disappointing to see it go unfinished. It is the last work done by many important animators, and some of the first work by many now-famous artists.

Standout Moment: The big climax with the one-eyes.

Girls Just wanna have fun (1985)

I watched this film a ton of times as a kid, mostly at the behest of my sisters and my cousin. It is actually a rather wonderful teen film with a lot of fun scenes. The dancing (unlike Saturday Night Fever) is actually usually impressive. This is great light-fare with a great soundtrack to boot.

Standout Moment: The punks breaking into the party.

Beavis and Butthead Do America (1996)

I find it hilarious that parents were afraid that their kids would want to be like Beavis and Butthead. If your kid wants to be like Beavis and Butthead, you have bigger problems than them trying to emulate cartoon characters. The show was amazing, and this movie is a great addition to it. 

Standout Moment: The boys meeting their dads for the first time.

Jubilee (1978)

Jubilee is anarchy incarnate. There are sections of the film that are insane, bonkers, and unreal. There are other parts that seem to drag on forever and ever. I guess that's the the nature of visual anarchy, though. When it works it really works, and when it doesn't it's miserable. The soundtrack is amazing, though, and I would suggest anyone who is into punk or feminist film to watch this.

Standout Moment: Richard O'Brien is in this film, and he is amazing, as usual. 

Dark Places (2015)

Dark Places is based off of a book by the author of Gone Girl. The story itself is layered and nuanced, but the direction of this film is muddled and aimless. The two extremes even out to a mostly bland adaption of the book. The performances are really good, especially Christina Hendricks, but the camerawork, art direction, and editing are all rather blah.

Standout Moment: The first scene between brother and sister in the prison. 

Another huge leap in time, but I'm (kind of) keeping up with my watching. I'm about thirty behind, which may or may not be possible to catch up at this point. The drama!

211. The Master
212. Mr. Herculese Against Karate
213. Maniac Cop
214. Belle du Jour
215. Terminator: Salvation
216. Simon of the Desert
217. Dreams
218. The Graduate
219. Chinatown
220. A Woman Under the Influence

The Master (2012)

I think The Master is arguably the best movie made since the year 2000. It is not only a compelling story with complex and poignant performances, but it is also cinema in its purest form. Images like the one I chose as the header for this post utilize the power of 70mm format if used correctly. If you have somehow missed this one, be sure to watch it.

Standout Moment: The first interview between Freddie and Lancaster is an amazing scene and one that is not easily forgotten.

Mr. Hercules Against Karate (1973)

I first heard of Mr. Hercules Against Karate when I saw a goofy looking lobby placard for the film in a bin at a used bookstore. For a few years it was impossible to find out anything about it except for a fan trailer on youtube. Recently, though, Amazon Prime put it up on their streaming service, so I was finally able to see the movie that I had searched for for nearly three years. It did not disappoint. It is about a couple of American guys (played by Italians) who, after getting fired from their job working construction in Australia, go to a Chinese pub to get salami sandwiches and irish beer, but then get in a fight with a football team. They are then blackmailed into finding a guys daughter in Singapore so they can beat up a gang of one-eyed creeps. Also: one of them has the basic powers of The Tick. It is insane and incredibly fun, mostly at the film's expense. 

Standout Moment: The creep that hangs around watching almost every scene. 

Maniac Cop (1988)

I put this on- expecting a typical slasher film. What I got instead was a rather timely discussion on the issue of the "thin blue line" and the militarization of the police wrapped in the skin of a slasher film. What the film has to say about the nature of the police and their role in our society is surprisingly nuanced considering the subject matter. I would definitely recommend this film to any horror fans out there.

Standout Moment: The opening sets the mood really well. 

Belle du Jour (1967)

After years of wanting to see it, but not having the chance, I finally took the late night plunge into Belle Du Jour. I enjoyed it quite a bit. This film was way ahead of its time when it comes to describing the strange nature of human sexual desire. I'm not sure how to feel about the ending, but it definitely keeps me thinking, even weeks after watching it. 

Standout Moment: The dream sequences are great.

Terminator: Salvation (2009)

Who would've thought that a movie about a killer robot apocalypse could be so bland? The film actually sets up an interesting character dilemma, too bad the actor is unable to portray the nuance that the situation would warrant. 

Standout Moment: Robot water worms. CGI Schwarzenegger. 

Simon of the Desert (1965)

Although I feel as if the ending is a bit of a cop-out, the rest of this film is truly complex and even hilarious. The premise is that Simon stands on a pillar in the middle of the desert, attempting to become worthy of God's grace. Through interactions with monks, his family, goatherders, and the devil, his mettle is tested and his worldview is challenged. It is a brilliant film that requires more than one viewing. 

Standout Moment: The very beginning is wonderful setup for a bizarre tale. 

Dreams (1955)

Dreams is one of Bergman's earliest films. Although his lack of practice shows, it is still a great movie. The performances are quiet and moving and the story is on the same small scale that Bergman would often work. There is a lot to really love about this film, and I would suggest for anyone to who loves Bergman's work, or is interested in the way a master of the medium evolves over their career. 

Standout Moment: When the wife catches the cheating couple. The scene goes in a direction that is both unexpected and devastating. 

