Bruno Sauls

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 psychological drama directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. It follows an unnamed narrator (Norton) who is suffering from insomnia and forms an underground fight club with Tyler Durden (Pitt). Through this club, the narrator and Tyler start a movement of anti-materialism, anarchy and vigilantism that seeks to challenge the values of modern society. As their movement begins to grow, it takes a violent turn with the two leading a revolution against the government and corporations in a fight for freedom and individuality. The film explores themes of nihilism, masculinity, and violence, making it a cult classic that has been studied and discussed by many.

From Roberto Benigni, starring Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano
Rated PG-13

Life Is Beautiful is a 1997 Italian comedy-drama directed by and starring Roberto Benigni. Set during World War II, the film follows the story of Guido Orefice, an Italian Jewish man, who is separated from his family, and his son Giosué, when they are sent to a concentration camp. In order to protect Giosué from the horror of their surroundings, Guido creates a game in which Giosué must believe that they are playing a make-believe game instead of being in a concentration camp. Through his humor and imagination, Guido turns the camp into a world of fantasy and joy, and Giosué is inspired by his father's courage and determination to survive. Ultimately, Guido's courage and wit triumph over the cruelty and horror of the concentration camp, and he and Giosué ultimately survive.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter
Rated PG

Rear Window is a 1954 suspense-thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film stars James Stewart as L.B. "Jeff" Jefferies, a professional photographer who is confined to his wheelchair after a broken leg. As he is stuck in his apartment with nothing to do, Jeff begins to spy on his neighbors through his rear window. He soon becomes convinced that one of his neighbors has committed murder. With the help of his girlfriend, Lisa Fremont (Grace Kelly), and his nurse, Stella (Thelma Ritter), Jeff embarks on a mission to discover the truth. Through clever sleuthing, Jeff and Lisa uncover the dark secrets of their neighbors and attempt to reveal the truth to the police.

From Peter Farrelly, starring Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco
Rated PG-13

Green Book is a 2018 American comedy-drama film directed by Peter Farrelly. Set in 1962, the film follows an Italian-American bouncer who is hired to drive and protect a world-class black pianist on a tour of venues through the Deep South states. Tony Lip, the bouncer, and Dr. Don Shirley, the pianist, must rely on The Negro Motorist Green Book to guide them to safe spots for black travelers in the era of Jim Crow laws. Along the way, they find themselves relying on each other in unexpected ways, and learning valuable lessons about friendship, acceptance and understanding.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Machiko Kyô, Masayuki Mori, Takashi Shimura
Rated Not Rated

Rashomon is a 1950 Japanese crime drama directed by Akira Kurosawa. The story is told through multiple perspectives, with each character offering a subjective and contradictory account of the same crime. It follows a Woodcutter and a Priest who encounter a Commoner as they seek shelter from the rain in the ruined Rashomon gate. The Commoner then tells them the story of a murdered samurai and the debate that ensued among four witnesses: the Wife, the Samurai's ghost, a Bandit and the Woodcutter himself. Each witness recounts the same incident in a different way, leaving the truth open to interpretation. The film ultimately challenges the very nature of truth and questions the objectivity of human perception.

From Thomas Vinterberg, starring Ulrich Thomsen, Henning Moritzen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Paprika Steen
Rated R

The Celebration is a Danish drama film directed by Thomas Vinterberg and released in 1998. It tells the story of a family gathering to celebrate the 60th birthday of their patriarch, Helge. During the course of the celebration, dark secrets from the family's past are revealed, leading to shocking consequences. The story is seen through the eyes of the youngest family member, Christian, who, through his love and understanding, helps the family confront their issues and ultimately allows them to come to terms with the truth. The Celebration is a powerful exploration of family dynamics and the need to confront the darkness of the past in order to move on.

