Among the great movies to watch absolutely never made, the thriller occupies a place of honor. The thriller movies is a genre where often the arthouse cinema and the commercial aspect of production manage to meet. In fact, the public has always adored Thriller and does not give particular importance to the fact that it is an auteur thriller, as for example in the case of the films of Alfred Hitchcock, or a thriller with a more commercial style.
The Characteristics of the Thriller
The main purpose of the thriller in fact is to create adrenaline, suspense and great uncertainty in the development of the story. The thriller is a whirlwind of strong emotions in which revelations and mysteries, suspense and moments of reflection, danger and reasoning alternate. The whole story is usually filled with an impending sense of death.
The tension, in a successful thriller, should gradually increase and leave less and less space for moments of pause, until the final climax. In the final climax, as in all successful narratives, there is a point of no return, from which the protagonist can emerge victorious or defeated.
What the public wants is to be in suspense until the end. If the dose of adrenaline is massive, the result is guaranteed for the majority of the public. The language and quality of the film becomes secondary. The thriller movies was especially successful in the United States and was less popular with European directors. The plot of the thriller is characterized by conspiracies, false clues and sudden twists.
In every thriller there is the villain, the antagonist or a group of antagonists, who create a series of obstacles for the protagonist, often putting his life in danger. Conflict, therefore, an essential element of all narratives, reaches its highest levels in the thriller genre.
The Sub-Genres of the Thriller Movies
The thriller has a huge amount of sub-genres, and new sub-genres are constantly being created by the film industry. Some sub-genres of the thriller are for example the legal thriller, the spy thriller, the action or adventure thriller, the medical thriller, the crime thriller, the romantic thriller, the historical thriller, the political thriller, religious thriller, high-tech thriller, military thriller.
The common denominator is to keep the viewer poised on the armchair, to create anxiety and suspense until reaching the final Climax. In the most successful Thrillers, the final climax can be a highly stressful experience for the audience and become a scene that is not easily forgotten.
A typical expedient of the thriller genre is to place the protagonist in front of a mystery. Often the protagonist of the thriller is a detective or an investigator, but even if an ordinary man is forced to become one during the events of the tale. Hitchcock’s films often feature unjustly accused ordinary men who are confronted with a mystery greater than themselves.
The main subgenres of the thriller are: the psychological thriller, the crime thriller, the mystery movies. Since the years of the Cold War and the assassination of the President of the United States Kennedy, thealso spread rapidly political thriller and the technological thriller have.
Often the thriller genre overlaps with the horror and action genres, in films that are a mix of various genres. The seminal films that gave rise to the thriller may be Alfred Hitchcock’s first movie The Boarder and M by Fritz Lang, an expressionist masterpiece from the 1930s not to be missed. Fritz Lang However,has a strong social and anthropological component.
How a Thriller Works
For thriller movies we find two different narrative devices: that of suspense, which at times becomes real fear, and that of the enigma to be solved, of the mystery. The first hooks the viewer to emotional level, stimulating adrenaline. The second hooks it to the mental level, stimulating reasoning to get closer to the solution of the mystery. Depending on the prevalence of the emotional or mental component, we have two very different types of thriller movies.
Making the viewer witness a crime that the protagonists of the film have not seen is one of the most functional tricks to create tension and involvement. Letting the audience know of an imminent danger that the protagonist ignores is a narrative device used very often in the cinema of Alfred Hitchcock.
In the thriller the plots merge with the subplots in an ever-increasing complexity that confuses the public’s ideas. There are characters, especially the antagonists, who operate in the shadows and have contradictory attitudes. One of the characteristics of the thriller is therefore to be initially difficult to understand and to untie the threads of the plot as the narration proceeds.
The thriller can be told without physical and violent confrontations as a psychological and mental battle between the villain and the protagonist. Typical examples of this genre of Thriller, defined as a thriller, are for example the books by Agatha Christie or the episodes of the TV series Lieutenant Colombo.
In pure thriller, on the other hand, action prevails. They can be government conspiracies, mass murder, physical confrontations between the protagonist and the antagonist. Often thriller blends with the action genre, adventure or spy story on the model 007.
Crime, Mystery and Psychological Thriller
The crime thriller are stories of kidnappings and ransoms, imprisonments. The most common themes of the mystery thriller are investigations and deductive situations. In psychological thrillers there are mental and psychological games, stalking and traps. False accusations and paranoia are common in paranoid thrillers. International threats, spies, dangerous technologies, assassinations and electronic surveillance are common in the spy thriller.
Noir thriller
In classic noir the psychological component prevails and the rhythm is slower and more reflective. In the Noir thriller the typical elements of the Noir cinema blend with action and direct confrontation. The pace is more pressing and shootings, assaults, murders and physical fights of various kinds can occur.
Action Thriller
In the action thriller the viewer’s attention is drawn more to the spectacular action than to the plot and psychological nuances of the characters. In the classic thriller, however, the events remain covered in mystery and the tension is generated by the mystery and the unknown. It is a genre of high-budget films, often productions of the largest movies studios.
Drama Thriller
In the drama thriller the pace is slower and the director’s attention is focused more on the psychologies of the characters, on their inner life, and on the dramatic and realistic aspects of their life. The effectiveness of the dramatic thriller lies in the fact that the whole narrative becomes quite plausible. The element of fear and extraordinary threat is lowered into ordinary reality.
Other Sub-Genres of the Thriller Movies
The legal thriller takes place in and out of the courtrooms and the protagonists are often lawyers, prosecutors and men who clash on a legal level. The medical thriller takes place in hospital wards and in medical laboratories where the analysis of the elements found in the crime sites is carried out, and the protagonists are usually the doctors who collaborate in the investigation.
The political thriller usually tells about characters who are victims of a large-scale conspiracy, in which the political class is also involved and from which there seems to be no way out. Crimes occur at the highest levels of society. As happens in many movies by Alfred Hitchcock in the psychological thriller, the clash between the protagonist and the antagonist takes place almost entirely on a psychological level, without real physical clashes. Many movies of David Lynch fall into the genre of psychological thrillers.
In the religious thriller the elements of the thriller genre blend with religious settings in convents, monasteries. The tale often presents elements of esoteric and demonic temptation. Or of conspiracies and corruption in religious organizations.
The constant success, vitality and ability of the thriller genre to constantly renew itself make it one of the movie genres in most important the history of cinema. Its popularity is due to the fact that it is a genre that creates strong emotions. If a thriller doesn’t create adrenaline then it’s not a thriller.
The Protagonists of the Thriller
The protagonists of the thriller genre are often ordinary people who are faced with dangerous situations against their will. Or because of their ineptitude and their greed as often happens in the Noir genre. In the crime subgenre they are often private detectives, policemen, detectives, tough and lonely men. Both the strongest protagonists and the common man, at the beginning of the story, are unable to face the dangerous situation.
Among the protagonists and antagonists we often find criminals, murderers, innocent victims, women threatened by stalkers, characters with a dark past, psychotics, serial killers, sociopaths, special police agents, terrorists, policemen, escapees, private investigators, people involved in twisted relationships , people tired of life or psychologically unstable. A veritable gallery of thrilling human fauna.
The Directors of Thriller Movies
Some of the directors mainly influenced by the thriller genre are: Alfred Hitchcock, defined as the thriller master, David Fincher, David Lynch, Henri-Georges Clouzot, William Friedkin, Carol Reed, Michael Mann, Ridley Scott, Sydney Pollack, John Frankenheimer, Brian De Palma, Quentin Tarantino, Jonathan Demme, Alan Pakula, Roman Polański, Martin Scorsese, Bong Joon-ho, Steven Soderbergh.
