Actor Morgan Freeman, playing himself, is debilitated by his own fear of failure and has not accepted a role in several years. When he begins to contemplate doing an independent film, Freeman heads to an isolated convenience store to do a little research and perhaps find some inspiration. What he finds is Scarlet (Paz Vega), a spitfire cashier, who he ends up asking for a ride home. The two cultivate a brief, unlikely friendship and help one another to grow through their banter and mutual encouragement. Directed by Brad Silberling. With Jonah Hill, Alexandra Berardi and Bobby Cannavale. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2006.
10 Items or Less
Cristina Peck (Naomi Watts) is forced to suffer the loss of her husband Michael (Danny Huston) and their two daughters, killed in a hit-and-run by born-again ex-con Jack Jordan (Benicio Del Toro). Paul Rivers (Sean Penn), a college professor dying of heart failure, becomes the recipient of Michael's transplanted heart and is drawn to Cristina out of the debt of life he owes to her husband. Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. Categories: Drama, Crime, Thriller. Year: 2003.
21 Grams
In the process of coming to terms with the tragic loss of her only son, Esteban (Eloy Azorín), Manuela (Cecilia Roth) leaves Madrid and goes to Barcelona to find the boy's father, a transvestite named Lola (Toni Cantó). But first, she finds her transvestite friend, Agrado (Antonia San Juan), meets Rosa (Penélope Cruz), a young nun bound for El Salvador, and by happenstance, becomes the personal assistant of Huma Rojo (Marisa Paredes), the actress her son admired. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar. Categories: Drama, Foreign Film. Year: 1999.
All About My Mother
Bobbie (Vincent Kartheiser) is happy making money by breaking into vending machines. But following a botched raid on a college, this drug-addicted teenage runaway is approached by a drug buddy's charismatic uncle, Mel (James Woods), with an offers to bring Bobby into the big-time. Bobbie and his pregnant girlfriend Rosie (Natasha Gregson Wagner) follow Mel and his partner Sid (Melanie Griffith) into the fast paced world of grand larceny, hard drugs and shopping sprees. Directed by Larry Clark. With Peter Sarsgaard. Categories: Drama, Crime, Independent Film. Year: 1997.
Another Day in Paradise
Four actors (Ross Partridge, Steve Zissis, Greta Gerwig and Elise Muller) drive out to an isolated cabin in order write, direct and act in a film that they hope will jumpstart their careers. But, when the main character of their horror movie mysteriously appears and begins to torment them, the four friends must decide who they can trust and just what thye are up against. Directed by: Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass. Categories: Horror, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
Baghead
Barton Fink (John Turturro) is an intellectual playwright, delving into deep social and philosophical issues in his home city of New York. In 1941, he moves to Hollywood to write a wrestling film when disaster strikes: a severe case of writer's block. Compounded by a series of bizarre of events that keep him miserable and lonely in the mysterious Hotel Earle, not even the attention of his neighbor Charlie Meadows (John Goodman) can lift him from his doldrums. Directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen. With Steve Buscemi, Judy Davis. Categories: Drama, Thriller. Year: 1991.
Barton Fink
Danny Balint (Ryan Gosling) transforms himself from a religious Jew into a powerful leader in the Neo-Fascist political movement. But, after a stay in a training enclave, another change begins, and as the contradictions multiply something in Danny's soul prompts a complex journey back to Judaism. Directed by Henry Bean. With Summer Phoenix and Billy Zane. Categories: Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2001.
The Believer
For Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges), bowling and drinking White Russians are a full-time job. When his rug is ruined by nihilist thugs who mistake him for a millionaire with the same name, he takes time out of his busy schedule to set the record straight. Joined by his bowling buddies (John Goodman and Steve Buscemi), the Dude eventually finds himself in the middle of a big mess after a botched ransom delivery. Directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen. With John Turturro, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore and Tara Reid. Categories: Cult Classics, Comedy, Mystery. Year: 1998.
The Big Lebowski
After moving with his family and starting at a new school, Thomas (Rhys Wakefield) is put in charge of looking after his autistic brother Charlie (Luke Ford) when their pregnant mother (Toni Collette) is forced to take it easy. All Thomas wants is to be accepted and lead a normal life, but Charlie's antics cause him trouble at every turn. But, despite the constant frustration, Thomas gradually learns to appreciate his brother with help from his new girlfriend, Jackie (Gemma Ward). Directed by Elissa Down. With Erik Thomson, Firass Dirani and Ngoc Phan. Categories: Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
The Black Balloon
In the Sydney suburb of Maroubra, a notorious gang known as the Bra Boys combine surfing, hard partying, rebellion and brotherhood to deal with the realities of larger society. This documentary chronicles the evolution of the gang's tough, close-knit culture and how the stigma of their surf community has contributed to their social displacement. The film focuses on the Abberon brothers (Koby Abberton, Sunny Abberton, Jai Abberton), who pursue their dream of professional surfing while one of their own is on trial for murder. Directed by Sunny Abberton and Macario De Souza. Narrated by Russell Crowe. Categories: Documentary, Foreign Film, Independent Film. Year: 2007.
Bra Boys
Brendan Frye (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a teenage loner, investigates the death of his ex-girlfriend (Emilie de Ravin) after she reaches out to him unexpectedly just before her disappearance. To find the girl, Brendan must get help from his only peer, The Brain (Matt O'Leary), while staying one step ahead of an inquisitive assistant vice principal (Richard Roundtree). As the evidence begins to pile up and Brendan uncovers more and more secrets, this former outsider finds himself being drawn right into the middle of a deadly high school crime ring. Directed by Rian Johnson. With Nora Zehetner and Lukas Haas. Categories: Drama, Mystery. Year: 2005.
