August 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).
Frazer
Collection Development Librarian
Theme: Recent Faves
Frazer's Picks
Night and the City
Dir: Jules Dassin (1950)
A fun, fast noir. Richard Widmark is brilliant as an ambitious hustler running out of time. Beautifully shot in block and white, on location in London.
Close-Up
Dir: Abbas Kiarostami (1990)
In my opinion this is one of the great films about filmmaking. Also has one of my all-time favourite endings.
Rats in the Ranks
Dir: Bob Connelly & Robin Anderson (1996)
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.
The Flick
Author: Annie Baker (2014)
This play is about, amongst other things, cinema workers and the transition from celluloid to digital projection: subjects very close to my heart.
Raquel
Engagement and Outreach Librarian
Theme: Gene Wilder
Raquel's Picks
Remembering Gene Wilder
Dir: Ron Frank (2023)
A touching portrait of brilliant comedic actor Gene Wilder. I decided to watch this instead of episode 3 of Baby Reindeer because it was making me so disgusted and stressed and couldn’t bear going back into it. This doc was a balm. It reminded me of all my favourite Gene Wilder films that I need to revisit asap (my top 3 are on my staff picks for this month).
The Producers
Dir: Mel Brooks (1967)
One of those films that you watch and go “What took me so long!?” It’s FUNNY as hell! Brilliant plot, brilliant casting, there’s musical numbers you won’t believe. Certainly it could never be made now, so that means it’s quality! Gene Wilder is so tender and unpredictable, that funny mix that made him so unique. Also Mel Brooks directing. Get outta here!!
Young Frankenstein
Dir: Mel Brooks (1981)
Another masterpiece by my hero Mel Brooks, starring and written by Gene Wilder. Oh my goodness, even thinking about certain scenes make me wanna cry laughing. The ‘Puttin on the Ritz’ dance number KILLS ME every goddamn time! Don’t get me started on ‘Frau Blücher’ *horse neigh* hahaha.
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Dir: Mel Stuart (1971)
A no-brainer. This film is a treat. A scrumdiddlyumptious treat! Easily Gene Wilder’s most iconic performance. It’s the perfect Sunday afternoon hangover cure. You want to make sure you’re lying down during the bonkers boat ride scene. BYO barf bag!
Alison
Research Support Librarian
Theme: The Fifties
Alison's Picks
Guys and Dolls
Dir: Joseph L. Mankiewicz (1955)
Frank Sinatra! Marlon Brando! I can’t decide which element of this classic musical I love the most – the cast, the production design, the costumes, the songs – it’s utterly enjoyable from start to finish.
High Society
Dir: Charles Walters (1956)
Another Frank Sinatra classic, but with bonus Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, and even Louis Armstrong. The costume design is glorious in this brilliant musical.
An American in Paris
Dir: Vincente Minelli (1951)
I have such a soft spot for Gene Kelly – he is so watchable on screen. Apparently the famous ballet set piece in this film cost over half a million dollars to shoot and used 44 sets on the MGM’s back lot.
On the Town
Dir: Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen (1949)
A NYC beauty! Like any great musical, most of the songs in this musical are hard to get out of your head once you’ve heard them.
Victoria
Assistant Librarian
Theme: Adaptation or Written/Directed By Same Person
Victoria's Picks
Westworld
Dir: Michael Crichton (1973)
In a theme park called Westworld, vacationers can indulge their whims with robots programmed to serve, till they rebel.
Tomorrow, When the War Began
Dir: Stuart Beattie (2010)
A group of highschoolers come back from a remote camping trip to their country in war. They must learn to survive and fight back. Great characters, has lighthearted moments and action. A fun watch.
Pleasantville
Dir: Gary Ross (1998)
1990s siblings David and Jennifer are transported to 1950s tv show ‘Pleasantville’. Chaos ensues, springing a black and white town into colour.
My Family and Other Animals
By: Sheree Folkson (2005)
Based on the autobiography by British naturalist Gerald Durrell, it follows Gerald as a young boy and his family’s spontaneous move to Corfu. Filled with animals and lighthearted characters.
Cathie
Information Officer
Theme: Streaming Sensations
Cathie's Picks
The Age of Adaline
Dir: Lee Toland Krieger (2015)
The Age of Adaline is a beautiful movie. It perfectly describes how love can make you stronger giving you the will to fight all the odds to live a happy and peaceful life. Adaline, who has been 29 for eight decades, falls in love with Ellis forcing her to make life altering decisions.
Bodies
Creator: Paul Tomalin (2023)
Four detectives in four different time periods find themselves investigating the same murder. Bodies invites the viewer to contemplate the connection between past, present, future with its cultural representations and creative storytelling. It is a must watch.
I am Celine Dion
Dir: Irene Taylor Brodsky (2024)
Words that describe this documentary include raw, courageous, inspiring, revealing, moving and loving. The rawness of this documentary is outstanding, the glitz and glamour stripped away leaving a portrait of a woman who is nothing but herself. Fan or not you can't help but admire her.
Argylle
Dir: Matthew Vaughn (2024)
When the plots of author Elly begin to mirror the actions of a real life spy organisation, Elly and her cat Alfie race around the world one step ahead of killers bluring her fictional world and the real world. Argylle is witty, comical and action packed. It is the perfect espionage agventure.
Hayley
Library & Information Services Manager
Theme: Usual Love Stories
Hayley's Picks
Warm Bodies
Dir: Jonathan Levine (2013)
Are zombies really that bad, just because they want to eat your brain doesn't mean they don't deserve a chance at love...
Pitch Perfect
Creator: Jason Moore (2012)
Sing and dance along to this classic chick flick, as to a cappella rivals fall in love.
Mr. Right
Creator: Paco Cabezas (2016)
Even hit man need a little love, you just need someone that can match your crazy...
The Vampire Diaries
Dir: Julie Plec (2009 - 2017)
Love comes in all shapes and size, including a 150 year old vampire that loved you when he was human...