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)
The Hands of Orlac (1924) is a silent horror film directed by Robert Wiene, based on the 1921 French novel The Hands of Orlac by Maurice Renard.
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 Orlac is 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.
The film is set in a dark and oppressive atmosphere, typical of German Expressionism. The use of light and shadow, distorted camera angles, and the characters’ facial expressions contribute to create an atmosphere of suspense and dread.
The Hands of Orlac is considered a classic of horror cinema. It has been praised for its original story, its unsettling atmosphere, and the performance of Conrad Veidt, who portrays Orlac with great intensity.
The film has been remade several times, including in 1935, 1960, and 1986.
M (1931)
M (1931) is a German noir film directed by Fritz Lang. The film is considered one of the masterpieces of film noir and one of the most important films in cinema history.
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.
The film is set in a dark and oppressive Berlin. The use of light and shadow, angular shots, and the characters’ facial expressions contribute to create an atmosphere of suspense and dread.
M – The Monster of Düsseldorf is a complex and meaningful film. It is a film about the nature of evil, justice, and social responsibility. It is also a film about the fear and horror that a serial killer can generate.
The film was starred by Peter Lorre in the role of Hans Beckert. Lorre gave an exceptional performance, which helped make the film a classic.
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 39 Steps (1935)
The 39 Steps is a 1935 British spy thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, loosely based on the 1915 novel The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan. The film stars Robert Donat as Richard Hannay, an ordinary Canadian man who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy to steal top-secret British military information.
Hannay is in London when he meets a mysterious woman named Annabella Smith (Lucie Mannheim), who claims she is being pursued by spies. She tells him that she knows of a plot to steal a vital military secret, and she asks him for his help. Hannay is skeptical, but he agrees to help Smith when she is murdered in his apartment.
With the police now after him for Smith’s murder, Hannay goes on the run. He travels to Scotland, where he meets Pamela (Madeleine Carroll), a woman who helps him hide from the police. Together, they try to uncover the truth about the conspiracy and stop the spies from carrying out their plans.
The 39 Steps is a classic spy thriller that is full of suspense and excitement. Hitchcock masterfully builds tension throughout the film, and he keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The film is also notable for its innovative use of camera techniques, such as point-of-view shots and overhead shots.
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)
Scarlet Street (1945) is a film noir directed by Fritz Lang. The film is an adaptation of the novel La Chienne by Georges de la Fouchardière, which had already been adapted for the cinema by Jean Renoir with the 1931 film La Chienne.
The film tells the story of Christopher Cross, a bank teller with a passion for painting. One day, while rescuing a woman from an assault, Christopher falls in love with her. However, the woman is a prostitute, and Christopher falls into her traps.
Scarlet Street is a dark and pessimistic film that explores the themes of guilt, love, and redemption. The film was praised for its direction, cinematography, and performances.
Edward G. Robinson plays Christopher Cross, an honest and respectable man who is dragged into evil by a woman he loves. Joan Bennett plays Kitty Collins, a seductive and dangerous woman who exploits Christopher for her own ends.
The film was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to solidify Fritz Lang’s reputation as one of the greatest directors of film noir.
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)
Detour (1945) is a B-movie film noir directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, starring Tom Neal and Ann Savage. It is considered one of the greatest films in the noir genre.
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.
Detour is a suspenseful and atmospheric film with a bleak and fatalistic outlook. It is known for its stark black-and-white cinematography, its use of voice-over narration, and its performances, particularly Neal’s portrayal of the desperate and disillusioned Al Roberts.
The film was not a commercial success when it was first released, but it has since been rediscovered and praised for its originality and its contribution to the noir genre. It is now considered a cult classic.
The Stranger (1946)
The Stranger (1946) is a dramatic film directed by Orson Welles, starring Edward G. Robinson and Orson Welles. It is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Albert Camus.
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)
The Postman Always Rings Twice 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)
The Big Sleep 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.
The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
The Lady from Shanghai is a 1947 American film noir directed by Orson Welles, who also stars in the film along with his estranged wife Rita Hayworth and Everett Sloane. The film is based on the novel If I Die Before I Wake by Sherwood King.
The film tells the story of Michael O’Hara, a sailor who is rescued at sea by a beautiful woman named Elsa Bannister. Elsa invites Michael to work as a crewman on her husband’s yacht, and he soon finds himself caught up in a web of intrigue and murder.
The Lady from Shanghai is a stylish and suspenseful film that is considered to be one of Welles’s best works. The film is notable for its use of mirrors, which create a sense of disorientation and unease. The film also features a memorable performance by Hayworth, who is both alluring and dangerous.
The Lady from Shanghai was not a commercial success when it was first released, but it has since been reevaluated and is now considered to be a classic of film noir.
Hollow Triumph (1948)
Hollow Triumph (1948) is a film noir directed by Steve Sekely, starring Paul Henreid, Joan Bennett, and Eduard Franz. It is an adaptation of the novel The Scar by Cornell Woolrich.
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.
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.
Force of Evil (1948)
Force of Evil (1948) is a film noir directed by Abraham Polonsky, starring John Garfield and Thomas Gomez. It is a social drama film that explores the theme of corruption and the power of organized crime.
The film tells the story of Joe Morse, a lawyer who works for Ben Tucker, a mob boss. Joe is an ambitious and determined man who wants to make money and climb the social ladder.
However, Joe is also a man with a sense of justice and morality. When he discovers that Tucker is involved in a series of criminal activities, Joe is forced to make a choice.
