-F-
Far Away, So Close
Not to be confused with the Tom Cruise raceway flick 'Far and Away', this is the sequel to Wim Wender's Wings Of Desire. In that movie, an angel decided to shed his wings because he was in love with the human he guarded. In this one, he is joined by another angel, who becomes human to spare the life of a young girl. This one is more cryptic, and perhaps even slightly campy with appearances by Lou Reed, Willem Dafoe, Peter Falk, and even Mikhail Gorbachev. It also smacks a little more of a "foreign" movie, rather than an "art" movie, with some almost slapstick scenes tossed in. But it is still a worthy succesor to 'Wings', and the only complaint I can lodge is that it was too fleeting in the theaters, only getting a week or two showing in Texas. I was able to finally see it due to the amazing luck of running across a video copy in a hostel in Oregon. Go figure. In any case, it clearly needs to be seen following Wings of Desire
Fargo
The Coen brothers are back and this time, they've made a doozy, don'cha know? This improbable movie is about a pregnant cop investigating the antics of two hit-men, hired by an incompetant car salesman to bump off his wife. Set in the frozen tundra of North Dakota, the movie is a real hoot with outrageous accents and hyperbolic characters. A little graphic in places, but ultra-wry, I enjoyed this movie thoroughly. The cop, Frances McDormand, won the Oscar for 'Best Actress' as the smart-as-a-whip "Marge". Also has Steve Buscemi as one of the hit-men, another plus in my book.
The Favor, The Watch, and the Very Big Fish
Quirky, whimsical, only slighty commercial comedy far enough off the beaten path for a worthy mention. Bob Hoskins is a photographer of religious images, and finds Jeff Goldblum as the ideal model for Jesus. Vladmir Cosma (of Diva fame) provides the music in this eccentric cheerful movie. See with The Cook, the Thief, his Wife, and her Lover for an impossible mouthful of movie titles. ;^)
Fireworks
This Japanese film (also known as Hana-bi) is a very interest hybrid of a movie. It's based on a John Woo-like scenario: Two rugged cops, getting jaded after years of duty, fall on hard times. For one it's a shooting that leaves him wheelchair-bound, keeping him from doing anything but some simple art. For the other, it's a wife with a terminal illness and a mobster who's after him because of some borrowed money. The later cop is played by Takeshi Kitano, who also directed the film. His character is something like a mild Harvey Keitel from Bad Lieutenant, although nowhere near as malicious. The filmography is rather unique here... Much of the film is very ponderous and static. But we are given cryptic glimpses of past events, usually graphic gunfights. In addition, every so often, the film is interrupted to linger on a piece of art, apparently drawn by the crippled cop. The final package is frustrating at times, but wrought with enough humor to sustain the viewer. Not recommended as a date movie due to the dragging on and some melancholia. Check out the description of another of Takeshi's films, Sonatine, if you liked (or almost liked) this one.
Flirting
The apparent sequel to The Year My Voice Broke with the same lead character, this time attending a boys-only private school across a lake from the girls school. He is again misunderstood by most, yet years older than his age. Very good movie, although not what might be expected based on the advertising of the movie.
The Flower of My Secret
(aka La Flor de mi Secreto, Spanish) One of Almodovar's newer films (following Tie Me Up!, Tie Me Down!, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, 'Law Of Desire', and so on..., and succeeded by Live Flesh), this one is also somewhat tamer from his usually ribald plots. It's about an author who is troubled by a crumbling relationship with her husband and her unhappiness with the stories she's been writing. In an effort to get a grip on things she tries to make some changes in her life and discovers comfort in the company of a jovial newspaper editor. Many of the faces are familiar as leads or supporting cast from other Almodovar films, but although it's cut with some wry humor, this one is definitely more melodramatic than his earlier films. But you do learn some useful facts about organ donation from it. ;) If you're having an Almodovar night, follow with a kookier film to end on a high note.
Four Rooms
This movie has a huge list of big names in it, but is so off-the-wall that it deserves to be included here. In the vein of Torch Song Trilogy or Mystery Train, this film consists of four different stories that take place in the same hotel under the care of a lone bellhop, played skillfully by Tim Roth. All the antics are way overboard, almost to the farce threshold, but combine for a wild romp that is fun even if it isn't believable. Tim frets and freaks through it all with marvelously pained expressions. Bonus points if you can identify the tv show the little kids are watching. (HINT: Tim even refers to the kids as "hooligans") Given the hotel setting, this film could be followed with Mystery Train or make it a Tim Roth double-feature with Reservoir Dogs, Vincent & Theo, or Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.
