How many again?

I'm experiencing something of a glut of great films lately.

Le Bonheur, by Agnes Varda, is one such. In the hands of nearly any other filmmaker, this film would have been pure fluff. In Varda's hands, it is a scathing criticism of middle class mores. I was very impressed. When I get some time, I'll be looking into more of Varda's work.

Jean Renoir is quickly becoming a personal favorite. I've now seen four of his films, and written a paper on it. Boudu Saved From Drowning, Grand Illusion, La Bête Humaine, and The Rules of the Game. His style, and the ideas he is concerned with fasinate me. Even when criticising, he is always sympathetic, and essentially a humanist.

In more domestic news, I've acquainted myself with some of James Whale's work, and I find his sense of humor highly appealing to my morbid side. The camera angles he uses, particularly in Bride of Frankenstein, is jarring and highly effective. The Old Dark House may be my favorite of the three: Bride, House, and, of course, Frankenstein. The performances are very good, and the mixture of macabre humor, the gothic atmosphere and sensibility, plus the feeling of "drawing room" comedy makes it... a little off-putting at first, but really fun. There's a lot there to chew on and have fun with.