Brick
A love story unfolds between ranch hand Ennis del Mar (Heath Ledger) and rodeo cowboy Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) who meet while driving cattle on a mountain range. Their lifelong connection, and the complications, joys and tragedies they experience provide a testament to the endurance and power of love. Directed by Ang Lee. With Randy Quaid, Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway. Categories: Drama, Romance. Year: 2005.
Brokeback Mountain
After being dumped by his last girlfriend (Julie Delpy), Don Johnston (Bill Murray) resigns himself to living the rest of his life on his own. But, when he receives a mysterious letter informing him that he has a 19-year-old son, he begins to reflect on his history of failed relationships. Johnston's close friend Winston (Jeffrey Wright) urges him to investigate the letter, and he soon embarks on a cross-country trek in search of clues from four former flames. Directed by Jim Jarmusch. With Sharon Stone, Christopher McDonald, Chloë Sevigny, Jessica Lange, Frances Conroy and Tilda Swinton. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2005.
Broken Flowers
Author Truman Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is sent to write an article about the brutal murder of a family in a small Kansas town, and ends up writing a celebrated book. Capote attempts to charm the locals and work his way into the story behind the murders, but he's soon shocked to find himself forming a friendship with one of the killers (Clifton Collins Jr.). Directed by Bennett Miller. With Catherine Keener and Chris Cooper. Categories: Crime, Drama, Biography. Year: 2005.
Capote
Arnold Friedman seemed like the normal head of an affluent Jewish family living in upstate New York. His life is turned upside down when he and his son Jesse Friedman are charged with the rapes of several young boys who participated in computer classes given by the Friedmans. Together with the mother (Elaine Friedman) and two other sons (Seth Friedman and Jesse Friedman), the criminal trial of this father and firstborn son unfolds with the aid of photos and home video footage. Directed by Andrew Jarecki. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2003.
Capturing the Friedmans
After Romanian dictator Nicolei Ceaucescu outlawed contraceptives and encouraged his people to have more children, thousands of children were born to broken or dysfunctional families in a nation full of political and economic instability. The result is a large and rapidly growing population of homeless children in the city of Bucharest. Directed by Edet Belzberg. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2000.
Children Underground
Dante Hicks (Brian O'Halloran) is called in to work at his New Jersey convenience store on his day off. From there, a bad day gets worse as Dante must deal with annoying customers, relationship issues and the overall lack of direction in his life. At his side at all times is, Randal Graves, his lazy, opinionated best friend who works at the video store next door. Directed by Kevin Smith. With Marilyn Ghigliotti, Lisa Spoonhauer, Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith. Categories: Comedy, Independent Film. Year: 1994.
Clerks.
Jody (Forest Whitaker) is a British soldier captured by an IRA terrorist named Jude (Miranda Richardson). Fergus (Stephen Rea), an IRA terrorist, befriends Jody until the kidnapping goes wrong and heflees to London. There, Fergus finds Dil (Jaye Davidson), Jody's lover, and begins seeing her under a false identity. However, Dil has an incredible secret of her own. Directed by Neil Jordan. With Stephen Rea, Adrian Dunbar and Joe Savino. Categories: Politics, Cult Classics, Drama, Romance, Thriller. Year: 1992.
The Crying Game
Lt. John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) becomes a hero when he accidentally leads Union troops to victory in a key battle. Requesting assignment on the Western front, he finds himself sole guardian of an abandoned military outpost. There, he befriends a lonely wolf and a local Indian tribe, whose ways he grows to respect and adopt as their culture and lives are threatened by U.S. encroachment on their territories. An epic tale of the American West as it once was. Directed by Kevin Costner. With Mary McDonnell and Graham Greene. Categories: Adventure, Drama, Western. Year: 1990.
Dances with Wolves
As the walking dead to terrorize the people of earth, one small group of survivors finds themselves trapped in a shopping mall outside of Pittsburgh. Steven (David Emge) and Francine (Gaylen Ross), two TV station employees, team up with Roger (Scott H. Reiniger) and Peter (Ken Foree) as they try to survive the relentless hunger of the dead and the maddening strain of life under siege. Directed by George A. Romero. With David Crawford and David Early. Categories: Cult Classics, Action, Drama, Horror. Year: 1978.
Dawn of the Dead
Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber), Asael (Jamie Bell) and Aron Bielski (George MacKay), four Jewish brothers, escape Nazi-occupied Poland and join a group of Russian resistance fighters. While building a village deep inside the forest to be a home for other Jewish refugees, the brothers help to save hundreds of lives and prepare to protect themselves from the Nazi's wrath. Directed by Edward Zwick. With Tomas Arana and Alexa Davalos. Categories: Drama, War, Independent Film, Based on a True Story. Year: 2008.
Defiance
Arthur Banks (Kiefer Sutherland) is a professional hitman who picks up single women to help with his work and then kills them when they are no longer of any use. Bennie (Melora Walters) is just such a woman, escaping from an abusive husband and on her way to Paradise, Arizona. As Arthur softens towards the seemingly innocent Bennie, the FBI is on his trail and his female companion reveals a dark secret of her own. Directed by Richard Greenberg. With Shawn Woods, Rachel Ticotin, Jamey Sheridan and Christopher Bersh. Categories: Action, Thriller. Year: 2002.
Desert Saints
Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) is your average 1980s suburban teenager, except that he is beset by visions of a giant, sinister rabbit and recently had an airplane engine fall through the roof of his bedroom. After the demonic bunny tells him that the world will end in 28 days, Donnie falls for the new girl in town (Jena Malone) and tries to make sense of his life before time runs out. Directed by Richard Kelly. With Holmes Osborne, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mary McDonnell, Patrick Swayze, Noah Wyle, Seth Rogen and Drew Barrymore. Categories: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Independent Film. Year: 2001.
