NETFLIX QUICK PIX!!!

Well, kids...here are some doozies from our French, German, Spanish friends. Oh, they don't need to get along, living so close to each other, but MAN, they can put out some quality flix.

Les Biches: Well what can I say about this highly stylish Chabrol film other than the clothes and make up are to die, the plot slowly sizzling to a boiling point, and very fine actors in very fine costumes, driving swell cars. There is a plot twist here, and I would be a rude mutha fucka to divulge the Hitchockian ending. The acting is understated (except for the gay couple, who are stereotypical, but funny), and you have no idea where this is going. Ah, the French!

The Tunnel: Based on a true story of the Berlin Wall (of which I happen to have a piece, thank you Udo Kier) and a determined plan to dig under it to save family and friends from Communist Russia, is taught, compelling and downright suspensful. I was beside myself with the lead hunk...err....actor. When he starts to do the Twist, well...It's about the best thing since sauerkraut. I was on the edge of my seat throughout.

The Devil's Backbone: Ah, Spain. This is a thriller that, again, had me riveted. A ghost story set in an orphanage during the Spanish/American War is something to see. Really.

The Orphanage: Yep, more Spain. Yep more dead orphans. I watched this one three times. The ending is terrific. One scene, when the adopted son mouths off to mom...well...she slugs him. This would never fly in America, though I think a lot of brats could use one or two. No, I am not applying to be a foster parent.

On a slightly different note. I hate AIDS movies. I got it, I live with it, I have to deal with it. However, one magnificent film from France came out this year; The Witnesses. I was astonished to revisit 1984, when AIDS panic was just setting in in America, and to see the French reaction was astounding. Wonderful ensemble cast. The Algerian bisexual guy is le pig, and you gotta hate him. But this film was well worth the watch.

Also on AIDS: Love! Valor! Compassion! I saw this film before it was released (rough cut---no soundtrack---oh, how I loved living in LA for those passes to see soon to be released flix!) I just happened upon it on VHS for 2 BUCKS, and thought, hell, I'll give it a whirl. It's a fine flick written by Terrence McNally, starring an ensemble cast including Justin Kirk (playing a very good blind), Jason Alexander (playing a HUGE show queen with aplomb) and a very spiteful John Glover in a dual role. The reason why I love this film now is not about the AIDS thing, it just reminds me of spending a summer in a remote house in Upstate NY, with very arty people wafting in and out, eating swell food (most of which I gladly prepared) and swilling jugs of wine and talking about our creative goals. It was a wonderful summer. Oh, sneaking into the host's bedroom early in the morning was well worth the trip. But not easy....the floorboards creaked like a mutha. The sight of seeing six gay men in tutus doing Swan Lake is enough for the coupla bucks!