March 2006
Traffic - Steven Soderbergh examines the effect of drugs as
politics, business, and lifestyle, interweaving the stories of a newly
appointed drug czar and his family, a West Coast kingpinıs wife, a key
informant, and cops on both sides of the U.S./Mexican border. Instantly
recognized as a classic, Traffic appeared on more than 200 criticsı
ten-best lists, and earned five Academy Award nominations.
Title: 3 Films by Louis Malle
MURMUR OF THE HEART - Louis Malleıs critically acclaimed Murmur of
the Heart gracefully combines elements of comedy, drama, and autobiography
in a candid portrait of one boyıs journey from childhood to adulthood.
Malleıs depiction of a precocious fifteen-year old boyıs sexual maturation
and unorthodox relationship with his free-spirited mother is both shocking
and deeply poignant, amounting to one of the finest coming-of-age films
ever committed to film.
LACOMBE, LUCIEN - One of the first French films to address the
issue of collaboration during the German Occupation, Louis Malleıs brave
and controversial Lacombe, Lucien traces a young peasantıs journey from
potential Resistance member to Gestapo recruit. At once the story of a
nation and one troubled boyıs horrific coming of age, the film is a
disquieting portrait of lost innocence and guilt.
AU REVOIR LES ENFANTS - Based on events from writer-director Louis
Malleıs own childhood, Au revoir les enfants is the tragic story of
friendship and devastating loss between two boys at a Catholic
board-school in Nazi-occupied France. Julien befriends Jean, and the two
precocious youths enjoy true camaraderie until Jeanıs secret‹that he is a
Jew being hid by sympathetic priests‹is revealed. Subtly and precisely
observed, the film is a tale of cowardice and courage and ultimately
heartbreaking awakening into adulthood.
FISTS IN THE POCKET - A dark, perverse portrait of family
dysfunction, Fists in the Pocket stunned moviegoers and critics alike with
its unflinching social critique and brazenly assured style. This
award-winning feature debut by writer/director Marco Bellocchio heralds
the arrival of a powerful filmmaking voice, and ranks as a truly unique
classic of Italian cinema.
MR ARKADIN - American smuggler Guy van Stratten decides to
investigate the mysterious Mr. Arkadin (Orson Welles) after hearing about
the wealthy man from a prison cellmate. Van Stratten befriends Arkadin's
daughter, Raina, but Arkadin himself claims amnesia about his own life,
sending van Stratten off to investigate his past. The search spans many
countries and characters, but the real purpose of the mission is not what
it seems. Orson Welles's elusive film presented in three different
versions.
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