Donnie Darko
Bob Hughes (Matt Dillon), along with his wife (Kelly Lynch) and their apprentices, Rick (James LeGros) and Nadine (Heather Graham), function as a family of addicts who rob pharmacies to fuel their ever-growing habits. When they're forced to take their show on the road after things get too hot at home, Nadine eventually overdoses. After that, Bob swears off drugs and tries to rebuild his life, but has to do so without his wife, who's determined to stay hooked. Directed by Gus Van Sant. With James Remar, Max Perlich and William S. Burroughs. Categories: Crime, Drama, Cult Classics. Year: 1989.
Drugstore Cowboy
El Mariachi (Carlos Gallardo), a traveling musician, moves from place to place to play his guitar and carry on a family tradition. But, when El arrives in a small town at the same time as an escaped convict who carries his guns in a guitar case, the local drug lord and his henchmen mistake El for the killer. As the criminals chase El around town, he's forced to trade his guitar for a gun and defend the life of Domino (Consuelo Gómez), a beautiful bar owner. Directed by Robert Rodriguez. With Peter Marquardt, Jaime de Hoyos and Reinol Martinez. Categories: Action, Crime, Thriller, Western, Independent Film. Year: 1992.
El Mariachi
After living with her grandmother (Katharine Ross) for a year, 14ear-old Alyssa (Carly Schroeder) goes to the Bahamas to live with her estranged father, Hawk (Adrian Dunbar), who is a dolphin researcher. With Hawk distracted by politians trying to turn his research center into a tourist attraction, it's up to his girlfriend Tamika (Christine Adams) and her father (George Harris) to help smooth the young girl's transition. But, things change when Alyssa discovers that she shares a gift with her father for communicating with dolphins. Directed by Michael D. Sellers. Categories: Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2006.
Eye of the Dolphin
Ghost Dog (Forest Whitaker) is an urban warrior who follows the code of the Samurai. He lives alone, only descending from his rooftop home to commit murder for his master, Louie (John Tormey), a mob tough guy who once saved his life. When Ghost Dog becomes a Mafia target himself, he must fight off a stream of killers while trying to protect his master and uphold the Way of the Warrior. Directed by Jim Jarmusch. With Cliff Gorman and Dennis Liu. Categories: Action, Crime, Drama. Year: 1999.
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai
When Martin and Clarence (Pat Healy and Kene Holliday) answer an ad to train as record producers, they're excited to finally be employed. Sent out to sign undiscovered artists, the pair quickly learns that they're a part of a record industry talent scouting scheme. Hitting the road to sign new acts, Martin and Clarence do their best, but are unsure what will happen when it comes time for their checks to be cashed. Directed by Craig Zobel. Categories: Comedy, Independent Film. Year: 2007.
Great World of Sound
Dito (Robert Downey Jr.), a writer in LA, returns to his childhood home of Astoria, Queens to convince his ill father (Chazz Palminteri) to go to the hospital. Through flashbacks, we see how young Dito (Shia LaBeouf) grew up, meet the friends he left behind and come to understand that his old neighborhood will always be a part of him. Directed by Dito Montiel. With Channing Tatum, Dianne Wiest, Rosario Dawson, Anthony DeSando and Eric Roberts. Categories: Crime, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2006.
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints
Poppy (Sally Hawkins) is a freespirited school teacher who brightens up the lives of everyone she meets and brings unlimited optimism to every situation she encounters. But, when her bike is stolen, Poppy's positive attitude is put to the test. Forced to take driving lessons, Poppy meets her opposite in Scott (Eddie Marsan), an uptight cynic. In addition to her weekly tension-filled meetings with Scott, Poppy must also deal with a fiery flamenco instructor, her bitter pregnant sister (Caroline Martin), a troubled homeless man and a young bully in her class. But, despite in all, Poppy never loses sight of what's really important in life. Directed by Mike Leigh. With Alexis Zegerman, Andrea Riseborough, Samuel Roukin and Sylvestra Le Touzel. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
Happy-Go-Lucky
Jim Davis (Christian Bale), an ex-Army Ranger, returns to his life of drugs, violence and petty crime after losing a chance for a job with the LAPD that would allow him to bring his Mexican girlfriend (Tammy Trull) to the US. While his best friend Mike (Freddy Rodríguez) is pressured by his girlfriend Sylvia (Eva Longoria) to find a job, Jim is busy hustling and trying unsuccessfully to deal with his inner demons. Directed by David Ayer. Categories: Crime, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2005.
Harsh Times
The Vietnam War remains the most controversial and divisive military action in American history. Told with news footage and interviews with American and Vietnamese participants in the war, ranging from top American commander William C. Westmoreland and presidents John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon to North Vietnamese leader Chi Minh Ho, this documentary attacks American racism and modern imperialist attitudes for the disastrous results of the war. Directed by Peter Davis. Categories: Documentary. Year: 1974.
Hearts and Minds
The pressures of stardom and a growing paranoia over his own fame lead successful actor Gray Evans (Giovanni Ribisi) towards a complete mental breakdown. As his marriage falls apart, Gray begins to obsess over a woman he meets in a local video store, and agrees to make a film with the woman's husband. Directed by Adam Goldberg. With Franka Potente, Christina Ricci, Jason Lee, Joshua Jackson and Jared Harris. Categories: Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2003.
I Love Your Work
Igby (Kieran Culkin) is tired of being shipped from one private school to the next by his wealthy, detached mother (Susan Sarandon). After a few failed escape attempts, Igby ends up living in a NYC loft with a woman (Amanda Peet) who is sleeping with his godfather (Jeff Goldblum). While Igby tries to deal with the reality of his dysfunctional life, including an institutionalized father (Bill Pullman), he grows close to another outsider (Claire Danes), only to have her stolen away by his "fascist" older brother (Ryan Phillippe). Directed by Burr Steers. With Rory Culkin and Jared Harris. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2002.
