Movies at Home - The Conformist, 21 Grams and Bound

In the absence of many new films to watch at the cinema, I have found that instead of paying for the streaming of movies, it is often cheaper to buy a second hand DVD on eBay. I forget who recommended Bernado Bertolucci's 1970 film The Conformist, but it was praised with it's themes of conformism and fascism in Italian politics. Although it now seems a little dated and pretentious, it is certainly visually stunning and dramatic. The acting is first class with Jean-Louis Trintignant in the lead role.

I cannot remember having seen 21 Grams before which is strange as it is an excellent movie, and especially as it was directed by the brilliant Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. The dramatic story is told by flashbacks over more than one timescale. It took a bit of getting used to, but then it worked superbly well. The three lead actors are terrific: Sean Penn, Naomi Watts and Benicio Del Torro. The latter two being nominated for Oscar awards. I loved it.

The only reason I sought out a DVD of Bound was because it was recommended by Mark Kermode in his programme about heist movies. But this is not a traditional heist, it is stealing from the mob! The plan hatched by Gina Gershan as Corky is faultless. Or so she thought. Poor Jennifer Tilly as her willing accomplice is lumbered with a crazy Joe Pantoliano when the money disappears. Directed with aplomb by the Wichowskis, the tension ramps up in the second half. A well made noir thriller.