April 2025 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
Holiday
Director: George Cukor (1938)
A delight. Nobody moves on screen like Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. A smart, fun comedy that also isn’t afraid to explore the more melancholy sides of this story.
Thief
Director: Michael Mann (1981)
Michael Mann’s debut is a hypnotic neo-noir crime story. The set pieces are detailed and stylised in a way that gives them painterly beauty. And James Caan is so dialled-into this role, it’s worth watching for the fantastic diner scene between him Tuesday Weld alone.
Cameraperson
Director: Kirsten Johnson (2016)
Made up of unused footage Kirsten Johnson shot over 25 years working as a documentary cinematographer, this is a singular film. We move between vastly different countries and cultures in a series of episodic chapters, and what emerges is a quietly moving, challenging look at the complex relationship between camera and subject. A must watch for all filmmakers!
Fallen Leaves
Director: Aki Kaurismaki (2023)
A funny, tough, surprising love story about two people living on the margins of Helsinki, and trying to connect. Refreshingly sincere and unsentimental, with a big heart.
Raquel
Engagement and Outreach Librarian
Theme: Parker Posy
Raquel's Picks
Dazed and Confused
Director: Richard Linklater (1994)
I remember watching this in my 20s, it was my introduction to Parker Posey and I was instantly fascinated. Who was this B****?? She was so horrible, chewing gum (the way only she can) while hazing hopeful sorority girls with her frat sisters. And I think she’s still basically playing this role. No-one plays a harpy like her!
Party Girl
Director: Daisy von Scherler Mayer (1995)
1995 again! She was on fire! This is hands down the greatest Parker Posey performance ever. It’s a treat, an honest to God balm if you’re looking to feel good and have some laughs. I’ve recommended this before and I’ll recommend it again. You won’t find a funner film OK?
Kicking and Screaming
Director: Noah Baumbach (1995)
Parker Posey. The ultimate 90s IT girl here in Noah Baumbach’s first film about a group of dudes who can’t move on from college after their graduation. I honestly can’t remember much about this movie except I remember finding it very amusing. With this cast, how could it not be?
The Daytrippers
Director: Greg Mottola (1996)
Loved it! Such a funny, oddball film. An overlooked 90s indie gem about a loopy family on an odyssey through Manhattan in their classic “National Lampoon” station wagon. If you love the humour of Noah Baumbach or Whit Stillman films, you’ll love this cosy film. Make yourself an Irish coffee and put your softies on.
Clockwatchers
Director: Jill Sprecher (1997)
Have you ever worked a menial job? You’ll be nodding your head the whole way through this – it really captures the soul-crushing boredom of a 9-to-5 job where the only thing that makes the whole day pretending to be “working” even slightly bearable, is the company of colleagues who hate the boss as much as you do. Now that’s a true bonding experience. The cast includes Toni Collete and Lisa Kudrow, as well as our girl Parker Posey. Who wouldn’t want to be stuck in a dead-end job with this trio?
Alison
Research Support Librarian
Theme: Let's Get Political
Alison's Picks
Election
Director: Alexander Payne (1999)
One of Reese Witherspoon’s best performances, this film is a brilliantly cynical look at power and the lengths people will go to win.
Frost/Nixon
Director: Ron Howard (2008)
An excellent cast, and a masterclass in building tension. It’s impossible to imagine this kind of ‘gotcha’ ever happening again..
The Manchurian Candidate
Director: John Frankenheimer (1962)
On my to-watch list mainly to see Angela Lansbury playing a villain. This is described by many as an unsettling, intelligent, and deeply suspenseful classic.
The Hunt for Red October
Director: John McTiernan (1990)
Who doesn’t love a bit of submarine espionage, especially with Sean Connery going rogue. Fairly sure I saw some celebrity back in the 90s mention in a magazine that this was their all-time favourite film, so I used to tell people it was my all-time favourite film.. I still rate it.
Victoria
Assistant Librarian
Theme: Kooky and Funny
Victoria's Picks
Amelie
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet (2001)
If you don’t fall in love with her, you’ll fall for the superb filmmaking at least.
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Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
Director: Jay Roach (1997)
I can’t believe I watched this as a little kid with my dad. Yes, even the fembots scene. Still funny.
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Back to the Future
Director: Robert Zemeckis (1985)
If you haven’t seen this movie, I would ask what rock you’ve been under. Unearth this classic!
Hayley
Library & Information Services Manager
Theme: Flickers of the Mind...
Hayley's Picks
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Director: Michel Gondry (2004)
This is a quirky, heart-tugging ride through love and memory. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet shine as exes trying to erase each other—spoiler: it’s not that simple!
Memento
Director: Christopher Nolan (2000)
Memento is like a puzzle that keeps you guessing! Guy Pearce plays a guy with no short-term memory, trying to solve a mystery by piecing together clues—backwards. It's a wild, brainy ride!
The Majestic
Director: Frank Darabont (2001)
This film is like a cozy movie hug! Jim Carrey plays a guy with amnesia who ends up in a small town, mistaken for a local hero. It's heartwarming, funny, and full of surprises!
The Butterfly Effect
Director: J. Mackye Gruber (2004)
The Butterfly Effect is a rollercoaster of time travel chaos! Ashton Kutcher jumps into his past, trying to fix things, but every change just makes things wilder. It’s like messing with time—and your brain!