Thriller Movies to Watch
Great classics and new independent productions: here is a list of Thrillers not to be missed.
The Hands of Orlac (1924)
Orlac, a well-known pianist, is on a train that crashes and loses his precious hands. A severe cure is attempted: a transplant of 2 new hands. They belong to a murderer. Orlac enters a conflicted relationship with them and refuses to use them as soon as he learns who his new hands were. To make the circumstance complex is the murder of his father, to whom his partner had turned for a cash loan. The hands of the other one suspense movie among the last works of art of the expressionist cinema of which Robert Wiene had actually made the manifesto film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.
M (1931)
The city is terrorized by a murderer of little girls, and the police can find no trace. The criminal organizations have constant problems with police raids and decide to hunt down the monster on their own, managing to discover a clue: the “monster” whistles a macabre tune as he approaches his victims. Masterpiece by Fritz Lang considered one of the progenitors of the noir genre that was successful in Hollywood in the 1940s, he is inspired by the heinous crimes committed in Germany in the 1920s by Fritz Haarmann and Peter Kürten. Unmissable movie for every cinephile.
Scarface (1932)
Scarface is a 1932 American mafia film directed by Howard Hawks and produced by Hawks and Howard Hughes. The film’s screenplay, by Ben Hecht, is loosely based on the 1929 book Armitage Trail, inspired by Al Capone. The film stars Paul Muni as Italian immigrant mobster Antonio “Tony” Camonte, a gangster who rises strongly through Chicago’s organized crime, with a supporting cast consisting of George Raft and Boris Karloff. Camonte’s rise to power coincides with his relentless pursuit of his employer’s fiancée, while his sister falls for his best hitman. In clear connection with Capone’s life, a scene portrays a variation of the Valentine’s Day massacre.
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
It is a 1941 thriller movie directed by John Huston e interpretato da Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre e Sydney Greenstreet.
The film, based on Dashiell Hammett’s novel of the same name, is considered a classic of the noir genre and was well received by critics and audiences.
The plot follows private detective Sam Spade (played by Bogart) who becomes embroiled in a complex web of deception, murder and betrayal, all linked to the search for a precious Maltese Falcon. During the investigation, Spade is confronted with several suspicious characters, including the beautiful but devious Brigid O’Shaughnessy (played by Astor) and gangsters Joel Cairo (played by Lorre) and Kasper Gutman (played by Greenstreet).
The film is known for its elegant and sophisticated style, its intricate storytelling and the memorable performances of its actors. In particular, Bogart was lauded for his portrayal of Spade, which made him one of the most iconic actors in cinematic history.
“The Falcon” was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Bogart and Best Screenplay, but did not win in any category. However, it has become a classic of film noir and a point of reference for many other films of the genre that followed.
Double Indemnity (1944)
It is a 1944 American film noir directed by Billy Wilder, co-written by Wilder and Raymond Chandler, and produced by Buddy DeSylva and also Joseph Sistrom. The screenplay for the film was based on James M. Cain’s 1943 story of the same title, which was an eight-part series for Liberty publication in February 1936.
The film stars Fred MacMurray as an insurance policy salesman, Barbara Stanwyck as a housewife assigned to eliminate her husband, and Edward G. Robinson as an insurance investigator whose job it is to uncover false insurance claims. The term “double indemnity” describes a provision in specific life insurance policy plans that increases the payout in cases where the death is not intentional. Wilder considered Double Indemnity his best film in terms of fewest shooting and script errors, and he consistently said that both points he was most proud of in his career were the praise he received regarding this film .
The Scarlet Street (1945)
An elderly bank employee, Christopher Cross, has an unbearable wife and only one hobby: painting. One day he meets a woman, Kitty, who begins to exploit him by discovering that the paintings that the cashier paints can be sold at a good price.
A noir thriller not to be missed. It is one of the German director’s Hollywood films Fritz Lang. The character of the bank employee played by the great actor Edward G. Robinson, Lang’s collaborator in other films, is one of the most pathetic and disturbing portrayals of those years. A parable on the capacity for psychological manipulation, with the ever-present femme fatale played by Joan Bennett.
Watch Scarlet Street
Detour (1945)
This film noir thriller opens in medias res with Al Roberts, an out-of-work pianist, taking a tour. After taking a road trip, he arrives at a roadside restaurant in Reno, Nevada, where he sits at the counter and slowly consumes a cup of coffee. Another consumer in the diner plays a tune on the jukebox, one that shocks Al, because she informs him of his former life in New York City, when he was bitter about squandering his musicianship working at a low-paying bar. After his partner Sue Harvey, the bar diva, stops his job and leaves to seek fame in Hollywood, he becomes depressed. After some heartache, Al decides to take a trip to California to see and marry Sue. With little money, however, he has to hitchhike across the nation.
The Stranger (1946)
In the small town of Harper lives Charles Rankin, who is about to marry the daughter of an important judge. But Charles Rankin is actually Frank Kindle, a criminal of the Third Reich who has created a new identity. However, Inspector Wilson is on his trail. Another great thriller movie by Orson Welles not to be missed. This time the director is faced with a bigger budget working inside a Hollywood studio.
This is a more classic style than the others independent film to which the director has accustomed us. Even the plot is strongly influenced by the editorial policies of American mainstream cinema of the time. But the result is equally excellent thanks to the interpretation of Orson Welles himself and of Edward G. Robinson.
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
It is a 1946 noir thriller movie directed by Tay Garnett and starring Lana Turner and John Garfield. The film is based on the novel of the same name by James M. Cain and has become one of the greatest classics of the genre.
The plot of the film follows the story of Frank Chambers, a drifter who arrives at a gas station run by Nick Smith and his attractive young wife Cora. Frank begins a relationship with Cora and together they plan to kill Nick in order to inherit his fortune. After the first failed attempt, the two lovers manage to kill Nick, but their relationship begins to deteriorate and the secret of their crime begins to come to light.
The film is known for its erotic and violent scenes, which were considered very daring for the time. In addition, Lana Turner’s performance as Cora was particularly praised, and her clothing and makeup became iconic.
“The Postman Always Rings Twice” has also been the subject of controversy and censure. For example, in Britain the film was banned on morality grounds until 1951.
The film had a huge impact on popular culture and influenced many other films in the noir genre that followed. It was also the subject of a remake in 1981 with Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange in the lead roles.
The Big Sleep (1946)
It is a 1946 film noir directed by Howard Hawks, based on the novel of the same name by Raymond Chandler. The film stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, who brought to life one of the most iconic couples in cinematic history.
The plot follows private detective Philip Marlowe (played by Bogart) as he investigates a case for wealthy General Sternwood (played by Charles Waldron), who is trying to solve his family’s problems with Marlowe’s help. The plot quickly becomes complicated when Marlowe is faced with a series of shady and mysterious characters, including Sternwood’s seductive daughter Vivian (played by Bacall), who joins him in his search for clues.
The film is known for its witty, fast-paced dialogue, sophisticated direction by Hawks, and the chemistry between Bogart and Bacall, who wed shortly after filming wrapped. While the film was a box office success and received many positive reviews, audiences at the time found the plot quite complex and confusing.
The film became a film noir classic and influenced many later works in the genre. It has also been the subject of numerous critical analyzes and interpretations, with particular attention to the themes of corruption, sexuality and power in a dark and dangerous world.
The Red House (1947)
“The Red House” is a 1947 psychological film noir directed by Delmer Daves. The film is based on the 1943 novel “The Red House” by George Agnew Chamberlain. The plot revolves around an isolated house located in the countryside, known as “The Red House”, which hides many dark secrets.