From David Fincher, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Rated R

Gone Girl is a 2014 psychological thriller film based on the novel of the same name by author Gillian Flynn. Directed by David Fincher and with a screenplay by Flynn, the film stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. The story follows Nick Dunne and his wife Amy Elliot Dunne as they deal with the aftermath of her mysterious disappearance on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary. As the police investigate, Nick’s portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble and he becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. As the story progresses, it is revealed that the events leading up to Amy’s disappearance are far more sinister than anyone suspected. As the truth is slowly uncovered, the couple’s relationship is tested and Nick’s sanity is pushed to the brink.

From Mike Leigh, starring Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn, Phyllis Logan, Claire Rushbrook
Rated R

Secrets & Lies is a British drama film directed by Mike Leigh and starring Brenda Blethyn, Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Timothy Spall. The film follows Hortense, a young black optometrist living in London who discovers that her birth mother is a white factory worker living in the suburbs. Hortense, who was adopted and raised by a white family, decides to contact her birth mother and the two have an uneasy reunion. As Hortense attempts to bridge the gap between them, the secrets and lies that have been hidden for so long come to light and the two must confront the truth of their relationship. As they learn more about each other, they come to find acceptance and understanding.

From Federico Fellini, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anouk Aimée, Claudia Cardinale, Sandra Milo
Rated Not Rated

8½ is a 1963 Italian fantasy-drama film directed by Federico Fellini. It stars Marcello Mastroianni as Guido Anselmi, a famous Italian film director who is struggling to overcome creative block in making his next film. As Guido struggles to balance his personal and professional life, he is confronted with his past, present and future, and is forced to confront his own innermost desires and fears. The film is noted for its dream-like atmosphere, surreal imagery, and exploration of the creative process. 8½ is widely regarded as one of Fellini's greatest masterpieces and one of the greatest films of all time.

From Roman Polanski, starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer
Rated Approved

Rosemary's Baby is a 1968 psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski, based on the bestselling novel by Ira Levin. The movie follows Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow) and her husband Guy (John Cassavetes) as they move into their new apartment in an old and mysterious building in New York City. Shortly after moving in, Rosemary becomes pregnant and begins to suspect that her unborn child is being targeted by a Satanic cult. As the pregnancy progresses, Rosemary finds herself increasingly isolated from her husband, her doctors, and the other residents of the building, leading to a terrifying climax. Rosemary's Baby is a masterful and enduring example of horror cinema, exploring themes of paranoia, religious faith, and the power of suggestion.

From Bing Liu, starring Keire Johnson, Bing Liu, Zack Mulligan
Rated Not Rated

Minding the Gap is a 2018 documentary film directed by Bing Liu. It follows the stories of three skateboarding friends—Liu himself, Zack Mulligan, and Keire Johnson—from Rockford, Illinois, as they confront personal and societal issues of race, class, violence, and family. Through skateboarding, the three use their close bond to explore the struggles of growing up in Rockford. The film reveals the boys' relationships with their families and the cyclical trauma of domestic violence that has been passed down through generations. Ultimately, the film shows how the three young men are able to rise above their circumstances and become agents of change in their community.

From Martin Campbell, starring Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright
Rated PG-13

Casino Royale is a 2006 spy film, the twenty-first in the Eon Productions James Bond series, and the third screen adaptation of Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel of the same name. Directed by Martin Campbell and starring Daniel Craig as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond, it is the first film in the series to be co-produced by Eon Productions and Columbia Pictures, and the first to feature Daniel Craig as the titular secret agent. The plot follows Bond as he attempts to thwart the plans of Le Chiffre, a banker who finances international terrorism and who is attempting to win a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale in Montenegro. This film also introduces the new MI6 agent, Vesper Lynd, who is tasked with helping Bond win the game and ultimately his life. Along the way, Bond must battle an array of villains, win allies and defeat enemies, while grappling with his own personal demons. The film was the highest-grossing Bond film in the United States until Skyfall surpassed it in 2012, and is currently the second-highest-grossing film in the series and the thirty-fourth highest-grossing film of all time. Casino Royale also received an Academy Award nomination

From Rian Johnson, starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis
Rated PG-13

Knives Out is a 2019 whodunit murder-mystery film written and directed by Rian Johnson. It stars an ensemble cast including Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Lakeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, and Christopher Plummer. The film follows the bizarre circumstances surrounding the death of famed crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Plummer). When renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate, he soon discovers that each of Harlan's extended family members had a motive to kill him. As Blanc interrogates each suspect, he uncovers a web of dark secrets and lies which threaten to unhinge the already fragile family. With time running out, Blanc must uncover the truth and find out who is the killer before they can get away with the perfect murder.