Igby Goes Down
Stuck in Bruges, Belgium after a botched assignment, two Irish contract hitmen, Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson), try to pass the time amongst the many tourists in town while awaiting instructions from their boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes). Surrounded by eccentric locals, annoying tourists and some fellow criminals, the pair make the best of their situation, until Ken gets word that he is to kill Ray for fouling up their last job. When Ken refuses, Harry makes his way to Bruge intent on taking care of business himself. Directed by Martin McDonagh. With Clémence Poésy, Jordan Prentice, Thekla Reuten. Categories: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
In Bruges
In Sao Paulo's dangerous criminal underworld, a father (Scott Glenn) and son (Brendan Fraser) set a plan in motion to help them escape the desolation of the city's sex trade. But, when things don't go as they should, the men must choose between family and the freedom only money can bring. Directed by Eric Eason. With Mos Def and Catalina Sandino Moreno. Categories: Drama, Thriller, Independent Film. Year: 2006.
Journey to the End of the Night
When Madeline (Embeth Davidtz), a recently married art gallery owner from Chicago, travels to rural North Carolina to close a deal with a reclusive artist, her husband, George (Alessandro Nivola), uses the opportunity to introduce her to his family who lives nearby. Although George's family members are for the most part hospitable to Madeline, her presence disrupts their country life and brings hidden resentments out into the light. Directed by Phil Morrison. With Scott Wilson, Benjamin McKenzie, Celia Weston and Amy Adams. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2005.
Junebug
After deciding not to follow his girlfriend (Olivia d'Abo) to Prague, Grover (Josh Hamilton) chooses instead to move into a house with some friends who aren't quite ready to leave college life behind. Reluctant to step into adulthood and afraid of ending up like professional student Chet (Eric Stoltz), the friends wrestle with leaving the past behind. Directed by Noah Baumbach. With Chris Eigeman, Carlos Jacott, Jason Wiles, Parker Posey and Eric Stoltz. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 1995.
Kicking and Screaming
Telly (Leo Fitzpatrick) and his best friend Casper (Justin Pierce), two directionless 17-year-olds, skateboard through New York City's East Side stealing, smoking and drinking while discussing the joys of taking an innocent girl's virginity. As their wasted day leads them to a late-night party, Telly seeks out his next victim, while a former lover (Chloë Sevigny) with some serious news searches for him. Directed by Larry Clark. With Rosario Dawson. Categories: Drama, Independent Film. Year: 1995.
Kids
Elvis (Gael García Bernal) is a troubled man recently discharged from the Navy who travels to Texas to find the father he's never known. When he meets him, Elvis finds that Dave (William Hurt) is a pastor at a Christian community church, and wants nothing to do with his illegitimate son. But Elvis makes a connection with the pastor's 16-year old daughter, Malerie (Pell James), and tries to seduce her while Dave examines his faith. Directed by James Marsh. Categories: Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2005.
The King
Billy Byrne (Max Beesley) is the only person who knows that time is running out. Once thought to be the next big thing by London's glitterazzi, Byrne's fame is short lived and his world comes crashing down. Before he knows what's happening, Byrne is thrown straight into the dangerous London underground, a land of murderers, thieves and talent agents. Directed by Stephen Norrington. With Kate Ashfield and Stephen Dorff. Categories: Drama, Mystery, Thriller. Year: 2001.
The Last Minute
After making a deal to watch a feisty Jack Russell for a girl he's hoping to sleep with, Bobby (Justin Rice), a struggling screenwriter, must also contend with his womanizing friend Scott (Brendan Sexton III) and a foe (Zach Galligan) who steals his screenplay ideas. All the while, Bobby suffers through a slew of failed relationships of the course of a normal month in New York City. Directed by Jonathan Blitstein. With Laura Breckenridge, Pepper Binkley and Anthony Rapp. Categories: Comedy, Independent Film. Year: 2007.
Let Them Chirp Awhile
After his daughter, Jenny (Melissa George), is murdered in Los Angeles, English ex-con Wilson (Terence Stamp) comes to America to find out why. A stranger in a strange land, Wilson teams up with a criminal named Eduardo Roel (Luis Guzmán) to track Terry Valentine (Peter Fonda), a sleazy record producer who was having an affair with Jenny when she was killed. Directed by Steven Soderbergh. With Lesley Ann Warren, Amelia Heinle and Barry Newman. Categories: Crime, Drama, Thriller. Year: 1999.
The Limey
In Madrid in 1922, artist Salvador Dali (Robert Pattinson), filmmaker Luis Buñuel (Matthew McNulty) and writer Federico García Lorca (Javier Beltran) develop a close friendship against the backdrop of Jazz, Freud and the avant-garde. Forming an ultra-modern trio, the three friends embrace the decadence of the time and set out on a jurney of art, inspiration and forbidden love. Directed by Paul Morrison. With Marina Gatell. Categories: Drama, Independent Film, Biography. Year: 2008.
Little Ashes
A strange, assorted group of young adults living in Little Athens are caught in a dead-end, post-high school void. Heather (Erica Leerhsen) is a neurotic EMS worker convinced that her boyfriend is cheating on her, Jimmy (John Patrick Amedori) is a drug dealing pizza delivery boy, Corey (DJ Qualls) and Pedro (Jorge Garcia) are slacker roommates who clean pools, and Jessica (Jill Ritchie) is avoiding her boyfriend after giving him an STD. Over the course of 24 hours, their paths cross, ultimately leading to a huge house party where they're forced to face the issues they've been running from. Directed by Tom Zuber. With Rachel Miner, Shawn Hatosy, Michael Peña and Eric Szmanda. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2005.