The film follows the story of Pete Morgan (played by Edward G. Robinson), a man who lives on a farm with his adoptive sister Ellen (played by Allene Roberts). Their quiet life is turned upside down when two local boys, Nath (played by Lon McCallister) and Tibby (played by Julie London), decide to explore “The Red House” and discover the secrets that hide behind its walls.
As the story unfolds, family secrets, intrigues and dark pasts emerge, endangering Pete and Ellen’s stability and safety. The presence of a mysterious man named Mr. Osterloh (played by Rory Calhoun) adds further suspense and tension to the story.
“The Red House” is known for its creepy atmosphere and dark themes. The film explores themes of secrecy, guilt, obsession and repressed violence. It is considered a classic example of the film noir genre, with its intricate storyline and visually striking style.
Edward G. Robinson’s performance is particularly acclaimed, giving a compelling performance as a man tormented by his secrets and his past. Directed by Delmer Daves and cinematography by Bert Glennon contribute to the tense and claustrophobic atmosphere.
“The Red House” is a film that deserves the attention of lovers of the film noir genre and classic cinema. If you are interested in psychological and mystery films from the 1940s, you may find this film intriguing.
Hollow Triumph (1948)
This is among the movies on gangsters more popular. The film was directed by Paul Henreid (Casablanca). Henreid went uncredited as director of Hollow Triumph, which was basically his directorial debut. He would go on to direct Live Fast, Die Young and 28 Episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
Fresh out of prison, John Muller (Paul Henreid) organizes a robbery of a forbidden gambling den run by Rocky Stansyck (Thomas Browne Henry). The raid goes badly and they capture several of Muller’s men, then force them to identify the rest before eliminating them. Stansyck has a credibility to track down and kill his enemies no matter how long it takes, so Muller decides to go into hiding. He takes an office job recommended by his brother, Frederick (Eduard Franz), however he quickly realizes that working for a living is not for him.
Force of Evil (1948)
One of Martin Scorsese’s favorite thriller movies, Force of Evil tells the story of a lawyer who gets involved with a big mobster who wants to take over all the petty rackets. The problem? One of those rackets is run by the lawyer’s older brother.
Like T-Men, the film makes fantastic use of capturing images on location. At times, the film’s familiar themes and stylized writing help elevate the conflict to almost Shakespearean (or Biblical, considering how often it alludes to the story of Cain and Abel) levels. Though quite small in scale, Force of Evil finds success in its goal of communicating grand, large-scale ideas.
The Third Man (1949)
It is a 1949 British thriller movie, directed by Carol Reed and written by Graham Greene. The film is considered a classic of the noir genre and an example of British cinematography and culture.
The plot follows Holly Martins, an American writer who arrives in Vienna shortly after the end of World War II, invited by his old friend Harry Lime. Martins learns that Lime died in a car accident and finds himself immersed in a mystery when he discovers the circumstance of his death is not as told to him.
Martins meets several people connected to Lime, including her ex-boyfriend and a British police officer, who give him conflicting information about Lime’s death and her past. Martins begins to investigate on his own and discovers that Lime was involved in an illicit penicillin trade, selling the medicine at exorbitant prices to wounded soldiers during the war.
Martins is faced with the truth about Lime’s life and death, and is constantly threatened by those who want to keep their criminal activities a secret. The storyline approaches a climax when Martins meets the so-called “third man”, a mysterious man who witnessed the accident that claimed the life of Lime.
The film was a huge success upon its release and continues to be enjoyed by audiences and critics alike for its intense screenplay, extraordinary performances from the cast and majestic direction by Reed. In particular, Orson Welles’ performance as Harry Lime was hailed as one of the best of his career.
The film was hailed as a cinematic masterpiece and influenced many subsequent works, both in terms of plot and style. The soundtrack to the film, composed by Anton Karas, became a classic and the film was listed as one of the 100 best films of all time by the British Film Institute.
The Man Who Cheated Himself (1950)
This is among the best reviewed titles at the time of its release. Lee J. Cobb (12 Angry Men, The Exorcist) plays the detective trying to right a dastardly crime. At the time, studio executives were unsure of this distribution due to his previous portrayal of Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman on Broadway.
Wealthy socialite Lois Frazer, who is separating from her fortune-seeking spouse, Howard, finds a gun that he has taken. She takes him out with it in front of the new man in her life, Lieutenant Ed Cullen, a San Francisco detective. Lois, twice married, manages to control Cullen by getting rid of the instrument of the murder and moving the body.
The Hitch-Hiker (1953)
“The Hitch-Hiker” is a 1953 film noir directed by Ida Lupino, renowned as one of the early noir films helmed by a female director. The narrative revolves around two friends, Gilbert Bowen and Roy Collins, who embark on a road trip through Mexico. Unfortunately, during their journey, they pick up a seemingly harmless hitchhiker named Emmett Myers. However, it soon becomes evident that Myers is a dangerous fugitive and a serial killer evading the law.
The film is inspired by a true story, that of the serial killer Billy Cook, who instilled fear in the United States during the 1950s. In the movie, Myers seizes control of Bowen and Collins’ car, coercing them to assist in his escape. The two friends find themselves trapped and held hostage by Myers, who brandishes a gun throughout the trip.
What sets “The Hitch-Hiker” apart is Ida Lupino’s exploration of themes such as toxic masculinity and the constant peril women face in society. Lupino, one of the few female directors of her era, was celebrated for her sensitivity towards social issues and her realistic portrayal of female characters.
The film is renowned for its dark and suffocating atmosphere. Lupino adeptly employs lighting and shadows to sustain an unrelenting sense of tension, leaving the audience uncertain about the protagonists’ fate. William Talman’s performance as Emmett Myers is particularly memorable, embodying a merciless and unscrupulous killer.
“The Hitch-Hiker” is considered a classic of the noir genre, receiving positive reviews from critics and viewers alike. It delves into the depths of the human psyche and the struggle between victim and perpetrator. Ida Lupino’s direction, combined with the solid screenplay and performances, solidifies the film as a milestone in noir cinema.
Pickup on South Street (1953)
In New York City Skip McCoy steals Candy’s wallet: in the wallet are microfilms of top secret government information. Candy is unaware of what was in her purse and is being tailed by a spy, Zara. Start a thief hunt to find who now has the microfilms. Professional informant Moe Williams questions Zara about the theft. After being promised a reward Zara identifies the thief, Skip, by his mugshot. Zara tries to convince Skip to give up on the film. One of the best thriller movies to see of Samuel Fuller.
Rear Window (1954)
It is a 1954 American suspense thriller movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock and written by John Michael Hayes based on Cornell Woolrich’s 1942 short story “It Had to Be Murder”. The film stars James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter and Raymond Burr. It was selected for the Venice Film Festival in 1954. The film is considered by many viewers, critics and scholars to be one of Hitchcock’s best films and one of best movies ever made and garnered 4 Academy Award nominations.
With an injured leg, seasoned photographer Jeff is confined to a wheelchair at his home in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. Its back window overlooks a courtyard and other houses. During an intense heatwave, she sees her neighbors, who keep their windows open to stay cool. They are a lonely woman whom Jeff labels “Miss Lonelyhearts”, a newlywed couple, a pianist, a dancer, a middle-aged couple whose little dog likes to dig in the flower garden, and Lars Thorwald, a trip with bedridden wife.
