Reviews

What is there to be said about a film that, no doubt, influenced everyone who ever saw it; one which is still remembered today for its complex characters and dedication to realism; one that strove to capture life as it is, in all its joy and sorrow. Show anyone a picture of Ryan, one of the most iconic characters in modern cinema, and they will certainly tell you about how much this film moved them, how it gave them a new perspective on life. It's blending of drama, humor, and suspense is unparalleled in all of cinema, and the way the two subplots - one about Ryan and his magic bike reflector shoes, the other about his kidnapped dog - are interwoven has inspired countless imitators. Truly, a film for the ages.

Although not as famous as Un Chien Andalou or Eraserhead, The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living And Became Mixed Up Zombies is perhaps the definitive surrealist film. Its willingness to defy narrative conventions by interspersing the main plot with seemingly irrelevant stock footage altered the landscape of cinema forever; and the iconic soundtrack provides a standard that all future films must be measured against. Despite the seemingly straightforward plot, a careful analysis reveals that we are only getting part of the story, and we must carefully examine the apparently irrelevant sequences of stock footage in order to find the deeper meaning of this beautiful film.

Hal Warren's early departure from the film industry was perhaps the greatest loss of talent the world had ever seen. Manos: The Hands Of Fate quickly led him to fame, hailed as the equal of Kubrick and Tarkovsky by most critics. And yet, after his single film, he never again directed; instead focusing on his career in fertilizer sales. The film still stands up to modern scrutiny due to its brilliant plot and truly moving performances by all of its actors, especially Reynolds in his role as the tragic character of Torgo. One of the most significant influences on virtually all subsequent films, one can only imagine what masterpieces Warren could have created if he had only remained in the field.

There are very few individuals who have the sheer range of skills to act, write, and direct a movie. Foremost among those rare talents is Tommy Wiseau, perhaps the finest actor of his generation. This film, his debut, is universally regarded as the finest film of the decade, and indeed, one of the greatest of all time. Much has been written about the complex symbolism worked into the set designs; and unravelling the exact meaning of the football scene has provided fuel for countless dissertations. Indeed, this is a film likely to live on for generations.

Widely considered one of the finest filmmakers working today, Breen is noted for his use of sophisticated special effects in his exploration of deep spiritual themes. In what is widely considered his masterpiece, Breen demonstrates that he is willing to engage with complex socio-political ideas that lesser talents would hesitate to explore. Certainly one of the most important films of the 21st century.