“Experimenter: The Stanley Milgram Story,” 2015, Michael Almereyda, US. A biographical film about the famed experimental psychologist and his controversial Obedience Experiment, starring Peter Sarsgaard opposite Winona Ryder. Thoughtful, artful, interesting. Recommend.
“The End of the Tour,” James Ponsoldt, 2015, USA. A film based on David Lipsky’s essay about David Foster Wallace, which captured their few days traveling together, Lipsky interviewing and probing the newly-famous author, who later passed away. Thoughtful, emotional, raw.
“High-Rise,” 2015, UK, Ben Wheatley. In pursuit of utopia, a supposedly visionary architect designs an all-inclusive, futuristic apartment complex whose society microcosmically declines into chaos. Great performances by Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Elisabeth Moss, and Luke Evans
“A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflecting On Existence,” 2014, Roy Andersson, Sweden. An eccentric, dark comedy made up of various vignettes including an obsolescent, failed king, two bickering traveling salesman and various people who die in odd ways. Venice Film Fest Award Winner.
The Hunt, 2012, Thomas Vinterberg, Denmark. A teacher is falsely accused of sexual abuse, and hysteria in a small town ensues, as Mads Mikkelsen attempts to clear his name. Great M Mikkelsen performance, for which he won a Cannes film fest best actor award.
“The Origins of Totalitarianism”, H Arendt, 1951. A challenging but enlightening read about the origins and nature of totalitarianism. Arendt, in her longest book, gives us a set of genealogical tools while reminding us of our uniquely human capacity for action and creation.
Bearer of Pity 