Most scripts and movies are formed in one complete package, focusing on continuity, flow and character development as well as a definite beginning, middle and end. Yet some films are formed out of something different – a single shot, concept or idea that one then develops a picture around. It does not always work, but when it does, it is cinematic gold. This is the case for the 1955 French crime caper Rififi (originally titled Du Rififi Chez Les Hommes).

Before I refer to the main title, I must first announce that long-time character actor James Rebhorn passed away last week at the age of 65. Though perhaps not a household name, the tall balding man (who looked the same age for as long as I can remember) will surely be missed, as he played small yet memorable roles for more than 30 years.

"Some of this actually happened." Released last week on Blu-Ray and DVD, David O. Russell’s 2013 hit American Hustle (which was nominated for 10 Academy Awards) out Scorsese’d Scorsese, as many critics put it. I will not go that far, but Russell creates a lively crime comedy/drama in the vain of past Scorsese classics such as Goodfellas, Casino and others – and it can compete on most levels.

In 1939, it was known that Charlie Chaplin was making a new film.

It is hard to believe that Clint Eastwood has been directing movies for over four decades. His second directorial effort, the 1973 western High Plains Drifter, is now celebrating its 40th year.

Stanley Kubrick, one of the great directors of the 20th Century, was a unique artist who was able to experiment with many different genres throughout his four plus decades of work. From film noir to horror, Kubrick’s movies were varied so that no two were similar, other than perhaps in theme. Of his 13 motion pictures, only two were war based, with the 1987 Vietnam narrative Full Metal Jacket being one of his most iconic. Yet, I am going to talk about his earlier anti-war film, the 1957 classic Paths of Glory.