Little Athens
Life insurance investigator Abe Holt (Forest Whitaker) is sent to verify the death of a escaped convict with a million-dollar policy. After finding the fatal car accident suspicious, Abe is drawn into a conflict the dead man's sister, Isold (Julia Stiles), and her husband (Jeremy Renner). Abe knows the truth, but wants to help Isold escape her difficult life. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur. With Peter Coyote. Categories: Drama, Thriller, Independent Film. Year: 2005.
A Little Trip to Heaven
Hoping to become a serious artist, John Talia Jr. (Trevor Morgan), a talented but troubled young man, befriends Nicoli Seroff (Armin Mueller-Stahl), an elderly, disillusioned, alcoholic painter, during the summer of 1974. Against his father's (Ray Liotta) wishes, John and Nicoli form a tenuous relationship that ultimately helps John understand what it means to be an artist and reawakens Nicoli's sense of purpose. Directed by George Gallo. With Charles Durning, Samantha Mathis and Ron Perlman. Categories: Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2006.
Local Color
Syd (Chris Evans) learns that his ex-girlfriend London (Jessica Biel) is leaving New York without telling him, so he crashes her going away party. Once there, he holes up in the bathroom with a pile of cocaine and an Englishman (Jason Statham) that he barely knows. The two engage in a random drug-fueled conversation while Syd struggles to work up the nerve to talk to London before she leaves forever. Directed by Hunter Richards. With Joy Bryant, Kelli Garner, Dane Cook and Isla Fisher. Categories: Drama, Romance. Year: 2005.
London
Yuri Orlov (Nicolas Cage) is a Ukrainian immigrant to Brooklyn, NY who decides to make a name for himself as an international arms dealer. While doing business in the world's deadliest war zones, Yuri and his brother, Vitaly (Jared Leto), struggle to stay one step ahead of a relentless Interpol agent (Ethan Hawke), their business rivals, and even some of their customers who intend on using the merchandise against them. Directed by Andrew Niccol. With Bridget Moynahan and Ian Holm. Categories: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller. Year: 2005.
Lord of War
This documentary details the aborted production of director (Terry Gilliam's) ill-fated attempt to film The Man Who Killed Don Quixote in late 2000. Piece by piece, the entire film falls apart, despite the crew's best efforts to keep the ship afloat. A severe storm washes away equipment, jet fighters interrupt the filming of a pivotal scene and the star suffers a damaging back injury. Meant to be included as a featurette on the film's eventual DVD, this footage shows the end of Gilliam's decade-long dream to make a film based on Don Quixote. Directed by Keith Fulton and Louis Pepe. With Johnny Depp. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2002.
Lost In La Mancha
Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is a washed up movie star who finds himself in Tokyo shooting a whiskey commercial. In the hotel bar, he meets a young woman named Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) who is tagging along with her workaholic photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi). The chance meeting blossoms into a surprising friendship, as Bob and Charlotte venture out into Tokyo to explore the city and encounter its citizens while discovering that life is full of hidden possibilities. Directed by Sofia Coppola. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Romance. Year: 2003.
Lost in Translation
Following his wife's sudden and unexplained suicide, Wilson Joel (Philip Seymour Hoffman) initially tries to keep his life on track. But, when the searing pain in his stomach and the dazed quietness of his struggle becomes too much, he seeks oblivion by inhaling fumes from gasoline and model airplane fuel. His mother-in-law (Kathy Bates), employer and a coworker seem to want to help him, but eventually his destructive behavior leaves him alone. Directed by Todd Louiso. With Kelli Garner. Categories: Drama, Comedy, Independent Film. Year: 2002.
Love Liza
When Colee (Rachel McAdams), TK (Michael Peña) and Cheever (Tim Robbins), three soldiers returning home from Iraq, find that all flights from New York have been canceled, they set out on an unexpected roadtrip. While Colee intends on giving a guitar to the parents of a fallen friend, TK tries to work up the courage to face his wife and Cheever plans to hit the casinos in a desperate attempt to pay for his son's college tuition. Struggling to adjust to life back in the States, these three strangers find an unlikely companionship in their shared experiences and broken dreams. Directed by Neil Burger. With Molly Hagan. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
The Lucky Ones
This documentary explores the philosophies of Noam Chomsky. A distinguished linguistics professor, intellectual and activist, Chomsky critiques the media and American society. Directed by Mark Achbar and Peter Wintonick. With Mark Achbar. Categories: Documentary. Year: 1992.
Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media
Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this incredible documentary follows the annual journey of the Emperor penguins of Antarctica as they travel to their mating grounds. Months of arduous travel and care by monogamous pairs of penguins brings new life into the world, captured for the first time in this gorgeous and moving tale of love and survival. Directed by Luc Jacquet. Categories: Documentary. Year: 2005.
March of the Penguins
When an eccentric, lonely performance artist (Miranda July) catches the eye of Richard (John Hawkes), a newly-single shoe salesman, the two begin a fledgling romantic relationship despite Richard's timidity and hesitation. Meanwhile, Richard’s seven-year-old son (Brandon Ratcliff) begins a provocative exchange with an older woman he meets in a chat room. And, his teenage son (Miles Thompson) becomes a human guinea pig for two devious neighborhood girls (Natasha Slayton and Najarra Townsend) practicing for future romantic encounters. Directed by Miranda July. With Carlie Westerman, Brad William Henke, JoNell Kennedy, Tracy Wright, Hector Elias and Colette Kilroy. Categories: Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2005.
Me and You and Everyone We Know
Aileen Wuornos (Charlize Theron), a troubled Daytona Beach prostitute, becomes the nation's first female serial killer. Amongst the horrors of murders and life on the fringes of society, a love story unfolds between Wuornos and Selby Wall (Christina Ricci), a teenager sent to live with an aunt in Florida in order to "cure her homosexuality." Directed by Patty Jenkins. With Bruce Dern, Annie Corley and Pruitt Taylor Vince. Categories: Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller. Year: 2003.
