Hitchcock (dir. Sacha Gervasi, 2012)

First of all, I could not get over how much Anthony Hopkins is NOT resembling Alfred Hitchcock in this movie. And, please, Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh. No, right? Also, I think the name of the movie should be Reville – as in Alma Reville, Hitchcock’s wife – since the movie is more about her than about the director. That said, I’m eagerly awaiting a movie about him – the genius Alfred. Watch the trailer.

Stardust Memories (dir. Woody Allen, 1980)

One of the few movies from the director I hadn’t seen yet. It didn’t make it to my favorites list, but I found especially interesting to see how the relationship between the artist and his work – and the artist and his audience – is portrayed. Considered by Woody Allen one of his best works (shares the title with The Purple Rose of Cairo), the film is an homage to Fellini’s 8½. Watch the trailer.

Splendor in the Grass (dir. Elia Kazan, 1961)

An interesting take on how sex dictated the relationships and the future of teenagers in the late ’20s. And I guess it continues to dictate nowadays, right? But with a slightly different approach. It’s always delightful to see Natalie Wood, beautiful as ever, and a young gorgeous Warren Beatty, in his first movie. The ending is surprisingly good for Hollywood standards. Watch the trailer.