Suggested Viewing from

Jim's Real Detroit Column 12/30/99

Since 1999 was the year of the list, here’s another one for you: movies released on video in 1999 (theatrical dates may vary) that haven’t quite got the audience they deserve--this means you should rent ’em and watch ’em.

The Celebration (1998)–It was a great video year for dysfunctional families (see Happiness below). Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg presents a searing and darkly comic portrait of a family torn apart by child abuse, psychological torture, and even suicide. Unconventionally filmed using handheld cameras exclusively, along with un-enhanced lighting and sound. Even Dwarfs Started Small (1969)–Werner Herzog’s second feature film takes place in a institution that is populated exclusively by dwarves, who basically get to trash just about everything in sight. It may not sound like much of a plot, but this dreamlike movie manages both to fulfill an archetypal destruction fantasy and brutally address the breakdown of a closed society. Creepy.

Happiness (1998)–Director Todd Solondz follows his Welcome to the Dollhouse with a masterpiece of middle-class perversion that focuses on three sisters and their messed-up relationships. Solondz creates a morally skewed universe that is both depressing and hilarious (you should feel guilty for laughing at so much human misery). A blacker-than-black comedy. Insomnia (1997)–The first film from Scandinavian director Erik Skjoldbjaerg features Stellan Skarsgard (Breaking the Waves, Good Will Hunting) as a Swedish detective trying to solve a gruesome murder in the land of the midnight sun. A great film noir that turns into an examination of moral decay, but still offers more than its share of unexpected twists.

Institute Benjamenta (1995)–Eleven years in the making, a live action film from cult animators The Brothers Quay. The plot involves a dilapidated but menacingly creepy school that trains butlers in the most boring way possible. But don’t worry, Institute is as deviant and excessive (not to mention weirdly violent) as their animated work, and might just give you a nightmare or two. The Iron Giant (1999)–This animated feature has more in common with Japanese anime than American animation. Set in the ’50s, The Iron Giant is the involving story of a giant outer space robot that crash lands on Earth and is found by a nine-year-old boy. Likable (but not cutesy) characters and not one musical number.

Kissed (1996)–Canadian Lynne Stopkewich’s beautiful necrophilic love story was finally released this year after two previous dates were cancelled (subject of a prior column).

The Johnsons (1992)–Although the last third of this Dutch horror film is a little weak, the first hour’s spookiness makes it well worth viewing. A young girl dreams about seven young maniacs who are in prison after having killed their schoolmates. When it becomes apparent that the seven are bent on setting up a demonic impregnation ritual (all right, I’m simplifying), the film turns slasher. Project Grizzly (1996)–This one actually came out on video in 1998, but it was the last week of 1998 so here it is. Director Peter Lynch’s documentary about Canadian “close quarter bear researcher” Troy Hurtubise and his self-designed “armor,” which allows him to relate to Grizzly bears face to face. Hurtubise being viciously thrown around has to be seen to be believed. Feels like one of Errol Morris’ (Fast, Cheap, and Out of Control) quirky documentaries.

Riki Oh: The Story of Ricky (1989)–Much-requested Asian trasher, set in a futuristic prison, concerns a wrongly imprisoned man’s quest to regain his honor, mainly by punching through (literally) other human beings. The violence is nonstop as is the over-the-top gore. Good, unrealistic, campy fun. Waco: The Rules of Engagement (1997)–The amazing Academy Award--nominated documentary by William Gazecki. Presents a strong argument through the use of interviews (with Branch Davidians), video of Congressional hearings, and footage from the actual standoff. After watching this powerful (and at times gruesome) document you’ll believe that, at the very least, the government screwed up big time.

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