High Plains Drifter (1973)
Ishtar (1987)
Someone To Look Over Me (1987)
The Fan (1949)
Five Fingers (1952)
Star Struck (1940)
The Year Of Spectacular Men (2016) ///
High Plains Drifter (1973) Primal revenge Western sees brutal Clint Eastwood emerge from coastal town's collective guilt and face violent killers. Harsh visuals feed on crude violence and bleak humor, a contrary, provocative study in cursed immorality that creates a blood-red landscape.
Ishtar (1987) Part genial farce of two untalented singer-songwriters, part political satire of Charles Grodin's CIA interference and incompetence in the Middle East, bickering friends Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty are at center of coup instigated by impulsive Isabelle Adjani. Often very funny, until runs out of steam in the desert.
Someone To Look Over Me (1987) Designed with stylish, filtered visuals, promoted blue-collar detective Tom Berenger enters gilded world of Mimi Rogers after she witnesses mob killing. Superficial thrills without piercing emotions of heated affair and family life with Lorraine Bracco.
The Fan (1949) Leaning more to melodrama than witty elegance of Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere theatrics, melancholy realist Madeleine Carroll recalls pre-war London society and relationship with young wife Jeanne Crain. Solid cast includes George Sanders, though telling remains dry.
Five Fingers (1952) Suitably sober wartime spy story makes rigorous use of Turkish locations as British Ambassador's valet James Mason turns German spy and involves impoverished countess Danielle Darrieux to reach for new life. Witty romantic and financial twists enliven third act.
Star Dust (1940) Light comedy drama sends Hollywood scout Roland Young out to sign young hopefuls to screen tests, including determined Linda Darnell, destined for love and stardom despite designing studio exec Donald Meek. Agreeably yet anonymously told with a few effective scenes.
The Year Of Spectacular Men (2016) Fitfully amusing and involving misadventures in sex, romance, and family benefits from easy relationship of real-life sisters Zooey Deutch and Madelyn Deutch. Colorfully framed and energetically pitched, frank, sarcastic comedy rings truer than dramatic turns.
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