Joe can continue to work for Tucker and become an accomplice to his crimes, or he can report Tucker to the authorities. Joe chooses to report Tucker, but this choice will have devastating consequences for his life.
One of Martin Scorsese’s favorite thriller movies. 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.
Stray Dog (1949)
Stray Dog (野良犬, Nora inu) is a 1949 Japanese neo-noir crime drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa and starring Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura. It was Kurosawa’s second film of 1949, produced by the Film Art Association and released by Shintoho.
The film follows the story of Murakami (Toshiro Mifune), a young detective in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, who loses his service revolver during a struggle with a suspect. Desperate to find the gun before it is used in a crime, Murakami embarks on a relentless search that takes him through the back alleys and neon-lit streets of post-war Tokyo.
Along the way, Murakami encounters a variety of characters, including a sympathetic prostitute, a hardened gangster, and a mysterious woman who may hold the key to the missing revolver. As the clock ticks, Murakami’s obsession with finding the gun grows, threatening to consume him entirely.
Stray Dog is a film about obsession, guilt, and the struggle to find justice in a chaotic world. It is also a portrait of post-war Tokyo, a city still reeling from the effects of the war and grappling with the challenges of modernization.
The Man Who Cheated Himself (1950)
The Man Who Cheated Himself (1950) is a classic film noir directed by Felix E. Feist, starring Lee J. Cobb, Jane Wyatt, and John Dall. The film explores the themes of deception and corruption.
The film tells the story of John Cullen, a corrupt detective who tries to frame an innocent young man for a murder that he himself committed. Cullen is an ambitious and unscrupulous man who is willing to do anything to get what he wants.
However, Cullen finds himself trapped in his own web of lies. As the case progresses, Cullen becomes increasingly paranoid and loses control. In the end, Cullen is exposed and arrested.
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.
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)
Pickup on South Street (1953) is a film noir directed by Samuel Fuller, starring Richard Widmark, Jean Peters, and Thelma Ritter. It is a spy film that explores the themes of morality and corruption.
The film tells the story of Skip McCoy, a pickpocket who steals the purse of Candy, a woman who works for a Soviet agent. Unknown to Skip and Candy, the purse contains a microfilm that contains secret information about the Manhattan Project.
Skip is approached by an FBI agent who offers him $5,000 for the microfilm. Skip accepts the offer, but he is soon contacted by the Soviet agent as well.
Skip finds himself trapped between two opposing forces: the FBI and the Soviet Union. Skip must choose which side to stand on, but whatever choice he makes will have dramatic consequences.
Pickup on South Street is a dark and pessimistic film that explores the themes of morality and corruption. The film has been praised for its direction, cinematography, and performances.
Richard Widmark plays Skip McCoy, a cynical and opportunistic man. Jean Peters plays Candy, an innocent and naive woman. Thelma Ritter plays Moe Williams, a gruff and determined FBI agent.
The film was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to solidify Samuel Fuller’s reputation as one of the great directors of film noir.
The Wages of Fear (1953)
The Wages of Fear (1953), also known as Le Salaire de la peur in French, is a French action thriller film directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot and starring Yves Montand, Véra Clouzot, Gert Fröbe, and Peter van Eyck. The film is based on the novel Clean Break by Pierre Boule.
The film tells the story of four desperate men who take on a dangerous mission to transport nitroglycerin over treacherous roads in South America. The film is known for its suspenseful plot, its realistic portrayal of danger, and its nihilistic themes.
The Wages of Fear was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film.
In Las Piedras, a small, isolated town in South America, four men are desperate to leave. They are Mario (Yves Montand), a Corsican playboy; Jo (Peter van Eyck), an aging ex-gangster; Luigi (Gert Fröbe), a strong but simple man; and Bimba (Folco Lulli), a quiet and introspective Dutchman.
When an oil well fire breaks out at a nearby refinery, the oil company offers 2,000 pesos to the first man who can transport nitroglycerin to the fire. The four men decide to take on the mission, knowing that it is likely to be fatal.
The Wages of Fear is a dark and nihilistic film that explores themes of greed, desperation, and the futility of life. The film’s characters are all flawed and self-motivated, and they are ultimately undone by their own actions. The film’s ending is particularly bleak, as it suggests that there is no escape from the consequences of one’s crimes.
The Big Heat (1953)
The Big Heat (1953) is a classic American film noir crime film directed by Fritz Lang and starring Glenn Ford, Gloria Grahame, and Lee Marvin. The film follows the story of Dave Bannion, a relentless police detective who takes on a powerful crime syndicate that controls his city.
The Big Heat is known for its fast-paced action, its gritty realism, and its morally ambiguous characters. It is considered to be one of the best film noirs ever made.
Dave Bannion is a tough and dedicated police detective in a corrupt city. When his partner is killed in the line of duty, Bannion becomes determined to bring the killers to justice. His investigation leads him to Mike Lagana, a powerful crime boss who is protected by the city’s political elite.
Bannion is undeterred by the danger and continues to pursue Lagana. He is even willing to risk his own life and the lives of his loved ones in order to bring justice.
The Big Heat explores themes of corruption, violence, and the struggle between good and evil. It is a bleak and cynical film, but it also offers a glimmer of hope in the form of Bannion’s determination to fight for justice.
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)
The Diabolique (1955) is a French psychological thriller film co-written and directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, starring Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot, Paul Meurisse and Charles Vanel. It is based on the 1952 novel She Who Was No More (Celle qui n’était plus) by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac.
