Flow (2024) ****
The animation is frustrating because for all its gorgeous, realistic details, the animals look like low-res gifs. Aside from that, it's a terrific survival adventure in a surreal world that's never fully explained. I loved how the animals were so expressive and yet always behaved as animals. Their intent was clear without over-anthropomorphizing them. It reminded me of The Bear (1989) or Seasons (2015).
Brokeback Mountain (2005) ****
I don't have much to say about this except that it's an excellent forbidden romance movie that keeps the bigotry mostly in the background so it can focus on the relationship (but the bigotry is still pervasive). There's excellent performances from everyone and gorgeous mountain scenery, but the guitar twangs get old after a while.
My Favorite Year (1982) ****
Another one of those movies that I've only seen bits and pieces of but never sat through the whole thing. My impression was that it was a zany, slapstick comedy, but that's only in a few moments. The rest is a clever behind-the-scenes farce of a Sid Caesar-like TV show and portrait of a fading movie star (from an idea by Mel Brooks, who the main character is based on). Peter O'Toole gives a remarkable performance that is both crass and class at the same time, which is quite a feat. The only thing I didn't like was the flat, hazy look that represented "nostalgia" at the time, which is probably why I never bothered watching it all the way through.
Intruder in the Dust (1949) ****
A black man is arrested for murder in Mississippi and a lynch mob shows up eager to hang him. I've read this is the most faithful adaptation of a Faulkner novel, and it was filmed in his home town of Oxford, which gives it a lot of authenticity. It's a richly detailed story deftly directed by Clarence Brown, although it lacks the powerful climax that it needs to really hit home. I'm also not a fan of David Brian as the lawyer. He doesn't give it enough nuance, although I may be unfairly tainted by Atticus Finch. Still, for its time it's a harsh and unflinching look at prejudice in the South. And that title is awful.
Judex (1916) ***
A thirteen part serial that starts out as a revenge story against a wealthy banker but turns on itself when Judex falls in love with the banker's daughter. There are a lot of kidnappings that are foiled by comic book coincidences, and Judex lives in a cool castle overlooking a valley with lots of "high tech" gadgets that he rarely uses. You also get the sexy vamp Musidora (Irma Vep in Les Vampires) and two adorable kids that practically steal the show. The best part is the incredible restoration that makes the film look brand new. You can even see the texture of the clothing. It's a real window in time. Watch it here.
Intruder in the Dust