Movie Recommendations

Another definitive film, this time of the antebellum and Reconstruction Era South. Not actually my cup of tea, but a must-see for anyone seeking cinema literacy.

For those into wry gallows humor. Slighted by his aristocratic relatives, Henry realizes that only eight people—all played by Alec Guinness—stand between him and the dukedom.

The classic little guy vs. big political machine. Jimmy Stewart finds his apotheosis in Capra’s indictment of corruption in the Capitol.

Not for the weak of stomach. But Quentin Tarantino’s terrific script and directing are matched by great performances from Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi, and others in this account of a badly botched bank robbery. Far superior, IMHO, to the more-lauded Pulp Fiction.

You may need to see it twice to follow the intricate plot(ting), but this is the ultimate con game movie.

Against doctor’s orders, Charles Laughton agrees to defend Tyrone Power from a murder charge—though all the evidence points to his guilt. Top-notch adaptation of Agatha Christie play.

A truly original film that ventures in unexpected directions; Stephen Rea gives a touching performance as an IRA terrorist seeking to make amends for the accidental death of a hostage (Forest Whitaker).

Danny Kaye is a yokel mistaken by corrupt town officials for the Inspector General. Based on the play by Nikolai Gogol.

After an extended space sojourn in suspended animation, a crew of American astronauts lands on a planet where highly evolved simians rule wild humans. Adventure, social satire, and a cautionary message.

Hysterical account of the tribulations facing an independent film crew during one day of shooting.