Critique of Romanian Cinema - Diverse Pleasures: American Independent Film Festival & Hitchcock Homage
Get psyched for the Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF) kicking off on June 13th, aka TIFF-er nation!
Looking for ways to pass the time before the festivities begin? Let Alfred Hitchcock entertain you with some of his best work. And while you're at it, don't sleep on the American Independent Film Festival happening now in Bucharest through the end of June.
Let's dive into a few top picks from this year's TIFF lineup:
- Ira Sachs' Peter Hujar's Day has got to be the film of the year, in my humble opinion. This dialogue-driven masterpiece is both clever and heart-wrenching, chronicling conversations between friends about life and art. Hujar, a New York-based photographer at the time, is the subject of the film, based on an interview with his friend Linda Rosenkrantz. With glorious shots of New York City, this is a love letter to the city—and friendship.
- Let's welcome back Wes Anderson with his latest creation, The Phoenician Scheme. If you're a fan of Anderson's meticulous sets, fabulous costumes, and quirky everything, this film won't disappoint. While it might be more about style than psychology or character depth, it's a delight to watch and a fine example of Anderson's perfection.
- The classics never go out of style. David Lynch's influential Twin Peaks needs no introduction. Tune in for the show's second season, which pays tribute to the beloved director who recently passed away. Another master of dark arts, Gene Hackman, has a timeless role in Francis Ford Coppola's The Conversation (1974). In this tense drama about a surveillance expert tracking two people, you'll get a chilling reminder of the dangers of overhearing too much.
- Thrillers are Alfred Hitchcock's bread and butter. If you're still on a suspense kick after The Conversation, Hitchcock's cinematic oeuvre is unmatched. Currently showing at Cinema Eforie, don't miss out on Vertigo (1958), Suspicion (1941), and the mesmerizing Psycho (1960). These films have been celebrated, imitated, and discussed ad nauseam, but trust us—they're masters of the art. If you're in the mood for something a bit more obscure, give Strangers on a Train (1951) a shot. Get ready for a tale of two strangers meeting on a train and hatching a plan that spirals a little out of control.
Immerse yourself in the world of entertainment by streaming some classic movies and TV shows during the TIFF break, such as works from Alfred Hitchcock's filmography, which are available in the 'movies-and-tv' category. After the festival concludes, don't hesitate to explore more entertainment options, like the American Independent Film Festival that continues in Bucharest until the end of June.
