Let’s Get Lost (1988)

The life of Chet Baker remains as fascinating and mysterious as his unmistakable voice. In this ghostly documentary, director Bruce Weber paints an honest portrait of the iconic trumpeter and troubadour who has become the epitome of 50’s West Coast Cool. Though romantically captured in Weber’s signature dreamy black-and-white style, Let’s Get Lost takes a frank look a man whose life, looks and brilliant talent are eroded by years of self-destruction. Including rare performance footage, candid interviews, and even a cameo by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

James Thomson’s Curated Links:
See the film on YouTube while you can!
Buy the DVD from Amazon
Learn More about Chet Baker from chetbakertribute.com
Visit bruceweber.com

The Conversation (1974)

From Francis Ford Coppola comes a curious look at eavesdropping and the human conscience. This oft overlooked gem was truly ahead of its time, painting the issues that arise around surveillance with a gripping, neo-noir edge. But beyond the social merit and technical perfection of the film’s direction, Gene Hackman’s portrayal of a wiretapper unraveled is a first-rate character study.

James Thomson’s Curated Links:
Watch the trailer on YouTube
Read the reviews on RottenTomatoes.com

Style Wars

Dubbed “The original hip hop documentary” , Style Wars is a historic chronicle of the graffiti subculture which grew amidst the urban decay of late 70’s/early 80’s New York. Originally aired in 1983 on PBS, the vibrance and realism of the artists and their art captured by directors Henry Chalfant and Tony Silver make you feel as if you’re experiencing a true discovery. Remarkable film quality and fantastic soundtrack to boot.

Buy the DVD from StyleWars.com
or watch it lo-fi style on Google Video

Das Experiment

This psychological thriller from 2001 was inspired by the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment, wherein male subjects are hired to play the roles of guards and prisoners in a simulated jail for two weeks while their behaviours are monitored. Though not without some minor flaws, this shocking, provocative study of human nature is well-acted and replete with emotion, action, and style. Fans of Run Lola Run take heed!

Interview with director Oliver Hirschbeigel from indieWIRE
Listing at

Knife in the Water

Knife in the Water (Polish: Nóż w wodzie) is Roman Polanski’s directorial debut. Crafting a story around just three characters and a boat, Polanski subtly and economically creates a tense, intriguing tale full of truths about love, pride, sex, aging, and the male psyche. Gorgeously filmed and strikingly minimal, you’ll either find this film an impenetrable bore or surprisingly compelling.

Availble from The Criterion Collection