The film tells the story of Nicole Horner, a teacher at a boarding school for boys, and Christina Delassalle, her husband and the headmaster of the school. They are tired of Michel’s despotism, and they decide to kill him.
Together, Nicole and Christina devise a perfect plan: they make Michel believe he is going on a business trip, and then they poison him. However, Michel’s body disappears, and the two women find themselves trapped in a spiral of lies and paranoia.
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.
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.
Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
Kiss Me Deadly (1955) is a film noir neo-noir crime film directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Ralph Meeker, Albert Dekker, Paul Stewart, Juano Hernandez, and Wesley Addy.
Based on Mickey Spillane’s novel of the same name, the film follows Mike Hammer, a tough and cynical private investigator who becomes involved in a search for a mysterious suitcase containing a powerful weapon. The film is known for its dark and violent atmosphere, its nihilistic themes, and its shocking ending.
Kiss Me Deadly is considered to be one of the most important films of the film noir genre. It is praised for its gritty realism, its cynical view of humanity, and its innovative use of camera angles and lighting. The film has also been praised for its performances, particularly that of Ralph Meeker as Mike Hammer.
Kiss Me Deadly is a classic film noir that is still relevant today. It is a powerful and disturbing film that explores the dark underbelly of American society.
Rififi (1955)
Rififi (1955) is a French film directed by Jules Dassin and starring Jean Servais, Carl Möhner, Jules Dassin, Robert Manuel, Marie Sabouret, Janine Darcey, Claude Sylvain, Dominique Maurin.
The film is based on the 1954 novel of the same name by Auguste Le Breton. It tells the story of four men who plan and execute a daring robbery of a jewelry store in Paris.
Rififi is known for its long, silent sequence of the robbery itself, which was shot in one take over the course of five nights. The sequence is praised for its realism and tension, and it has been imitated many times since.
The film was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the greatest heist films of all time. It was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival, and it won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1957.
Rififi is a dark and suspenseful film that explores themes of greed, betrayal, and the corrupting power of money. It is a gritty and realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld, and it is often cited as an influence on the French New Wave.
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
The Night of the Hunter (1955) is an American neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Charles Laughton (in his only directorial role) and starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, and Lillian Gish. The film is based on the 1953 novel of the same name by Davis Grubb.
The film tells the story of Harry Powell, a self-proclaimed preacher who is also a serial killer. Powell travels around the country, marrying and murdering wealthy widows, and targeting their children for their inheritance. He eventually sets his sights on Willa Harper, a widow with two young children, John and Pearl.
The Night of the Hunter is a visually striking and atmospheric film, with a distinctive Expressionist style. The film is also notable for its performances, particularly Mitchum’s portrayal of Powell, which is considered one of the greatest in cinema history.
The Night of the Hunter is a complex and ambiguous film that has been interpreted in many different ways. Some critics have seen it as a film about the nature of good and evil, while others have seen it as a film about the dangers of religious fanaticism. The film can also be seen as a commentary on the post-war American landscape, which was characterized by anxiety, paranoia, and a sense of moral decay.
The Killing (1956)
The Killing is a 1956 American crime film directed by Stanley Kubrick and written by Jim Thompson, based on the novel Clean Break by Lionel White. The film stars Sterling Hayden, Coleen Gray, Timothy Carey, Elisha Cook Jr., and Marie Windsor.
The film tells the story of Johnny Clay, a career criminal who plans one last heist before retiring. He assembles a team of five men, each with their own unique skills, to rob a racetrack. However, the heist goes awry, and the men are forced to improvise in order to escape.
The Killing is a classic noir film that is known for its suspenseful plot, its innovative use of non-linear storytelling, and its nihilistic themes. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of Kubrick’s best films.
Kubrick’s direction in The Killing is masterfully suspenseful. He uses a variety of techniques to create a sense of unease and dread, including close-ups, low-angle shots, and sudden cuts. The film’s non-linear storytelling also adds to the suspense, as the audience is not always sure what is happening or who is to be trusted.
The Killing is a dark and nihilistic film that explores themes of fate, greed, and betrayal. The characters are all flawed and self-motivated, and they are ultimately undone by their own actions. The film’s ending is particularly bleak, as it suggests that there is no escape from the consequences of one’s crimes.
Touch of Evil (1958)
It is a 1958 film directed by Orson 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.
Elevator to the Gallows (1958)
Elevator to the Gallows (1958) is a French crime thriller film directed by Louis Malle and starring Jeanne Moreau, Maurice Ronet, and Lino Ventura. The film is based on the 1954 novel of the same name by Noël Calef.
Julien Tavernier, a businessman, kills his wife Corinne for the insurance money. To create an alibi, he traps himself in an elevator. However, his plans go awry when the elevator mechanic is injured and cannot repair it. Julien is forced to fend for himself in the confined space, while his wife’s body lies undiscovered in their apartment.
Elevator to the Gallows explores themes such as paranoia, isolation, and guilt. Julien finds himself trapped in a desperate situation, from which he cannot escape. The elevator becomes a symbol of his mental and physical imprisonment. The film also highlights Julien’s guilt for killing his wife.
Elevator to the Gallows was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The film was praised for its claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere, its performance by Jeanne Moreau, and its innovative direction by Louis Malle.
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)
Psycho (1960) is a psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Janet Leigh, Anthony Perkins, John Gavin, and Vera Miles. It is considered one of the most important and influential films in cinema history.
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.
