Lauded film noir unexpectedly staid and uninspiring. Due to a 7 day shooting schedule Irving Lerner obviously compromised aesthetic does well to work as consistently as it does. Vince Edwards moves the brood needle to 10 which still does not rectify the admittedly barren excitement level. Perry Botkin score may drive one to assassinate. Lucien Ballard cinematography the primary reason to indulge. Comes across as a well intended curiosity item that lacks verve and pizzazz. Hard to commit to a piece which mistakes passivity for passion.

Satisfyingly uncertain policier based on a true story. Dominik Moll distinctly workmanlike aesthetic focuses on the period in between action creating a fascinating procedural that successfully counters expectations. Picturesque Grenoble backdrop adds a claustrophobic subtext which increases the unusual textures and rhythms that make the scenario so compelling. Scripting at times errs on the side of the telegraphed poetic increasing the obvious unnecessarily. Not genre nor art house resulting in a compelling hybrid that respects intelligence tradition and imagination.

Underrated screwball comedy directorial debut from Andrew Bergman. Anonymous aesthetic allows story to unfold organically without visual distractions. Successful marriage of sophisticated narrative with down to earth refined raunch. Dream role for Richard Kiel who walks like a man indeed. Crazy anything goes potential mixed with a strong appreciation of classical farce. Not entirely successful but has an imaginative wigged out sensibility that has seemingly disappeared from 21st Century comedy. Gracious and lighthearted with some very very funny scenes. A pleasant surprise worthy to take a chance on.

Remarkable Inuit centric historical drama. Philip Kaufman aesthetic harmonizes inhospitable working conditions into a cohesive awareness of time place and peoples. Screenwriter James Archibald Houston brings forth an unheard of integrity and awareness to the narrative. Cinematographer Michael Chapman unites with the Inuit creating his own special magic against impossible odds. Unrecognizable Henry Mancini score remains undoubtably one of his best. Third eye-opening faithful shamanic representations present throughout. Another tremendous Hollywood film from the 1970s that would be impossible to make today.