Freeze-Die-Come to Life
This Russian film reveals the hardships of life in a mining town in Sibera following World War II. Looking more like a concentration camp, the town is dreary and inhospitable. We watch a young boy, Valerka, struggling with bullies, a harsh school system, and a prostitute mother who frequently locks him out of the house (really just a single room in a rundown building) His only friend is a bright girl named Galiya, who always seems to understand what it going on better than anyone else. The film explores their bond as they try to take care of themselves in this harsh environment. As the chilling setting becomes somewhat depressing, I'd pair this with something brighter to dispell the gloom.
Fresas y Chocolate
I like it when I underestimate a movie. I was skeptical after reading the description blurb of this movie and concerned that Robert Redford's name even appeared on the credits. But I was pleasantly wrong. This film is based on the eclectic relationship that develops between a narrow-minded young Communist man, an intellectual gay artist, his suicidal neighbor, and a blue refridgerator named Rocco. Set in 1979 Cuba, the young and idealistic David is loyal to his rigid Communist regime until he meets the charming and flirtatious Diego who both intrigues and repulses him. Much of the dialogue and plot centers around political issues and the future of Cuba. It's amazing this movie was even able to be produced, given Cuba's low threshold for anti-communist sentiment. The story will make you smile and giggle at all the right times and should be enjoyable even for the homophobic. Spanish with subtitles and given the name "Strawberries And Chocolate" in the US market.
-G-
God of Gamblers
After seeing this, I was surprised at how atypical this was for a John Woo movie. But once I later found out that it was directed by Jing Wong instead, it made much more sense. :) The resemblence is there in that Chow Yun Fat is again our protagonist, but this time he's the ever-confident and unbeatable God of Gambling. He smiles and charms his way around the bad guys sort of like a Chinese James Bond. Unlike a Woo movie, though, this one relies much more on slapstick and less on mindblowing gunfights (though there is one encounter that will satisfy the Woo-philes) I got my share of giggles and chuckles during the movie but felt the overall experience was hampered by a cheesy and poorly recorded soundtrack often detracted from the scenes. Given the tame action, this should be followed rather than preceded) by a Woo gunfest like The Killer or Hard Boiled.
God of Killers
(aka Woo yuet dik goo si and The Story of Woo Viet) One of Chow Yun-Fat's first films (dating back to 1981). The film is seriously dated, from the attire, to music, and even acting style. There are some muddled fight scenes, but nothing rivaling his newer films like The Killer or Hard Boiled.. It's interesting as a look at Chow's early roots, but feels more like a 3 a.m. cable tv rerun than I'd usually subject someone to... Save his oldest stuff for last and start with either of the films just mentioned.
Gray's Anatomy
Spalding Gray is, for the most part, a storyteller. His stories, while often very funny, are some deep explorations of himself and the world around him. He's also rather neurotic. This film deals with his realization that he was losing the sight in one of his eyes. It's delivered as a sit-down monologue, albiet with some interesting stage lighting and scene transitions, but a monologue nonetheless. Director Steve Soderbergh spliced in scads of interviews of real (?) people who had also had nearly blinding experiences, which leads almost to a "Roger & Me"-like feel. Gray describes his frantic search for a cure which leads him to many faith-, holistic-, and mystical healers around the globe. Very thought-provoking and raises many interesting comments on how we all deal with such fears.
-H-
Happiness
While 'There's Something About Mary' appealled to the toilet humor more suited to the Howard Stern-type crowd, this film succeeds in being disturbing and intellectual at the same time. The film has many recognizable faces in it, but it's so eccentric that it should deserve a place of honor on this list on that basis alone. It's something like a cross between Kids In The Hall: Brain Candy and Todd Solondz's prior film Welcome to the Dollhouse and is the movie that 'There's Something About Mary' wishes it could have been. It's a little graphic at times, stinging our sensibilities in quite a few different ways, but although it toes the line, it never got to the point of being gratuitous. In fact, there's very little actual nudity in this one, just many uncomfortable or implied scenes smoothed over by hilarious story lines. It's so easy to believe in most of the characters.. they're the people we know are out there, but we hope we never have to meet. Clearly not a date movie, but a superb movie for those times when you want something different. Everyone has secrets but no one has the secret to Happiness...