Mr. Arkadin (1955)
“Mr. Arkadin” is a 1955 film written, directed, and starred by Orson Welles, one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema. The film is also known as “Confidential Report” and is a noir thriller revolving around the enigmatic figure of Gregory Arkadin, a billionaire with a mysterious past.
The plot of “Mr. Arkadin” follows the adventures of Guy Van Stratten, a private investigator played by Robert Arden, who is hired by a mysterious man named Jakob Zouk to uncover Arkadin’s past. The story unfolds through a series of flashbacks and testimonies from characters who have had dealings with Arkadin, each revealing a piece of his dark past.
Arkadin is an extremely powerful businessman, but his origins and previous activities are shrouded in mystery. During the investigation, Van Stratten encounters a series of eccentric and dangerous individuals, including a mysterious woman named Mily, played by Paola Mori, and a former associate of Arkadin named Bracco, played by Akim Tamiroff. Each character offers a different version of Arkadin’s life, leaving Van Stratten confused about the truth.
The film is renowned for its distinctive visual style, with the use of suggestive lighting and shadows characteristic of film noir. Orson Welles, as the director, creates an atmosphere of suspense and tension as the protagonist seeks to uncover the truth behind Arkadin. The intricate plot and high-quality performances contribute to making “Mr. Arkadin” an engaging and captivating film.
However, it is important to note that “Mr. Arkadin” has undergone several edits and versions over the years. Welles initially delivered a version of the film to producer Louis Dolivet in 1955, but the film was later reworked and re-edited without Welles’ direct involvement. As a result, there are different versions of the film in circulation, each with slight variations in the plot and narrative structure.
Despite the controversies surrounding the various versions of the film, “Mr. Arkadin” remains a significant work in Orson Welles’ filmography. It is an example of auteur cinema that explores themes such as identity, power, and a mysterious past. Although the film did not achieve great commercial success upon its release, it has been reevaluated over the years and is considered a milestone in film noir and Welles’ body of work.
Diabolique (1955)
Michel is in a relationship with Nicole Horner, a teacher at the school. Rather than antagonism, the two women have a rather close relationship, based mainly on their apparent mutual hatred for Michel. He is cruel to students, beating Nicole and teasing Christina about her heart condition.
Threatening a divorce to lure Michel to Nicole’s apartment building in Niort, a town several hundred kilometers away, Christina sedates him. The two women then drown him in a bathtub and, returning to school, dump his body in the abandoned swimming pool. There the cleaner tells her that Michel had been staying in the room for a while, but that he had rarely, if ever, been seen and kept nothing there.
Nicole sees in the paper that the police have found the body. When Christina goes to the morgue, she discovers that it’s not actually Michel’s body. This stunning psychological thriller is based on the original She Who Was No More (Celle qui n’était plus) by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac. The film was the tenth highest-grossing film of the year in France, and was also awarded the Louis Delluc Prize in 1954.
Henry George Clouzot, after completing The Wages of Fear, optioned the rights to the film’s screenplay, avoiding ad Alfred Hitchcock to make the film. This film helped motivate the making of Hitchcock’s Psycho. Robert Bloch, author of Psycho, mentioned in a meeting that his favorite horror film of all time was Les Diaboliques.
Repulsion (1955)
A man, Colin, loves Carol and makes passionate efforts to charm her, but Carol seems indifferent. Carol is annoyed by Helen’s relationship with a boy named Michael, who Carol doesn’t seem to like. When Carol gets home from work, she is bothered by road construction under her house. Colin meets her, strolls through her house and attempts to kiss her numerous times, but she refuses, running upstairs and brushing her teeth before sobbing. That night Helen interrogates Carol for flushing Michael’s toothbrush and electric razor down the toilet.
Based on a short story written by Roman Polanski and Gérard Brach, the plot follows Carol, a woman who undergoes a series of terrible experiences. It is a suspense film that focuses on Carol’s perspective and her hallucinations as she comes into contact with men. Ian Hendry, John Fraser, Patrick Wymark and Yvonne Furneaux appear in supporting roles.
To Catch a Thief (1955)
It is a 1955 thriller movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. The film is set on the French Riviera in France and is a story of suspense and intrigue.
Cary Grant plays John Robie, a former art thief living in exile on the French Riviera. When a series of high-end jewelry thefts take place in the city, Robie becomes the French police’s prime suspect. Determined to prove his innocence, Robie sets out to catch the real culprit.
The beautiful Grace Kelly plays Frances Stevens, a rich American tourist who falls in love with Robie. Together, the two form an alliance to solve the mystery of the jewel thefts and prove Robie’s innocence.
The film was shot entirely on the French Riviera, and the beauty of the locations, coupled with Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense, made the film a huge success, and it has become one of Hitchcock’s most iconic films and a cinematic classic. Cary Grant’s performance was particularly praised, as was the chemistry between Grant and Kelly on screen.
The film received three Academy Award nominations and won Best Color Cinematography. The film was also a major commercial success, grossing over $7 million at the box office.
Touch of Evil (1958)
It is a 1958 film directed byOrson Welles. It is considered one of the great classics of the film noir genre and a masterpiece of 20th century American cinema.
The plot focuses on the relationship between Mike Vargas and Hank Quinlan. Mike is an American deputy sheriff who is in town to marry Susan, the daughter of a wealthy Mexican industrialist. Shortly after their arrival, a bomb is detonated in a car with some prominent members of the city aboard, and Mike and Quinlan team up to investigate the case.
Quinlan is a local police officer who has a long history of corruption and is known for his ability to solve cases with questionable methods. However, his manner becomes increasingly suspicious to Mike, who begins to suspect that Quinlan is hiding something. The tension between the two characters builds as their investigation progresses and they learn shocking information about the city and its organized crime.
Meanwhile, Susan is kidnapped by some criminals who are trying to blackmail her father and who want to stop Mike and Quinlan from continuing their investigation. The plot becomes even more complicated when other characters, including a crime boss, a drug dealer and a private detective, come into play and make the case more and more complex and dangerous.
Welles directed and starred in the film, and also wrote the screenplay and did the cinematography. His direction is noted for its long one-take sequences, use of innovative editing techniques, and a strong emphasis on dark and complex characters and atmospheres.
The film was critically well received upon its release, but was not commercially successful. However, in the following years it became a cult film and gained a reputation as one of the best film noirs of all time.
Vertigo (1958)
It is a 1958 American thriller movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The story is based on the 1954 novel D’entre les morts by Boileau-Narcejac. The screenplay for the film was created by Alec Coppel and Samuel A. Taylor. The film stars James Stewart as former detective John “Scottie” Ferguson, who has retired after an investigation led him to have acrophobia, a severe fear of heights with dizziness and an incorrect sensation of rotary motion. Scottie is hired by a colleague, Gavin Elster, as a private investigator to follow Gavin’s wife, Madeleine (Kim Novak), who is acting strangely.
The film was shot in the San Francisco, California area of the city, as well as Mission San Juan Bautista, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Cypress Point on 17-Mile Drive, and also Paramount Studios in Hollywood. It is the first film ever to use the dolly zoom, an effect created directly during filming that distorts the point of view to produce disorientation, to communicate Scottie’s acrophobia. As a result of its use in this film, the effect is commonly described as “the result of Vertigo”. Vertigo got mixed reviews upon launch but is currently being billed as a masterpiece. The film continually appears in American polls of the best films of all time, in the top positions together with Citizen Kane (1941) by Orson Welles.
North by Northwest (1959)
It’s a spy movie of 1959 directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The plot revolves around the character of Roger Thornhill, played by Cary Grant, a New York businessman who is mistaken for a secret agent named George Kaplan. Thornhill is kidnapped by two men who believe he is Kaplan and transported to an estate in the countryside.
