SUSPENSE (5)

(3-5) THREE COLOURS TRILOGY





This trilogy of Polish movies are titled to reflect the colors of the French national flag, BLUE (1993), WHITE (1994) and RED (1994). Each one is very loosely inspired by one of the three political ideals of the French Republic's motto - Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. You'll also notice that the art director of each film wove that film's color throughout the movie, using a combination of lighting, props, costumes, scenery, etc. The stories are intense, moody, and well scripted. In each, characters struggling, with various levels of success, with major life changes, catastrophes, and unexpected relationships.

(2) THE LAUGHTER OF SEAGULLS



Ok, I'll be the first to admit that this 2001 Icelandic film only barely fits into the suspense catagory. But, to be fair, it doesn't fit any easier into any of the others. The mysterious Freyja returns to a small Icelandic town, after years away in the US. Now, apparently widowed, and determined to marry up in the town's society, strange happenings ensue as soon as she hits town. I spent most of the movie drooling over her wardrobe, and the soundtrack's pretty good, also.


(1) SMILLA'S SENSE OF SNOW



1997 thriller based on a Danish novel. Smilla, an expert on snow, becomes involved in the mystery surrounding a child falling off a rooftop. Plenty of intrigue and suspense, leading to an increasingly far-fetched, but entertaining explanation. Notable for its cast:

* Julia Ormond as Smilla Jasperson
* Gabriel Byrne as The Mechanic
* Richard Harris as Dr. Andreas Tork
* Jim Broadbent as Dr. Lagermann
* Tom Wilkinson as Prof. Loyen
* Robert Loggia as Moritz Jasperson
* Vanessa Redgrave as Elsa Lübing