Collateral (2004) – dir. Michael Mann
Second viewing of what is now one of my favourite films. Mann is one of the few directors working in the action genre who know how to properly set-up a scene, and let the action play out in a pure cinematic way. The atmospheric overhead shots make LA feel more like a character than a setting. The digital photography brings a sense of realism and urgency. By the end of the film, the characters are so wonderfully developed, despite it playing out over one night. Easily Tom Cruise’s best performance.

Kicking and Screaming (1995) – dir. Noah Baumbach
Finally got around to watching this after finding it for $2 at Greensborough savers a few months ago. While there were moments that felt like Baumbach was still finding his feet, it’s a solid and impressive first feature nonetheless. I wish Josh Hamilton were in more films.

Every Man For Himself (1980) – dir. Jean-Luc Godard
Besides Vivre Sa Vie, I haven’t been exposed to any of Godard’s films, so watching this felt like quite a leap. At first, the slow-motion shots felt quite gimmicky. But as the film developed, I was fully immersed in them. Could easily be dismissed as misogynistic, but that seems like a misreading. I found its perversity refreshing, and the score was incredible. I actually enjoyed the film most when I embraced how esoteric it was; it allowed me to focus on how the shots were composed (which were beautiful). The opening sequence and the bike-riding a standout. Need to re-watch.

The Piano Teacher (2001) – dir. Michael Haneke
So very intense. After seeing Elle (and loving it), I didn’t think Isabelle Huppert could take a character further. I was wrong. One of the the moodiest films I have seen; cold and miserablist, but not in an obnoxious way. I loved it. My first viewing of a Haneke film, and definitely won’t be my last.