-M-
The Madness of King George
Whew. Makes me glad I wasn't a colonial-era resident of England. Good madness has always seemed hard to pull off, but this King George seemed adept at it. Full of some slick wry wit and a dash of classic family civil warring, this is a very elegant rendition of the reality of British life several centuries ago.
Man Bites Dog
Painful to watch, this movie leaves you wondering if it might have been real or not. Filmed like a documentary, we follow a gun toting vigilante/cop as he brazenly wanders around, getting drunk, getting laid, and killing people for fun. Sort of like if Bad Lieutenant were played by a geek. See at your own risk.
Manon Des Sources
The sequel to Jean De Florette, this movie focuses on the return of the neighbor's daughter, intent on revenge. I felt that parts of the plot were a little too much like a Thelma & Louise scenario, but otherwise a good movie. Don't see this without seeing the prior movie.. it will make little sense if you do.
Marie Baie des Anges
(aka Marie Bay Of Angels or Angel Sharks, French) A very opaque, cryptic movie about a brooding teen hoodlum, Orso, and a jaded young girl, Marie, in the French Riviera. Even after watching it twice, I'm still befuddled about what's going on and even what order stuff happens (it's very nonlinear but lacks the grace that films like Lone Star or Character use to handle flashbacks or flash-forwards) Although the cinematography is rich and beautiful, the real details of this movie are lost in the confusion of the viewer. We're just left with some vague idea about a young stubborn girl first flirting with American sailors and despising the local teens, and then later fleeing the sailors and apparently falling in love with the wiry Orso. If anyone can explain the wealthy woman, her dog, and surveillance cameras to me, I'd greatly appreciate it. The Austin Chronicle describes this chaos nicely as 'you're hard-pressed not to toss a flaming croissant through the screen'. Well put, guys...
Ménage
Gerard Depardieau plays the suave mysterious thief who worms his way into the relationshp of a pathetic couple down on their luck. With a little coercing, he spins their lives into a bizarre love triangle, tight with sexual tension. The film is very whimsical and irreverant, with quite a bit of uncomfortable innuendo and blunt sexual dialogue. May cause a a few wide-eyes or slack jaws, but it's highly entertaining and should squeeze some chuckles out of anyone. I was a little disappointed with the hasty ending, which seems a little trite and campy after the intricate story that led to it.
Metropolitan
A high brow (and high nose) look at the debutant world of the young upper class. Lots of dry understated humor, but not quite as filling as its succesor, Barcelona although still richer than Last Days of Disco. Quite charming nonetheless.
Mindwalk
Take a politician, a poet, and a particle physicist, stick them together in an introspective place like Mont St. Michael in France, and see what happens. In this case, a philosophical journey takes place, being led by three completely different perspectives. The topics weave from quarks to relationships to changing the world and will leave you pondering long after movie is over. An open mind will help you enjoy this movie, as it is all set in one day and is really nothing more than the dialogue among the three, but if you are seeking fodder for thought, this movie certainly provides. Although it's much less of a documentary than say, A Brief History of Time, you're likely to get caught up in the discussions yourself.
Much Ado About Nothing
Delightful Shakespherian redo done by Kevin Branagh, and of course, wife Emma Thompson. Movie tainted only by bewildering performance Michael "Mr. Mom" Keaton. Oh, and yet another example of Keanu Reeves lamely trying to cop a British accent. Very witty movie otherwise.
Muriel's Wedding
Heartwarming tale of a mediocre girl struggling to break free of an uncaring couch potato family and the confines of a nowhere world in Porpoise Spit, Australia. Never quite being accepted by the clique-ish socialites, she takes an opportunity to escape to brighter shores and to prove to herself (and everyone else) that she's worth something. Laden with Abba, wedding dresses, and Australian accents, this film makes a delightful double-header with Priscilla, Queen Of the Desert, or you can see Muriel, many pounds lighter, in another Aussie romp, Cosi.
My Father The Hero
Gerard Depardieu in an English language film, spiced with bits of European humor. Over-protective father joins over-attractive 14 year old daughter for vacation in the islands. In an effort to be coy, the daughter ends up creating situations that dear dad has to play along with or else. Amazing water skiing scene. See with Cyrano for an ironic parallelism.