The 1000 Eyes of Dr Mabuse (1960)
The 1,000 Eyes of Dr. Mabuse (German: Die 1000 Augen des Dr. Mabuse) is a 1960 West German crime film directed by Fritz Lang and starring Peter van Eyck, Dawn Addams, Gert Fröbe, and Wolfgang Preiss. It is the third and final film in Lang’s Dr. Mabuse series, following The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1922) and The Return of Dr. Mabuse (1933).
The film follows the exploits of Dr. Mabuse, a criminal mastermind who uses his hypnotic powers to control others and amass a vast fortune. Mabuse has withdrawn from public view and is now operating from the shadows, using his network of agents to carry out his crimes.
When a series of bizarre murders takes place in Berlin, Commissioner Kras (Peter van Eyck) is assigned to investigate. He soon realizes that the murders are the work of Mabuse, who is using them to distract the authorities while he carries out his ultimate plan: to seize control of the world.
The 1,000 Eyes of Dr. Mabuse explores themes of power, greed, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. It is also a cautionary tale about the power of mass media and the ease with which people can be manipulated.
Purple Noon (1960)
Purple Noon (1960), also known as Plein Soleil in French and Delitto in pieno sole in Italian, is a 1960 neo-noir crime film directed by René Clément and starring Alain Delon, Maurice Ronet, and Marie Laforêt. It is a loose adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Philippe Greenleaf (Maurice Ronet), a wealthy young American playboy, is vacationing in Italy with his friend Tom Ripley (Alain Delon), a poor and ambitious young American man. Philippe’s wealthy father sends Tom to Italy to persuade Philippe to return home, but Tom soon becomes obsessed with Philippe’s wealth and lifestyle.
When Philippe’s life begins to spiral out of control, Tom takes advantage of the situation by assuming Philippe’s identity and disposing of his body. Tom then begins to live a life of luxury, but he is constantly haunted by the fear of being discovered.
Purple Noon explores themes of class, ambition, and the nature of identity. The film is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and ambition.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
The Manchurian Candidate is a 1962 American psychological thriller film directed by John Frankenheimer, written by George Axelrod, and based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Richard Condon. The film stars Laurence Harvey as Sergeant Raymond Shaw, a Korean War hero who has been brainwashed by the Soviets to become a Communist assassin, and Frank Sinatra as Major Bennett Marco, a fellow soldier who suspects something is wrong with Shaw.
During the Korean War, Sergeant Raymond Shaw and his platoon are captured by the Chinese and taken to Manchuria. There, they are subjected to brainwashing techniques and programmed to kill on command. Shaw is chosen as the perfect sleeper agent because he is a war hero and the son of a prominent political figure.
The Manchurian Candidate is a suspenseful and disturbing film that explores themes of brainwashing, political manipulation, and the Cold War. The film is also a commentary on the dangers of unchecked power and the corruption of the American political system.
The Manchurian Candidate was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best films of the 1960s. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Laurence Harvey.
Knife in the Water (1962)
Knife in the Water (Polish: Nóż w wodzie) is a 1962 Polish psychological thriller film co-written and directed by Roman Polanski in his feature debut, and starring Leon Niemczyk, Jolanta Umecka, and Zygmunt Malanowicz.
A couple, Andrzej and Krystyna, take a day trip on their yacht, accompanied by a hitchhiker they picked up along the way. As the day progresses, tensions rise between the three men, and Andrzej becomes increasingly suspicious of the hitchhiker’s intentions.
Knife in the Water explores themes such as power, masculinity, and jealousy. The film is a study of the dynamics of power and control between men, and it also examines the destructive nature of jealousy.
Knife in the Water was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The film was praised for its sharp writing, psychological insight, and performances. It has since been recognized as a landmark film in Polish cinema.
Cape Fear (1962)
Cape Fear (1962) is a taut, suspenseful psychological thriller film directed by J. Lee Thompson and starring Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, and Polly Bergen. It was adapted by James R. Webb from the 1957 novel The Executioners by John D. MacDonald.
Sam Bowden (Gregory Peck) is a small-town lawyer in North Carolina. He has a successful law practice, a loving wife and daughter, and a comfortable home. However, his idyllic life is shattered when Max Cady (Robert Mitchum), a recently released convict, arrives in town.
Max Cady is a psychopath who is obsessed with revenge. He believes that Sam is responsible for his eight-year prison sentence and he is determined to make Sam pay. Max begins to stalk and harass Sam’s family, and Sam is forced to take desperate measures to protect them.
Cape Fear explores themes of fear, paranoia, and the nature of evil. It is a dark and disturbing film that examines the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones.
Dementia 13 (1963)
Dementia 13 (1963) is a low-budget horror film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starring William Campbell, Luana Anders, and Bart Patton. It is a suspense film that explores the themes of violence, madness, and destiny.
The film tells the story of Louise Haloran, a young woman who returns home for the funeral of her sister, who drowned in the family castle pond seven years earlier. Louise begins to see the ghost of her sister, and soon she finds herself trapped in a spiral of lies and paranoia.
Dementia 13 is a dark and disturbing film that explores the theme of evil. The film has been praised for its direction, cinematography, and performances.
William Campbell plays Richard Haloran, Louise’s husband and the new administrator of the castle. Luana Anders plays Louise Haloran, the young woman who returns home for her sister’s funeral. Bart Patton plays the killer, a man wearing an axe mask.
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.
Watch Dementia 13
The Girl Who Knew Too Much (1963)
The Girl Who Knew Too Much (1963) is a thriller film 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 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.
