Six Cool Flicks

These six sleepers (and a few related films) jump around in time period and share little in the way of theme or style -- but each one is a unique vision and undeniably cool. From their look, their passion, their risk-taking, their embodiment of the film medium, these thought-provoking films all deserve attention.

Jesus of Montreal
An unknown actor revives a production of the Passion Play, which becomes a big hit -- but the radical vision upsets his Church employers. Don't be scared off by the theological themes, this satire is rich, witty, looose and sharp. French-Canadian director Denys Arcand entertainingly skews the media, advertising, hospitals, and religious hypocrisy -- without losing a beat. Funny, and extremely moving.

If you like this, also check out: The Hanging Garden, another thoughtful film from Canada, nominated for multiple awards but little-seen in the U.S. Thom Fitzgerald's film is about a gay man who comes home after a 10 year absence for his sister's wedding -- but that's only the beginning for this complex, multi-layered psychological study of a family coming undone.

Thief
Visually, an even bluer-looking film than Jesus of Montreal, Michael Mann's exploration of what it means to be a jewel thief manages to be both highly stylized yet a realistic depiction of the thief's life (right down to the details, the tools, the lingo). James Caan plays the skilled safecracker who takes a big job against his better judgement. Mann has done some other stylistic, appealing films (Manhunter, The Insider) but none as consistently successful as this one. Nice, moody Tangerine Dream music score, too.

If you like this, also check out: Manhunter, Mann's noirish adaptation of Thomas Harris' book Red Dragon, with William Petersen as the detective and Brian Cox as Hannibal Lecter.

Riffifi
And while we're talking jewel thieves, this French classic was recently restored and re-released on video, and it's a beaut. Jules Dassin's film is one of the best caper films, and fittingly for a film set in France, ends on an unhappy (but letter-perfect) note. The story centers on a quartet of jewel thieves who begin to mistrust each other well before the big score -- but, as is the case with most classic film noir -- they're only human and that's what makes it work. That and the Paris location shooting, and Dassin's sharp direction. Don't miss this one.

The Cruise
The quirkiest tour guide you'll ever meet, Timothy "Speed" Levitch is the subject of Bennet Miller's memorable documentary, shot on digital video throughout New York City. Levitch treats each bus ride as a unique opportunity to subject bemused (or frightened) tourists to his own take on the history of the metropolis, as well as his musings on life. How well you take to this film depends on how much you can stand Levitch, but he's a pretty fascinating, droll, amusing guy -- and so is the film. And as you learn more about him, it's hard not feel kinda sad, too.

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