100 Essential Films That Deserve More Attention - 9. The Mudge Boy

People embrace the enchanting glow of the big screen for all manner of reasons; to journey to faraway places they could only ever imagine, to experience the escapism of a captivating story, or maybe to indulge in an obsession with the world of cinema. For me, all three of these reasons apply - and many more - but first and foremost is the satisfaction of recommending obscure films to other like-minded individuals who adopt them as their new favourites.

With over 100 years worth of films to choose from, and many of these now available at the click of a button, it can be extremely difficult to narrow your choices down to pick a film to watch. Although cinema has been around for over four times longer than my life on this earth, I have spent what some may consider an unhealthy amount of these years delving into the history of films to discover some of the best hidden gems out there.

This series of articles aims to highlight the overlooked masterpieces that I have unearthed whilst exploring the forgotten recesses of cinema. Take a gamble on any one of these films and I guarantee that you will be eagerly awaiting all future instalments in this series. You may well have heard of a number of these films; my aim isn't merely to shine a spotlight on the most obscure films out there, but to share my enjoyment of those films which don't have the cult following I believe they deserve.

The Mudge Boy
Director - Michael Burke
Country - USA
Year - 2003
Runtime - 94 minutes

Coming-of-age dramas often depict powerful cathartic moments in the lives of the troubled adolescents on display. The Mudge Boy is no different in its approach although it takes this trope to the extreme by showing moments of earth-shattering brutality that make for uncomfortable but enthralling viewing. Emile Hirsch stars as the titular character, Duncan Mudge, - a shy farm-hand who has recently lost his mother and prefers the company of his chickens to that of his father - in an impressive early performance that showcases his talent for tackling difficult roles with aplomb.

Taking his favourite chicken with him almost everywhere he goes, Duncan Mudge is portrayed as a peculiar but endearing adolescent. When Duncan forms a seemingly innocuous friendship with a nearby farmer's son, his strange but gentle nature (and his fondness for his chicken) become a target of ridicule for the other boys in his new social circle. Acceptance is only a few cans of beer away and by contributing money for their drinking sessions Duncan's presence is tolerated. However, his innocence begins to erode away as the affection he has towards a certain member of the group blossoms. As their relationship develops, it is fascinating to see how these two characters handle their emotions. Duncan accepts his feelings as a perfectly natural development but he is treated with disdain by the boy he likes, who happens to be grappling with his own personal demons.

As well as the burgeoning relationship with his love interest, Duncan's lack of connection with his father is a source of much pain and frustration for both parties. The death of Duncan's mother has taken its toll on his strict father, and the two struggle to carry on with the weight of such grief almost crushing all that remains of the family life they share together. Duncan’s father is pleased to see him socialising with other boys of his own age but fails to see the inherent danger his son may be in as he is too immersed in his own world of hurt, whilst Duncan is too estranged to open up to his father.

The Mudge Boy may be full of quirky and offbeat characters but Director Michael Burke takes you on a dark and disturbing journey through their lives. His penchant for showcasing a raw and unadulterated version of events takes the sheen off a story that at first glance could be the start of a black comedy but instead leaves you reeling in disbelief. This is by no means a bad thing but viewers with a sensitive disposition may wish to approach the film with caution, particularly when the underlying adult themes come to the forefront towards the final third of the gripping story.

The provocative subject matter of The Mudge Boy means that it is a demanding experience in parts and this may be a contributing factor to why it has slipped under the radar. Recommending a film of this ilk can be a risk but I am wholeheartedly endorsing it as an essential coming of age drama that deserves to be better known. Burke has crafted a poignant tale with a courageous star-making turn from Emile Hirsch that will certainly be appreciated by anyone who seeks out this overlooked gem.

If you take the time to watch The Mudge Boy then it would be awesome if you could also take the time to let me know what you thought of it, either by commenting below or tweeting me @filmbantha. Thanks, and enjoy!

For previous instalments in the series click here

100 Essential Films That Deserve More Attention - 8. A Visitor to a Museum

People embrace the enchanting glow of the big screen for all manner of reasons; to journey to faraway places they could only ever imagine, to experience the escapism of a captivating story, or maybe to indulge in an obsession with the world of cinema. For me, all three of these reasons apply - and many more - but first and foremost is the satisfaction of recommending obscure films to other like-minded individuals who adopt them as their new favourites.