My Own Private Idaho
Wonderfully quirky movie with River Phoenix as, yes, this is not a typo, a narcoleptic male prostitute. Joined by fellow callboy Keanu Reeves, we follow River through disjointed scenes, with little understanding of the transitions. It's obvious that I go for any movie that is not predicatable, and this certainly fits the bill.
Mystery Train
One of my favorite movies, this Jim Jarmusch film is actually three stories that all take place in the same hotel in Memphis. A young Japanese couple who adore Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, an Italian woman escorting the casket of her husband, and 3 hoodlums (including Steve Buscemi) all end up in a hotel run by Screamin Jay Hawkins. Tied together by the same radio station playing in each scene, the movies leads us through each sub-story. Very similar to Night On Earth except the stories are more closely linked. Well worth seeing!
-N-
Naked Lunch
Whoa. High weirdness from the mind of Burroughs. Surreal movie (probably to the delight of Lynch fans) that walks a thin line between bewildering dream (?) sequences and reality. Includes such delightful props as a bug typewriter and other talking insect items. This may be one of those movies meant for viewing on a different plateau of consciousness. I really blew my own mind by seeing this at almost the same time as Barton Fink. Imitate at your own risk.
The Night And The Moment
Willem Dafoe tosses aside typecasting (as in, the polar opposite of his 'Wild at Heart' role) as he dons foppish attire and engages in poetic, almost Shakespearian banter and innuendo while professing his affection for the elusive Marquise. Bearing some similarity to Mindwalk, or Drinking Games, the entire story is essentially a conversation that lasts through the night, although peppered with flashbacks. The two share stories of past conquests and trysts, including a thought-provoking (if somewhat unrealistic) curious stint in the Governor's prisons. Nothing impressive happens in this movie, but the verbal tug-of-war between the two wannabe lovers is fun and sassy.
Night On Earth
Another gem from Jim Jarmusch, this movie follows the antics of five taxi drivers in various parts of the world. The common thread here is that each scene occurs at the exact same time, just in a different place. I refrain from giving it 5 stars because there are a few scenes that just seem a little long. But don't let that keep you from the movie! Still a fantastic film with unusual performances by Winona Ryder, Roberto Begnini(who is utterly hilarious), and Rosie Perez.
-O-
Olivier Olivier
Somewhat magical (literally) movie that hinges around the disappearance of young Olivier as a child. Then, years later, he seems to resurface, but is it really him? Movie leaves you wondering that even after it's over, so it gets bonus points, but at the same time, I was left with a slight feeling that something logical had been overlooked. Directed by Agnieszka Holland, who also did Europa Europa. (surprise surprise) ;)
Opposite of Sex
I'm cutting this movie some slack. To my knowledge, it's the only film on my list featuring anyone from the cast of 'Friends', and that's a bad precedent to set, but this film is saucy and provocative enough to put it into some of the arthouse theaters. Christina Ricci plays a devious, self-serving wench who, in a quest for gratification, capsizes the stable lives of those around her. It vaguely reminds me of Highway 61 (except in reverse, since they flee to Canada, not from it. It's a little blunt in many mature themes, but has surprisingly little nudity in it, despite the story, so the more modest viewers may be shocked by this, but nowhere near as much as they would with Happiness...
Orlando
Breathtaking journey through the ages with the androgynous Orlando, played by little-known Tilda Swinton. This Virginia Woolf novel is given life as a lush, visually overflowing cascade through hundreds of years. Plot is secondary to the lavish buffet of images. If you haven't figured it out already, this is not a movie to see from videotape. Comes equipped with a great soundtrack which rolls wonderfully with the movie. Would go well (but might be overwhelming) with The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, And Her Lover or 'Dracula'
Orphans
A comedy woven with somewhat sad threads about 2 young teens holed up in a little house. They kidnap a businessman, but end up learning and growing much from the meeting. Not an immortal movie, yet still one with warm moments.
-P-
Paris, Texas
While reading my reviews of other films, it should be obvious that I'm a big fan of any story that begins cryptically and takes the entire film to unfold. This film, by veteran Wim Wenders, nearly meets that exact definition. The phenomenal Harry Dean Stanton plays the worn and weary Travis and starts us on our journey of discovery as we see him stumbling inexplicably through the desert. The film itself is stark, deliberate, and rich with inspiration. Perfectly accompanied by Ry Cooder's slide guitar. It doesn't beg to be a double feature with any of Wim's other films, although they all are recommended seeing. (Lisbon Story, Until the End of the World,Wings Of Desire, Faraway So Close, etc.)
