Frozen
Juliet McKoen 2005 UK (1st time; big screen)
In a small fishing town, and estranged woman tries to deal with the loss of her missing sister.
Knowingly reminiscent of Don’t Look Now, with a bleak look and fleeting moments of striking red; if the denoument bares too much a resemblance, it is still an interesting, bleak exploration of loss and obsession with some moments of genuine eeriness.

Happiness
Todd Solondz 1998 US (1st time)
Several people, including three sisters and their parents, struggle to find fulfilment.
Affecting drama of unsatisfactory relationships and sexual fantasy; it is a deeply disturbing and ultimately challening work, by turns hilarious at its most serious or vulgar moments, and tragic all the same.

Five Easy Pieces
Bob Rafelson 1970 US (1st time)
An oil-rigger running away all his life from a musical, middle-class background, travels back to his home when his father falls sick.
One of those cult films without shape, this slowly unfolds itself as a complex character study and perhaps even social comment, with Nicholson's over-the-top theatrics winning us over all the way. An unforgettable triumph.

Rock 127
Reza Haeri Year Iran (1st time)
With rock and jazz forbidden in Iran, many musicians form their own underground groups; a short documentary on one of these, Rock 127.
More of a promo than a documentary, it succeeds in sustaining our interests and making us want more; alas, at three minutes, we're left wanting.

The Searchers
John Ford 1956 US (1st time)
When his brother's family are massacred by Commanches, a mysterious loner begins a five-year quest to hunt down his niece, with whom the Indians ran off.
Influential in its themes of determined revenge and social alienation, this is far more compelling as a visual triumph, with cinematography and landscapes to die for; the final third gives too much leeway to distracting humour.

The Knockout
Charles Avery 1914 US (1st time)
Eager to prove his courage to his girlfriend, a hefty fighter enters a boxing match, and all hell breaks loose.
Among various Chaplin DVDs to buy, this half-hour short features Charlie for a mere few minutes as the boxing referee. Primarily, instead, a Fatty Arbuckle comedy, and a not very funny one at that.