Hard-Boiled
It's sad that dubbing a movie in English will turn even an epic action thriller into a something that feels like a Kung-Fu matinee flick. Hard Boiled is not a Kung-Fu b-movie, but rather an intense, aggressive, dynamic action film with all the firepower of its John Woo predecessor The Killer but with more melancholy overtones. Again we see the motif of a cop deciding that to be a comrade in arms can be tantamount to being a friend. The movie at times can be a little confusing with seemingly everyone shooting at everyone else. Toss in double/triple agents and you might as well just settle back and enjoy the action. Given the choice, avoid the dubbed version in favor of the subtitled one.
Henry and June
Over-sensationalized movie that just happens to feature a lesbian liason. Probably does not deserve the gasps and whispering that occured when the movie was first released. Very good movie, just not the 'steamy erotic fantasy' many might think it is.
Henry V
Epic style movie, based, obviously on Henry the Fifth. Kevin Branagh gets to retreat into his Shakesphearian background for this. Might make a good double feature with either Cyrano for an epic fest, or with Much Ado About Nothing as a double dose of Shakespeare. Take your pick.
Highway 61
Quirky narrative of a clueless Canadian boy and a chaotic stranger to town, who coaxes him into a journey down into the States. She becomes a little grating, and you can't help but feel sorry for the kid as he gets dragged from place to surreal place. Extra credit awarded for the Galaxie 500 they drive. Ideal for a double feature with Leningrad Cowboys...
Household Saints
A butcher wins the hand (but not the heart) of a woman by winning a Pinnochle game. The movies traces their relationship (and lack of one) as he tries to get her to love him and she tries to surrender herself to her Catholocism. The movie gets mired in some pointless scenes but is otherwise an interesting deviation from typical bland stories. It might go well with Jesus of Montreal for another film of normal people becoming holy.
Howard's End
Classic British tale a la Room With A View (in fact with many of the same castmembers). I should probably see this one again, but can readily recommend it, perhaps as a double bill with Room With A View or Enchanted April.
-I-
The Icicle Thief
Another movie that uses both B&W and color footage. A whimsical and occasionally slap-stick escapade that weaves through several fictitous television shows, with the lead character playing several roles. A little clichéd at times, it still pioneers some great humor in addition to simultaneous satire of tv, movies, and commercials. Peter Sellers would have approved...
Iron Man
Low budget Japanese cult classic. Kinda like 'the Fly' except involving metal rather than an insect. Campy at times, bewildering at others, but bizarre through and through. May be a little graphic for some.. Sort of like a black and white rendition of Akira in some scenes, though not as futuristic. Good B-movie potential. I'd love to see MST3000 do this one.
I've Heard The Mermaids Singing
Somewhat sad chronicle of an awkward woman trying to make things work out for herself... but nothing ever goes right for her. Very slow deliberate development in the movie, which doesn't leave long lasting impressions.
-J-
Jamon Jamon
Ahhh! I love a movie plot on par with Shakespeare. This wild tale begins with the search for a model for men's underwear, and leads to a bizarrely intertwined Mother-Father-Daughter-Son-Model-Other Mother passion struggle. Delightful to watch it ravel and unravel.. Set in Spain with English subtitles, this would be a great companion for Belle Epoque, Like Water For Chocolate, or most Almodovar films.
Jane Eyre
Due to my technical bent in college, I never had an English Lit class, thus I have never read Jane Eyre. So my critique of the movie bears no connection with how the book is written. The story essentially takes place in two parts: Jane Eyre as a young child, then as a young woman. Anna Paquin does a fine job as the younger Jane, but Charlotte Gainsbourg spent most of the time looking like a sullen Ferris Bueller. William Hurt, normally a favorite actor of mine, makes a poor attempt at an English accent. Fortunately the acting gets a helping hand from a strong storyline, and the ever-impeccable Joan Plowright and John Wood. Peg this one a little lower on the list of English classics to see on film.
Jean de Florette
The first of a two-part series about 2 greedy French farmers who contrive to acquire their neighbor's land. Unfortunately, their schemes go a little too far, resulting in wrecking the neighbor's family. Very enthralling movie, with Gerard Depardieau as the well-meaning neighbor. Humor, drama, and bits of suspence and romance tossed in. Obviously meant to be seen with the sequel, Manon du Sources, which was a much more aggravating movie for me.