Peter's Friends
Great movie revolving around the reunion of a British vaudville comedy troupe. Lots of character interactions as they rekindle their relationships. All star cast with Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, Rita Rudner, Tony Slattery, and Stephen Fry as Peter. Feels very much like (and has been likened to) 'The Big Chill'. Would make a good double feature with that, or just about any other Kenneth Branagh film. If you like Stephen Fry, check out his eloquent performance in Wilde.
Ponette
Ponette is a little four year old French girl who survives a car crash that killed her mother. The movie is all about her struggling to understand the absence of her mother. She tries talking to her, imagines that her mother continues to visit her, and even tries the made-up games her schoolyard friends insist will bring her back. It's a sadly poignant film, as the adults around her become exasperated with her persistant denial of what happened. I agree with other critics who disliked the weak ending of the film, but still think the children cast in the movie are phenomenal to watch. The little girl who plays Ponette is an achingly adorable child who flawlessly defines the movie, and easily deserves the "Best Actress" award she received from the Venice Film Festival. This is a somber melodrama so I'd encourage you to follow it with something lighter or fluffier. If you're feeling particularly melancholy, pair with Blue, which exactly counterparts this film as a mother dealing with the death of her husband and daughter in a car crash.
Poison
This could probably be rated as three seperate movies, since that's just what it is. But they work together to form a multifaceted view that just begs to be assigned a "compare and contrast" high school theme paper. Flipping between the movies is disconcerting as they seem to bear absolutely no common ground (unlike Jarmusch's medley plots) clear down to the cinematography and tempo. I won't try to read much into the movie, as it's intended for each viewer to reach their own conclusions or emotions, but will warn the narrow-minded that the film might leave them a little uncomfortable. Not really recommended as a date movie, unless you're both a little deep.
Powaqqatsi
After one gives up on trying to pronounce the name of this movie, one can settle in to enjoy the rich imagery it consists of. The intent of this movie is to evoke a feeling of "life out of balance", which is what the movie title means in the Hopi langauge. Like Baraka, this movie is a collage or sequence of scenes from around the world. But unlike Baraka, it lacks some of the grace and finesse that made the other movie so breathtaking. A few special effects are thrown in to the detriment of the overall impact. But it still leaves the viewer contemplative and not very talkative afterwards. And very glad they are not a copper miner.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Wonderful campy film of three transvestites traveling and performing across Australia. Lots of tackiness and certainly not for the homophobic at heart. The characters are realistic and capable of invoking your emotions, the plot is quick and nimble, and the rivalry and tension between the main characters is almost visible at times. Completely retro soundtrack of camp classics including Abba, Gloria Gaynor, and the Village People. This films pairs nicely with Muriel's Wedding for a double dose of Abba. ;)
Proof
Bright movie about a blind man who photographs the world around him. Other people must describe what he has photographed to prove to him that what he cannot see truly exists. Unfortunately, his gripping need for confirmation also becomes a weakness of trust. Able to evoke emotion, this is a very well done movie.
Prospero's Books
Director Peter Greenaway goes into overload again with this adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Tempest". Like his earlier movies The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover and Drowning By Numbers, Greenaway uses lush oversaturated visuals, panoramic panning scene changes, and blond young boys crooning falsetto tunes. But this film goes beyond even that with most of the characters (both foreground and the ever-present, ever-active background figures) appearing nude, superimposed photographs of various ancient manuscripts, and tie-ins between the dialogue (well, monologue) and the writings. A scholar very familiar with "The Tempest" might find meaning in this rendition, but the casual viewer can plan on being lost throughout.
-Q-
-R-
Red
(aka Trzy kolory: Czerwony) The final segment in Krzysztof Kiewslowski's trilogy (preceded by Blue and White) Perhaps the most rewarding episode in the series, this one deals around the idea of "Fraternity". It's about the unlikely bond that develops between a young model and a nearly lecherous, or at least apathetic, old judge. The film also does a fine job in weaving together several threads into a complete story. It ends up being a very touching and poignant film, and you get the added bonus that if you've watched the other films in the series, you'll recognize all the faces that appear in the final scene. So clearly, I encourage you to see them all, and in the proper order.
