Reviews
King of the Corner (2004)
Wry and delicious little indie film
Peter Riegert's feature directorial (and screenplay writing) debut and I'd say it was auspicious. He's assembled a great cast: Isabella Rossellini, a wonderfully curmudgeonly Eli Wallach, Eric Bogosian, with the usual quality work from Riegert himself, and a nice comic performance from Dustin Hoffman's son Jake. It has the feel of a European film: humor, pathos, manic comedy, more than one touch of wisdom and insight. This is a little fable that never loses its touch with reality, though in the way of many comedies it goes off the rails once or twice. Great ensemble work from Riegert and the entire cast--the film has a philosophical viewpoint, and yet is not afraid of showing real emotion. Highly recommended.
Festen (1998)
An electrifying film about the exposure of the direst of family secrets.
This remarkable and electrifying film fully justifies the "Vow of Chastity" set of rules adopted by the Dogma 95 group, led by Lars von Trier. Vinterberg is a sure-handed director and screenwriter and the actors' performances are superb in every instance. Of particular note is the innovative cinematography by Anthony Dod Mantle, which seems liberated rather than constricted by the Dogma 95 code.