“Crime Spree” !

No, it’s not the name of any movie I’ve watched. In fact, I didn’t really plan on a thematic post. But it just so happens that my latest selections somehow involve some kind of crime. One result, I have to admit is that I don’t think I will be camping much anymore, nor will I be hiring a live-in maid for my Brittany mansion. Not sure about a trip to Belfast either.

“Cocaine Bear” (Berkeley Public Library DVD loan) Odd choice you are thinking–right? I, too, scoffed when a friend (who has requested anonymity) told me she liked it. And yet–bear with me here (sorry!)–I too loved it for its horror silliness, outlandish gore, and downright intentional stupidity. The acting is clearly intentionally bad, consistent with other familiar tropes of B- horror films: ridiculous plot and dialogues, cheap sets. I’m not sure I would have liked it as much had I not also viewed the Supplement section of the DVD where I learned how the bear was constructed and ultimately created–pretty fascinating. And in that same section I got to see how the intestines were built and other behind-the-scenes makeup tricks. All you need is a DVD player ( you can buy one for under $50) and a HDMI cord ($5) that you plug into your television, and a trip to the library.

“La Cérémonie” Or “A Judgement in Stone” (DVD) This Claude Chabrol thriller has a subtle but almost unbearable tension, similar to that of The Talented Mr. Ripley.  After a fairly brief exposition the tension builds when Isabelle Huppert, a disgruntled postal clerk bonds with Sandrine Bonnaire an odd and increasingly sinister housekeeper for a wealthy Brittany family. Chabrol jokingly called this “the last Marxist film”. And indeed he brilliantly documents the hatred of the proletariat toward the bourgeoisie. Add a Chabrol touche de sociopathy. And Voila! The perfect film for a movie discussion group. Again, fascinating booklet and Supplement.

“Blue Lights” (Season 1 Kanopy) I binge-watched this fantastic British police series set in Belfast. Like most cop dramas there is the juxtaposition of the stressful private lives of the law enforcers, internal office politics, and the dangerous drug infested world of crime. But Blue Lights is so well-acted and so well written that it avoids most cliches. The Troubles may be officially over, but the series makes it clear that the legacy of violence and resentment remains. The police have to deal with a mafia-like situation where drugs and extortion have replaced politics and are destroying the city. Other sub plots touch on racism and misogyny and the reconciling of guilt for acts of violence committed in the name of political affinities. Season 2 is not on Kanopy (Brit Box). But I promise you that it is worth the money .

And a final note: Send in your movie suggestions–puhleeze. I promise I won’t make you review them.