Films you've got to see...

Woody Allen's Interiors, 1978

Perhaps a more obscure choice of Woody Allen's films, but this is one of my favourites. A haunting story of three sisters dealing with the seperation of their parents and their mother's increasingly disturbed mind. This is no comedy, but the cinematography is gorgeous. The stills could be wonderful photographs in their own right. It's cold and bleak, the storyline distressing yet enthralling, and the aesthetics are perfect. The greys and cold blues mirror what the characters feel inside and their clothes even match the rooms they are in. Out of all Allen's films, make sure you see this one.


Jean-Luc Godard's Alphaville, 1965

Ah, this film is amazing. Forget all the CGI, green screen, simulation stuff (did I say all that right? I'm always afraid of sounding like a middle aged dad...) and appreciate a film with no special effects; just perfect vision and creative timing. Set in the future, a planet called Alphaville (actually the night-time streets of Paris) is in danger of bieng destroyed by Lemmy Caution, along with its creator Alpha 60 (don't worry that's a good thing.) I won't go into too much detail of the plot, you just have to see it for yourself. Perfect choreography, costumes and cinematography make this film one of a kind and even the tiniest details have been thought of by Godard (a scene where Anna Karena runs through a giant building and seperate lights flash in time with the music springs to mind). Also take note of Kelly Osbourne's 'One Word' music video homage to the film. On second thoughts, don't.


Jean-Luc Godard's Une Femme est Une Femme, 1961

Still want to give Godard a try but fancy something lighter? This is the film to see. The New Wave film centres around Angela and her lover Emile. She wants a baby, he does not. Throw in a best friend with the hots for Angela and you've got a problem. Deliciously colourful, fun and yet sensitive this film is probably my fave of Godard's. Also, notice the music change as the characters do. It mirrors their emotions, which is a beautiful touch.


Jim Jarmusch's, Stranger than Paradise, 1984

I first saw this film at University and loved it. It's a three-bit feature length (the first part inspired the second two seperately), where hipster Willie's life changes as his Hungarian cousin Eva comes to stay. Along with his friend Eddie, the three embark on road-trips, gambling and listen to music. Completely of its time and yet so relatable to the now, this dead-pan comedy is utterly brilliant. Jazz musician John Luria plays Willie, former Sonic Youth drummer, Richard Edson, plays Eddie and Hungarian It-Girl of the '80's, Eszter Balint plays Eva. It's funny, subtle and oh-so-cool. Go see it!


Pedro Almodovar's Talk to Her, 2002

My favourite Almodovar film. Two men (Marco and Benigno) meet in hospital and wait for their loves to come out of their comas. However, all is not as it should be. Marco loves Alicia, and dedicates all his time to her almost lifeless body. He bathes her, sings to her and changes her underwear. But Marco is not her husband nor her boyfriend. He works at the hospital and things become intense and disturbing when he is accused of rape. The film follows the journey of these two men whose lives intertwine in a story of lust, immorality and friendship. An amazing film, which is beautifully shot. Get it on DVD and get ready to perch on the edge of your seat!

Julie Delpy's 2 Days in Paris, 2007

Whilst taking a tour around Italy, lovers Marion and Jack stop off in Paris to collect their pet cat from Marion's parents. They decide to spend two days in Paris, where American Jack becomes more paranoid by the second. Meeting Marion's eccentric parents was interesting, if slightly uncomfortable, but when old boyfriends continually come out of the woodwork, Jack reaches his limit. Watch how he tries to decipher what French speaking Marion and her ex-lovers say, what a certain touch of a shoulder means or an over-enthusiastic laugh. Laugh as earnest Americans ask for directions and eco-warriors blow up fast food restuarants. It's a completely hilarious film. The script is well-written, the cast is perfect and the clash of European and American culture is brilliant to watch. Can Marion and Jack survive two days in Paris? Watch it and find out.