October Picks: Indie

For a couple of generations of idealists and dreamers, the death of John Lennon remains an unforgettable milepost in the passage of time. 'The Lennon Report' helps to provide some unfamiliar yet comforting context. From the perspective of an unwitting news producer in an emergency room, this movie recreates that fateful night in 1980 when Lennon was shot by Mark David Chapman. Focusing on the police officers, medical staff, and others who struggled to save Lennon's life, this Jeremy Profe film examines the impact of the loss of an important cultural voice, at a time when the world was least expecting it. — Bret

Yes, for the 31st time ever (and the 29th under Toho Pictures) ... the legendary Godzilla is back. Hideako Anno's critically acclaimed remake, which premiered to much box-office success in Japan in July, is deferential to the original 1954 movie (leveraging the original recordings in the soundtrack and having on-screen action occur on Nov. 3, the actual release date of the first film). But the remake situates action in modern-day Tokyo, replete with social media-savvy citizens and dithering Japanese and foreign officials, and reraises questions about the city's response to the tragic Fukushima catastrophe from 2011. This monster classic, remade for the modern age, is totally canonical but entirely topical. — Bret

Unconditional fans of Kelly Reichardt must be kvelling (as I am) about the cast she assembled for her story that is set in the American heartland; Kristen Stewart and Laura Dern joining forces with Reichardt's muse Michelle Williams? Let the meditative drama commence. — Arno

It feels like anyone who has seen Park Chan-wook's latest movie has flipped for it, as the celebrated filmmaker relocates Sarah Waters' novel Fingersmith to Korea. Even before I heard the band Vessel's song "Red Sex" being used in the trailer, I was already assured that this story of manipulation and double-crosses would be one of the season's best movies. — Arno

As Chrissie Hynde expressed in her recent memoir, the Stooges truly are the quintessential American rock 'n' roll band. The chance to watch and listen to the indefatigable Iggy Pop about the band's origins, ethos, and their initial trio of studio albums — which are still vital to this day — makes me anxious to view the documentary on the biggest screen with huge sound. — Arno