Repulsion (1965)
Repulsion (1965) is a psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski, starring Catherine Deneuve, Yvonne Furneaux, Ian Hendry, John Fraser, and Patrick Wymark. It is considered one of Polanski’s greatest works and a landmark film in the genre of psychological horror.
The film explores the themes of isolation, alienation, and sexual repression, and tells the story of Carol Ledoux, a young woman who becomes increasingly withdrawn and paranoid after her sister leaves her alone in their London apartment.
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.
Blow-Up (1966)
Blow-Up (1966) is a British psychological thriller film directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, written by Edward Bond and Antonioni, and based on the short story “The Devil’s Droolings” by Julio Cortázar. The film stars David Hemmings as Thomas, a fashion photographer who becomes increasingly obsessed with a series of photographs he has taken in a park, which he believes may show a murder. Vanessa Redgrave co-stars as the woman he photographs.
Blow-Up was Antonioni’s first English-language film, and it was a critical and commercial success. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay. It also won the Palme d’Or at the 1967 Cannes Film Festival.
Thomas, a successful fashion photographer, has grown tired of his routine and is looking for something new and exciting. One day, while taking photographs in a park, he takes a series of pictures of a young woman and a man arguing. When he develops the photographs, he believes that he may have captured a murder.
Thomas becomes increasingly obsessed with the photographs, and he spends hours examining them and trying to decipher what they mean. He also begins to stalk the woman in the photographs, hoping to learn more about her and what happened in the park.
Blow-Up is a complex and ambiguous film that has been interpreted in many different ways. Some critics have seen it as a film about the nature of reality and perception, while others have seen it as a film about the dangers of obsession.
Point Blank (1967)
Point Blank (1967) is a neo-noir crime thriller film directed by John Boorman and starring Lee Marvin as Walker, a professional thief who is double-crossed by his partners and left for dead. Walker embarks on a relentless quest for revenge, tracking down his former associates and exacting his vengeance one by one.
The film is based on the 1963 novel The Hunter by Donald E. Westlake, writing as Richard Stark. Westlake’s novel is characterized by its bleak and nihilistic tone, its unconventional narrative structure, and its exploration of themes such as the nature of violence and the futility of revenge. Boorman’s adaptation of the novel is faithful to its source material, but he also brings his own unique style to the film, creating a visually striking and atmospheric neo-noir that is considered a classic of the genre.
Walker is a professional thief who is double-crossed by his partners after a successful heist. Left for dead, Walker awakens in a hospital with no memory of his identity or the events leading up to his betrayal. He sets out to find his former associates and exact his revenge, but he soon discovers that he is not the only one after them.
Point Blank is a film that explores themes of violence, revenge, and the nature of identity. Walker’s quest for revenge is ultimately futile, as it only leads to more violence and destruction. The film’s ending is bleak and nihilistic, suggesting that there is no escape from the cycle of violence. However, the film also offers a glimmer of hope, as Walker’s journey of violence and vengeance allows him to rediscover his identity and purpose in life.
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.
The Red Circle (1970)
The Red Circle (1970) is a French crime film directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. The film stars Alain Delon as Corey, a recently released prisoner who teams up with two other criminals to plan a major heist.
The film begins with Corey being released from prison. He is determined to go straight, but he is soon tempted back into a life of crime by an old associate named Vogel. Vogel is a notorious escapee who is planning a major heist. Corey reluctantly agrees to help Vogel, and they soon recruit another criminal named Jansen.
The three criminals plan to rob a jewelry store, but their heist is complicated by the presence of a determined police inspector named Mattei. Mattei is determined to stop the heist, and he is willing to go to any lengths to do so.
The film culminates in a tense standoff between the criminals and the police. The Red Circle is a stylish and suspenseful crime film that is considered to be a classic of the genre.
The film explores themes of fate, free will, and the nature of crime. It also examines the relationship between the individual and society.
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 Godfather (1972) is a crime drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard Conte, and Diane Keaton. It is based on the 1969 novel of the same name by Mario Puzo.
The film tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful Mafia family in New York City. The patriarch of the family, Vito Corleone, is a respected and feared man who runs the family business with wisdom and cunning. When Vito is wounded in an assassination attempt, his son Michael, a young idealist, is forced to take his place.
The Godfather is an epic and complex film that explores the themes of family, violence, power, and morality. The film has been praised for its direction, performances, screenplay, and cinematography.
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)
Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972) is an American slasher film directed by Theodore Gershuny and co-produced by Lloyd Kaufman. The film stars Patrick O’Neal and cult actress Mary Woronov in leading roles, with John Carradine in a supporting performance. It follows a man who inherits a mansion which once was an insane asylum, and begins to investigate some crimes that happened in old times, scaring the people living in the region.
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.
Silent Night, Bloody Night 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.
Deliverance (1972)
Deliverance (1972) is an American neo-Western survival thriller film directed by John Boorman and written by James Dickey, who adapted his own 1970 novel of the same name. It stars Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $45 million worldwide. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. Deliverance is considered a classic of American cinema and is often cited as one of the greatest films of the 1970s.
Ed Gentry (Jon Voight), Lewis Medlock (Burt Reynolds), Bobby Trip (Ned Beatty), and Drew Ballinger (Ronny Cox) are four friends who decide to go on a canoe trip down the Cahulawassee River in Georgia, before it is flooded by a new dam. They are warned by locals about the dangers of the river, but they ignore their warnings.
