Category Archives: Major Actresses

A brief look at “Das Leben ist eine Baustelle.” [1997 Germany]

Having enjoyed watching Good Bye Lenin, I was looking forward to Wolfgang Becker’s earlier romantic drama “Das Leben ist eine Baustelle.” [Eng. Title: Life is All You Get.] – it was after all well received at festivals, and also starred a … Continue reading

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Life is a nightmare – “Sílení” [2005 Czech Rep, Slovakia]

  Czech director Jan Svankmajer is renowned for his surreal films and fascinating stop-motion animations that some may find macabre. In his 2005 film, “Sílení” [Eng. Title: Lunacy], he opens the film in person and informs that we’re about to … Continue reading

Posted in Anna Geislerová, Czech Republic, Jan Svankmajer | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bursting with borrowed cliché – “Combustión” [2013 Spain]

The Spaniards are obviously entitled to their fair share of cars-and-chick flicks, and even if they’re a bit late off the block on this, Daniel Calparsoro has nevertheless made sure that his action drama “Combustión” [Eng. Title: Combustion] is imbued … Continue reading

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Beauty isn’t always about what one could readily see: “La dentellière” [1977 France, Switzerland]

Sometimes, it requires a painter to appreciate beauty, says Swiss director Claude Goretta, and writer Pascal Lainé, upon whose novel the film, “La dentellière” [Eng. Title: The Lacemaker] is based. Even the title alludes to Johannes Vermeer’s famous painting. Beatrice … Continue reading

Posted in Isabelle Huppert, Switzerland | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Sixties’ kitsch and deviance – “Una ragazza piuttosto complicata” [1969 Italy]

Damiano Damiani was one of the most prominent and prolific Italian directors during the 60’s and 70’s, and his early crime and political dramas were, if not revolutionary, certainly ground-breaking for its time. His erotic/psychological thriller “Una ragazza piuttosto complicata” … Continue reading

Posted in Damiano Damiani, Florinda Bolkan, Italian Cinema | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments