Tenebre (1982)

Dir. Dario Argento

Tenebre stars Anthony Franciosa as Peter Neal, an American mystery novelist promoting his latest release in Rome. Before long, a killer is hot on Peter's trail, committing evil deeds that mimic those of the murderer in Neal's book. A beautifully stylized film that's truly fascinating to watch.

Fargo (1996)

Dir. Joel Coen

Frances McDormand earned an Oscar for her turn as pregnant Sheriff Marge Gunderson, who's sharper than her Northern Minnesota dialect suggests. The intrepid Gunderson bangs on doors and asks questions to unravel a kidnapping plot and the string of murders it provokes. McDormand receives grand support from William H. Macy as a car dealer who conspires with hotheaded kidnappers Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare.

Poltergeist (1982)

Dir. Tobe Hooper

A high-voltage spectacle boasting impressive (for the time) special effects, Poltergeist is a must-see horror classic. Life is very pleasant for the close-knit Freeling family until a host of otherworldy forces invades their peaceful suburban home. Before long, their house is transformed into a swirling supernatural sideshow -- all centered around their angelic young daughter, Carol Anne (Heather O'Rourke).

Kids (1995)

Dir. Larry Clark

Telly (Leo Fitzpatrick) is on a mission to deflower as many virgins as possible. His addle-brained theory: Boffing first-timers will protect him from contracting HIV. Trouble is, he already has it. Controversial photographer-filmmaker Larry Clark follows a group of aimless New York teens around a city with few parents and fewer boundaries. Nineteen-year-old Harmony Korine (Gummo) co-wrote the raw, provocative script.

South Pacific (1958)

Dir. Joshua Logan

In this Oscar-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical set in a tropical paradise, two couples from cultures a world apart grapple with love at a time of war. Sparks fly when Nellie (Mitzi Gaynor), a naive Navy nurse stationed in the South Seas, meets the worldly Emile, a French plantation owner (Rossano Brazzi). Meanwhile, in a then-daring depiction of interracial relationships, a young American officer falls for a beautiful island native.

Rampo Noir

Dir. Akio Jissoji, Hisayasu Sato, Atsushi Kaneko, Suguru Takeuchi

Four short films, based on stories by Japanese mystery writer Rampo Edogawa, explore dark themes of obsession, sex and death. In "Mars Canal," a naked man wanders alone through a swamp recalling a former lover. "Mirror Hell" follows a serial killer with a fixation on hand mirrors. "Caterpillar" centers on a crippled veteran, his sadistic wife and their unhealthy relationship. And in "Crawling Bugs," a chauffeur plots to seduce a starlet.

Brief Encounter (1945)

Dir. David Lean

In this film based on a Noel Coward play, director David Lean explores the thrill and pain of an illicit romance in 1945 Britain. From a chance meeting on a train platform, a middle-aged doctor (Trevor Howard) and a suburban housewife (Celia Johnson) enter into a quiet yet passionate love affair, knowing there's no possibility for a lasting relationship. The two meet every Thursday at a small café at the station to play out their doomed romance.

Dead Ringers (1988)

Dir. David Cronenberg

Jeremy Irons gives a brilliant performance as twin gynecologists -- yes, that's right -- Elliot and Beverly Mantle. When they meet a pill-popping actress (Geneviève Bujold) who hopes to have children, both men spiral into madness and addiction. David Cronenberg's script and direction mix high-tech camera work with old-fashioned suspense to create a tangible sense of lunacy and compulsion.

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Dir. George Cukor

Socialite Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) prepares to remarry, but her ex (Cary Grant) and a tabloid reporter (Best Supporting Actor Oscar-winner James Stewart) have other ideas as they converge on her home for a fateful visit. The three stars form an incomparable romantic triangle in one of the most tantalizing screwball romances ever. Ace Hollywood women's director George Cukor adapts this urbane Broadway comedy with precision and wit.

May Stats

May Total = 13
2007 Total = 68

Stats:
Rent - 6
Own - 2
Theater - 2
TV - 3
Other - 0
First Viewing - 11