From David Lynch, starring Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Jeanne Bates
Rated R

Mulholland Drive is a psychological mystery-thriller film written and directed by David Lynch. It follows an aspiring actress named Betty Elms (Naomi Watts) as she arrives in Los Angeles and attempts to make it in Hollywood. Along the way, she meets a mysterious amnesiac woman (Laura Harring) who is on the run from a group of dangerous criminals. As the two women attempt to uncover the secrets of the amnesiac's past, they soon discover a dark and sinister underworld of Hollywood. As the film progresses, Betty and the amnesiac are drawn deeper and deeper into a complex web of intrigue and deceit that threatens their lives and the lives of those close to them. The film is a surrealistic exploration of the dark side of Hollywood, as well as an exploration of identity and self-perception.

From Michel Hazanavicius, starring Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell
Rated PG-13

The Artist is a 2011 French comedy-drama film written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius, starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. Set in 1927, the film tells the story of George Valentin, a silent movie star, who, due to the rise of talking pictures, finds himself out of work. Peppy Miller, a young dancer, becomes a rising star in the newly emergent Hollywood, while George has a difficult time adapting to the new world of sound. The Artist explores the impact of the transition from silent to sound film through the story of their star-crossed romance. Despite their differences, George and Peppy eventually come to understand the importance of their unique individual talents and the value of collaboration. The Artist ultimately tells a timeless story of the power of love and friendship in the face of adversity.

From Nicholas D. Wrathall, starring Gore Vidal, Howard Auster, James Best, Karen Black
Rated Not Rated

Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia is a documentary film examining the life and career of the renowned author and political commentator Gore Vidal. It follows Vidal’s life from his childhood in a wealthy and privileged family, through his decades spent as a pundit and essayist as he lambasted American politics, government, and culture. Wrathall uses archival footage, interviews, and sequences with Vidal to chronicle his life and views on the state of the nation. The film also examines how Vidal’s often-controversial views have been received over the years, and the ways in which his opinions have evolved. The film is ultimately a tribute to Vidal’s often overlooked place in American history, and his remarkable impact on the national conversation.

From Hannes Holm, starring Rolf Lassgård, Bahar Pars, Filip Berg, Ida Engvoll
Rated PG-13

A Man Called Ove is a heartwarming story about a cantankerous, elderly Swede named Ove. After the death of his beloved wife, Ove has become a bitter and solitary figure. Despite his gruff nature, Ove is a good man who’s well-loved by the people in his community. When a young couple and their two children move into the house next door, Ove grudgingly begins to form an unlikely friendship with them. As the story progresses, Ove learns to open his heart again and find joy in life once more. A Man Called Ove is a touching tale of love, loss, and second chances.

From Wes Anderson, starring Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Olivia Williams, Seymour Cassel
Rated R

Rushmore is a 1998 coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Wes Anderson. The story centers on Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), an eccentric, extracurricularly-active student at Rushmore Academy. Max has a passion for joining and creating clubs, but his involvement in various activities takes away from his academics and he is put on academic probation. He develops a friendship with a rich industrialist, Herman Blume (Bill Murray), and they become unlikely confidants. When Max's crush, Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams), begins to reciprocate his affections, it causes a rivalry between Max and Herman. In the end, Max's friendship with Herman is strengthened, and he learns to prioritize his academic future.

