Delicatessen (1991)
One of my favorite films which I saw on the big screen at Brattle Theatre a few years back. This was the first time Susan saw it and I was surprised that I’d forgotten how dark and gory this post-apocalyptic cannibalistic black comedy was. Still, it is funny and amazing creative with possibly the best opening titles sequence ever as well as a couple of masterful set pieces.
Delicatessen title sequence:
Classic scene from Delicatessen used in trailer:
Mark Twain (2001)
A Ken Burns documentary about America’s great celebrity author, a man of many contradictions who lead a life both charmed and tragic. I didn’t know much about Mark Twain’s life beyond a few famous fables so I enjoyed learning about the man and his work in this well-filmed, well-narrated, and well-illustrated documentary.
The Great Escape (1963)
The ultimate WWII prisoner of war film is entertaining if a bit long. The Germans round up the most troublesome prisoners into one high-security camp and the Allied prisoners respond by planning the most daring escape ever. The film claims to be based on actual events although a lot of what happens is dramatized, compressed, and composite-ized beyond reality, so it’s best to watch this for it entertainment and symbolic value rather than for a history lesson.
Of course, I couldn’t help but think of the Eddie Izzard routine on The Great Escape while watching this:
The Historic Pubs of Dublin (2008)
For St. Patrick’s Day, I enjoyed this hour-long journey through the best pubs in Dublin with writer Frank McCourt. Pubs patronized by writers and revolutionaries are visited as well as good places to enjoy a pint, a whiskey, Irish trad, and some good craic are all visited. McCourt also leads the viewer to some of the top tourist attractions in Dublin, often conveniently proximite to a pub.