Remains Of The Day
Compelling drama about a outgoing housekeeper, Emma Thompson, and a stoic butler, Anthony Hopkins. Very tight and gripping, this story chronicles what is, and what might have been, their relationship. Impeccable acting which was able to evoke an emotional response. Would be appealing with Peter's Friends, Enchanted April, or Howards End
Reservoir Dogs
A glorious return to the days of the "gang" as a group of cons are assembled to perform a heist. Great acting and character interactions, but may not appeal to the squeamish. Addresses the issue of "honor among thieves"... Would make a slick duo with 'Pulp Fiction'.
Restoration
A host of Hollywood bigwigs almost precludes this film being considered here, but given the quality of the movie and the fact that it actually was played at the local art theater is my excuse for caving in. With the likes of Robert Downey Jr, Sam Neill, Meg Ryan, and Hugh Grant, one is lead to expect a flat lowest-common-denominator film. But it was a pleasant surprise to see such a robust and well-rounded film with the cast playing unexpected roles (well, Hugh Grant plays the stuttering dandy we're used to seeing..) Sort of a coming-of-age film, but for a screw-around (literally) doctor, rather than a teen, who goes from a carefree irresponsible life, to one tempered with loss and evolved into integrity.
Ridicule
Superb French movie about the intricacies of life in the King's court, including the malice, intrigue, and changing loyalties. The protagonist is a "water engineer", a common man seeking funds to drain some bogs in his hometown. But in order to gain audience with the King, he finds he must participate in the court's treacherous games of wit and ridicule. He finds himself adept at it, but discovers that playing can be costly. If you're up for several hours of fickle French diplomacy, see with Colonel Chabert.
Roadside Prophets
A romper road movie that follows the trail of a couple of kids ready for a change. Kinda whacked at times, but full of the unexpected, including cameo appearances by many recognizable faces. Would fit nicely with other movies of its genre, like Highway 61
Room With A View
A film everyone has heard of, and all film snobs are sure to have seen. Very British rendition of E.M.Forster's rather dry novel of the same name. It chronicles the attraction of a young English lady (the bewitching Helena Bonham Carter) to an intriguing gentleman encountered while touring Italy. Lucy must reconcile these feelings with her obligations to a rather drab fiancee. A very good match to see with either Enchanted April or Howard's End
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
Delightful mental twister that follows the antics of two lesser characters from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Originally written for a stage production, the movie adaptation retains much of the feel with static settings that undergo "scene changes". Throughout the movie, you never can quite figure out which is Rosencrantz and which is Guildenstern. Surprising role played by Richard Dreyfuss. Full of contortions, this must be seen with your favorite rendition of "Hamlet"
Ruby In Paradise
Ashley Judd plays a young woman making it on her own as a clerk in a tourist town. Very deliberate pace, and almost sad in its emptiness, emphasized by the lull outside of tourist season. Strong character development as Ashley becomes involved in relationships and reaches decisions about what's important to her. See this movie, then go have a nice coffee drink or herbal tea and mull it over. Good introspective food for thought.
-S-
Safe
Every now and then someone in Hollywood will come up with a movie idea, a decent budget, a familiar face for a lead character, and *still* have a movie that defies easy classification. I was impressed with how this movie developed at a deliberate pace, evoking a stark minimalist feeling despite the fact that the lead family was wealthy and lived in a luxury home. Long lapses of silence enhance the somber mood and the subject matter, the invisible pollution we are immersed in, left me wary and pensive for hours afterward. The movie's biggest weakness, however is an anti-climactic and somewhat predictable ending.
Santa Sangre
A macabre and surreal film that toys with you further by having parts of the movie programmed as a flashback from the present time. I could see David Lynch having a part in this if it weren't for the fact that this is a Mexican film. It centers around a circus family with extreme religious convictions. The father severs the arms of his wife and kills himself. Now armless, the mother turns to her son and takes control of his life, including his control of his arms. Trust me, it's even weirder than it sounds. But reading these reviews, you quickly see that I like weird, so I'll recommend this movie anyway. The only film I can think of to match it with is Cabeza de Vaca. A stretch, but close enough..
