Eight 21^st Century Films

The Re-Invention of Cinema

1. “Inception” (2010, American) - A realistic science fiction film dealing with the theft of corporate secrets and then imparting them into people’s minds. Leonardo DiCaprio at his best.
2. “Certified Copy” (2010, French, English subtitles) - A British writer gives a lecture in Tuscany about what is authentic and false in art. A French woman in the audience leaves her phone number with the translator.
3. “In the Bedroom” (2001, American) - A happily married New England couple have a son recently graduated from college. He falls in love with an older woman. An audacious movie that shows you can never take anyone for granted.
4. “The Departed” (2006, American) - Boston is the setting of this crime film featuring some of the best American actors. An outstanding critical and commercial success that probes the dangers of having an inner life different from one’s public life.
5. “Inglourious Basterds” (2009, American-German, in English) - Perhaps the greatest film ever made about the Nazi era presented with riveting dramatic yet hilarious comic power. The performances are unmatched in film history.
6. “Zodiac” (2007, American) - A San Francisco “serial killer” film made with scrupulous attention to complex, social motivations.
7. “Carol” (2015, American) - Derived from Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 novel about the then theme of “forbidden love” between two women — of different ages and social backgrounds.
8. “Notes on a Scandal” (2006, British) - Two women teachers at a London school become involved in a tangled relationship. This involves other people in disclosure and disaster. Brilliant performances.