RED DESERT

 3 out of 5. Michelangelo Antonioni's first color feature, RED DESERT is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Often it reminded me of HERO in terms of shot choices and cinematography. It even felt a bit sci-fi like the ANDROMEDA STRAIN at times. A woman who suffers from PTSD is suppressed by an industrial environment that is a metaphor for her suffering. The sound design is intrinsic in this piece as well. Not for casual viewers as the abstraction of storyline does not feed the soul. It's an excellent study for those who love film, unbelievable color usage, and composition.

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ONIBABA

4 out of 5. ONIBABA by Kaneto Shindô was one of the first Japanese films I ever saw. I remember the photography and use of cutaways of the tall grass, luring you into a seduction of safety. It twists and turns and gets really creepy as samurai bodies pile up under the terrible hands of mother and daughter. This is the kind Japanese horror film that I like. Great execution!

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