There he meets the mysterious and glamorous Eve Kendall (played by Eva Marie Saint), who appears to be helping him, but is actually working with his captors. Thornhill finds himself involved in a complicated espionage plot and is constantly pursued by armed men who want to eliminate him. The film unfolds through a series of breathtaking chases and twists and turns, leading Thornhill to travel across the country in a fight for survival and to uncover the truth behind his mistaken identity.
The film’s plot is full of twists and suspense, and Hitchcock used many of his famous filmmaking techniques to create a tense and gripping atmosphere. The film is also known for its outstanding cinematography and soundtrack composed by Bernard Herrmann. North by Northwest was a huge box office success and earned a great reputation among critics and audiences. It is considered a cinematic classic and an example of the best of the espionage genre.
Psycho (1960)
On a Friday noon date at a Phoenix resort, real estate secretary Marion Crane and her partner Sam Loomis examine their marital relationship shattered by Sam’s debts. Marion accepts a $40,000 cash payment handed to her for a deposit, as well as driving to Sam’s house in Fairvale, California. During the trip, Marion switches cars arousing suspicions in both the car dealer and a policeman. Marion chooses to spend the night at the Bates Motel, which is off the main highway, and hides the taken money in a newspaper. Owner Norman Bates registers Marion under an assumed name and invites her to dinner with him. After Norman returns to her house, Marion overhears Norman arguing with her mother.
The screenplay of this suspenseful film, written by Joseph Stefano, was based on the 1959 book of the same name by Robert Bloch. The film stars Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin and Martin Balsam. The film was initially considered questionable and amassed mixed reviews, but audience enthusiasm as well as outstanding box office earnings triggered a significant re-evaluation. Psycho was nominated for 4 Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actress for Janet Leigh and Best Director for Hitchcock. Psycho is now considered among Hitchcock’s works of art, and is also his most popular work.
Dementia 13 (1963)
Francis Ford Coppola’s first work produced at low cost by Roger Corman, who wanted a film on the low budget Psycho model with gothic atmospheres and heinous crimes. The Haloran family gathers in their Irish castle to commemorate the untimely death of little Kathleen, who drowned seven years earlier. Mysterious events begin to occur, such as the apparitions of the dead girl, and an ax-wielding killer wanders around the place.
Watch Dementia 13
The Girl Who Knew Too Much (1963)
Thriller directed by the Italian director Mario Bava, it’s a Giallo film stars John Saxon as Dr. Marcello Bassi and Letícia Román as Nora Davis. The plot centers on a girl named Nora, who takes a trip to Rome and witnesses a murder. Numerous other murders follow, connected with a series of victims selected in alphabetical order. The Girl Who Knew Too Much is considered the first crime film ever, a category of films with a mix of sensuality, horror and thriller.
On vacation, Nora Davis (Letícia Román) arrives by plane in Rome to visit her sick elderly aunt. Nora’s aunt is cared for by Dr. Marcello Bassi (John Saxon). Nora’s aunt dies on the evening of Nora’s arrival and she goes to the nearby health facility to inform Dr. Bassi. During the journey, she is robbed in the Spanish Steps. She sees the body of a dead woman lying on the ground next to her; a bearded male pulls a knife from the woman’s back. Nora reports him to the authorities who however discover no evidence and believe that he is hallucinating.
Mafia (1968)
Mafia is a 1968 film directed by Damiano Damiani, with Franco Nero and Claudia Cardinale, based on the homonymous book by Leonardo Sciascia. The film, shot in Partinico, used a large international cast, with stars such as Lee J. Cobb, Serge Reggiani and Nehemiah Persoff.
Sicily, 1961. Carabinieri officer Bellodi, from Parma and former partisan, serving in a small town, investigates the murder of Salvatore Colasberna, killed for refusing to accept an agreement with a protected company of the mafia. The murder took place near your home where Rosa Nicolosi, her partner and their child live. Rosa Nicolosi’s husband also disappeared on the same morning. The head of the municipality, don Mariano Arena, organizes a maneuver to sidetrack the investigation into the Colasberna murder: in practice it would have been Nicolosi who eliminated the impresario as his wife’s lover. The captain searches for the body of Nicolosi, who he thinks has been disposed of as a “troublesome” witness.
The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)
It is a 1970 crime film directed by Dario Argento in his directorial debut. The film is the progenitor of the yellow Italian category. Upon its release, the film was a notable success earning 1,650,000,000 Italian lire. It was also a success outside of Italy. Sam Dalmas is an American author on holiday in Rome with his English girlfriend, Julia, is experiencing writer’s block and is on the verge of returning to America, however he witnesses the attack of a lady in an art gallery by a strange fellow in black gloves wearing a raincoat. Trying to reach him, Sam is trapped between 2 mechanically operated glass doors and can simply watch the man escape. The lady, Monica Ranieri, was attacked and the police confiscate Sam’s passport to prevent him from leaving the country. The attacker is thought to be a serial killer who is killing girls all over town and Sam is a crucial witness.
A Bay of Blood (1971)
A Bay of Blood is a 1971 Italian mystery/thriller movie directed by Mario Bava. Bava wrote the screenplay for the film with Giuseppe Zaccariello, Filippo Ottoni and Sergio Canevari. The film stars Claudine Auger, Luigi Pistilli, Brigitte Skay, Nicoletta Elmi and Laura Betti. Carlo Rambaldi produced the gruesome special effects. The story shows a series of ritual killings taking place around a bay. It is a film that influenced the slasher films that would follow years later, considered among the 50 greatest mystery/horror films ever.
While staying overnight at her bayside estate, the wheelchair-bound Countess Federica Donati is attacked and strangled to death by her companion, Filippo Donati. A few minutes later, Philip himself is stabbed to death by an assailant, and his remains are then dragged into the bay. Upon examination, the policemen discover what they think is a farewell note written by the Countess, however Philip’s murder is not discovered. Real estate agent Frank Ventura and his girlfriend Laura plot to take over the bay. After the countess refused to offer them the house, the couple hatched a plan with Philip to kill her husband. To complete their strategy, Ventura requests Filippo’s signature on a number of legal files. They have no idea, however, that Philip himself was actually killed.
The Godfather (1972)
The cinematic artwork of Francis Ford Coppola is an adaptation of Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name. Marlon Brando offers among his best performances as Don Vito Corleone, the patriarch of the mafia in Corleone.
This is the mafia movie most popular ever made. Any movie buff will recognize the image of Don Vito holding the feline or Michael closing the door to his former life. The Godfather incorporates some of the most significant minutes in cinematic history. Puzo and likewise the splendid screenplay of Coppola’s film are an ideal basis for an epic and important film production, of great figurative and pictorial value. It is a film where action and crime take a back seat to make way for a great family saga and the complex relational dynamics between mafia families.
Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972)
A series of murders wreaks havoc in a small New England town on Christmas Eve after a man acquires real estate that belonged to a man in an asylum. Most of the cast and team members had been Warhol actors: Mary Woronov, Ondine, Candy Darling, Kristen Steen, Tally Brown, Lewis Love, director Jack Smith and Susan Rothenberg.
thriller movie from 1972 unreleased in Italy, it is a cult horror forerunner of the category a few years before Halloween, with an intricate script and first-person shooting of the killer, which influenced many subsequent films. His creativity and storytelling is what makes a little one out of it cult movie of the category.
