Life During Wartime: Criterion Collection
July 26, 2011
With his misanthropic comedy Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995), Todd Solondz announced himself as an independent filmmaker with a unique vision of American culture. His film, and subsequent efforts since, explore the trials and tribulations of people living...
Deception
October 17, 2008
How can a film starring three marquee names like Ewan McGregor, Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams get an extremely limited theatrical release with very little publicity? Collectively, they have appeared in some serious moneymakers: McGregor with the...
The Verdict: Collector’s Edition
June 21, 2007
The Verdict (1982) came along at just the right time in Paul Newman’s career. He hadn’t had a hit movie in some time or a role that really challenged him (Absence of Malice excepted, natch). This would all change when he signed onto this troubled...
Basic Instinct: Unrated Extended Cut
July 21, 2006
After the success of Basic Instinct (1992), the notion of a sequel was quickly proposed but it wasn’t going to be that easy as the project languished in development hell for many years with several screenwriters and directors being attached and then...
I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead
June 5, 2005
At first glance, I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2003) seems like a very conventional film noir story but it is in fact told in a very unconventional way as director Mike Hodges refuses to spell things out. Will Graham (Owen) is a retired gangster brought...