With over 100 years worth of films to choose from, and many of these now available at the click of a button, it can be extremely difficult to narrow your choices down to pick a film to watch. Although cinema has been around for over four times longer than my life on this earth, I have spent what some may consider an unhealthy amount of these years delving into the history of films to discover some of the best hidden gems out there.

This series of articles aims to highlight the overlooked masterpieces that I have unearthed whilst exploring the forgotten recesses of cinema. Take a gamble on any one of these films and I guarantee that you will be eagerly awaiting all future instalments in this series. You may well have heard of a number of these films; my aim isn't merely to shine a spotlight on the most obscure films out there, but to share my enjoyment of those films which don't have the cult following I believe they deserve.

A Visitor to a Museum
Director - Konstantin Lopushansky
Country - Soviet Union
Year - 1989
Runtime - 136 minutes

Ever since the post-apocalyptic flash forward scenes in The Terminator became indelibly etched into my psyche as a young film fan I have rifled through the depths of world cinema to uncover any films which share even a remote similarity in dealing with a dystopian future. At first my focus was on explosive action films but, once the majority of these had been exhausted, my gaze eventually turned to films which explored these themes in a cerebral and thought-provoking manner.

A Visitor to a museum sits firmly in the latter camp, with its art-house sensibilities and high concept theological storyline potentially acting as a barrier for many audiences, before you even consider the film was made in the former Soviet Union and has never been released on disc in the UK. If, like myself, you are obsessed with films that take place in a post-apocalyptic world, then these obstacles will easily be overcome in the endless search for your next dystopian fix, giving you a glimpse into a vision of a twisted future that is unlike any you will have encountered until now.

Our introduction to this bleak existence sees a lone man arriving by boat to a landscape covered in huge mounds of rubbish and waste. As he explores this dishevelled area he passes the deformed victims of an ecological disaster that has ravaged the earth. These mutants are kept away from the healthy surviving population and, although they are curious about his arrival, they steer clear of him at first; their child-like nature and nervous disposition leaving them fearful of his intentions.  

We eventually learn that the protagonist is a tourist in the dilapidated region he explores, hoping to reach the ruins of a submerged museum that is only accessible when the tide is low. If he is willing to traverse this treacherous route to the museum he would have only a single day there to collate his findings before having to make the return journey to avoid the risk of ending his days in a watery grave.

Director Konstantin Lopushansky worked closely with Andrei Tarkovsky as a Production Assistant on his science-fiction masterpiece Stalker, and his time spent with the auteur has clearly had a huge influence on his approach to film-making. Long takes and visual spectacles take precedence over dialogue and exposition, leaving much of the strange world as a mystery to both the audience and the characters unfortunate enough to inhabit it. The steady pace may not be to everyone’s taste but if you have an appreciation for cinematography you will delight as the camera lingers over the stunning scenes that unfold in a breath-taking manner.

Our protagonist’s encounters with those he meets are fascinating but it is the scenes where he is alone in the vast wasteland that are truly haunting and mesmerising. Lopushansky has managed to capture the weather at its most volatile, and this acts as the perfect backdrop to the journey to and from the museum. Huge gusts of winds billow against the shallow waters; funnelling the sea into channels that allow the visitor to pass. Lightning strikes in the distance; illuminating the sky and heightening the sense of hopelessness. This apparent mastery of the elements is miraculous - I genuinely struggle to fathom how long it must have taken for Lopushansky to capture these monumental sequences. 

Throughout A Visitor to a Museum the ambiguous storyline takes second place to the incredible visuals and oppressive mood that is created. It is still important to the film’s development but this is a mystical journey that prompts much reflection and introspection, allowing the audience to interpret the religious symbolism and conjure up their own ideas on the director’s intentions.

A Visitor to a Museum is a vastly underrated science-fiction feature. Whilst it does not quite reach the impeccable levels of film-making that Tarkovsky achieved, his influence is felt throughout, and the final rapturous scene comes close to encompassing pure cinematic genius. Seek out this film and you will take a trip into a dystopian future unlike any other, and experience the superb craftsmanship and wild imagination of a storyteller at the height of his creative talent.

The only available trailer on Youtube doesn't have English subtitles but I hope it provides a glimpse into the strangely atmospheric world Lopushansky has created

If you take the time to watch A Visitor to a Museum then it would be awesome if you could also take the time to let me know what you thought of it, either by commenting below or tweeting me @filmbantha. Thanks, and enjoy!