Monster
Omar (Gordon Warnecke) is a young Pakistani living in London amidst the machinations and drama of his large family represented by his wealthy uncle Nasser (Saeed Jaffrey) and ailing father (Roshan Seth). After Omar encounters Johnny (Daniel Day-Lewis), his friend and one time lover, the two decide to reunite as the managers of a rundown laundromat. Directed by Stephen Frears. With Gordon Warnecke, Derrick Branche and Rita Wolf. Categories: Drama, Romance. Year: 1985.
My Beautiful Laundrette
Napoleon Dynamite (Jon Heder) lives in Idaho with his 32-year-old brother Kip (Aaron Ruell) and his Grandma. While Kip's busy meeting ladies in online chat rooms and his grandma is riding her quad on the sand dunes, Napoleon spends his days drawing magical beasts, working on his computer hacking skills and begrudgingly feeding the family's pet llama. While Grandma is away at the dunes, Uncle Rico (Jon Gries) comes to stay and Napoleon helps his friend Pedro (Efren Ramirez) run for class president. Directed by Jared Hess. With Haylie Duff, Shondrella Avery, Tina Majorino and Diedrich Bader. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Cult Classics. Year: 2004.
Napoleon Dynamite
After writing a story about a government scandal in which she reveals the name of a covert CIA agent, political journalist Rachel Armstrong (Kate Beckinsale) finds herself facing a possible jail sentence for refusing to reveal her source. Struggling to defend the principles she has built her career upon, Rachel finds an ally in Alan Burnside (Alan Alda), an attorney who works to win her freedom. Directed by Rod Lurie. With Preston Bailey, Noah Wyle, Angela Bassett, Matt Dillon and Kristen Bough. Categories: Drama, Thriller, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
Nothing But the Truth
Randy (Matt Dillon) is a bartender at McCool's, a popular bar with a strange crowd. When the beautiful and mysterious Jewel (Liv Tyler) walks through the door, he has no idea what a terror she will become. Sexy, twisted and demanding, Jewel has Randy's cousin Carl (Paul Reiser) and a detective (John Goodman) wrapped around her finger, even as she is investigated for murder. Directed by Harald Zwart. With Mary Jo Smith, Michael Douglas, Reba McEntire, Helen Hunt. Categories: Comedy, Crime. Year: 2001.
One Night at McCool's
When a young Afghan girl named Osama (Marina Golbahari) and her mother (Zubaida Sahar) lose their jobs at a hospital closed by the Taliban, they are left alone in the world. Her father and brother, both killed in battle, were the only ways for the women to leave their house since the Taliban requires a male escort for any woman. Forced to disguise herself as a young boy, Osama must work to save her mother's life and her own. Directed by Siddiq Barmak. With Arif Herati. Categories: Drama. Year: 2003.
Osama
Max Cohen (Sean Gullette) is a mathematician who believes that numbers can explain everything in nature. Using his brain and a supercomputer, Max is on the verge of decoding the pattern that lies beneath the stock market. Already beset with intense paranoia and debilitating migraines, Max now finds himself pursed by a powerful Wall Street firm and a Kabbalah sect intent on using his secret code for their own ends. Directed by Darren Aronofsky. With Mark Margolis. Categories: Thriller, Sci-Fi, Cult Classics, Independent Film. Year: 1998.
Pi
Jackson Pollock (Ed Harris) is a brilliant painter living in New York City in 1941. Struggling with alcoholism, his talent goes to waste until he meets Lee Krasner (Marcia Gay Harden), a fellow artist whose love for Pollock brings her to give up her own career to save his. What emerges is some of the most famous and popular artistic work of the twentieth century. Unfortunately, even the support of the people around him cannot save Pollock from his inner demons. Directed by Ed Harris. With Tom Bower, Jennifer Connelly, Bud Cort and Val Kilmer. Categories: Biography, Drama. Year: 2000.
Pollock
Two men working out of their garage build a device through trial and error without knowing exactly what they are creating. Eventually, they discover that the device can send objects through time. As they use the machine more and more, their once close friendship becomes strained as each begins to realize the power they now possess. Directed by Shane Carruth. With Shane Carruth and David Sullivan. Categories: Drama, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Independent Film. Year: 2004.
Primer
When Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone) captures Charlie Burns (Guy Pearce), a notorious outlaw, he makes him an offer. Either he tracks down and kills his older brother (Danny Huston), or his younger brother (Richard Wilson) will be executed in nine days. Directed by John Hillcoat. With David Wenham, Emily Watson and John Hurt. Categories: Action, Crime, Drama, Western, Independent Film. Year: 2005.
The Proposition
Kym (Anne Hathaway), a troubled ex-model who has been in and out of rehab for the last decade, returns home for her sister Rachel's (Rosemarie DeWitt) wedding. With a long history of crisis and conflict with her family, Kym's dark humor and tendency for drama brings long standing tensions to the surface on what should be a happy occasion. Directed by Jonathan Demme. With Mather Zickel, Bill Irwin, Debra Winger and Tunde Adebimpe. Categories: Drama, Romance, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
Rachel Getting Married
When his addiction finally catches up to him, Andy Hayes (Jay Baruchel), a nervous, hyperactive gambler, gets a one hour reprieve from Reuben, the hitman sent to kill him. Over the course of sixty minutes, Reuben gives Andy a chance to make up for past regrets and missed opportunities. With time running out, Andy begins to realize just how important life really is, and set out to make the most of what little he has left. Directed by Randall Cole. With Jayne Eastwood. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
Real Time
Dr. Richard Clayton (Ron Livingston), an uptight self-help author, sets out on a mission to find his birth parents after discovering that he is adopted. When he finally finds his mother (Kathy Bates) and father (Danny DeVito), Clayton is surprised to learn that they are crude, unsophisticaed carnies. Directed by Greg Glienna. With Neve Campbell, Beverly D'Angelo and Bob Odenkirk. Categories: Comedy, Independent Film. Year: 2006.
