Another huge leap in time, but I'm (kind of) keeping up with my watching. I'm about thirty behind, which may or may not be possible to catch up at this point. The drama!

211. The Master
212. Mr. Herculese Against Karate
213. Maniac Cop
214. Belle du Jour
215. Terminator: Salvation
216. Simon of the Desert
217. Dreams
218. The Graduate
219. Chinatown
220. A Woman Under the Influence

The Master (2012)

I think The Master is arguably the best movie made since the year 2000. It is not only a compelling story with complex and poignant performances, but it is also cinema in its purest form. Images like the one I chose as the header for this post utilize the power of 70mm format if used correctly. If you have somehow missed this one, be sure to watch it.

Standout Moment: The first interview between Freddie and Lancaster is an amazing scene and one that is not easily forgotten.

Mr. Hercules Against Karate (1973)

I first heard of Mr. Hercules Against Karate when I saw a goofy looking lobby placard for the film in a bin at a used bookstore. For a few years it was impossible to find out anything about it except for a fan trailer on youtube. Recently, though, Amazon Prime put it up on their streaming service, so I was finally able to see the movie that I had searched for for nearly three years. It did not disappoint. It is about a couple of American guys (played by Italians) who, after getting fired from their job working construction in Australia, go to a Chinese pub to get salami sandwiches and irish beer, but then get in a fight with a football team. They are then blackmailed into finding a guys daughter in Singapore so they can beat up a gang of one-eyed creeps. Also: one of them has the basic powers of The Tick. It is insane and incredibly fun, mostly at the film's expense.

Standout Moment: The creep that hangs around watching almost every scene.

Maniac Cop (1988)

I put this on- expecting a typical slasher film. What I got instead was a rather timely discussion on the issue of the "thin blue line" and the militarization of the police wrapped in the skin of a slasher film. What the film has to say about the nature of the police and their role in our society is surprisingly nuanced considering the subject matter. I would definitely recommend this film to any horror fans out there.

Standout Moment: The opening sets the mood really well.

Belle du Jour (1967)

After years of wanting to see it, but not having the chance, I finally took the late night plunge into Belle Du Jour. I enjoyed it quite a bit. This film was way ahead of its time when it comes to describing the strange nature of human sexual desire. I'm not sure how to feel about the ending, but it definitely keeps me thinking, even weeks after watching it.

Standout Moment: The dream sequences are great.

Terminator: Salvation (2009)

Who would've thought that a movie about a killer robot apocalypse could be so bland? The film actually sets up an interesting character dilemma, too bad the actor is unable to portray the nuance that the situation would warrant.

Standout Moment: Robot water worms. CGI Schwarzenegger.

Simon of the Desert (1965)

Although I feel as if the ending is a bit of a cop-out, the rest of this film is truly complex and even hilarious. The premise is that Simon stands on a pillar in the middle of the desert, attempting to become worthy of God's grace. Through interactions with monks, his family, goatherders, and the devil, his mettle is tested and his worldview is challenged. It is a brilliant film that requires more than one viewing.

Standout Moment: The very beginning is wonderful setup for a bizarre tale.

Dreams (1955)

Dreams is one of Bergman's earliest films. Although his lack of practice shows, it is still a great movie. The performances are quiet and moving and the story is on the same small scale that Bergman would often work. There is a lot to really love about this film, and I would suggest for anyone to who loves Bergman's work, or is interested in the way a master of the medium evolves over their career.

Standout Moment: When the wife catches the cheating couple. The scene goes in a direction that is both unexpected and devastating.

The Graduate (1967)

One of the funniest movies ever made. On top of this, it is also gorgeously shot and wonderfully performed. It is a timeless story told in a clever and exciting way. There is a reason that The Graduate is considered one of the finest films ever made.

Standout Moment: Plastics.

Chinatown (1974)

Another true classic of the medium. There isn't much more I could say about this film beyond what is already written (which is a considerable amount). One of the best films of the 70's, also one of the best American films ever made. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out.

Standout Moment: The nose getting split.

A Woman Under the Influence (1974)

I've discovered that writing about classic films is just as hard, if not harder, than writing about terrible films. Most everything that could be said has already been said. A Woman Under the Influence is great for all of the reasons you have heard. I love Cassavete's style. Gena Rowlands' and Peter Falk's performances. The sense of time. This is just a masterful film.

Standout Moment: The spaghetti dinner.

365 Films- Post 27