The Shawshank Redemption
Another movie that borders on not qualifying for this list, but so well done, I wanted to include it because it deserves it. Centered on the lives of prison inmates, this film is about the sentence of Andrew Dufresne, played superbly by Tim Robbins. Morgan Freeman takes on the role of both narrator and big brother to Andy. I was concerned with reports of how sad this film is, but did not concur with them. Full of wit and tongue-in-cheek drama, you appreciate the genius of both the writer and the character of Andy. And this really is a movie about redemption...
Shine
Widely known thanks to its 7 Oscar nominations, including capturing the Best Actor category for Geoffrey Rush's amazing performance. Based on the true (although slightly embellished) story of David Helfgott, a piano prodigy verging into idiot savant territory. Also features Noah Taylor (of The Year My Voice Broke and Flirting) in a strong portrayal of the young, eccentric David. Well acted throughout, and a compelling story to boot. Follow with Tous Les Matins du Monde for a double feature of musical prodigies.
Sirens
Wouldn't ordinarily qualify given that it stars Hugh Grant, Sam Neill, and Elle McPherson (in her acting debut), but since it's a John Duigan movie, I'm cutting it some slack. Duigan is the director of the great films The Year My Voice Broke, Flirting, and Lawn Dogs so he's allowed the occasional Hollywood foray. It's a slightly contrived plot designed to put the prudish Grant, playing a minister, at the remote estate of an eccentric and controversial painter, played by Neill. Grant is further tormented by his wife who, exposed to this new liberating environment, comes out of her shell and becomes quite saucy herself. Cute, kinda funny, quite a bit of nudity all around, and just a tinge too Hollywood for me.
Six Degrees Of Seperation
This film is based on a play by John Guare and still holds many of the same traits: long, verbose soliloquies and dialogues, crisp repartee, and almost incidental scene changes. But other than the slightly unnatural feel this imparts, the story itself is excellent. It is the story of a wealthy art-dealing couple who have their lives altered by a chance(?) encounter with a very literate, but wounded, young black man, played by Will Smith in one of his movie debuts. As the story unfolds they begin to find themselves liking this clever lad until they discover that things have not been what they seemed. Well acted, and full of the unexpected plot twists that I crave, I'd pair this movie with Olivier Olivier for a doubleshot of questionable identities or with Metropolitan for more upper-crust banter and wit.
Six String Samurai
Hmmm.. Well, mix equal parts of El Mariachi and The Leningrad Cowboys go America and then have it set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland a la 'Mad Max' or 'A Boy and His Dog', and you might be in the ballpark of this film. I'll give it credit for being completely fresh and original, but some might find the campiness a little much. This is the low-budget debut of director Lance Mungia and like El Mariachi did for Robbie Rodriguez, it shows a lot of promise for future films. This one is the wacky adventures of Buddy, a rock'n'roll samurai (hence the title) trying to get to Vegas despite scads of perils and contenders in his way. Has a wonderful acting cameo by the Red Elvises ("Kick Ass Rock'N'Roll From Siberia") who also provide much of the sassy soundtrack. This flick is stylish, fun, and sure to elicit at least a grin out of the most stodgy viewer.
Slacker
Okay, another movie with personal attachment for me. I know several of the people in the movie as I was living in Austin during its filming. If you're not familiar with the movie, it is a stream-of-consciousness concept that begins with a kid arriving at a bus station and passes along to the people he interacts with. I.e., no plot whatsoever. But the movie is rich in character as you are handed from person to person, most catering to a slacker lifestyle or mentality. A crisp view of a culture overlooked (or merely mocked) in mainstream media, you gape as you listen to the profound thoughts that go through the heads of the actors (at least, we're assuming they're only acting). Also a must see for viewers in the Austin area who want to see how many landmarks and local hangouts they recognize. Richard Linklater follows this movie with the more commercialized but similarly themed 'Dazed and Confused' Both make for great viewing, 'specially for those in the (pardon my cliche) "Generation X" crowd. Or you can shuffle Austin in with Portland for a double shot (pun intended) of indies by following with Drinking Games.
Smilla's Sense of Snow
Borderline qualifier for my list, but both decent and obscure enough to mention here. Set in Denmark, Sweden, and Greenland, it's about Smilla, a former eskimo now living in Copenhagen. A young boy neighbor does under mysterious circumstances and she feels she must investigate. It feels somewhat like the X-Files meets The Pelican Brief, but set up in Scandinavia. The action scenes actually detract from the movie, with some obligatory Things Blowing Up, but may make the movie more palatable for the non-artsy viewer. Richard Harris is almost unnecessary as the stereotypical sophisticated-yet-menacing bad guy.
