Kino d'etat 2010-2

11 Lola Montes (1955, dir. Max Ophuls)
Until I watched this film I didn't understand why the French New Wave cineastes loved it so much. I'll be bold enough to say it is the only film that can be mentioned in the same breath with Citizen Kane for it's importance.

12 Love Streams (1984, dir. John Cassavettes)
From the first frame to the last a pure masterpiece in cinematic art.

13 Night On Earth (1991, dir. Jim Jarmusch)
Recently re-visited this film. From it's near perfect cinematography to it's truly compelling and interesting stories. This was Gena Rowlands' first film after Cassavettes left us, I envy Jarmausch for working with her. Also each cast member gives a powerful and fun performance. But I must add Fuck SOLM!

14 Antichrist (2009, dir. Lars von Trier)
People were outraged over the audacity of von Trier making this film. I'm sorry it hurt your little sensitive feelings. Thank you Lars for being bold enough to create the art you chose to. Yes it is intense and horrific mix that with beautiful imagery and two actors (Willem Defoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg) using some deep energy to make this film one of the best I've seen in a while.

15 Fando y Lis (1968, dir. Alejandro Jodorowsky, writer Fernando Arrabal)
Take a journey thru the minds of the men who developed the Theatre of the Absurd

16 Gadjo Dilo (1998, dir Tony Gatlif)
Masterpiece! A cinematic work that moves you emotionally and spiritually. Is John Coltrane was a filmmaker his films would have Gatlif's energy. Personally, this film means a lot to me.

17 Exiles (2004, dir. Tony Gatlif)
Another beautiful film by Gatlif. Seems he likes using women to intentionally have me fall in love with them. In Gadjo Dilo it was Rona Hartner and in Exiles it was Lubna Azabal.

18 400 Blows (1959, dir. Francious Truffaut)
I can't sum this one up in a few lines. One of the most influential films ever.

19 Pick-up on South Street (1953, dir. Sam Fuller)
Pure unadulterated cinema!

20 Cria Cuervos (1976, dir Carlos Suara)
Hauntingly beautiful.

After seeing that I actually described a film by using the words 'hauntingly beautiful, makes me re-evaluate this list. Next round might just have the titles or more of a legitimate explanation as to why I would include it.

D.W. Griffith on Cinema

In the year 2024 the most important single thing which the cinema will have helped in a large way to accomplish will be that of eliminating from the face of the civilized world all armed conflict. Pictures will be the most powerful factor in bringing about this condition. With the use of the universal language of moving pictures the true meaning of the brotherhood of man will have been established throughout the earth.
- D. W. Griffith
May 3, 1924

two book video previews I've produced

The Jook http://vimeo.com/6452424

Murder At The Altar http://vimeo.com/6496624

The Jook - Book Video Preview from LaughingTree Films on Vimeo.

Murder At The Altar - Book Video Preview from LaughingTree Films on Vimeo.