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.

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. My 2021 viewings were as varied through time periods as others, and I saw some oddball films and interpretations of themes (like vampires), more on each specific title below.

During the pandemic years, and a little after that, I neglected to post these. I did one for 2023 and will now make up for the years I missed.

2022

Beautiful Boy (2018)

A devastating and beautifully performed film all around.

Vampire’s Kiss (1988)

This is a film that I knew of through memes but hadn’t actually seen. That fact, however, did not spoil or detract from the experience. An early big, fantastic turn from Nicolas Cage.

The Amusement Park (1975)

When I heard a George Romero film that had disappeared for decades was restored and would be on Shudder, I was excited but The Amusement Park exceeded my already high expectations.

The McPherson Tape (1989)

Found footage rarely works for me. However, this film never overstays its welcome, it utilizes VHS in a stripped-down, authentic low-budget approach of a paranoid concern that was quite timely in this film.

The Runner (Devandeh)(1984)

Made a trip to Film Forum for this restoration from Kino Lorber. Its a lyrical and wonderful film that marked a new stage in Iran’s presence on the world cinema scene.

Decasia (2002)

I’ve written in the past about the work of Bill Morrison, as opposed to Frozen Time this is less documentary more artful expression that is quite transcendent.

The Dybbuk (Der Dybuk) (1937)

This was the first sound version of this Jewish myth and is included in Kino Lorber’s Yiddish film box set and is captivating from start to finish.

My Grandpa is a Vampire (1991)

This is a film I might’ve been aware of as a kid, but I never saw it until Severin put it out on video. It’s a funny, goofy throwback that’s worth seeking out.

A Dog of Flanders (1935)

I’ve seen a few versions of this story and this one does go hard after the tear-jerking aspect of the source material.