November 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: Current Favs
Frazer's Picks
L’Atalante
Dir: Jean Vigo (1934)
A flat out masterpiece. Gorgeous, hypnotic image-making elevate this film into something special. Essential viewing.
Moonstruck
by: Norman Jewison (1987)
Cher and Nicolas Cage are radiant in this funny, offbeat story. The combination of a very specific, lived-in family and neighborhood milieu with a light tone of magic realism is infectious.
Yi Yi
Dir: Edward Yang (2000)
A modern classic. This intimate epic follows a family in Taipei over the course of a year, in a story filled with warmth, drama, sadness, and joy. Yang-yang, the nine year old son obsessed with photography is one of my favourite film characters ever.
Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession
Author: Alexandra Cassaettes (2004)
A fascinating look at the cult movie ‘Z Channel’ which ran on cable in Los Angeles through the 70s and 80s. A dark, unexpected narrative emerges about its chief programmer Jerry Harvey, combined with commentary from filmmakers, actors and critics.
Raquel
Engagement and Outreach Librarian
Theme: Golden Age of Horror
Raquel's Picks
Addams Family Values
Dir: Barry Sonnenfeld (1993)
I could probably recite this film off by heart. That’s how many times I’ve seen it! And I never get tired of it. It’s just so funny!! This is a case of a sequel being better than the original.
Child’s Play
Dir: Tom Holland (1988)
Horror movies just don’t do it for me – unless they’re funny! And there’s nothing sillier than a homicidal doll. I have a friend who died recently, and he loved Chucky too. I was given some of his ashes and I’m thinking I’ll sew a portion into my original Chucky Doll. Is that a bad idea?
Near Dark
Dir: Kathryn Bigelow (1987)
Incredible. A wild ride. One of the best vampire films of all time and there are so many! Bill Paxton is menacing as shit. Is it weird that I’m turned on?
A Nightmare on Elm Street
By: Wes Craven (1984)
A bonafide classic! Again, horror movies must be funny for me to be interested. Or there needs to be some sort of psychological games being played. Gore alone is not enough. Although there is plenty in this. Freddy Kreuger is seriously scary. A pedo burns victim who torments and kills you in your dreams!!! Smoke a fatty before this one.
Alison
Research Support Librarian
Theme: Binge Worthy Streaming
Alison's Picks
Derry Girls
Creator: Lisa McGee (2018-2022)
Start to finish, this show is perfection and it will leave you wanting more. Good luck getting the Derry accent out of your head!
Colin from Accounts
Creators: Patrick Brammall & Harriet Dyer (2022-)
The first season is very, very good!
Veep
Creator: Armando Iannucci (2012-2019)
I’m on season 2 of this show and loving it so far, particularly Anna Chlumksy’s sacrificial dedication, and Tony Hale is just divine.
Abbott Elementary
Creator: Quinta Brunson (2021-)
The Office meets Parks & Rec in a Philadelphia public school.
Victoria
Assistant Librarian
Theme: All Hail Mel Brooks!
Victoria's Picks
Blazing Saddles
Dir: Mel Brooks (1974)
Bart: Are we awake?
Jim: We're not sure. Are we... Black?
Bart: Yes, we are.
Jim: Then we're awake... but we're very puzzled.
Robin Hood Men In Tights
Dir: Mel Brooks (1993)
Prince John: And why should the people listen to you?
Robin Hood: Because, unlike some other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent.
Spaceballs
Dir: Mel Brooks (1987)
Lone Starr: I wonder, will we ever see each other again?
Yogurt: Who knows? God willing, we'll all meet again in Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money.
Young Frankenstein
Creator: Mel Brooks (1974)
Igor: Wait Master, it might be dangerous... you go first.
Cathie
Information Officer
Theme: Private Lives of Artists
Cathie's Picks
Frida
Dir: Julia Taymor (2002)
The true story of Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera, the larger than life painters who became the most acclaimed artists in Mexican history. Who's tempestuous love affair, landmark journeys to America and outragous personalities made them legendary.
Basquiat
Dir: Julian Schnabel (1996)
Despite living a life of extreme poverty, graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat strives to rise through the New York art scene of the 70's and 80's. He becomes the brightest star of neo-expressionst painting and one of the most successful painters of his time.
Banksy Does New York
Dir: Chris Moukarbel (2014)
On October 1st 2013, Banksy launched a self-proclaimed month-long residency in New York, posting one unique exhibit a day in an unannounced location, sparking a 31 dasy scavenger hunt for Banksy's work.
Pollock
Dir: Ed Harris (2000)
The film looks into the life of a man fittingly called "an artist dedicated to concealment, a celebrity that nobody knew". As he struggled wit self doubt, engaging in a lonely tug of war between needing to express himself and wanting to shut out the world.
Hayley
Library & Information Services Manager
Theme: Sailing the High Seas
Hayley's Picks
Ghost Ship
Dir: Steve Beck (2002)
The horror thriller will have you guessing until the end on what ahppened to the Antonia Graza? While I am not a fan of hrror movies I do enjoy this movie, its not too scary for those who like there horror movies on the light side...
Jaws
Dir: Steven Spielberg (1975)
If you have not yet seen this classic, what have you been doing?
We are definitely going to need a bigger boat!
The Boat That Rocked
Dir: Richard Curtis (2009)
This is a fun movie about pirate radio in the United Kingdom during the 1960's, the perfect movie to while away the afternoon with a recognisable soundtrack the whole faimly will love.
Pirates of the Caribbean : the curse of the Black Pearl
Dir: Gore Verbinski (2003)
Captain Jack Sparrow, need I say more?