Small but Mighty
Annotation:This one surprised me. I didn't have high hopes for it as I think Helen Hunt is a terrible actress. Luckily the film transcends her poor acting abilities which in this case includes going in and out of a bad accent. Forget Helen - John Hawkes delivers a tender, charming, witty performance that makes the film. I didn't even realize until the credits rolled that this is the same actor who played evil so well in Winter's Bone and Martha Marcy May Marlene. He's wonderful in this wonderful little film. One of the best of 2012 along with Moonrise Kingdom and Take this Waltz.
Annotation:Writer/Director Whit Stillman is an acquired taste and like many delicious things, worth the effort. I recently rewatched Last Days of Disco after seeing his lastest film Damsels in Distress. I love this film! Chloe Sevigny dancing to disco is a pure joy to behold. I love the dialogue. I love the soundtrack. This film makes me happy. Don't miss the extras which include audio of Whit reading from the Last Days of Disco book - even better than the movie. Next up Barcelona!
Annotation:A visually beautiful and emotionally rich film about desire and the ubiquitous void. Poetic. One of my favorite films of 2012.
Annotation:This film is written, directed and stars Lena Dunham, the auteur behind the hit TV show Girls. Whether intentional or not her work is simultaneously simple, complex, provocative and infuriating. She's interesting! (Make sure to check out the extras on this DVD which include an interview between Dunham and the late Nora Ephron.) .
Annotation:This is a challenging yet worthwhile film. The pace is slow and the tone is heavy - it is called Melancholia after all. It is a psychological character study and it is not heavily plot-driven. A lot does "happen" to the characters internally and that journey is what makes this film interesting. I also did find the plot compelling but it does build slowly and requires work from the audience. It's not relaxing, escapist entertainment (which we all need at times) but rather an intense, provocative work of art.
Annotation:I love this film and have returned to it many times. It is a mature and subtle romantic drama based on a novella by Steve Martin. He stars in the film along with Clare Danes and Jason Schwartzman. It is a funny and sad story about love and the varying degrees to which people are emotionally available. Martin is wonderful in an uncharacteristically serious role and the other two leads are great as well.
Annotation:Released in 1981 this very funny, little film stands the test of time. I found it to be charming and sweet without being sacchrine. It reminded me of Napolean Dynamite. It's quirky and fun and just really delightful. Highly recommended!
Annotation:This is a very good film about two female best friends growing up in the 1970s and 80s. It depicts the evolution of their relationship over time as well as their individual transformations. Made in 2001 it features a wonderful performance by Michelle Williams.
Annotation:This is one of my favorite films of the last five, maybe even ten years. It is directed by famed fashion designer Tom Ford. Think what you will about the fashion industry but there's no denying that Ford is a deep, introspective artist. He brings his talents to this, his first film and it is exquisite both in style and substance. It is deep and poignant and has stayed with me long after viewing.
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Small isn't always bad. Just ask Jonathan Ames. He has micropenisia and he likes to talk about it so much he invented a word for it. Who is Jonathan Ames you ask? Who are you? Who am I? No matter. Here are some independent films I like and I hope you do too.
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