For previous instalments in the series click here

100 Essential Films That Deserve More Attention - 7. Milano Calibro 9

People embrace the enchanting glow of the big screen for all manner of reasons; to journey to faraway places they could only ever imagine, to experience the escapism of a captivating story, or maybe to indulge in an obsession with the world of cinema. For me, all three of these reasons apply - and many more - but first and foremost is the satisfaction of recommending obscure films to other like-minded individuals who adopt them as their new favourites.

With over 100 years worth of films to choose from, and many of these now available at the click of a button, it can be extremely difficult to narrow your choices down to pick a film to watch. Although cinema has been around for over four times longer than my life on this earth, I have spent what some may consider an unhealthy amount of these years delving into the history of films to discover some of the best hidden gems out there.

This series of articles aims to highlight the overlooked masterpieces that I have unearthed whilst exploring the forgotten recesses of cinema. Take a gamble on any one of these films and I guarantee that you will be eagerly awaiting all future instalments in this series. You may well have heard of a number of these films; my aim isn't merely to shine a spotlight on the most obscure films out there, but to share my enjoyment of those films which don't have the cult following I believe they deserve.

Milano Calibro 9

Director - Fernando Di Leo

Country - Italy

Year - 1973

Runtime - 100 minutes

Italian cinema of the 70's is renowned for Spaghetti Westerns and Giallo films but not as much attention is given to the Polizzi genre that was just as prolific in this era. Stylistically, Polizzi films were very similar to the other popular Italian pulp genres of the time. They often revolved around conflicts between hardened criminals and corrupt officials, with lashings of brutal violence usually accompanied by the operatic music of Ennio Morricone or one of his peers. Viewed today, many of these films amount to nothing more than a throwaway piece of entertainment but the highlights of the genre still garner a certain level of affection from cinephiles, and rightly so.

One of the most infamous and acclaimed of these films is Milano Calibro 9; a gritty expose on the Italian criminal underworld. The film's Director, Fernando Di Leo, made his mark as a writer with uncredited collaborations on the first two films in Sergio Leone's Dollar's trilogy and Sergio Corbucci's Django all providing him with an insight into the workings of a successful script. By the time he came to direct his finest hour, Milano Calibro 9, Di Leo was a seasoned film-maker with years of experience to draw upon, and a penchant for harsh realism that was perfectly suited to the Polizzi genre.

In Milano Calibro 9, we are introduced to the criminal underworld via a case of money that passes through the hands of suspicious and shady characters - presumably the payment for an unseen deal. When the deal falls foul of horse play all hell breaks loose and the full wrath of the Italian Mafiosa is unleashed. This spectacular opening sequence grabs you by the throat and showcases the ferocity and brutality of one of the film's key players - the psychopathic gangster, Rocco. 

Following on from this explosive prologue the film then segues into a new chapter where former gang member Ugo (the film's anti-hero) is released from prison, only to be intercepted by Rocco and threatened with violence, as his old boss demands repayment for the stolen money. Ugo tries to steer clear of altercations but with Rocco on his back and the police not far behind he becomes embroiled in the hunt for the money they believe he stashed away before his incarceration.

The morality of criminals usually differs when considering the treatment of their own kind - regardless of whether they are friends or enemies. The two key players, Ugo (Gastone Moschin) and Rocco (Mario Adorf), share a kinship even if their criminal paths have them facing off against each other, and both actors successfully embody this stance in their commendable portrayals of the gangsters. This begrudging respect that adversaries can have for one another in the underworld comes to the forefront of the film's finale, turning a downbeat denouement into an epilogue that is tinged with sadness.

There are scenes of violence towards the latter part of the film, such as a gung-ho shootout, that veer dangerously close to being over the top. Exaggerated action is a staple of the Polizzi flicks and at this point in the story you are likely to be so invested in the survival of the main characters that you will be willing to overlook such shortcomings.

Part of Milano Calibro 9's appeal is its stirring music that brings a sense of urgency to the proceedings along with an operatic grandness usually reserved for epic sagas. Composer Luis Bacalov worked alongside a prog rock group to create the unforgettable soundtrack. The constant repetition of the main theme may diminish its impact slightly but it still works incredibly well in elevating the intensity of key scenes. 

Milano Calibro 9 is far more than just a standout of the Polizzi genre. It is a first rate crime thriller which deserves far more recognition for its gutsy approach to violence, its memorable characterisations and the gripping storyline that will leave you enthralled to the very end.

If you take the time to watch Milano Calibro 9 then it would be awesome if you could also take the time to let me know what you thought of it, either by commenting below or tweeting me @filmbantha. Thanks, and enjoy!

