Film Discovery

Favorite Film Discoveries 2022

Posted on by bernardovillela

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.

Favorite Film Discoveries: 2021

Posted on by bernardovillela

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 viewings were a little more plentiful in 2021, but I still neglected to post a list of discoveries. However, I can construct a list now due to my tracking activity on my Letterboxd. I didn’t see films from as wide a range of years this year that stood out, but there were still some interesting discoveries.

Cameron’s Closet (1988)

This was an Amazon Prime discovery and was genuinely the most surprising discovery of the year. Not only hadn’t I heard of it but it’s rather impressive. The bones of this horror story were strong enough such that I sought out the novel afterwards.

Boarding School (2018)

Boarding schools are places rife with horrific possibilities on film. Finding new or interesting takes on the trope can prove a challenge, in 2021 I discovered not one but two well worth seeking out. This one dealing with misfits, an odd couple, and a boy obsessed by the image of his deceased grandmother.

Boy Missing (Secuestro) (2016)

This particular boarding school tale hails from Mexico and is unafraid of mixing social commentary and class amidst its unsettling and uncanny occurrences.

I Remember You (Ég man þig)(2017)

A small Icelandic town bears many mysteries waiting to be unearthed in this moody and atmospheric psychological horror tale.

Faust (Lekce Faust) (1994)

This Jan Švankmajer film was one that took me a while to see. His rendition of Goethe’s classic tale was well worth the wait and as iconoclastic as one would expect from as unique a filmmaker as Švankmajer.

Cowards Bend the Knee (2004)

If you’ve followed my blog through the years know that I am very fond of the work of Guy Maddin. Such that whenever I get to see one of his works it’s likely to be a new favorite. And whenever I happen to see a work of his that’s new to me it’s likely to become a favorite.

I Am Not a Serial Killer (2016)

A local murder spree along with struggles with mental illness paint a far more intricate portrait than the title would have you believe, featuring two standout performances by Christopher Lloyd and Max Records.

Véronica (2017)

For a film using the Ouija board trope, this one does that most of it scares with a great deal of finesse and focusing on characters.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

For some reason this Taika Waititi film was one it took me a while to see. However, when I did it was well worth it. Another funny and heartfelt Kiwi film in his repertoire.

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Yes, this was another one that managed to be a blind spot of mine for years. There was never an explicit reason this was one I hadn’t seen, just hadn’t gotten around to it yet. Now, I’ve seen it multiple times including one big screen viewing.