Deliverance is a film about the struggle for survival and the nature of man. It explores themes of masculinity, violence, and morality. The film also raises questions about the relationship between man and nature.
Mean Streets (1973)
Mean Streets (1973) is an American crime film co-written and directed by Martin Scorsese, and produced by Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff. The film stars Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro as two young men involved in the underground world of Little Italy, New York City, during the early 1970s.
Charlie “Chazz” Palantine (Keitel) is a young man who is trying to make a living in the tough streets of Little Italy. He is caught between his loyalty to his friend and fellow small-time hoodlum, Johnny Boy (De Niro), and his desire to live a straight life.
Johnny Boy is a wild and unpredictable character who is constantly getting into trouble. He owes money to a loan shark and is constantly being chased by the police. Charlie tries to help Johnny Boy out, but Johnny Boy’s reckless behavior always seems to land them both in hot water.
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 Long Goodbye (1973)
The Long Goodbye (1973) is a neo-noir mystery film directed by Robert Altman and starring Elliott Gould as Philip Marlowe, a private investigator who becomes entangled in a web of murder, blackmail, and betrayal.
The film is based on the 1953 novel of the same name by Raymond Chandler, but Altman’s adaptation is a loose and freewheeling interpretation of the source material. The film is notable for its unconventional narrative structure, its cynical and sardonic tone, and its exploration of themes such as alienation, disillusionment, and the decline of the American Dream.
Philip Marlowe is a private investigator who is hired by Terry Lennox, a former soldier and ex-boyfriend of his ex-wife, to find his wife Sylvia, who has run away with another man. As Marlowe investigates, he uncovers a web of corruption and betrayal that leads him to question everything he thought he knew about the case.
The Long Goodbye is a film that is deeply cynical about American society. The film’s characters are all flawed and morally ambiguous, and the world they inhabit is one of corruption, violence, and despair. The film’s tone is also very dark and pessimistic, and it offers no easy answers or solutions to the problems it explores.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
The Godfather Part II (1974) is a gangster drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and Talia Shire. It is the sequel to the 1972 film The Godfather, and tells the story of Michael Corleone, the son of Vito Corleone, as he seeks to expand his family’s criminal empire.
The film is divided into two timelines: the first follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) in 1958, as he seeks to consolidate his power as head of the Corleone family; the second follows Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) in 1945, as he builds his criminal empire.
In the 1958 timeline, Michael faces a series of challenges. He must contend with the rivalry of rival Mafia clans, the corruption of politics, and the loyalty of his own men. Meanwhile, he must also face his own inner demons, as he realizes that he is becoming increasingly like his father.
In the 1945 timeline, Vito Corleone is a young man who is building his fortune in the world of the Mafia. He must contend with the competition of rival Mafia clans, and he must also learn to balance his criminal life with his family life.
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.
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975) is an American crime film directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Frank Pierson. The film stars Al Pacino as Sonny Wortzik, an inexperienced bank robber who holds up a Brooklyn branch of Chase Manhattan Bank with a team of three accomplices. When the robbery goes awry, Sonny takes hostages and demands a ransom of $1 million.
The film is based on the true story of the 1972 Brooklyn bank robbery attempt by John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile. Wojtowicz, who was a cross-dresser, robbed the bank to finance his lover’s sex reassignment surgery.
Dog Day Afternoon was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $50 million worldwide on a budget of $4.5 million. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Pacino. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Dog Day Afternoon is considered to be one of the greatest crime films of all time. It is praised for its realistic portrayal of the robbery, its complex characters, and its suspenseful plot. The film is also notable for its exploration of themes such as gender identity, sexuality, and social alienation.
Deep Red (1975)
Deep Red (1975) is an Italian giallo film directed by Dario Argento and starring David Hemmings, Clara Calamai, Macha Méril, Eros Pagni, and Giuliana Calandra. The film tells the story of Marcus Daly, a jazz pianist who witnesses the brutal murder of a psychic. The young man decides to investigate on his own, but he soon realizes that everyone who can help him solve the mystery is being killed.
Marcus Daly is an English jazz pianist living in Rome. One day, while walking down the street, he witnesses the murder of a psychic, Helga Ulmann. The woman was killed by a masked man wearing a pair of black gloves. Marcus is shaken by the event and decides to start investigating on his own.
Deep Red is a film that explores themes such as violence, mystery, and paranoia. The film is characterized by a strong atmosphere of suspense and unease, which is created by a number of elements, including the eerie soundtrack by Goblin, the dark and claustrophobic cinematography by Vittorio Storaro, and Dario Argento’s nervous and tense direction.
The American Friend (1977)
The American Friend (German: Der amerikanische Freund) is a 1977 neo-noir film directed by Wim Wenders and adapted from the 1974 novel Ripley’s Game by Patricia Highsmith. It stars Bruno Ganz, Dennis Hopper, Gérard Blain, Nicholas Ray, Samuel Fuller, Jean Eustache, and Roger Cox.
The film follows the story of Jonathan Zimmermann (Bruno Ganz), a terminally ill picture framer in Hamburg, Germany, who is approached by Tom Ripley (Dennis Hopper), a wealthy and amoral American art dealer. Ripley proposes that Zimmermann act as a courier for a series of art forgeries, promising him a large sum of money in exchange for his help.
Zimmermann is initially hesitant, but he eventually agrees to Ripley’s plan in order to provide for his family after his death. However, as Zimmermann becomes more involved in the forgeries, he begins to question the morality of his actions and the true nature of his relationship with Ripley.