Jesus of Montreal
The touching tale of a group of Canadian actors determined to perform a realistic passion story, but end up getting somewhat carried away with where the acting ends and reality begins. Can be paired nicely with The Favor, The Watch, and the Very Big Fish for a pseudo-Jesus doubleshot.
Johnny Steccino
Impressive Italian comedy starring Roberto Benigni in both leading roles. (Roberto also did a fantastic job playing one of the taxi drivers in Night On Earth) Hilarious hijinx as an unwitting (but endearing) goofball is recruited to act as a decoy for a wanted gangster. Some of the usual "twins" cliches are used, but there are a few scenes that shine. Roberto has also gone on to do a recent Pink Panther movie.
Ju Dou
A visually lush movie, with a melodramatic plot, and emotive acting. We watch the (3rd) wife of a cruel dye-shop owner suffer under his brutal treatment. She finds solace in a covert affair with his nephew, by whom she becomes pregnant. The tensions and animosities reach critical levels after this. You can't help but feel sorry for the characters, due in part to superb acting on all counts. Best seen when in the mood for a melancholy film. Follow with a funny film for comic relief.
-K-
Kids In The Hall: Brain Candy
I've always kinda felt that the Kids In The Hall picked up the mantle of the Monty Python legacy. Lots of similarities are there: Skit-oriented presentations, off-the-wall silliness meets intellectual spoofing, and guys who seem just as comfortable in women's clothing. This is a good thing as we needed something to fill that void. Brain Candy seems to fall somewhere between 'The Meaning Of Life' and 'Brazil'. The premise behind the story is that a well-meaning scientist invents a pill that cures depression by reviving the happiest memories of the afflicted. But this is too much too fast for the world to deal with. Witty, campy, and chock full of hyperbolic characters, this flick should satiate the loyal Python or Kids in the Hall Fan. It is almost certain to frustrate everyone else.
The Killer
Incredible shoot-em-up from John Woo. This movie makes Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, and Arnold Schwartzenegger seem like boy scouts with BB guns. I think there are more rounds of ammo fired in this movie than the entire Rambo series. But the best part of the movie is now natural the main character survives scene after scene of combat mayhem. It is almost a parady of legitimate action movies, but still one that leaves you gaping through the whole film. A definitely recommended thriller when a melodrama sounds lame. I think this is also one of the first movies to use the dual gunpoint stalemate which seems horribly popular these days... Follow with Hard-Boiled for a powerhouse two-fer with Chow Yun Fat again being the "hero". If your first exposure to Chow is from 'The Replacement Killers', you definitely want to check out these older movies of his.
The Kingdom
(aka Riget) This "film" is actually a compilation of a Danish television miniseries. This helps to explain why it clocks in at over four hours. It's a very interesting and captivating ride, approximating something like what might have happened if David Lynch had written 'Twin Peaks' to take place on the set of 'E.R.' It's a wickedly spooky hospital thriller full of all the expected hauntings and drama. Like a Lynch movie, many of the characters are very hyperbolic, and even features a woman who looks much like the Log Lady, sans glasses. About the only thing that truly blew my mind is how the movie ends practically in the middle of a scene! We've spent four hours enthralled with the various subplots and interactions, then just as it's coming to a head, they roll the credits! Fortunately, the story continues in Kingdom II so you don't really miss anything. I'm not going to suggest you watch them back to back because together they clock in at over 9 hours. C'mon, get a life!
The Kingdom II
(aka Riget 2) Okay, we're now over 9 hours into this megastory, and in true 'Twin Peaks' fashion, for every puzzle that is solved, two more are created. Kingdom II picks up right where Kingdom left off, and is filled with just as many macabre and silly scenes as before. And I'm still hooked. So now I have to patiently wait for the next one, although it's likely to take a few years. Although the theater claimed you don't need to see the first part to watch this one, I'd disagree. The first one set up all the characters and their relationships. And since it's really just a continuation of the same storylines, you probably want to watch them from the beginning. Just make sure you have a comfortable seat and something with caffeine.