Relative Strangers
Six criminals come together for a diamond store robbery without even knowing each others' names. After screwing up the job and getting two of their allies killed, the four remaining crooks meet back at a warehouse hideaway. Realizing that one of them must be a police informer, they are determined to find out who it is using whatever means are necessary. Directed by Quentin Tarantino. With Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, Chris Penn and Edward Bunker. Categories: Cult Classics, Crime, Drama, Thriller. Year: 1992.
Reservoir Dogs
Roger Swanson (Campbell Scott) is a cynical New Yorker who believes he has mastered the art of manipulating women. But, when his teenage nephew, Nick (Jesse Eisenberg), makes an unexpected visit, Roger's seemingly foolproof method of smooth talk and casual sex is put to the test. After Nick begs Roger to show him the tricks of the trade, Roger guides him through the city's wild nightlife for an all-night crash course, only to realize that he still has a lot to learn. Directed by Dylan Kidd. With Isabella Rossellini, Jennifer Beals and Elizabeth Berkley. Categories: Drama and Comedy. Year: 2002.
Roger Dodger
In 1954, 14-year-old Ralph Walker (Adam Butcher), begins a quest to win the Boston Marathon. After an unfortunate incident in the community pool, Ralph is assigned to the cross-country team. Believing a miracle can bring his mother out of a coma, the ninth grader becomes a convert to the church of running. With the aid of Father Hibbert (Campbell Scott), Ralph trains to win the famed race and save his mother's life. Directed by Michael McGowan. With Jennifer Tilly, Shauna MacDonald and Tamara Hope. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Sports. Year: 2004.
Saint Ralph
This documentary follows the trials and tribulations of four door-to-door Bible salesmen as they travel across the country. The men must contend with constant rejection, being away from home and family for long periods of time, and peddling expensive, decorated bibles to families with very little income. Directed by Albert Maysles, David Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin. Categories: Documentary, Independent Film. Year: 1969.
Salesman
Adam (Leigh Whannell) and Gordon (Cary Elwes) are two strangers who wake up locked in an unfamiliar room with a dead body lying between them. They are the victims of Jigsaw, a serial killer whose elaborate traps are designed to make them appreciate their fragile lives. As the police try in vain to find the two men, Adam and Gordon must solve Jigsaw's riddles and find a way to escape his grip before he finishes them off for good. Directed by James Wan. With Danny Glover and Ken Leung. Categories: Thriller, Horror, Crime. Year: 2004.
Saw
After serving a three year prison sentence, Sherry Swanson (Maggie Gyllenhaal) returns home to New Jersey eager to reestablish herself as a mother to her young daughter. But, Sherry discovers that coming back to the world she left behind is far more difficult than she planned. Directed by Laurie Collyer. With Brad William Henke, Sam Bottoms and Kate Burton. Categories: Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2006.
SherryBaby
Dicky Pilager (Chris Cooper) is a down-home politician running a gubernatorial campaign in Colorado. With his bad grammar and likeable simplicity, he's a popular choice with the people until he pulls in a corpse while pretending to fish in an environmental political ad. Knowing it can't be a coincidence, his campaign manager, Chuck Raven (Richard Dreyfuss), hires a private investigator (Danny Huston) to find out who planted the corpse. As the mystery unravels, it becomes clear that dozens of people are implicated in the damaging event. Directed by John Sayles. With James Gammon, Billy Zane, Maria Bello, Tim Roth and Daryl Hannah. Categories: Politics, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Year: 2004.
Silver City
Will Proudfoot (Bill Milner) has spent his young life sheltered from the outside world, including TV, music and movies, by his strict, religious family. But, when Lee Carter (Will Poulter), a school troublemaker and would-be film maker, introduces him to a bootleg copy of Rambo: First Blood, Will's eyes are opened and he becomes entranced with his new friend's exciting, forbidden world. Together, the pair set out to film a low-budget sequel to Rambo, with Will acting as stuntman, and end up becoming the most popular kids in school. Directed by Garth Jennings. With Neil Dudgeon, Jessica Hynes and Jules Sitruk. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film, Foreign Film. Year: 2007.
Son of Rambow
Les Franken (Michael Rapaport), a lonely, unremarkable metermaid, leads a boring life until he decides to enroll in a study for an experimental anti-depressant. Once on the drug, Les believes that he has developed special powers and quits his job in order to devote his life to becoming a superhero. Directed by Hal Haberman and Jeremy Passmore. With Paul Blackthorne, Josh Peck Robert Baker, Jack Kehler, Alexandra Holden and Michael Shamus Wiles. Categories: Drama, Comedy, Independent Film. Year: 2006.
Special
In 1986 Park Slope, Brooklyn, Bernard Berkman (Jeff Daniels), a once promising author, now spends more time teaching than writing. When his wife, Joan (Laura Linney), begins to pursue her own literary talent, years of tension come to a head and break up the family. With their sons Walt (Jesse Eisenberg) and Frank (Owen Kline) left confused, hurt and searching for answers, Joan continues an affair with Frank's tennis coach (William Baldwin), while Bernard makes advances on one of his college students (Anna Paquin), whom Walt has fallen for. Directed by Noah Baumbach. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2005.