The American Friend explores themes of guilt, morality, and the nature of evil. It is also a film about the relationship between art and crime, and the ways in which people can be manipulated for personal gain.
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.
Blow Out (1981)
Blow Out (1981) is an American neo-noir thriller film written and directed by Brian De Palma and starring John Travolta, Nancy Allen, Dennis Franz, and John Lithgow. The film follows Jack Terry, a sound effects man who believes he has recorded evidence of a political assassination.
Jack Terry, a sound effects man for low-budget films, accidentally records a strange noise while working late one night. The noise turns out to be a gunshot that has killed presidential candidate Governor Burke. Terry believes that the assassination was covered up and sets out to uncover the truth.
Blow Out explores themes such as paranoia, obsession, and the power of sound. The film is a dark and gritty look at the underside of American politics, and it is unflinching in its portrayal of violence and corruption.
Blow Out was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The film was praised for its sharp writing, suspenseful direction, and performances. It has since been recognized as a landmark film in the neo-noir genre.
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 Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan), a young college student who, returning home after eye surgery, finds a severed ear in a field. Jeffrey begins to investigate the ear and finds himself involved in an underground world of violence, sex, and corruption.
Blue Velvet explores the themes of good and evil, the duality of man, and the nature of reality. The film is an investigation into the dark side of the human soul and the man’s capacity for violence and depravity.
Blue Velvet was a critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its direction, performances, cinematography, and soundtrack. The film was also praised for its exploration of complex and controversial themes.
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 (1984) is an epic crime film directed by Sergio Leone and starring Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, and Joe Pesci. The film tells the story of Noodles, a young Jewish man who grew up in the Lower East Side of New York City in the 1920s and 1930s, and his friends, who become gangsters.
The film is divided into two parts: the first part tells the story of Noodles and his friends as young men, while the second part tells their story as adults.
In the first part, Noodles is a young idealist who dreams of becoming a musician. His friends, however, are more interested in the world of crime. Noodles eventually becomes involved in a gang of gangsters, led by Max Bercovicz. The gang becomes increasingly powerful, and Noodles becomes one of its most important members.
In the second part, Noodles is a middle-aged man living in Los Angeles. He is a lonely and depressed man who has lost everything that was important to him. One day, Noodles receives a letter from Max, inviting him to return to New York. Noodles returns to New York, and discovers that Max is dead. Noodles begins to investigate Max’s death, and discovers that the truth is much more complex than he imagined.
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.
Blood Simple (1984)
Blood Simple (1984) is a neo-noir crime thriller film written, directed, and co-produced by the Coen brothers, and starring Frances McDormand, John Getz, Dan Hedaya, M. Emmet Walsh, Deborah Neumann, Raquel Gavia, and Samm-Art Williams. The film is based on the 1981 novel of the same name by James M. Cain.
A sleazy nightclub owner hires two private detectives to kill his unfaithful wife. However, the plan goes awry, and everyone involved finds themselves entangled in a web of deceit and murder.
Blood Simple explores themes such as violence, betrayal, and obsession. The film is a dark and gritty look at the underside of human nature, and it is unflinching in its portrayal of violence and corruption.
Blood Simple was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The film was praised for its sharp writing, taut direction, and performances. It has since been recognized as a landmark film in the neo-noir genre.
Blood Simple had a profound influence on neo-noir cinema. The film helped to define the genre’s style, which is characterized by its dark and gritty atmosphere, its focus on moral ambiguity, and its use of violence. The film has also been praised for its influence on the Coen brothers’ later films, such as Miller’s Crossing (1990) and No Country for Old Men (2007).
The Untouchables (1987)
The Untouchables (1987) is a 1987 American crime film directed by Brian De Palma and starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, and Andy García. The film is based on the 1957 non-fiction book of the same name by Eliot Ness and Oscar Fraley and tells the story of a team of federal agents who are tasked with taking down notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone during Prohibition.
Plot
In 1929, Eliot Ness (Costner) is appointed by the federal government to dismantle Al Capone’s (De Niro) bootlegging racket. Ness enlists the help of a team of special agents, including Jim Malone (Connery), George Stone (García), and Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith). The four agents face the brutality of Capone and his men, but they never give up and continue to fight for justice.
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.
The Vanishing (1988)
The Vanishing (1988), also known as Spoorloos in Dutch, is a Dutch thriller film directed by George Sluizer and starring Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu, Geneviève Bujold, and François Berléand. The film is based on the 1983 novel The Golden Egg by Tim Krabbé.
The film tells the story of Rex Hofman, a man who goes on a desperate search for his girlfriend Saskia after she disappears during a stop at a remote service station. The film is known for its suspenseful plot, its bleak and nihilistic atmosphere, and its shocking ending.
Rex Hofman is a man who is traveling with his girlfriend Saskia through France. They stop at a remote service station, and Saskia disappears without a trace. Rex is left to search for her, but he is met with nothing but silence and denial. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of deceit and violence.
The Vanishing is a bleak and nihilistic film that explores themes of loss, obsession, and the futility of hope. The film’s protagonist, Rex Hofman, is a man who is consumed by his search for his missing girlfriend, and he eventually loses himself in the process. The film’s ending is particularly shocking, as it suggests that there is no justice or closure for those who have been wronged.
Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas (1990) is a 1990 American crime film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, and Paul Sorvino. The film is based on the autobiography of Henry Hill, an Italian-American gangster who spent 25 years in prison.
