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One Night In Turin
Why It’s Great: Jamie Erksine jumps back in time to examine Italia ’90, arguing that Bobby Robson’s players brought about a rebirth in the popularity of footie. Yes, it has that bit where Gazza blubs his heart out on live TV. The film's voiceover can be a bit dry, but the images of England’s ultimate failure are as emotional as they ever were.
Out On DVD: Now
Double Take
Why It’s Great: Belgian director Jonah Grimonprez explores Alfred Hitchcock’s obsession with doubles through footage from the time of the Cold War, snippets from Alfred Hitchcock Presents and a bizarre imaginary meeting between a young and old Hitch during filming of The Birds . A montage-filled spin on the tropes of ordinary documentaries, Double Take demands more than one viewing.
Out On DVD: Now
I Am Love
Why It’s Great: Tilda Swinton heads over to Italy for an operatic melodrama that gives nods to The Godfather and The Leopard. Beautifully crafted, its family-focussed narrative follows Swinton’s matriarch, who embarks on an affair with her son’s friend. Yes, it gets a bit daft, but the epic framing and powerhouse performances are remarkable.
Out On DVD: Now
No One Knows About Persian Cats
Why It’s Great: Bahman Ghobadi checks out the Iranian music scene – a dangerous place, where playing the wrong sort of tunes can get you chucked in the clink. Pulsing underground clubs with soundproof walls are a notable curio, while the plight of musicians Ashkan and his girlfriend Negar prove fascinating viewing.
Out On DVD: Now
The Hole
Why It’s Great: It’s bitesize horror for kids - and the kid in us all. When two brothers discover a trapdoor in the basement of their new home, they begin to suspect that something horrible is lurking in its unseen depths. Sure, the first hour of The Hole takes an age to set things up, but when Joe Dante finally lets rip, the film becomes equal parts funny and frightening.
Out On DVD: 17 January 2011
Exit Through The Gift Shop
Why It’s Great: Graffiti-lover Bansky branches out into movies with surprisingly witty results. An ode to the power of art world hype, Gift Shop follows camera addicted artist Thierry Guetta as he scales buildings – and makes plans to inflate a blow-up Guantanamo Bay doll in Disneyland. Banksy even appears on film – albeit in shadow – and proves an engaging interviewee.
Out On DVD: Now
City Island
Why It’s Great: What do you do when you decide you want to be an actor? For God's sake don't tell your wife. That's what Vince Rizzo (Andy Garcia) decides to do, hiding his new favourite past time - and setting in motion a series of escalating and hilarious events. Aside from its clever scripting, Island is stand-out thanks to its exceptional cast, with Garcia heading up a fantastic brood that also includes Julianna Marguiles and Dominik Garcia-Lorido.
Out On DVD: 28 March 2011
Down Terrace
Why It’s Great: More family bust-ups, but you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of this clan. Starring real father and son Robert and Robin Hill as small time crooks, Down Terrace follows their attempts to root out the rat who dobbed them in to the law. A boxed-in drama that's set mostly in one little council house, Terrace is still sharp and spiffy, with spades of rough charm.
Out On DVD: Now
Frownland
Why It’s Great: It's a mumblecore remix of Taxi Driver . A terrifyingly up-close-and-personal deconstruction of anti-hero Keith Sontag, Ronald Bronstein’s feature debut presents a character study of its lead bloke, a neurotic New Yorker. It’s a swaggeringly confident debut for Bronstein, who demands audiences to ask just how far our empathy for Sontag can possibly go.
Out On DVD: TBC 2011
The Headless Woman
Why It’s Great: No actual noggin-less women here, unfortunately, but Headless Woman doesn’t need any such bloody notions to keep it alive. A rich psycho-drama, the plot sees dentist Vero hit something with her car while driving home. Panicked, she drives off - but soon her conscious rears its ugly, uh, y’know. Stuffed with metaphors and internal thinking, Headless Woman is a weird but alluring thriller.
Out On DVD: Now