Mean Streets (1973)
The third film directed by Martin Scorsese Mean Streets is among the most important in his filmography. Scorsese said he was attracted to the idea of making a film about him and his friends. He even challenged De Niro’s character Johnny Boy, the film’s reckless lunatic. The film takes place in the location of Little Italy, New York, in addition to telling the experiences of Scorsese, there is the mafia, the corruption of the cops, crime. The packaging is still the same from indie movie low budget, shot in 16mm: this makes this mafia film even more realistic and fascinating.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
Another one cinematic artwork, with Michael Corleone played by Pacino. Memorable tunes swell and catastrophe from both Godfather movies sweeps you over like a storm. Quite possibly no character displays the phrase “power wears out” more than Michael Corleone. Through 2 films, we see how his growth as a mobster is directly related to his family lineage. Both films are works of art, however The Godfather II takes the very first position for its extraordinary depiction of the world of the mafia.
Chinatown (1974)
“Chinatown” is a 1974 film directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne. The film is considered a classic of the noir genre and is often listed in the best films of all time.
The plot follows the investigation of private detective Jake Gittes (played by Jack Nicholson) into a complex case of corruption and intrigue involving the water supply of the city of Los Angeles during the 1930s. Gittes is hired by a woman who calls herself Evelyn Mulwray (played by Faye Dunaway) to investigate his alleged infidelity, but soon finds himself drawn into a web of lies and dangerous secrets.
“Chinatown” was critically acclaimed and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The film is known for its ambiguous interpretation of morality and justice, as well as its cinematic style inspired by classic film noirs of the 1940s and 1950s. The film has also influenced many later works, particularly in neo-noir fiction. If you are a fan of film noir or classic detective stories, this is a film not to be missed.
The Conversation (1974)
It is a 1974 film written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film is a psychological thriller that follows Harry Caul, played by Gene Hackman, an electronic surveillance expert who is hired to record the conversation of a mysterious couple. Recording appears to be a simple job, but it soon turns out to be far more complex and dangerous than Harry ever imagined.
The film was critically acclaimed for its intriguing storyline, Coppola’s direction and Gene Hackman’s performance. The cast of the film also includes John Cazale, Allen Garfield, Cindy Williams and Frederic Forrest. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing, winning the latter.
The film is considered a masterpiece of American cinema of the 70s and one of Coppola’s best films. He has also been cited as a major influence on director Quentin Tarantino for his non-linear storytelling style and tension building.
The film explores themes such as privacy, technology, paranoidness and loneliness, keeping the viewer on the edge of the seat until the surprising conclusion. “The Conversation” is a work of rare beauty and depth, which continues to have a strong impact on cinema and popular culture.
Dressed to Kill (1980)
It is a 1980 American sensual thriller movie written and directed by Brian DePalma. Starring Michael Caine, Angie Dickinson, Nancy Allen and Keith Gordon, the film illustrates the events leading up to the murder of a New York City housewife (Dickinson) before meeting a prostitute (Allen) who witnesses the murder. It includes numerous references to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 film Psycho. Released in July 1980, Dressed to Kill was a box office hit in the United States, earning over $30 million. It garnered mostly positive ratings and has been called the first wonderful American film of the 1980s. Dickinson won the Saturn Award for Best Actress for her performance. Allen garnered both a Golden Globe Award election for New Star of the Year and a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress.
Sexually frustrated housewife Kate Miller is on her way to treatment sessions with New York City psychoanalyst Dr. Robert Elliott. During a consultation, Kate tries to seduce him, but Elliott refuses, saying it would endanger his happy marital relationship. Kate goes alone to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where she suddenly flirts with a strange unknown person. Kate and the stranger follow each other into the tunnel until they finally end up outside, where Kate joins him in a taxi. Most likely they go to his house and make love.
Videodrome (1983)
Videodrome is a 1983 Canadian science fiction horror-mystery film written and directed by David Cronenberg and starring James Woods, Sonja Smits and Debbie Harry. Max Renn is the head of CIVIC-TV, a mysterious television station in Toronto. CIVIC-TV’s motorist Harlan introduces Max to Videodrome, a plotless program broadcast from Malaysia that shows people seriously injured and even killed. Believing this to be the future of television, Max orders Harlan to start using the program without a license.
Videodrome was Cronenberg’s first film to gain support from a Hollywood studio. With the higher budget of his previous films, the film was a box office bust, recouping just $2.1 million from a $5.9 million budget plan. It is currently considered a cult classic, listed as one of Cronenberg’s best, as well as a crucial example of body horror and science fiction.
Blue Velvet (1986)
Blue Velvet is a mystery movie and 1986 American thriller movie written and directed by David Lynch. The film stars Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper and Laura Dern, and takes its name from the 1951 song of the same name. The film tells the story of a young college student who, returning home to visit his sick father, finds in a field a severed human ear. The Ear then leads him to uncover a criminal conspiracy and enter a romantic relationship with a struggling singer.
Body Double (1984)
It’s a erotic thriller movie 1984 American directed, co-written and produced by Brian DePalma. In the cast Craig Wasson, Gregg Henry, Melanie Griffith and Deborah Shelton. The film is a tribute to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950s films, especially Rear Window, Vertigo and Dial M for Murder, taking on storylines and themes such as voyeurism. Upon its release, the film garnered warm box office success and mixed reviews, and the role of Melanie Griffith gained appreciation and brought her a Golden Globe election. It is currently considered a film cult.
The star of b movie Jake Scully recently walked away from his role as a vampire in a low-budget scary movie after his claustrophobia hampered his performance. After returning home he discovers that his wife is cheating on him, he separates from her and also remains homeless. During an acting technique course, where she meets Sam Bouchard, to whom Scully reveals her worries and childhood years, the source of her claustrophobia. Scully finds a place to stay: Sam’s wealthy friend has traveled to Europe and also needs a caretaker for his ultra-modern home in the Hollywood Hills.
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Once upon a time in America is among the greatest movies ever made. It was the last film in his career Sergio Leone as well as the only film he finished in the last thirteen years of his life.
He originally wanted the film to be split into 2 three-hour features, but the studio informed him that it had to be cut down into one film. Leone edited down to 269 minutes, but the studio was dissatisfied with his efforts to cut it down. He granted a 229-minute version, but the US version was further shortened without his approval to 139 minutes.
The result of the cuts has been a complication between the target markets. Only in 2012 was the reported 255-minute version made available to the public. Some of the content is very heavy and pushes the envelope, even for a gangster movie. The full version of Once Upon a Time in America is one of the best gangster movies of all time.
The Untouchables (1987)
Starred by incredible actors and directed by Brian DePalma, The Untouchables is among the most famous gangster films ever made. Kevin Costner, Sean Connery and Robert De Niro give us extraordinary interpretations. The Untouchables is a crime film from the Prohibition era that blends drama, detective and thriller in a fantastic way.
The direction, despite being a big-budget Hollywood film with many classic elements, is at times pure avant-garde: De Palma invents one of the most memorable shootings in the cinema history in the final sequence at the Chicago station, alternating slow motion and hyperbolic camera movements. It is no coincidence that the director has been repeatedly called a ballistic genius for this scene.
Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas is one of the great masterpieces of mafia cinema. Martin Scorsese used an adaptation of Nicholas Pillegi’s novel Wiseguy for the film’s screenplay. The adrenaline-pumping and spectacular director’s style explodes in this film with continuous fireworks. There are so many memorable scenes and the counterpoint between romantic songs and violence is an exceptional invention.
