Necessary Americana
Decades apart, two films that dig into the mixed-up heart of being American
Laughter and woe
John Cleese generates comedy that's offset by a potboiler and a Conrad story.
Dicks with drive
"Barfly," "Out of Sight" and "Snatch" are heavy on eccentric style and male advancement.
Madmen
Lumet's "Network" and Beineix's "Diva" are two sides of a brilliantly hallucinogenic coin.
Strange brews
Fellini's hedonistic Rome, Noé's vision of rape and revenge, and the Coen Brothers on botched spying.
Italy betrayed
"The old country" is easy to romanticize, fun to watch, but extremely easy to get wrong.
Yesterday and domani
A look back at a Gianni Zanassi gem and the birth of a spy anti-hero.
Dreams and nightmares
For toxicity, see "Reversal of Fortune," "Eyes Wide Shut" and "Requiem for a Dream."
Take a deep breath
Vintage Godard, aging Mitchum and meandering Mamet make for interesting viewing.
Up, up and away
"Barbarella," "The Addiction" and "Runaway Train" toy with women to different effect.
Bill’s friends
Bill Emmott's Italy excoriations in "Girlfriend in a Coma" fall back on same old, same old.