Films: November 27 - December 3

White Hunter, Black Heart (1990) 
Sabrina (1995)
The Maltese Falcon (1941)

The Big Sleep (1946)

The Calling (2014) 
Kona fer í stríð (Woman At War) (2018) 
Passport To Pimlico (1949) ///

White Hunter, Black Heart (1990) Charismatic, destructive director and showman Clint Eastwood habitually avoids needs of prepping production in Africa for mythic concept of shooting wild elephant. Assured staging, yet contrary themes and character tend to dissipate cohesive drama, leaving strong, isolated sequences amid post-war prejudice, colonialism, and machoism.

Sabrina (1995) Solid production and lush John Williams score aid appealing cast spin leisurely paced romantic comedy, with ignored Julia Ormond returning sophisticated from Paris and confusing playboy Greg Kinnear and his business-focused brother Harrison Ford. Adaptation hues close to original film, though lacks visual and emotional snap and sweep.

The Maltese Falcon (1941) Gorgeously structured and paced noir murder mystery pierced by sharp, mischievous humor and devious characters twisting through tangled narrative. Archetypal, hardened detective Humphrey Bogart squares off with Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, and elusive Mary Astor's motives.

The Big Sleep (1946) Family blackmail and troublesome sisters results in Humphrey Bogart's caustic private detective Philip Marlowe following trail of dead bodies in seedy, corrupt Los Angeles. Dense plotting and dry humor affords a keen edge to atmospheric noir, with stylish cast and unpredictable Lauren Bacall.

The Calling (2014) Susan Sarandon's gutsy, conflicted local sheriff, stranded by past mistakes, brings focus and empathy in search for serial killer. With crafted, unnerving mood, chilly Canadian setting achieves intriguing set up and effective villain, until deliberate pacing runs out of steam and provides bland resolution.

Kona fer í stríð (Woman At War) (2018) Principled, obsessive choir director and activist Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir becomes rebel legend, sabotaging pylons to knock out electricity and protest ecological destruction. Prospect of adopting Ukrainian orphan creates emotional dilemma. Fluid, polished telling and expressive lead sell soulful drama and quirky comedy, including on-screen three-piece band and female chorus.

Passport To Pimlico (1949) Generously detailed inhabitants of London suburb discover document which excitable Margaret Rutherford reveals is proof area is legal part of Burgundy. Freedom from post-war rationing and bureaucracy provokes British government to implement border, community confusion and strength viewed with gentle irony and affection.