The Stendhal Syndrome (1996) aka La Sindrome di Stendhal

3.5 / 5 Jun '11
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: Dario Argento
Written by: Graziella Magherini, Dario Argento
Actors include: Asia Argento, Thomas Kretschmann, Marco Leonardi
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Giallo
Length: 120 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I'm not sure why this has such a terrible reputation, I mean it's certainly not one of Dario Argento's best but it's not his worst either. I suppose some may be disappointed because it is unusual for a horror flick and the story is a bit strange plus it is a bit too long. The story is about a Detective called Anna (Dario's daughter Asia Argento) who we meet in a museum where she loses herself and passes out looking at a painting. This is apparently what Stendhal Syndrome is (yes a real problem that affects quite a few I guess), getting lost in art and getting confused. Anyhow Anna has temporary amnesia making her job extra difficult since she's trying to track a serial rapist/killer. From there it's a strange journey of hallucinations, rape, obssession and blood...even a blond wig! According to some, this is the first Italian film to utilize CGI which generally I hate but it was small doses and it did work here. It certainly does feel like a giallo and one of the best late entries I've come across so far. Sure it's not something that you'll need to rush out and see but I think fans of the genre and of Argento should give this a try.

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

Fargo (1996)

4.5 / 5
Tagline: A homespun murder story.
Directed by: Joel Coen
Written by: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Actors include: Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi
Genre: Black Comedy, Thriller, Crime
Length: 98 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
My first Cohen brothers picture, but definitely not my last. I remember being rather surprised at the strange style here...definitely appealing but unusual. The plot is about a fellow named Jerry (William H. Macy) who is pretty desperate for money, so he hatches a wacky scheme to have his wife kidnapped for ransom (she has a wealthy father). Things of course go terribly wrong when the kidnapping isn't done properly and all it turns into a bloody mess. Then Police Chief Marge (Frances McDormand) is on the trail (and pregnant) and things seem to get even worse for Jerry what with the angry kidnappers and everything. It's one of those everything that can go wrong basically does things plus it's gross enough and yet it still has a sense of humor...it's very balanced. It's no wonder so many went crazy for this film, I thought it was pretty darned impressive and extremely memorable, definitely one that you simply must see.

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

Primal Fear (1996)

4 / 5 July '10
Tagline: Sooner or later a man who wears two faces forgets which one is real.
Directed by: Gregory Hoblit
Written by: William Diehl, Steve Shagan
Actors include: Richard Gere, John Mahoney, Laura Linney
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Length: 129 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
This is a neat little legal thriller that has a few more twists and turns than the average offering. Richard Gere plays a cynical lawyer who usually doesn't care much for his clients, but rather is in it for exposure for himself. When he hears about an altar boy named Aaron who was found covered in the blood of a viciously murdered Priest he can't help but volunteer to defend the Aaron. For once he finds himself in an odd predicament, despite the overwhelming evidence that Aaron was involved Gere actually feels his client is innocent. Heck Aaron is an extremely boyish and likeable fellow who stammers and cowers, could he really do anything so horrible? The film is about the case playing out and all of the intriguing evidence and people who surface along the way. It maybe goes on a little long but it's so fascinating it's hard to look away from.

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

A Time To Kill (1996)

4 / 5
Tagline: Experience a time you'll never forget.
Directed by: Joel Schumacher
Written by: John Grisham, Akiva Goldsman
Actors include: Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConoughay, Samuel L. Jackson
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama
Length: 149 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
This is a rather depressing adaptation of a John Grisham novel (that I've never read). It takes place in Mississippi where racism seems to run rampant unfortunately. When Carl Lee Hailey's (Samuel L. Jackson) daughter Tonya is raped and murdered the guilty parties were set free. He couldn't stand to see that happen so he shot the men down and now must go on trial himself. With the help of his friend and lawyer Jake (Matthew McConaughey) they set out to prove the disgusting racism that occurred. The thing is, while Jake's preparing the case of his career he's being tormented by the KKK who are leaving burning crosses and so forth. If you like powerful courtroom trials then this is one of the better ones that I've seen. Very impactful though rather simple in some ways, very easy to watch I think, most should be able to enjoy this I think.

Availability:  On DVD