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
Inside Man
Dir: Spike Lee (2006)
Spike Lee’s take on Dog Day Afternoon trades the wild disillusionment of Vietnam/Watergate era NYC for the paranoia and anger of post-9/11 Bush-era USA (both films also feature the same pizza delivery man!) Everyone is on top form here. A blast.
Lake Mungo
Dir: Joel Anderson (2008)
An unsettling, innovative Australian horror film. The format of an ABC type documentary works well in giving a sense of slow burn dread. The reputation of this film has grown steadily since it was first released, and its status as a modern classic of the genre is well deserved.
Full Time
Dir: Eric Gravel (2021)
Everyday life presented as a heart-pounding thriller. I found this really engaging, and ultimately quite moving. Content warning: Those who regularly take public transport to work may be triggered.
Silver Lake Drive
Author: Alex Prager (2018)
A stunning book by the Los Angeles based artist Alex Prager. Her work is kind of a mix between richly cinematic Hitchcockian storytelling and hyperreal Cindy Sherman fantasia.
Engagement and Outreach Librarian
Theme: Jim Henson
Raquel's Picks
The Dark Crystal
Dir: Jim Henson (1982)
A brilliant, beautiful film released the year of my birth, 1982. I like to think the astronomical event known as The Great Conjunction precipitated these significant events aligning. Because obviously Jim Henson made this film just for me!
Dreamchild
Dir: Gavin Millar (1985)
A real curio, this film is about Alice (of Alice in Wonderland) as an old woman circa the 1930s, as she looks back on her childhood and grapples with her strange friendship with the Reverend Charles Dodgson aka Lewis Caroll. Screenplay by Dennis potter with creatures by the genius Jim Henson.
Of muppets & men : the making of the Muppet show
Author: Christopher Finch (1981)
This is a very hard to find book (I know, because I’ve been trawling the internet trying to find a copy that’s not gonna break the bank!) so count your lucky stars we have a copy you can borrow and be inspired by. It’s such a happy book, and its radiant energy is infectious. A real treasure trove for the Henson fan!
Jim Henson: Idea Man
Dir: Ron Howard (2024)
Can someone please lend me their login details so I can watch this on Disney+ ?
Research Support Librarian
Theme: Space
Alison's Picks
The Martian
Dir: Ridley Scott (2015)
I love this rollercoaster ride of a film, though still can’t fathom the idea of a diet of poo-grown potatoes for 2 years.
Interstellar
Dir: Christopher Nolan (2014)
The film makes me feel the weight of human insignificance, yet at the same time in awe of our innate strength. The soundtrack is among my most listened-to on Spotify.
Gravity
Dir: Alfonso Cuaron (2013)
Watch this if you want to feel grateful for every breath of fresh air we get to take here on earth.
Assistant Librarian
Theme: A Bygone Time
Victoria's Picks
Madame Bovary
By: Vincente Minnelli (1949)
The music alone will make you want to watch this. Classical Hollywood. A woman who wants fairy tale love and glamour, and the downfall she will cause for it.
War and Peace
By: Tom Harper (2016)
This brilliant adaptation that focuses on finding meaning in love and war.
Little Dorrit
By: Adam Smith (6 episodes); Dearbhla Walsh (5 episodes); Diarmuid Lawrence (3 episodes) (2008)
Dickens weaves a masterful tale with so many players, all of whom are perfectly casted in this miniseries.
Jane Eyre
By: Susanna White (2006)
A woman who knows pain deeply yet overcomes with kindness and resolve. Above all romance she is that.
Information Officer
Theme: Run! Escape!
Cathie's Picks
The Maze Runner
Dir: Wes Ball (2014)
The Maze Runner is an intense and thrilling film that balances mystery and action. The premis is intriguing and keeps the audience hooked. Thomas is deposited into a community of boys after his memory is erased. They are all trapped in a maze and must join forces in order to escape.
Chicken Run
Dir: Peter Lord (2000)
Chicken Run is a delightful animated film. This hilarious, fun, thrilling adventure evokes memories of the Great Escape as chickens band together on a mission to escape their impening doom. If you like Wallace & Gromit you will love this.
Run Lola Run
Dir: Tom Tykwer (1998)
This German thriller plunges you into the heart-pounding race against time with three separate versions of the same story unfolding. It shows us what impact our smallest actions can create in out lives and those we come in contact with.
The River Runner
Dir: Rush Sturges (2021)
The footage and commentary in this documentary is raw and challenging. Not only a kayaking story, it is the story of someone setting themselves a goal that seems impossible. A journey of self discovery whilst taking on the toughest white water kayaking.
Library & Information Services Manager
Theme: To Be Watched List
Hayley's Picks
Rubber
Dir: Quentin Dupieux (2011)
Ever since I catalogued this film Rubber has been on my to be watched list. The premis of the films intrigues me, how exactly does a tire going about killing people?
Sons of Anarchy
Creator: Kurt Sutter (2008)
Sons of Anarchy has been on my to be watched list for a long time and I have just not had the time to commit. The series looks like it would be an exciting watch and I have had so many people recommend that I should see it.
The Crown
Creator: Peter Morgan (2016)
I have always been intrigued with the history of the royal family, therefore The Crown is a must on my to be watched list.
The Lobster
Dir: Yorgos Lanthimos (2015)
This film has a very intersting premis: that if you are not in a relationship by a certain age you are turned into an animal of your choice. How can this film NOT be on your to be watched list?