The film begins with Liotta as the narrator stating “as far as I can keep in mind, I’ve always wanted to be a gangster.” From there, the film takes you on an adventure into the world of the Italian Mafia in Brooklyn, and by the time you watch it, you most likely wish you were a mobster yourself. There is sex, drugs and addictions aplenty. At the end of the film, Scorsese gets rid of the attractive view of gangsters and shows his main character with something that every gangster detests: a trapped rat.
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)
It is a 1992 film directed by David Lynch, which is part of the narrative universe of the famous television series “Twin Peaks”. The film was released between the second and third seasons of the television series, and serves as a prequel to the story told in the series.
The plot of the film focuses on the figure of FBI agent Chester Desmond, sent to the town of Twin Peaks to investigate the murder of Teresa Banks, a young woman who bore several similarities to Laura Palmer, the main victim of the television series. During his investigation, Desmond comes across a series of strange clues that lead him to discover the presence of supernatural forces in the city, which appear to be linked to Teresa’s murder.
The film focuses in particular on the figure of Laura Palmer, showing some moments of her life prior to her death, which are explored and analyzed in more detail than in the television series. In particular, aspects of Laura’s life that were not addressed in the television series are explored, such as her relationship with Bobby Briggs and her struggle with her abusive father.
The film was met with mixed reviews by critics and audiences upon its release, but over the years it has acquired a cult status, especially among fans of the television series. The film is known for its dreamlike and surreal atmosphere, typical of David Lynch’s style, and for its complex and mysterious themes, which helped make “Twin Peaks” one of the most loved and influential television series of the 90s .
Fargo (1996)
Having made more traditional neo-noir with their debut Blood Simple, the Coen brothers opted for a more subversive take with Fargo. The story involves a mild-mannered car salesman who hires two men to kidnap his wife. His hope is that his father’s ransom could be used to fix some of his money problems. Certainly, the scenario escalates and policewoman Marge Gunderson (an excellent Frances McDormand), who is pregnant, is ready to investigate.
Swapping the subgenre’s standard shadow-drenched images for broad swathes of Midwestern snowscapes, the Coens take a conventional noir setting, place it in an unconventional setting, and layer investigations under a layer of Midwestern politeness. The result is one black comedy fiendishly creative which turned out to be the explosion of the Coens.
L.A. Confidential (1997)
“L.A. Confidential” is a 1997 film directed by Curtis Hanson and based on the James Ellroy novel of the same name. The film is a neo-noir thriller set in 1950s Los Angeles, and is considered one of the best films of the genre.
The plot follows three police officers, played by Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce, who investigate a series of murders linked to police corruption and organized crime. While trying to solve the case, the three characters collide with their personal limitations and with the dark reality of Los Angeles.
The film was widely praised by critics for its direction, screenplay, performances by the actors, and period-accurate setting. It received nine Academy Awards nominations, winning two for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress (Kim Basinger).
“L.A. Confidential” is a complex and engaging film that offers a fascinating look at the city of Los Angeles in the 1950s, while exploring universal themes such as corruption, revenge and professional ethics. It is a must-see film for fans of the neo-noir genre and cinema in general.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
“Eyes Wide Shut” is a 1999 drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
the storyline of “Eyes Wide Shut” follows the character of Bill Harford, played by Tom Cruise, who is married to Alice (played by Nicole Kidman). After Alice confesses her sexual fantasy to Bill during a night out with friends, Bill begins to become obsessed with the idea of infidelity and decides to go on a night trip to explore his own sexuality.
During his exploration, Bill learns of a secret society that organizes exclusive sexual themed parties, and decides to attend one of these parties incognito. During the party, Bill is tested and threatened by a group of mysterious members of society who accuse him of breaking the rules.
Bill then begins to investigate the secret society and discovers a dark and dangerous world of secrets, mysteries and power. While trying to get out of society, Bill is put in danger and must fight for his life and sanity.
The film was critically acclaimed for its direction and cinematography, but also attracted controversy for its depiction of sexuality and religion. Overall, “Eyes Wide Shut” is regarded as one of Kubrick’s greatest films and one of the most important films of his career.
Mulholland Drive (2001)
“Mulholland Drive” is a 2001 film directed by David Lynch. It is a neo-noir film that develops around two main characters, Betty Elms (played by Naomi Watts) and Rita (played by Laura Harring), who meet following a car accident on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles.
The plot of “Mulholland Drive” is complex and dreamlike, and can be difficult to sum up in a few words. The story begins with the meeting between Betty Elms, a young actress who comes to Los Angeles to fulfill her dream of becoming a movie star, and Rita, a woman who has lost her memory following a car accident on the Mulholland Drive. Together, the two women begin to investigate Rita’s past, revealing a series of mysteries and intrigues involving some bizarre and dangerous characters.
Throughout the film, we witness numerous dreamlike and surreal scenes that question the reality and logic of the plot. For example, there are scenes where characters suddenly change their appearance or behavior, or where seemingly normal situations suddenly become disturbing and inexplicable.
“Mulholland Drive” has been critically acclaimed for its direction, cast, cinematography and soundtrack, and is considered a classic of contemporary cinema. However, it is also known to be a difficult film to decipher and interpret, and its meaning and plot have been the subject of many different interpretations and theories.
Classified as a psychological thriller, Mulholland Drive won Lynch the Best Director Award at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival, sharing the award with Joel Coen for The Man Who Wasn’t There. Lynch also had an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. The film greatly enhanced Watts’ Hollywood career and was also the last feature film to star actress Ann Miller. Mulholland Drive is commonly regarded as one of Lynch’s best works and also one of the best films ever.
A Better Life (2007)
The protagonist of the film A better life is Andrea Casadei, a young investigator specializing in audio interceptions, he lives in Rome, a city filmed by the director Fabio del Greco in a dark black and white full of shadows. Andrea, interpreted by the same Fabio del Greco, accepts commissioned work from husbands cheated on by their wives, or from mothers who want to find out what their children do outside the home. But what really fascinates him about audio interceptions and steal people’s secrets, overhear conversations in a bar, get an idea of what animates people’s feelings and thoughts. The film focuses on a fundamental theme of the world we live in: the lack of love. The values touted by mass media and from Western politics I am against love. They tell people it doesn’t exist or they suggest the message that it is best avoided. Success and external beauty, power are instead values that are passed off as fundamental. The mysterious and tormented figure of Marina is reflected in a gloomy and soulless Rome.
Watch A Better Life
No Country for Old Men (2007)
It is a 2007 film directed by the brothers Joel ed Ethan Coen and based on the novel of the same name by Cormac McCarthy. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
The plot follows Llewelyn Moss (played by Josh Brolin), a Texan hunter who discovers a shipment of heroin and a bag full of cash in a place where a gunfight between drug traffickers has just taken place. Moss decides to take the money, but is pursued by a relentless assassin named Anton Chigurh (played by Javier Bardem), who is tasked with retrieving the purse.
The film is set in a dark and violent atmosphere, typical of the American western, but with a strong psychological component. Chigurh’s character is particularly interesting, as he represents absolute evil and chaos that rules the world.
The film received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, cinematography, screenplay and the performances of the actors. In particular, Javier Bardem was lauded for his performance as Chigurh, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. It is considered one of the best films of the decade.
Passion (2010)
It is a 2012 erotic thriller movie written and directed by Brian DePalma, with Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace. It is an English-language remake of Alain Corneau’s 2010 thriller movie Love Crime, with the story significantly changed. The film was chosen for the competition for the Golden Lion at the 69th Venice International Film Festival. Christine, an American marketing executive based in Germany, is collaborating with her protégé Isabelle on a marketing campaign for a new cell phone. Isabelle, who is secretly meeting Dirk, Christine’s boyfriend, has a great advertising idea. Isabelle is jealous, but makes peace with Christine when she shares the story of how her brother died when Christine claims him as her own. At the urging of her aide Dani, Isabelle posts a version of her ad on the Internet, where it goes viral. Christine vows revenge, teasing her with a sex tape Isabelle had made with Dirk. After a distraught Isabelle crashes her car in the company parking lot, Christine shares the safety video with the rest of the company, embarrassing Isabelle and she falls into clinical depression.
