Films: May 13 - 19

Vertigo (1958) 

Bell Book And Candle (1958) 

Breathless (2012) 

Sing Street (2015) 

You Never Can Tell (1951)

The Looters (1955)

Strangers On A Train (1951)

Fantasy Island (2020) ///

Vertigo (1958) Tortured obsession played out with sublime visual design, dreamy rhythms, and transcendent Bernard Herrmann score as flawed detective James Stewart seeks to recreate love for conflicted Kim Novak. Compelling technique coupled with enveloping themes provide elevating drama.

Bell Book And Candle (1958) Unremarkable publisher James Stewart falls under the spell of bored witch Kim Novak with predictably chaotic and romantic results. Attractive production and spirited cast maintain breezy comic involvement even as storytelling remains frustratingly stilted.

Breathless (2012) Brash, confrontational Texas friends Gina Gershon and Kelli Giddish are trapped in trailer with untrustworthy bank robber Val Kilmer's dead body and suspicious cop Ray Liotta waiting outside. Gratuitous visuals mirror all-in, unsubtle performances and unconvincing story twists.

Sing Street (2015) Generous coming-of-age tale pitches smart balance of lived-in detail and optimistic creativity, as teen Ferdia Walsh-Peelo finds release from family breakup and society dead-ends by establishing band to impress aspiring model Lucy Boynton. Bright songs and humour point to pleasing resolve.

You Never Can Tell (1951) After innocent Peggy Dow is accused of murdering dog to claim fortune, canine returns as humanimal Dick Powell to reveal true killer. With former racehorse Joyce Holden as investigative partner abundant, endearing silliness ensues before plotting Charles Drake is caught.

The Looters (1955) Rugged locations and gritty performances not helped by lumbering structure and bland characterization as greed consumes plane crash survivors and their rescuers with discovery of stolen cash. Potent themes, including bitter Julie Adams' refusal to be exploited, add texture before unsurprising end.

Strangers On A Train (1951) Gorgeously twisted narrative builds thrills with playful precision, as mischievously psychotic Robert Walker instigates crisscross to swap murders with tennis playboy Farley Granger. Dark wit infuses finely tuned visuals, progressed with snarling pace and sharp dialogue.

Fantasy Island (2020) Guests flown to suspicious Michael Peña's idyllic resort find dreams rapidly transform to nightmares, with conflicted Maggie Q and eager Lucy Hale among sketchy characters lost in the confusion. Bland, glossy visuals prove unable to unite ironic and thriller twists.