Kiss Me Guido
A borderline art-house film, but with a sufficiently original execution and such a hoot of a movie on top of that, that I'm going to include it here. Frankie, a Sicilian-New Yorker down on his luck and ready to change his life, mistakenly assumes the classified he responds to is seeking a "Guy With Money", his interpretation of "GWM". He is of course in for a rude shock, and the maelstrom gets even kookier as his supremely macho brother gets spun into the fray as well. Lots of clever character interplay throughout this film makes it a real charmer. It's like Metropolitan with less intellectualizing but with a lot more laughs mixed in.
Kiss or Kill
Choppy and clumsy, with an unnecessarily violent storyline. A young couple of petty thieves get carried away with a simple heist and end up on a "Thelma and Louise"-like spree across Australia. Maybe this is supposed to be a realistic depiction of fugitive criminals, but the film was too callous in both story and presentation for me to enjoy it much. Several of the characters acted in completely nonsensical (or at least unrealistic) ways, which detracted further from the film. You may be able to squeeze a little more richness from this film than I did, but I was left relieved when the credits finally rolled.
Kolya
A touching Czech film, with a plot consisting of a blend between 'Green Card' (in which a fake marriage is planned for citizenship reasons) and 'Little Miss Marker' (The old Walter Matthau movie in which a gambler ends up with a little girl and must learn to care for her). In this outing, Franta is a cellist who manages to be quite the playboy, despite being in debt. When he is offered the chance to earn some money by helping a Russian woman gain Czech citiizenship, he does so, only to later find himself stuck with her young boy. Like many European movies, there is some political sentiment in this, which can be lost if you do not understand the social mix in Eastern Europe. Bears some similarity to When Father Was Away On Business but not enough to suggest they should be seen together.
-L-
La Femme Nikita
Sort of like Remo Williams, except French, and a female. Very dynamic story of a woman taken into training as a special agent, complete with martial arts and weaponry skills. High energy well done movie with almost a Bond flavor. Far better than the American ripoff version.
Last Days of Disco
This latest film from Whit Stillman, who brought us the witty Barcelona and Metropolitan, tries to use the same formula, but only manages lukewarm success. You'll recognize several of the faces in this movie (in fact, they even make references to the other movies, as one of the characters muses about going to Spain) and they do a good job affecting the same mannerisms and humor, but despite a few charming quips, this film just felt limp to me. For the retro music buff, the film does feature a rich dose of disco, thankfully devoid of the overplayed clichéd tracks you usually hear. If you're interested in this edition, I'd of course encourage you to see it along with the other films. For the first timer, I'd start with one of the other ones first.
Last Tango In Paris
Bernardo Bertolucci dances around the edges of mainstream cinema, with eclectic films such as 'Stealing Beauty', Little Buddha, 'The Last Emperor', and this one, along with a dozen others. In 'Last Tango', we see Marlon Brando as a rough and tumble hotel manager in Paris, who engages in a tryst with a young French girl while the suicide of his wife in investigated. It's rather graphic and erotic, particularly for its age (1972), and will still probably raise a couple of eyebrows. It retains some of the flavor of the Blue, White and Red series, and I couldn't help but be reminded of several scenes from Bitter Moon. This is probably required viewing for anyone who wants to be versed in classic art films, so be sure to see it eventually. Just don't use it for a date movie... :)
Lawn Dogs
Another interesting study of social stratification from John Duigan (Director of other faves like The Year My Voice Broke and Flirting). Devon is a belligerent little girl in a rich neighborhood who befriends Trent, a lowly lawn-mowing redneck. Trent plays a rare "anti-villian": considered to be a bad guy by all the other characters, but is really one of the few genuinely sincere, likeable personas. Several of the side characters are one-dimensional, but Devon and Trent are deep and different. Spiced up with a touch of magic to lend a fairy-tale feel, it can be a profoundly touching story, one that, for us, fueled many long conversations about stereotypes, classes, and the myth of fingerprints (a Paul Simon song that explores the same concept).
The Leningrad Cowboys go America
Warped movie. Very weird story of a Finnish rock band (The Leningrad Cowboys) who are hired to play a gig in Mexico. Their journey takes them all across the eastern US from New York down to Mexico. They are pursued by the village idiot who wants to come along. Supposedly has sequel 'The Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses', which I haven't seen. Would make interesting travelogue with Highway 61 or match with Six-String Samurai for a campy rock'n'roll duo.
