Let them keep their "Goldenmembers" and "Widowmakers"-- we've got Brigitte Bardot and Parker Posey. Once again, I've dug out the ten best world and independent film releases that you might overlook at the store, where the shelves are cluttered with blockbusters.
1. Contempt
Brigitte Bardot is stunning in Jean-Luc Godard's most mainstream movie. "Contempt" traces the dissolution of a marriage and the making of a film. With Fritz Lang and Jack Palance. A lavish Criterion two-disc set.
3. Die Nibelungen
Fritz Lang, who appears as himself in "Contempt," directed this film version of the German Siegfried legend (the inspiration for Wagner's "Ring") in 1924.4. Berkeley in the Sixties
Mark Kitchell's documentary about the Free Speech movement on the Berkeley campus.5. Asoka
Outstanding historical Bollywood spectacle starring Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor.6. My Wife Is an Actress
The wife in question is Charlotte Gainsbourg, who is indeed married to Yvan Attal, who directs and stars this romantic comedy.7. Antonia's Line
This heartwarming Dutch film won the 1996 Oscar for Best Foreign Film.8. The Emperor's New Clothes
Ian Holm dresses up as Napoleon Bonaparte in this lighthearted comedy.9. Amy's O
In theaters, this film was called "Amy's Orgasm." Written and directed by Julie Davis, who's also the star.