Zodiac

This film was highly touted by ex-reporter K Kuppuswamy a.k.a the Vietnamese pimp 'Nek' and it indeed was a deadly recommendation. Based on the best selling novel by Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal), the film chronicles the pursuit of the elusive Zodiac killer who terrorized the SFO area in the 60s and 70s. Good acting from the ensemble cast but the two who caught my eye were Robert Downey Jr. and Chloë Sevigny. Tightly directed by David Fincher with nary a wasted moment.

Rating: * * * +

Dogville

The movie is an experimental piece of film-making I suppose, which would either make you switch-off the DVD player after a few minutes or exhibit patience and watch it over some 3 sittings. Chose the latter option, more so because of the length of the movie - 3 hours.

The film about a remote town in the US was shot in a one large set with minimal, rather, no props - gives you a school theatre like feel. It takes a while getting used to the wall-less town, prop-less stage, blueberry-less blueberry bushes, dog-less dog called 'Moses', type of shit. But as the movie (and the viewer) settles down, the cast (Paul Bettany, Chloe Sevigny and James Cann) come into their own & provide some real performances as they stand up for their moral code when they come across a stranger into the town - Nicole Kidman. After a while the prop-less existence does not bother you that much and instead brings the performances into focus.

The movie by Lans Von Trier was considered an attack on the American way of life in many circles of filmdom - which is a bunch of crapola. But, Nicole Kidman just keeps climbing in the list of good actors.

Rating: * * +

Broken Flowers

Its one of those that can possibly allow for a lot of thinking / discussion - if you are the sort i.e. Esp if you love contemplating past loves.

There are long periods of stillness in terms of action, dialogue and camera movement, possibly attempting to replicate the brain speed of the main character. Urged by his stoner neighbour, Bill Murray heads out to find something, which he eventually _______.. ??

The reason for the rating below := the cast (Chloe Sevigny, Sharon Stone, Jessica Lange, Julie Delpy, Jeffrey Wright) put together for this rather thin story + the outstanding soundtrack + stoic performance by Bill Murray. Another cool flick by Jim Jarmusch.

Rating : * * *

Shattered Glass

A true story of a rogue journalist, Stephen Glass, who made up stories for The New Republic magazine and passed them off as factual investigative pieces. Though seemingly interesting, it bordered on the 'zzzzzzzz...' category of films. But my two favourite actors were there in it: Steve Zahn and Chloë Sevigny.

Rating: * +