Anatomy of a fall (2023). CINEMA. 7.12.23. Exceptional did-she-do-it. All elements of this film are superlative. One small criticism is that the quality and entertainment value of the final few scenes didn’t quite match what had gone before. As everyone else says, particular kudos for Sandra Hüller in the lead role. 9/10
Boiling point (2021). 18.12.23. Brilliant ensemble piece. Gripping and claustrophobic (in a good way) from start to finish. 9/10
The father (2020). 30.12.23. A one-trick-pony where time as a concept disappears. It works. 8/10
Witchfinder General (1968). 3.1.24. Very silly, two-dimensional pulp – but good enough for one viewing, especially as these horrors had a historical basis. 7/10
Drive my car (2021). 5-7.1.24. Very Art House French in style, self-indulgent, and unoriginal in both concept / message and story-telling – but nevertheless very good performances from the two leads help make it watchable, despite its 2h50 running time. Overall, a poor Best International Film Oscar winner. 6/10
By the grace of God (2018). 10&11.1.24. Not much in the way of intensity, or even drama; the mood is consistent throughout and there is no space for the characters to be really fleshed out. Something of a docudrama feel about it. But certainly passable. [Postscript: I see on Wikipedia that Peter Bradshaw of the Guardian has also mentioned the word “docudrama” in relation to this film]. 6½/10
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011). 14&15.1.24. Clichéd mediocrity. 5½/10
Edward Scissorhands (1990). 18.1.24. A great story and made with lots of heart. 7½/10 (score applies to adult viewers).
Nine to five (1980). 21&22.1.24. Quaint (a dated style) and big-hearted, but after an ebullient start the film loses its way in the middle with silly plotlines involving a corpse and kidnap. However, it redeems itself somewhat near the end. 7/10
Sound of metal (2019). 4.2.24. For me, this worked more on an intellectual level than an emotional one. (The middle of the film dragged substantially, so muting the emotional response at the end.) Credit though for not being too mushy or predictable, and the final scenes were somewhat inspired. 7/10
I also started watching the following films, but they didn't entertain me enough to keep watching.
Hit the road (2021). 4.12.23. Watched half.
Planets of the Apes (1968). 8.12.23. Watched 35 minutes.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006). 5.1.24. Watched the start.
C’mon c’mon (2021). 20.1.24. Watched half.
