A Woman Under the Influence is one of the most famous films directed by John Cassavetes, the father of American independent cinema. Cassavetes used to make his own films behind the back of the big industry and financed them with the earnings of his career as an actor. For this reason, he could afford to …
There are three hitchhikers sitting in the back seat; Mexican immigrants in mariachi suits looking dimly into space. A girl with big glasses (Greta Gerwig) turns around euphorically to them and asks the men how life is in the USA. Without looking back, one of them replies sadly: “The USA is like a big, fat …
Like the films of John Cassavetes, the music that Bo Harwood recorded is very special for reasons hard to explain. Raw, unrefined, yet holding tremendous emotional power within such simple musical structures, it beautifully complimented the unique work Cassavetes and company were creating in front of the camera. “Over the years, it never really occurred …
Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho Aquarius is a strong testament to the value of family, memory and womanhood. Set in a seaside apartment block named ‘Aquarius’ in Recife, Brazil, its last remaining resident, 69 year old Clara (played by Sonia Braga) is a formidable opponent of the construction company ‘Bonfim’, who are doing everything in their power …
Independent cinema usually takes risks that don’t always guarantee the desired effects in the overall calculation of a film. This type of films are produced outside the major film studio system, they’re distributed by independent entertainment companies, and they usually have a limited release. They are distinguishable by their content and style and the way …
On April 20, 1999, two teenage boys wearing trenchcoats carried a disheartening arsenal of military weapons to Columbine High School located in Littleton /Colorado, and systematically murdered thirteen students. Although this singular incident was horrible, it was just one of the eight deadly school shootings in the United States between 1997 and 1999, a number …
Middle school was a torment for me, and don’t try to tell me that middle school wasn’t a torment for you because I know you’re lying. For all, to a greater or lesser extent, middle school was a time of physical and emotional transformation. “Welcome to the Dollhouse”, directed by Todd Solondz, is the story …