For previous instalments in the series click here

100 Essential Films That Deserve More Attention - 6. The Incident (2014)

People embrace the enchanting glow of the big screen for all manner of reasons; to journey to faraway places they could only ever imagine, to experience the escapism of a captivating story, or maybe to indulge in an obsession with the world of cinema. For me, all three of these reasons apply - and many more - but first and foremost is the satisfaction of recommending obscure films to other like-minded individuals who adopt them as their new favourites.

With over 100 years worth of films to choose from, and many of these now available at the click of a button, it can be extremely difficult to narrow your choices down to pick a film to watch. Although cinema has been around for over four times longer than my life on this earth, I have spent what some may consider an unhealthy amount of these years delving into the history of films to discover some of the best hidden gems out there.

This series of articles aims to highlight the overlooked masterpieces that I have unearthed whilst exploring the forgotten recesses of cinema. Take a gamble on any one of these films and I guarantee that you will be eagerly awaiting all future instalments in this series. You may well have heard of a number of these films; my aim isn't merely to shine a spotlight on the most obscure films out there, but to share my enjoyment of those films which don't have the cult following I believe they deserve.


The Incident
Director - Isaac Ezban
Country - Mexico

Year - 2014

Runtime - 100 Minutes

For every big budget sci-fi film that is released, there are dozens of independent science-fiction features that fly under the radar. A lot of these have more ingenuity than their mainstream counterparts as the creative teams behind them do not have the funds or tools available to those working within the studio system. They rely on intelligent storytelling rather than the grand scale of explosive space battles or monumental world building to draw in their audiences.

The Incident is one such high concept sci-fi film; a stunning directorial debut from Mexico with a fascinating central concept involving time slips, that becomes a philosophical parable on our very existence. Like an episode of The Twilight Zone, or perhaps even a storyline from Charlie Brooker's celebrated series, Black Mirror, the audience is introduced to a strange and intriguing mystery. This mystery is as puzzling for us as it is for the main protagonists. It slowly unravels as we learn more about the unnatural phenomenon that unexpectedly traps its victims in a time loop.

Brothers Carlos and Oliver are the first to fall foul of this life-changing incident when fleeing from an armed police officer down the stairs of their apartment block after an altercation in their flat on the tenth floor. Upon reaching the first floor stairwell they head down to what they think is the ground floor only to emerge once more on the tenth floor of the building. This bizarre occurrence appears to loop indefinitely, leaving the brothers and their pursuer trapped in the stairwell, in a never ending cycle. Their frustration and confusion soon turns to fear as they realise the stark implications of their predicament, and it is at this point that the story line segues into a new chapter where another strange incident is about to take place.

In this sequence a family of four are setting out on a long drive to visit the children's biological father when they too become stuck in an infinite loop on a barren stretch of road. Here tragedy strikes and the remaining family members struggle to cope with their strange new existence. These intertwining stories are both incredibly compelling, and the crescendo to their eventual union is a revelation that will undoubtedly prompt much introspection. Elements of the denouement may raise more questions than the answers it provides but this is often the case with challenging science-fiction, and it allows imaginative viewers to offer up their own interpretations of the strange events that transpire within The Incident.

Where The Incident really succeeds is when we are transported thirty five years into the future to find the protagonists in both story lines still trapped in the same never ending time loops. Unlike in Groundhog Day where the whole world seems to reset at the end of each day, here the character's actions have consequences that impact on their subsequent days, and it is fascinating to see how they have grown accustomed to their new environment. They have grown older and the empty food wrappers and drink cans they discard each day have created mountains of rubbish. Efforts to comprehend their strange new existence are scribbled on the stairway walls. Occasionally, distant memories of their previous lives ignite ideas on their incarceration that fade away before coming to fruition.

The Incident is a heavy mind trip - one with much food for thought - that sidesteps the usual flaws of films on this subject matter by creating its own rules and philosophies. It draws you in with its intricate conceptualisation that leaves you second guessing and hunting tirelessly for clues to explain the unique predicament of those imprisoned by the bizarre phenomenon. The journey towards the film's conclusion is perhaps more intriguing than the end destination is satisfying but The Incident is still a rewarding and challenging sci-fi, with enough enthralling ideas to leave your head in a spin, fearing the inevitable passage of time towards old age.

If you take the time to watch The Incident then it would be awesome if you could also take the time to let me know what you thought of it, either by commenting below or tweeting me @filmbantha. Thanks, and enjoy!

For previous instalments in the series click here