Smoke
Harvey Keitel shows his versatility in a dead-on role as Auggie, a cigar shop owner. Along with no-namers like William Hurt, Ashley Judd, Stockard Channing, Forest Whitaker, and several others, this Wayne Wang film explores several subplots and character interactions. This film is absorbing and creative, and had me wrapped up in the multiple fables. I'm just relieved I didn't have to see Harvey Keitel naked again. ;) This film spawned another star-studded followup called Blue In The Face' with even more actors we've never heard of: (Madonna, Michael J. Fox, Lou Reed, Roseanne Barr, etc.) I recommend seeing them back to back.
Solaris
Something like a Russian precursor to 2001. Meant as an epic, but slightly hampered by poor special effects, and confusing scene transitions. Good food for thought, and impressive given the environment it was filmed in (Russia, 1972).
Sonatine
If Fireworks was 'John Woo meets Bad Lieutenant' then this must be 'John Woo meets Reservoir Dogs'. "Beat" Takeshi Kitano plays nearly the same utterly deadpan thug, though this time he's working for a money-laundering mafia, and actually cracks a smile a few times in this movie. Following the movie is a little challenging as we watch a gang of guys who are sitting around killing time while some sort of diplomatic agreement is being discussed with a rival gang. It's a lot of very stagnant scenes of extremely bored guys interspersed with comical attempts to amuse themselves along with some graphically violent encounters that are so emotionless it's eerie. Be prepared for the movie to drag at times, but the sumo wrestling scene is priceless and nearly saves the film.
The Starmaker
(aka L'Uomo delle stelle) Another film by the director of Cinema Paradiso and almost as touching. We are again transported to an Italy of long ago, but this time we watch the work of a talent scout traversing the country in his rickety truck. The people he films spill their hearts and souls trying to escape the lives they lead or use the opportunity as a soapbox from which to spread their own message. It features several of the same actors as Cinema Paradiso and is another glimpse into the interplay of trust, guile, and preconceptions. Although ultimately a drama, the film has many humorous and darkly ironic moments, and will elicit a few chuckles along the way.
Stranger Than Paradise
Early work of Jim Jarmusch, filmed in B&W for a film noir effect. Very deadpan, and ponderous in stark cinematography. Jim gets bonus points for having Screamin' Jay Hawkins sing in this film and appear in Mystery Train. The movie drags at a few points, and should be viewed only after seeing his more intelligent, newer movies.
Strangers In Good Company
Very warm yet low-key movie about a busfull of mostly older women who are stranded when the bus breaks down. Like Eating, it dwells mostly on character interactions, and relationships of younger and older women. Sort of like a reverse coming-of-age movie, it has many shining moments and a happy ending.
Strictly Ballroom
Wacky romp about two backwater ballroom dancers struggling to make it to the Australian Pan Pacific Championships. Scott Hastings, our lithe protagonist is unwilling to conform to "traditional" dancing style and insists on exploring his "way" of dancing, to the complete disapproval of his partner and trainers. Scott resorts to an awkward novice to have someone to dance with. Although parallels to 'Dirty Dancing' could be made, the irreverence in this movie elevates it to a dizzy farce, full of bigger-than-life characters. Enjoyable even if you don't like ballroom dancing..
The Sweet Hereafter
Maybe I didn't devote enough attention while watching this film, but it didn't captivate me the way it seems to have done for other people. It's about a lawyer investigating the mysterious crash of a schoolbus that killed nearly every child onboard. Although troubled by his own demons, I couldn't fight the kneejerk reaction of revile everytime he launched into his pious oh-so-humble justification of why he's pursuing the case. But lawyer-bashing aside, Ian Holm does a predictably good performance that's earned him critical acclaim in many films both on and off this list. Plus it's got serene cinematography and nice literary parallelism to the 'The Pied Piper of Hamlin' which is read and quoted by the one of the survivors. The film shares a feeling with Lone Star which also deals with a gradual revealing of surprising details and hidden connections as the mystery is unraveled. But like the cold, frigid setting of the movie, I was never absorbed into and warmed by the storyline. Pair with 'The Ice Storm' to complete the hollow, chilly, empty sensation... or *anything* cheerful to dispel it.

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