"Branded to Kill", directed by Seijun Suzuki

Movie, 1967

At times hypnotic, at times frustrating thriller about an assassin tormented by his carnal and professional desires and ambitions. A film whose surreal structure, flamboyant scenes and stunning imagery work in isolation, although don't make for an entirely satisfactory whole. What the film has in these respects it lacks in warmth and humanity, which isn't helped by a jerky narrative. There's plenty to admire here and some of the beats and motifs are a joy, but the stories and legends around the film are probably more interesting than the film is entertaining.

"The Mask of Dimitrios", by Eric Ambler

Novel, 1939

Spy thriller, whose touch of paranoia and the shadowy role of bankers give it a more contemporary edge - with only a few twists and adjustments, this could be a late 60s Pynchony romp or a story for our own times. Some lovely descriptive touches and an establishment of the world of espionage on some rather sordid activity and a cast of fairly undesirable characters. Nonetheless and despite bogging down towards the end, this is a cracking look at the grime of a Europe trying to work through the early part of the twentieth century. 

"My Best Fiend", directed by Werner Herzog

Documentary, 1999

Recollections and clips of Klaus Kinski, mainly from Herzog, though occasionally balanced with other acquaintances involved in the films the two men made together. Kinski comes across as damaged and deranged, a method actor to beat all method actors and as self-obsessed and violent as a documentarian could wish for. On the one hand, this film has the feel of a hatchet job - we hear nothing from Kinski himself who had died long before the film was put together. There are, however, times when Herzog is more generous, not in giving Eva Mattes and Claudia Cardinale time to praise Kinski, but also in describing his own working relationship and admiration.

"In a Lonely Place," by Dorothy Hughes

Novel, 1947

Gripping thriller, with an unreliable narrator, stakeouts, murders and a Los Angeles full of noir and women who would comfortably fit the femme fatale trope were the narrator not so warped and wrapped up in himself. This is a book with a small number of characters and a gloomy trajectory whose mystery is hinted at then revealed in short notice, with the rest of the book moving its characters round with the inevitable consequences playing out. This is a book where the psychology and tension of noir and mental imbalance play out splendidly. The book rattles along at a good pace and though gloomy, rewards the reader with some really atmospheric suspence.

"American Hustle", directed by David O Russell

Movie, 2013

One of those films, of high quality and excellent production values, which looks like a number of other similar films and whose plot is overly fiendish and involved. Let these twists and turns wash over you and it's still  visual treat, with a hard hitting cast and period visuals and soundtrack helping make this film enjoyable. A few curious features, such as the ambitious FBI agent's rapid descent into what looks like a drugs problem, swiftly forgotten from one scene to the next. But, overall, an entertaining film.

Image by Fair Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40944043

"Going into a Dark House", by Jane Gardam

Fiction, 1994

Short story collection in which poignancy, sadness and frequently strange and strained family relationships are, usually, written with some flair and delicacy. These are stories with often fairly slight incidents and narratives, but pretty significant descriptive and emotional impact. As a result, some of the stories can feel a little unfulfilling and the writing can overshadow what's being written about. However, the descriptions - for example in Zoo-Zoo and The Damascus Plum more than compensate.

"When Worlds Collide", directed by Rudolph Maté

Movie, 1951

Rather slight and occasionally toe-curling science fiction, saved by wonderful technicolor effects. Otherwise, this is lame, looking like propaganda for an American super race in the making, but showing compassion towards children and animals. Cliches abound and dull characters barely brought to life by listless acting. For all that, it's quite watchable, even if the Noah references, wheelchair villain and hammy love story are enough to send most people reaching for the remote control.