Les Misérables
One of many renditions of Victor Hugo's famous novel set during the French Revolution, this movie casts Liam Neeson as the stoic Valjean, against Geoffrey Rush (more well known for his great role in Shine) as the fanatical Javert. The story is the same: A study of the differences in honor, Valjean as a reformed criminal who personifies compassion and forgiveness, and Javert, sworn to the letter of the law and unrelenting in his adherence to it. Neeson and Rush each overplay the roles, but not to the point of detracting from the movie. Claire Danes and Uma Thurman round out the other main characters in a fairly straightforward fashion. Compare the scene of the wealthy Liam Neeson walking up a staircase to oversee his factory of peasants to 'Schindler's List' where he, well.. walks up a staircase to oversee his factory of peasants. Deja vu?
Life Is Cheap but Toilet Paper is Expensive
Little known movie about an unexpected tangling of a young man with a powerful gang lord. A few memorable scenes (albeit tacky) but only average movie overall.
Life Is Sweet
Should have been called Life Is Bittersweet, because this movie did not leave me satisfied. Very hard to get into the characters other than the daughter who chants "Bullocks" all the time. Other than that, there is little memorable about the movie.
Like Water For Chocolate
Yet another movie about food (I must see these subconsciously) Nice overall, some very funny scenes. Sort of like the interplay of food and religion in family life. I hold a personal grudge with this movie since the local theatre held it for something like 6 or 7 months, thereby preventing other movies from being shown.
The Linguini Incident
Very clever movie featuring David Bowie as a waiter with a horrible gambling debt, and his schemes to get the money back. Marlie Matlin plays a cynical cashier, Rosanne Arquette plays Bowie's Houdini- worshipping accomplice. Great whimsical flick, with wry wit and spicy humor.
Liquid Sky
While this is supposed to be a cult classic, I found it exceedingly lame through most of the film. Very cheesy special effects, a bewildering setting and plot, and a forgettable electronic soundtrack. Toss this in with Dr Caligari and Eraserhead for things to see under the influence (of something strong).
Lisbon Story
(aka Lisbonne Story) Wim Wenders recycles many of the themes he established in Until the End of the World: Driving all over Europe, searching for a missing (or fleeing) person, using recording devices to capture unconscious meaning, etc... It's a decent film, and full of cute bits, but feels surprisingly dated, given that it's newer than both Until the End of the World and Faraway So Close, probably due to the cinematography. It ends somewhat predictably, but up until then we get to dwell in the intriguing and entertaining twilight between slapstick and thought-provoking social commentary.
Little Buddha
I was a little less impressed with this movie than were the people I saw it with. I've also read of some serious injustices done to the extras who participated in this movie. But it features some impressive special effects, and Keanu Reeves almost pulls the accent off... I said *almost*. But it gets bonus points for being set partly in Seattle.
Live Flesh
(aka Carne trémula) Pedro Almodovar appears thoughout my movie pages and I tend to ensure I don't miss a movie of his. This one easily exceeds his par with a slick convoluted tale of a young man who accidently shoots (or at least gets blamed for) the wounding of a police officer. Almodovar weaves some clever twists into this one and serves up an almost Shakespearian story of love, revenge, and irony. For a neat double shot of lovesick revenge, also be sure to check out White.
Lone Star
Most movies include some sort of "flashback" scene. But rarely does a movie integrate today and yesteryear well. Lone Star is quite the exception. Past and present pirouette seamlessly while we follow sheriff Sam Deeds as he tries to uncover the truth about his father, a search that turns up more than he expects. Chock full of expert twists and turns, the movie is a gem that leaves you with that "wow" glazed expression.
Lost Highway
I haven't been inclined to put many David Lynch movies in here since most of them are relatively mainstream, just very very weird. Well, 'Lost Highway' hung a left turn at Albuquerque and never looked back. Lynch digs deep into his bag of tricks again and tosses more bizarreness at us. He's playing with the volume (I think I nearly woke my neighbors up at one point when the movie got unexpectly loud. Be warned.) He's playing with the characters: Bill Pullman morphs into another character for half the movie and Patricia Arquette plays two different women who really aren't. And he's playing with our heads with spooky video footage, and a "mystery man" who pops up all over. To prove my point, The IMDb lists this movie with the following keywords: Mystery, jail, jealousy, lesbian-scene, insanity, murder, time, sexuality, psychological, surreal, capital-punishment, impotence, mechanic, saxophone, erotica, car, endless-loop, meta-film. So I figured this one was sufficiently warped to put here on my list. Just don't expect it to make much sense. Like Lynch ever does...

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