Our Library staff have chosen four (4) recommendations, with some words explaining each pick.
They include everything from films and TV series to books, podcasts, music and beyond.
They can be accessed either online or from the Library's physical collection (for AFTRS staff and students only).
Collection Development Librarian
Library & Information Services Manager
Resource Access Librarian
User Experience Librarian
THE LAST PICTURE SHOW
Dir. Peter Bogdanovich (1971)
An early masterpiece from Bogdanovich (RIP). This story of the harsh, sometimes desperate realities of small-town life is brought to life with a striking cinematic language that still feels fresh and exciting.
RADIANCE
Dir. Rachel Perkins (1998)
This film was recently restored by the NFSA and screened at last year’s Sydney Film Festival. I hadn’t seen it before and I’m so glad I did. Such a strong feature debut from director Rachel Perkins and cinematographer Warwick Thornton. Deborah Mailman gives a vivid, star-making performance.
THE ROAD TO MAGNASANTI
Dir. John Wilson (2017)
A short film that explores development in New York City by way of ‘Magnastanti’, an infamous SimCity map that presented a city designed around maximum population density. Dark themes contrast with a playful and curious video diary approach.
THE SOUVENIR
Dir. Joanna Hogg (2019)
With The Souvenir part II currently screening at the Europa! Europa Film Festival, as well as getting a more general cinema release in March, now is the perfect time to watch/revisit Part I. I loved this film. Such a beautifully made coming-of-age story, with a level of detail that felt novelistic.
BAYWATCH
Dir. Seth Gordon (2017)
If you have not yet checked out the 2017 Baywatch film you are missing out on a good laugh. The film manages to maintain all of the features that made the original series so infamous, while also poking fun at both itself and the original series. The comedic relationship between Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson is hilarious!
THE MUMMY RETURNS
Dir. Stephen Sommers (2001)
The Mummy series has always been a must watch of mine and this sequel has been my guilty favourite out the three movies. The film picks up a few years the Mummy finishes and continues to explore the life and relationship of Evie and Rick, who I must admit act like loved starved teenagers, but it’s all very romantic. Honestly though Dwayne Johnson’s guest role was extremely tiny and the special effects left MUCH to be desired.
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE
Dir. Peter Berg (2003)
This is one of the earliest Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson films and is a fun action romp. With a star studded cast (though the some actors were not well known at the time) this action film set in the Amazon rainforest will have you both rolling on the floor laughing and enjoying the big explosion worthy of any Michael Bay film.
THE OTHER GUYS
Dir. Adam McKay (2010)
The Other Guys is a comedy classic and a must watch for everybody. The performances of Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg and Michael Keaton are simply awesome. The cameo appearance of Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson maybe short but is unforgettable! Remember to aim for the bushes!
28 DAYS LATER
Dir. Danny Boyle (2002)
28 Days Later follows a group of Londoners trying to survive after a virus rapidly spreads and causes a zombie apocalypse. Its gory and unsettling and still a great zombie movie 20 years after its release.
THE CAT RETURNS
Dir. Hiroyuki Morita (2002)
A very strange fantasy adventure of a girl who goes to the cat world and starts to turn into one. A favourite of mine growing up and still incredibly enjoyable.
IGBY GOES DOWN
Dir. Burr Steers (2002)
17-year-old Igby is rebelling against his highly privileged and dysfunctional family.
SIGNS
Dir. M. Night Shyamalan (2002)
Crop circles mysterious appear on a family’s farm and weird things start happening. I watched this every other week as a kid and was terrified and intrigued every time.
EUPHORIA
Creator: Sam Levinson (2019-)
I’m (fashionably) late to the depraved teens party but already so addicted and now hurrying to catch up with everyone. Standout moment for me from season one: Lexi’s Bob Ross Halloween costume!
DONKEY SKIN
Dir. Jacques Demy (1970)
There are certain films I keep on my to-watch list for the longest time and when I finally get around to them I’m like “WHAT THE HELL TOOK ME SO LONG?” This is one of them. I was blown away by everything about this film – a fairy tale like no other. The story, the costumes, the set design. “Stunning” doesn’t even begin to describe it.
THE FRENCH DISPATCH
Dir. Wes Anderson (2022)
Everyone I spoke to before I went to see it was like “Meh” but I LOVED IT. A new Wes Anderson film is always a celebration for me yet I went into it with no expectations… I thought “I just want a visual feast, that’s what I’m here for”. Well of course it looked SUPERB (as always), but I really think this is destined to be one of his most underrated.
LICORICE PIZZA
Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson (2022)
Another film with luke-warm reviews. I really don’t know what’s wrong with everyone! Sometimes a mood is enough to make a film great. It had such a good mood! And there are some scenes that will always stay with me. And Paul McCartney’s ‘Let me Roll it’, a song that I will forever more associate with this film. Ugh, I really loved this film.