Films: June 14 - 20

The Shallows (2016)

Romantic Comedy (1983) 

Das Vorspiel (The Audition) (2019) 

Crimson Peak (2015)

Bai Ri Yan Huo (Black Coal, Thin Ice) (2014)

L'Homme qu'on aimait trop (In The Name Of My Daughter) (2014)

Journal d'une femme de chambre (Diary Of A Chambermaid) (2015) ///

The Shallows (2016) Elevated B-movie features resourceful Blake Lively stranded in secluded Mexican cove while angry great white shark circles. Though technical virtuosity can prove distracting, bracing technique also hammers sufficient thrills and athletic lead delivers beyond sketchy character.

Romantic Comedy (1983) A tentative Mary Steenburgen and egotistical Dudley Moore prove a successful theatrical writing team over the years, even as personal emotions constantly frustrate. Appealing cast and witty situations amid plainly told, unsurprising tale that rolls easily rather than energizes.

Das Vorspiel (The Audition) (2019) Austere portrait of broken ambition and musical ability grounded by brutal practice, with edgy teacher Nina Hoss dealing with tensions between husband and lover, and prodigy and son. Coldly effective in detail, building uneasy tension to bluntly conceived and bleak end.

Crimson Peak (2015) Intoxicating design constructs expansive, off-kilter Gothic world in which receptive Mia Wasikowska is ensnared within brother-sister Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain's blood-stained web. Bracing visuals conjure dread romance rather than sustain suspense.

Bai Ri Yan Huo (Black Coal, Thin Ice) (2014) Controlled visuals and design establish biting, icy atmosphere in which tortured detective Liao Fan becomes obsessed with damaged Gwei Lun-mei in hunt for killer. Self-conscious detachment tempers narrative thrills, yet oblique nature weaves disquieting spell.

L'Homme qu'on aimait trop (In The Name Of My Daughter) (2014) Dry telling of true life mystery strips away sensationalism for fuzzy local politics of wealthy casino owners, as dominant Catherine Deneuve's insecure daughter Adèle Haenel goes missing. Manipulative Guillaume Canet is prime suspect. Lacks focus and spark despite carefully conceived 70s feel.

Journal d'une femme de chambre (Diary Of A Chambermaid) (2015) Brooding visuals and edgy mood created by abrupt rhythms without resolve, as indignant Léa Seydoux is sent to French provinces where cruel prejudice is just beneath surface. Attractively designed, moments hum with caustic wit rather than cohere character.