Black Swan (2010)
The story focuses on a production of Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake by the New York City Ballet company. The show has a dancer play the innocent and dainty White Swan, for whom professional dancer Nina Sayers (Portman) is a perfect fit, as well as the dark and even sultry Black Swan, which are qualities best embodied by rival Lily (Kunis ). Nina is bewildered by a feeling of immense stress as she finds herself carrying out her duty, causing her to lose her sense of reality and fall into madness.
Nina Sayers is a young woman who lives with her overprotective mother, Erica, a former dancer, and dances with a New York City troupe. Nina auditions for the roles and performs flawlessly as Odette, but fails to play Odile. Nina asks Thomas to reevaluate his role. When he forcefully kisses her, she bites him and runs away from her workplace.
Later that day, Nina sees the cast checklist and is surprised to find that she has been given the lead roles. At a gala celebrating the new show, a drunken Beth accuses her of providing Thomas sexual favors in exchange for the role. Thomas believes Beth was attempting suicide. Nina sees Beth after an accident in the hospital and also sees that her legs have been badly injured, implying that she will surely no longer have the ability to perform as a dancer.
The screenplay was written by Mark Heyman, John McLaughlin and Andres Heinz, based on an early story by Heinz. The film stars Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey and also Winona Ryder. The director considered Black Swan a companion piece to his 2008 film The Wrestler, with both films chronicling challenging performances for different types of art. Portman and Kunis trained in ballet for several months before filming began.
Shutter Island (2010)
“Shutter Island” is a 2010 film directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane. The plot follows two federal detectives Teddy Daniels (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (played by Mark Ruffalo) who have been assigned to investigate the disappearance of a criminal patient from the Shutter Island psychiatric clinic.
The clinic, located on an island off the coast of Massachusetts, is known for its brutal and controversial methods, which include lobotomy and the use of experimental drugs. As Teddy and Chuck investigate the patient’s disappearance, they stumble upon a series of clues and secrets that lead them to question the motivations of the clinic staff and the very nature of the island.
Over time, Teddy begins to be plagued by traumatic flashbacks to his personal life, making it increasingly difficult for him to distinguish fact from fiction. The plot then unfolds in a series of twists and revelations, culminating in a surprising ending that leaves the viewer with many doubts and questions.
The film was critically well received and grossed over $290 million worldwide. DiCaprio’s performance was particularly praised, and the film received several awards and nominations. “Shutter Island” is an intense and complex psychological thriller that keeps the viewer on edge until the very end.
Baby Call (2011)
Anna and her 8-year-old son Anders flee a tragic family past: the child’s father is a violent and dangerous man. They move into a secret house and Anna buys a babycall to keep tabs on Anders while he sleeps. One night Anna wakes up with a start: noises come from Anders’ room, it seems a murder is taking place.
Noomi Rapace brilliantly plays a restless and control-obsessed character in this intriguing psychological thriller. A woman who never smiles, shady, who tries to save her fragile mental balance. A story of love, motherhood and violence, between gray city exteriors and claustrophobic interiors.
Gone Girl (2014)
Gone Girl is a 2014 American psychological mystery-thriller movie directed by David Fincher and written by Gillian Flynn, based on her 2012 book of the same name. Set in Missouri, the story is a mystery that follows the events surrounding Nick Dunne (played by Ben Affleck), who ends up being the prime suspect in the unexpected disappearance of his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike). The film also stars Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry. Gone Girl premiered as the opening film at the 52nd New York Film Festival. It was a commercial and major success, earning $369 million worldwide against a spending plan of $61 million, becoming Fincher’s highest-grossing film.
Beyond the Mist (2017)
A week before Easter a great actor disappears from the set where a Historical film. A private detective is discreetly assigned the case. From the outset he experiences the disturbing perception of being somehow involved in the past events of the deceased. The places, including a former chocolate factory where years earlier a little girl had died under mysterious circumstances, are imbued with esoteric signs.
Watch Beyond the Mist
My Son (2017)
Julien is always traveling for work. His constant absences from home and inability to care for his son Mathys destroyed his marriage with Marie. While in France he receives a disturbing call from his ex-wife: their child, who is now seven years old, has disappeared while camping in the Alps. Julien immediately reaches the place of disappearance and begins with great tenacity and determination to search his son, personally investigating.
Starting from a well-established narrative cue in the thriller genre, My Son by French director Christian Carion is a film not to be missed especially for the style with which it was shot. Conceived from the outset as a film to be made almost in real time, over 6 shooting days, the director uses a radical method of improvisation with his lead actor Guillaume Canet.
Custody (2017)
Miriam Besson and Antoine Besson are a divorced couple. They have a daughter who is about to turn eighteen, Joséphine, and an eleven-year-old son, Julien. Miriam wants to keep her youngest son away from his father, whom she accuses of being abusive. She asks for sole custody of Julien: the child is traumatized and doesn’t want to see his father again.
In Foster care – a history of violence Xavier Legrand tells the characters with great humanity. A dramatic story in which little Julien is destined to lose the innocence of his childhood in a battle for survival. The film, shot in a sober and intimate style, highlights a bitter and hopeless vision of human nature, with men who, in order to escape loneliness and failure, become violent persecutors and murderers.
Slow Life (2021)
Lino Stella takes a break from his alienating job to devote himself to relaxation and his passion: drawing comics. But he didn’t foresee certain disturbing elements: the intrusive administrator of the building where he lives, the postman who delivers fines and crazy tax bills, an overbearing policewoman, a very enterprising real estate agent, the old lady downstairs who breeds the feline colony of the condominium. These characters will make your vacation hell.
An anarchic and ambitious independent film by the director Fabio del Greco. Slow life deals with important themes of every citizen’s daily life: the State and the bureaucracy that become ruthless oppressors, the mechanism of social interaction that turns into a trap, one’s passions and the creativity which are suffocated. A thriller movie, with shades of black comedy, drama and grotesque, not to be missed.
Watch Slow Life
Occupied House (2021)
A large room, a solitary pianist, a mysterious presence and the world outside, within solitary streets, around a swimming pool, along a river, always her, still her. Empty memories of a love story. An assiduous game of mirrors awaits the man, when a strange woman who looks too much like the soul that dwells in his home knocks on his door.
A poetic work with a linearly intelligible structure that refers to the imagery of gothic films-romantics, of life beyond death and of love beyond any concrete obstacle to living, with its indissoluble mystery and the transience of earthly love at the center.
The Dark Web (2022)
A gripping dramatic thriller short film by Andres Di Bono produced in the USA in 2022. A desperate father explores the depths of the infamous Dark Web to find a new heart for his sick son who seems to be on numbered days. Faced with the loss of his family and perhaps more, he must answer the question: “How far is he willing to go?” A tight thriller condensed into a short film that tells a story that seriously tests the protagonist, a father left alone to deal with his own inner resources and who receives no help from the “legal” world around him . To what extent is it possible to rely on the illegal world of the dark web? What happens when we are faced with a crossroads that can mean life or death? There is a point where you are called to bet all you have, and even more, on a single spin of roulette, and to do so requires enormous courage.