The film tells the story of Henry Hill, a young Italian-American who grows up in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City in the 1950s. Henry is fascinated by the world of organized crime, and he begins working for the Lucchese crime family. Henry quickly becomes an important member of the gang, and he participates in a variety of criminal activities, including extortion, robbery, and drug trafficking.
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)
Fargo (1996) is a 1996 American black comedy crime film written, produced, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Frances McDormand stars as Marge Gunderson, a pregnant Minnesota police chief investigating a triple homicide that takes place after a desperate car salesman (William H. Macy) stages the kidnapping of his own wife for the ransom money.
Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), a car salesman in Minneapolis, has gotten himself into debt and is so desperate for money that he hires two thugs (Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare) to kidnap his own wife, Jean (Kristin Rudrud). Jerry plans to collect the ransom from her wealthy father (Harve Presnell), paying the thugs a small portion and keeping the rest to satisfy his debts. However, the scheme quickly falls apart when one of the thugs accidentally shoots and kills a state trooper.
Fargo explores the themes of greed, desperation, and the consequences of bad decisions. The film is also a study of the contrast between the urban and rural Midwest, with the city of Minneapolis representing the sophistication and ambition of Jerry Lundegaard, while the rural towns of Brainerd and Fargo represent the simplicity and honesty of Marge Gunderson.
Fargo was a critical and commercial success. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for McDormand, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.
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)
A Better Life (Per una vita migliore) is a 2007 Italian drama film directed by Fabio del Greco and starring Fabio del Greco, Chiara Pavoni, Gennaro Mottola, Gabriele Guerra, and Sveva Tedeschi. The film is set in Rome and tells the story of Andrea Casadei, a young investigator specializing in wiretapping.
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)
Black Swan (2010) is a 2010 American psychological thriller film directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder, and Sebastian Stan. The film is set in the world of ballet and tells the story of Nina Sayers, a young ballerina who is chosen to play the role of the White Swan and the Black Swan in the Bolshoi Theatre production of Swan Lake.
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)
Babycall (2011) is a 2011 Norwegian psychological thriller film directed by Pål Sletaune and starring Noomi Rapace, Kristoffer Joner, Vetle Qvenild Werring, Stig R. Amdam, Maria Bock, Torkil Johannes Swensen Høeg, and Bjørn Moan. The film is set in Norway and tells the story of Liv, a young single mother who lives in an apartment in a large apartment building.
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.
Sicario (2015)
Sicario (2015) is a neo-Western action thriller film directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Taylor Sheridan. The film stars Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio del Toro, and Jon Bernthal.
The film follows the story of Kate Macer, an idealistic FBI agent who is recruited by a mysterious government task force to help them take down a Mexican drug cartel. Kate soon finds herself out of her depth and questioning her own morality as she becomes entangled in a world of violence and corruption.
Kate Macer is a skilled FBI agent who is used to working within the confines of the law. However, when she is recruited by a mysterious government task force, she is thrust into a world where the rules are blurred and the stakes are high.
Sicario explores themes of morality, violence, and the nature of the war on drugs. It is a complex and thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to consider the consequences of their actions.
The Handmaiden (2016)
The Handmaiden (2016) is a South Korean psychological thriller film written and directed by Park Chan-wook, based on the novel Fingersmith (2005) by Sarah Waters. The film stars Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo, Cho Jin-woong, and Kim Tae-ri.
Set in the 1930s during the Japanese occupation of Korea, The Handmaiden tells the story of a young woman named Sookee who is trained to be a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress named Lady Hideko. Sookee is tasked with seducing Lady Hideko and eventually marrying her. However, Sookee is actually part of a plot devised by a con man named Fujiwara to swindle Lady Hideko out of her fortune.
The Handmaiden explores themes of desire, betrayal, and the power of storytelling. The film is also a commentary on the social and political climate of Korea during the Japanese occupation.
Beyond the Mist (2017)
Beyond the Mist (2017) is a 2017 Italian psychological thriller film directed by Giuseppe Varlotta and starring Pippo Delbono, Corinne Clery, Cosimo Cinieri, Luca Lionello, Vincent Nemeth, Joe Capalbo, Frédéric Moulin. The film is set in Switzerland and tells the story of a man who, after losing his wife, retires to a mountain cabin to seek inner peace.
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)
My Son (2017) is a 2017 French thriller film directed by Christian Carion and starring Guillaume Canet, Mélanie Laurent, Olivier de Benoist, Marc Robert, Joe Capalbo, and Frédéric Moulin. The film is set in France and tells the story of a man who, after the disappearance of his seven-year-old son, sets out to find him.
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)
Jusqu’à la garde (2017) is a 2017 French psychological thriller film directed by Xavier Legrand and starring Denis Ménochet, Léa Drucker, Thomas Gioria, Mathilde Auneveux, and Mathieu Saikaly. The film is set in France and tells the story of Miriam and Antoine Besson, a divorced couple who are fighting for custody of their son Julien, 11 years old.
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)
Slow Life is a 2021 Italian comedy-drama film written and directed by Fabio Del Greco and starring Fabio Del Greco, Rimi Beqiri, Mariagrazia Casagrande, Chiara Pavoni. The film tells the story of Lino Stella, an office worker who takes a vacation to relax and pursue his passion for drawing comics. However, his plans for a peaceful retreat are interrupted by his eccentric neighbors and the demands of his job.
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
The Dark Web (2022)
The Dark Web (2022) is 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.
