Five I Also Saw - 2018
- Justacinephile
- Jan 3, 2019
- 2 min read
Five films I saw for the first time in 2018, and fully enjoyed, but did not come out in 2018.
"Splice" (2009) by Vincenzo Vitali - Canada
This creepy, sometimes disgusting, science fiction thriller is boosted by the committed performances of Sarah Polley and Adrian Brody who play with and manipulate morality, humankind, relationships and parenthood.
"Destiny" (1921) by Fritz Lang - Germany
Fritz Lang, before he made his better-known films such as “Metropolis” and “M”, made this gem in the era of silent films. While it is bizarre and eerie, the film covers forgiveness, unconditional love and sacrifice through fantastic set pieces, alert direction and a haunting performance by Bernhard Goetzke.
"The Virgin Spring" (1960) by Ingmar Bergman - Sweden
Before there was Wes Craven’s “The Last House on the Left” (1972), there was Ingmar Bergman, who created “Jungfrukallan” or “The Virgin Spring”, which examined the delicacy of innocence, the power of lust and the consequences of revenge. As usual, Ingmar’s direction is tight, haunting, tense and harrowing; it is another masterful pairing with the venerable Max Von Sydow.
"Raging Bull" (1980) by Martin Scorsese - USA
Regarded as not only one of the greatest movies about boxing, “Raging Bull” is one of the greatest films ever created. It depicts the tragic story of Jake “Raging Bull” LaMotta. It is bolstered by the brilliant method actor, Robert DeNiro, and the film is fully realized by Martin Scorsese’s direction, attention to detail, masterful story and careful editing. This is film at its finest.
"The King of Comedy" (1982) by Martin Scorsese - USA
Largely overshadowed by “Raging Bull”, Robert DeNiro’s and Martin Scorsese’s next collaboration is arguably their best. Robert DeNiro flexes all his acting abilities by sinking into Rupert Pupkin, an obsessed young man who yearns for fame. In balance with DeNiro’s obsessed Pupkin, is Jerry Lewis’ famous, yet extremely private and cautious, Jerry Langford. The pairing of these two characters is brilliant by Scorsese, because the relationship and interactions are priceless, extravagant and utterly hysterical.
Honorable Mention:
“Good Time” (2017) - USA
“Reel Steel” (2011) - USA
“Brawl in Cell Block 99” (2017) - USA
“Train to Busan” (2016) – South Korea
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