Film Reviews by Steve

A high point of early German cinema. Mabuse controls staff/inmates of an asylum using telepathic mind control, with orders taken from real Nazi speeches! Lang's final German film before the war is a wonderfully feverish stream of distressed imagination.

Lyrical adaptation, in couplets, is a very moving and moral story; elevated into greatness by Depardieu's huge performance.

Energetic fusion of comic timing and outrageous imagination. Buster Keaton enters the screen, and becomes his hero. One of the great silent comedies.

Herzog masterpiece about Spanish conquistadors in South America feels truly real. The brilliant opening scene of a royal train in a mountain descent, captures the greed borne insanity, the cultural incongruence, and the misguided heroism of Empire. Benchmark deranged performance by Klaus Kinski.

Sensual, unique allegory of itinerant entomologist who finds himself trapped with/by a placid, submissive woman who seems to have accepted her life, continually digging out the pit of sand which serves as her home. Intriguing, engaging, and ultimately heartbreaking.

The photography is unforgettable. The pacing is superb. The performance, in particular, of Kyoko Kishidi is a marvel.

Wonderful Japanese art film. Once seen, never forgotten.

Le Quai des Brumes exists in a world of myth and premonition. The story of Jean (Jean Gabin), an army deserter, who finds a coterie of lost, distressed people in a Le Havre, dockside bar; and Michele Morgan, beautiful and so young, in her transparent raincoat. Poetic realist Jacques Prevert allows no relief from the view of life as brief moment of passion set in a fog of misery.

In WWII, Vichy said that the war was lost because of Le Quai des Brumes. Director Carne, said you don't blame the barometer for the weather. But even though the the occupation was two years away, the film's shattered, weary fatalism seems to anticipate the impotent shame of the war.

A powerful film, with another great performance by Jean Gabin, a wonderful script and a gloomy pre-noir look, Le Quai des Brumes is a haunting, depressing experience.

Strangely, costumes were by Coco Chanel!

The sort of made for tv production created for the Christmas schedules,which may well be the best version of this old favourite.

The plot moves forward at a good pace, cheerfully waving past any inconsistencies. All performances are likable, with Richard E Grant a stand out. The Cornish setting is used well, with good period detail.

And there is some genuine suspense and a few thrills.

A must for Holmes enthusiasts, a well crafted and enjoyable diversion for others.