Introduction

This is an idea I first saw on Rupert Pupkin Speaks wherein he lists his favorite “new-to-me” titles of the prior year. During the pandemic years my viewings were down in general, my posting even more so. I created a list for 2023 and had choices ready to go last year, but neglected to post them. Here you go.

2025

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)

I had, and still have many Lynch blind-spots. He’s one of the few directors I concede that I watched too early. Following his death, I went to Twin Peaks first watching the original series, this film and The Return. Slightly different flavors to all, but each piece of the puzzle where he was behind the camera was a masterwork.

Sayat-Nova (The Color of Pomegranates) (1969)

This one had interested me for a while, seeing that clips were making the rounds not just with cinema enthusiasts but on social media in general, I jumped in and treated myself to one of the most hypnotic cinematic experiences I’ve ever had.

Körklaren (The Phantom Carriage) (1921)

This is another one I’d put off long enough. Bergman always thought highly of this film, citing its influence on The Seventh Seal. It’s one of the most visually refined films of the silent era.

Johnny on the Run (1953)

This Children’s Film Fund title from BFI is a fascinating, amped up glimpse into the post-War reality refugee children faced in Britain.

Il medium (The Medium) (1980)

Based on the description I was hopeful this film wouldn’t be too similar to The Psychic. While it does rely on my giallo tropes it’s not the same kind of film at all and quite successful.

Poil de Carotte (The Red Head) (1925)

Julie Duvivier tackled this story twice once as a talkie and here as a silent film. It’s a compelling intense drama that puts protagonist and audience alike through a Dickensian emotional wringer.

The Night Visitor (1971)

This was a blind-buy I had sitting around on my shelf for a while. This film is part revenge thriller and part locked-door mystery. Featuring a very strong turn by Max von Sydow in one of his earliest English-speaking role.

Az ember tragédiája (The Tragedy of Man) (2011)

This was a film that director Marcell Jankovics made section-by-section over the course of 23 years, an adaptation of Imré Madach’s classic play. There has been at least one other film adaptation of that text one of my favorite films The Annunciation. This one takes on more of the text and also fully exploits what the medium of animation can do.