The Graduate (1967)

One of the funniest movies ever made. On top of this, it is also gorgeously shot and wonderfully performed. It is a timeless story told in a clever and exciting way. There is a reason that The Graduate is considered one of the finest films ever made.

Standout Moment: Plastics. 

Chinatown (1974)

Another true classic of the medium. There isn't much more I could say about this film beyond what is already written (which is a considerable amount). One of the best films of the 70's, also one of the best American films ever made. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out.

Standout Moment: The nose getting split.

A Woman Under the Influence (1974)

I've discovered that writing about classic films is just as hard, if not harder, than writing about terrible films. Most everything that could be said has already been said. A Woman Under the Influence is great for all of the reasons you have heard. I love Cassavete's style. Gena Rowlands' and Peter Falk's performances. The sense of time. This is just a masterful film. 

Standout Moment: The spaghetti dinner.

This post is chock-full of films that I love. 

201. Daisies
202. L'Eclisse
203. The Burbs
204. Sunrise
205. 12 Angry Men
206. Being There
207. Gravity Falls: Weirdmageddon
208. The Fog of War
209. M. Hulot's Holiday
210. All These Women

Short Films:
*Everything Will Be Ok
*New York, N.Y.
 

Rewatches: 
Evil Brain From Outer Space

Daisies (1966)

Daisies is a brilliant and hilarious embrace of chaotic anarchy. The movie is undeniably weird, but you get caught up in it so thoroughly that it is hard to stop watching. The performances of the two leads are incredible, and the story seems tailor-made to their comic sensibilities. Be sure to check this out before it leaves Hulu in November. 

Standout Moment: The big finale is a perfect culmination of the bizarre energy that holds the rest of the film together. 

L'Eclisse (1962)

The way that Antonioni works and creates art is inspirational and marvelous. Themes of alienation and personal malaise dominate his early work, especially. Arguably, L'Avventura is the greatest expression of those common creative threads. Considering the power of his other work, I feel as if L'Eclisse is one of his weaker efforts, although there are still really incredible moments. 

Standout Moment: The stock market crash and its aftermath is gripping. 

The Burbs (1989)

The Burbs is criminally underrated. Bruce Dern is phenomenal in it. Go watch it. 

Standout Moment: "Pretty girl, she your girlfriend?" "She came with the frame." 

Sunrise (1927)

Although moments may be a bit too melodramatic for modern audiences, it is undeniable how modern this film feels. It is a silent film that does not feel like a silent film. The performances are so great, the cinematography is so beautiful, and the story is so transcendent that is easy to forget that you are watching a film from nearly a hundred years ago. 

Standout Moment: The pig chase is especially fun. 

12 Angry Men (1957)

Who would think that a movie about 12 men discussing something could be so gripping? I attempted to put this on as background noise, but ended up watching intently from beginning to end. The performances are astounding, the camerawork is subtle and perfect, and the writing is nuanced and poignant. 12 Angry Men is a classic for a reason. 

Standout Moment: The performances. 

Being There (1979)

Peter Sellers is one of the best actors of the modern era and this is one of his best roles. Being There is a must-see film for anyone who enjoys watching or making movies. Despite how sparse and quite most of the film is, it fells very controlled and specific throughout. The use of existing television programming is superb. It is also extremely funny on top of its dedication to larger themes. 

Standout Moment: Peter Seller's performance is amazing.

Gravity Falls: Weirdmageddon (2016)

Gravity Falls is an unexpectedly deep and entertaining piece of programming. It is aimed at older children, but it is just as engaging for adults. Weirdmageddon is the last four episodes of the series, and it is one of the best endings to a television show I have ever seen. It is hard to make an ending that lives up to the rest of a longer series, but Weirdmageddon walks that perfect line of being cathartic without being too "easy." Watch the whole show first (currently on Hulu), and make sure to see it with your kids. 

Standout Moment: There are too many great moments to pick just one!

The Fog of War (2003)

This is one of the most important documentaries made since 2000. It is, in essence, a feature length interview, and it's riveting. Robert McNamara, the film's subject, gives an unprecedented look into his reasoning as Secretary of Defense during the Cuban Missile crisis and the Vietnam War. It emphasizes the absurdity of war, and yet the inevitability of its pain.

Standout Moment: The realization of how close America was to Nuclear war during the Cuban Missile crisis is nothing short of alarming. 

M. Hulot's Holiday (1953)

Jacques Tati (the director, writer, and star of this film) is the rightful successor to Chaplin, Keaton, and Lloyd. The film is more of a collection of humorous set pieces rather than a traditional story (although there is a nice overarching plot), and it is all the better for it. The film is light and goofy with real moments of pathos. I watched this one with my boys who are 7 and 5. We all loved it. 

Standout Moment: The taffy cart. 

All These Women (1964)

I love Ingmar Bergman's work. His films and books are some of the most inspirational media I have experienced. There is a real honesty in all of his work that is refreshing in an industry that seems to be predicated on public facades and ego. That being said, All These Women is a real miss for him. It seems like an attempt to combine the humor of Smiles of a Summer Night and the anarchy of Hour of the Wolf, and it never quite clicks together. If you haven't seen anything by Bergman, you are really missing out, but don't start with this one. Begin with The Silence, Persona, and The Seventh Seal instead. 

Standout Moment: There are great concepts in this film, although they never quiet make the impression they are supposed to make (such as the absence of the cellist)