From David Lynch, starring Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, John Roselius, Louis Eppolito
Rated R

Lost Highway is a surreal neo-noir film directed by David Lynch. The film follows jazz musician Fred Madison (Bill Pullman), who is sent to death row for murdering his wife, Renee (Patricia Arquette). After serving some jail time, Fred inexplicably finds himself transformed into a different man, Pete Dayton (Balthazar Getty). Pete is released and begins working as a mechanic at a garage owned by gangster Mr. Eddy (Robert Loggia). Pete then meets and falls in love with Eddy’s girlfriend, Alice/Renee (also played by Arquette). As the film progresses, reality begins to unravel and the lines between fantasy, reality, and dream become increasingly blurred. The film contains a complex narrative and various dream sequences, making it a unique and challenging film.

From David Zucker, starring Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, O.J. Simpson, Ricardo Montalban
Rated PG-13

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is a 1988 American comedy film starring Leslie Nielsen. It is a spoof of police dramas and stars Nielsen as the bumbling police lieutenant Frank Drebin. The plot revolves around Drebin trying to stop a crime wave created by a mysterious criminal mastermind named "Mr. Big". Along the way, he gets into a variety of comical situations, including infiltrating a baseball stadium, causing numerous accidents and embarrassing a number of important people. The film also features cameos from many popular stars of the time, including O.J. Simpson, George Kennedy, Priscilla Presley, and Ricardo Montalbán. The film was met with critical and commercial success, grossing over $78 million worldwide and spawning two sequels. It is widely considered to be one of the funniest and most successful parody films of all time.

From Jeff Orlowski-Yang, starring Tristan Harris, Jeff Seibert, Bailey Richardson, Joe Toscano
Rated PG-13

The Social Dilemma is a documentary that examines how social media has transformed the way people interact with each other and with technology. It explores how technology companies are using algorithms and data mining to take advantage of users and manipulate them into spending more time on their platforms. Through interviews with former executives from big tech companies and leading experts, the film reveals the dark side of social media and its potential to have a detrimental impact on society, including mental health, privacy, polarizing political views, and the spread of misinformation. Additionally, the film offers potential solutions to the many problems caused by social media, such as creating more responsible tech companies and regulating online content.

From Thorsten Schütte, starring Frank Zappa, Steve Allen, Angel, Chuck Ash
Rated R

Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words is a 2016 documentary which follows the life and career of legendary musician Frank Zappa. Through archival footage, interviews, and performances, the film gives an insightful look into the life and creative process of the iconic artist. Spanning four decades of Zappa’s career, the film covers his unique compositions, his views on art, politics and censorship, and his passionate fight for the freedom of artistic expression. The documentary captures Zappa’s brilliant wit, intelligence, and creativity as well as his outspokenness and dedication to his art and ideals. The film paints a vivid portrait of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and his lasting legacy.

From Peter Bogdanovich, starring Peter Bogdanovich, Dick Cavett, Frank Capra, Jim Curtis
Rated Not Rated

The Great Buster celebrates the life and career of legendary filmmaker and comedian Buster Keaton. Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, the documentary follows Keaton's path from his early days in vaudeville to his rise as a silent film star to his later career on television. Along with archival footage and clips from Keaton's films, the film features interviews with family, friends, and admirers, including Mel Brooks, Dick Van Dyke, Werner Herzog, and Quentin Tarantino. Through these perspectives, the film paints a portrait of the iconic comedian, exploring his unique genius and his influence on generations of filmmakers.

From Directors: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky, starring James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich, Robert Trujillo
Rated Not Rated

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster is a 2004 documentary film that follows the American heavy metal band Metallica over the course of two years during their writing and recording process for their album St. Anger. It focuses on the struggles the band went through while dealing with inner-group tensions, personal battles, and their search for a new bass player. The film also documents the band's therapy sessions with psychologist Phil Towle and the positive effect they had on the group. Eventually, the band is able to come together and complete their album, though their struggles along the way are evident. Through their journey we learn that Metallica was able to confront their past and move forward as a stronger, unified band.

From Jim Jarmusch, starring John Lurie, Eszter Balint, Richard Edson, Cecillia Stark
Rated R