The Squid and the Whale
In high school, Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams) was a popular cheerleader, but now, at 30, she finds herself a single mother working as a maid. In order to get her son into a better school, Rose talks her sister Norah (Emily Blunt), who still lives at home with their father Joe (Alan Arkin), to go into business with her cleaning up crime scenes. Up to their necks in murders, suicides and other messy situations, Rose and Norah build a successful business and find a closeness they've always wanted. Directed by Christine Jeffs. With Jason Spevack, Steve Zahn, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Clifton Collins Jr. and Eric Christian Olsen. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2008.
Sunshine Cleaning
Documentarian Morgan Spurlock sets out on a seemingly simple mission: for thirty days, he will eat nothing but McDonald’s fast food, three times a day. His emotional and physical breakdown forms the backbone of this compelling look at why America leads the world in obesity. Talking to experts and consumers alike, Spurlock's discoveries and disasters will make you wonder if the taste and convenience is really worth it. Categories: Documentary, Expose. Year: 2004.
Super Size Me
Justin Cobb (Lou Taylor Pucci) is desperate to find a way to stop sucking his thumb and alleviate the undue stress his habit puts on his family, his love life and his identity. His father (Vincent D'Onofrio) gives him a cayenne-pepper cream and takes him fly-fishing. His mother (Tilda Swinton) is wrapped up in a fake relationship with a TV star. The only thing that stops his thumbsucking is hypnosis therapy administered by his orthodontist (Keanu Reeves), but the problem resurfaces in other forms. Directed by Mike Mills. With Benjamin Bratt and Vince Vaughn. Categories: Comedy, Drama. Year: 2005.
Thumbsucker
Harvey Milk was San Francisco's first openly gay Supervisor and one victim of a deadly attack by fellow Supervisor Dan White that killed Milk and Mayor George Moscone. The subsequent trial resulted in one of the most controversial criminal verdicts in American history. Directed by Rob Epstein. Narrated by Harvey Fierstein. Categories: Documentary, Biography. Year: 1984.
The Times of Harvey Milk
Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) is trapped in the perpetual routine of heroin addiction in the underbelly of Edinburgh, Scotland. Amongst his friends, a group of losers, liars, psychos and thieves, Mark alone has the insight and opportunity to escape his fate. The only question remains is whether or not he wants to. Continually weighing the pros and cons of going and then staying straight, Mark comes to the conclusion that an ordinary life is not for him and heads straight into a scheme with his pals that will lead them to the biggest score of their lives. Directed by Danny Boyle. With Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd and Robert Carlyle. Categories: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 1996.
Trainspotting
When Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins), a widowed economics professor, travels to New York for a conference, he is surprised to discover that a young couple has been living in his apartment. Victims of a real estate scam, Tarek (Haaz Sleiman), a Syrian man, and Zainab (Danai Jekesai Gurira), his Senegalese girlfriend, are illegal immigrants with nowhere else to go. Reluctantly, Walter allows them to stay, and eventually forms a close bond with Tarek, as the young man teaches him how to play the hand drum. After Tarek is arrested in the subway and held for deportation, Walter is compelled by his renewed passion for life and sense of purpose to help his new friend through his desperate situation. Directed by Thomas McCarthy. With Hiam Abbass. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Independent Film. Year: 2007.
The Visitor
Dean (Justin Long) didn't consider working at Shenaniganz a waste of time until he learned about a former classmate's success. But, Dean's friend Monty (Ryan Reynolds) couldn't care less. During the course of one shift, Monty trains a shy new employee (John Francis Daley), and introduces him to the rest of the Shenangan's crew: the tough-talking ex-girlfriend, Serena (Anna Faris), the over-zealous manager, Dan (David Koechner), and disgusting head cook Raddimus (Luis Guzmán). Directed by Rob McKittrick. With Chi McBride, Dane Cook, Emmanuelle Chriqui and Andy Milonakis. Categories: Comedy. Year: 2005.
Waiting...
With summer coming to an end, Camp Firewood director Beth (Janeane Garofalo) tries to keep the peace and fight off feelings for Henry Newman (David Hyde Pierce), a local astrophysics professor working to save the camp from falling space debris. Meanwhile, naive counselor Coop (Michael Showalter) does his best to win the heart of Katie (Marguerite Moreau), even though she has a thing for Andy (Paul Rudd), the sleazy lifeguard. And, as drama counselor Susie (Amy Poehler) struggles to put together a talent show that meets her high expectations, Victor (Ken Marino) abandons his campers on a field trip for a chance to lose his virginity. Directed by David Wain. With Michael Ian Black, Zak Orth, A.D. Miles, Christopher Meloni and Elizabeth Banks. Categories: Comedy, Independent Film. Year: 2001.
Wet Hot American Summer
On October 30th, 1974, Muhammad Ali and George Foreman faced off in the "Rumble in the Jungle." Shot in Zaire, this documentary highlights one of the most famous heavyweight bouts in boxing history and follows the weeks leading up to the event, giving an inside look at the fighters' last minute training and the soul music festival put on by Don King. Directed by Leon Gast. With Spike Lee, Norman Mailer and George Plimpton. Categories: Documentary, History, Sports. Year: 1996.
When We Were Kings
Following the death of a fellow prisoner, a group of juvenile delinquents is sent to an isolated British island. What starts as a punishment turns into a fight for survival when the young men find that they are not alone. Directed by Michael J. Bassett. Categories: Horror, Thriller, Independent Film. Year: 2006.
Wilderness
Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) is a former champion professional wrester whose glory days have passed him by. When the opportunity for a rematch with his former arch rival comes along, Randy begins to hope that the bout will be his ticket back into the big time. But, after suffering a heart attack, Randy is forced to reexamine his life and makes an effort to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and admit his true feelings to an emotionally unavailable stripper (Marisa Tomei). Directed by Darren Aronofsky. With Mark Margolis and Judah Friedlander. Categories: Comedy, Drama, Sports. Year: 2008.
The Wrestler