May 2024 Staff Picks
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
Theme: Recent Faves
Frazer's Picks
The Swimmer
Dir: Frank Perry (1968)
There is no other film like The Swimmer. Funny, dark, unsettling, and sad, it truly contains multitudes. At its center is an unforgettable, island-like performance by Burt Lancaster. Go into it with an open mind and you may be blown away.
Life is Sweet
Dir: Mike Leigh (1990)
The king of character Mike Leigh delivers in spades here. This story of a working class family’s everyday life in the suburbs of North London contains the world.
The Empty Man
Dir: David Prior (2020)
A sprawling and very creepy horror movie. The argument could be made that it doesn’t fully come together, but I liked the ambition and scope of it. In my opinion it’s worth the ride, even just for the very effective and scary opening sequence.
Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy
Dir: Ryusuke Hamaguchi (2021)
A wonderful trio of stories, dealing with unexpected and chance encounters. The last one ‘Once Again’ takes place in a reality where computer viruses have meant no one is online anymore and telegrams, letters and physical media are back to being the norm. Gentle, playful and curious filmmaking.
Engagement and Outreach Librarian
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Raquel's Picks
The Servant
Dir: Joseph Losey (1964)
If Dirk Bogarde is in it, you know you’re in for a treat. This man excelled at playing sicko characters and he’s at his worst (aka best) here, playing “the servant” hired by a wealthy man to keep house. Little by little the servant reverses their roles, ultimately becoming the master of the house. This isn’t a spoiler – you have to watch it to truly understand the levels of depravity humans can be led to.
Séance on a wet afternoon
Dir: Bryan Forbes (1964)
Kim Stanley was once referred to as the female Marlon Brando. Isn’t that enough to wanna make you watch this? This film is best watched on a rainy Sunday afternoon with the blinds closed. Get cosy -- you’re gonna need all the warmth you can get cause you’re about to get very chilly!
The story of Adele H.
Dir: François Truffaut (1975)
We need to invent a new word for CRAZY to describe Adele H. This would make a great double feature with Ingrid Goes West. Two films about women who’ll stop at absolutely nothing to get close to the objects of their affections. You’ll want to invest in the Triple butter explosion popcorn!
The 400 Blows
Dir: François Truffaut (1959)
Beautiful. So beautiful. I rewatched this again recently and again it had me in tears. It follows Antoine Doinel, a sweet but tough young rascal, neglected by his parents, fending for himself and getting into too much trouble on the streets of Paris. You won’t be able to get the theme song out of your head for days.
Research Support Librarian
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Alison's Picks
Death at a Funeral
Dir: Frank Oz (2007)
This film makes me laugh out loud right from the start. An excellent ensemble cast, Matthew McFadyen and Alan Tudyk are standouts, with some incredible slapstick humour.
Get Krack!n
Dir: Kate McClennan and Kate McCartney (2017)
I often crave more of this show, but more might spoil the utter perfection of the two seasons that were made.
What We Do In The Shadows
Dir: Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi (2014)
This film is a love letter to Wellington – classic Taika style, made on a shoe-string budget – it went on to inspire the eponymous FX series, as well as New Zealand spin-off Wellington Paranormal.
Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace
Dir: Richard Ayoade (2004)
A very, very funny 80’s television parody that has gained a cult following since it was initially relegated to a low-rating late-night TV slot in the UK.
Assistant Librarian
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Victoria's Picks
Carol
By: Todd Haynes (2015)
In this beautiful 1950s setting, follow the budding relationship of Therese and Carol. It’s a classic.
But I’m a Cheerleader
By: Jamie Babbit (2000)
A great satire. Absurd and lighthearted. Megan gets sent to a boot camp to turn her straight, it backfires.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
By: Céline Sciamma (2019)
An artistic masterpiece. Great cinematography, acting, storytelling, sound design, the works!
Heavenly Creatures
By: Peter Jackson (1994)
Based on a true story, Juliet and Pauline begin an obsessive friendship that turns violent when faced with possible separation.
Information Officer
Theme: Everything is coming up Roses
Cathie's Picks
Purple Rose of Cairo
Dir: Woody Allen (1985)
The best thing about this movie is the way it toys with the very essence of reality and fantasy.
The movie delves into the conflicts involving who you want to be and who other people want you to be.
The War of the Roses
Dir: Danny De Vito (1989)
This is a comedy about a divorcing couple, both refusing to leave their house. The movie starts as a love story but as the signs indicate not all is well emerge the ugliness starts. The story is told by the divorce attorney as a warning to a perspective client.
The Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty coaxes the Emperor to wage war against two kingdoms in order to unite China.
Blade Runner: Black Lotus
Dir: Shinji Aramaki & Kenji Kamiyama (2010)
Black Lotus is a must-see for any Blade Runner fan. This animated addition to the Blade Runner universe takes place in the future where replicants walk among humans. A woman struggles with identity and her past. You don't need to know any Blade Runner lore in order to watch. Worth watching if you are an adult animation fan.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Dir: Martin Scorsese (2023)
This movie while long at three and a half hours it masterfully weaves a narrative so intricate and captivating that every scene feels indispensable. The performances are nothing short of exceptional.
Real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal.
Library & Information Services Manager
Theme: Sensational Sagas
Hayley's Picks
