Orlando (1993)
Loosely based on Virginia Woolf’s novel, we follow the ageless Orlando through four centuries of history, first as a man, then as a woman. Lush scenery and gorgeous period costumes. Starring Tilda Swinton, Billy Zane, and Quentin Crisp as Queen Elizabeth.

Dangerous Liasons (1989)
Glenn Close and John Malkovich are 18th century aristocrats who get their kicks with wickedly decadent plots to defile the innocent and pure. The opening credits are breathtaking eye candy as we see the process of high fashion in pre-Revolutionary France. Also starring Michelle Pfeiffer, and a young Keanu Reeves and Uma Thurman.

Elizabeth (1998)
Religious tension overcomes England as Elizabeth takes the throne. The newly crowned queen dodges dethroning and assassination attempts while her advisors implore her to marry to stabilize the kingdom. Elizabeth transforms from half-sister to Mary Tudor and princess to The Virgin Queen. A breathtaking film. Starring Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush.

Quills (2000)
This is the baudy tale of the mischievous Marquis de Sade and his downward spiral into madness during his imprisonment in the Charenton Asylum. The Marquis refuses to have his sexual fantasies repressed as he writes first in ink, then blood, wine, and his own shit. I find it a bit of a stretch to mark De Sade as an hero of anti-censorship, but I like this film; Geoffrey Rush is excellent in this role. Also starring Kate Winslet and Joaquin Phoenix.

Barry Lyndon (1975)
Three hours of costumes to drool over in this Kubrick-directed film about an Irish boy’s climb to high society in late 18th century England. Starring Ryan O’Neal.

Lost Boys (1987)
After moving to southern California, Michael is recruited by the local vampire gang, who are responsible for the mysterious disappearances in a small seaside town. Vampirism never looked so fun – party all night and sleep all day. Starring Jason Patric, Corey Haim, and Diane Wiest.

The Hunger (1983)
Miriam Blalock and her consort, John, hunt for their prey among the Manhattan nightlife until John is stricken with disorder that causes him to rapidly age. Dr. Sarah Roberts tries to help, but succumbs to Miriam’s lust. Starring Catherine Deneuve, Susan Sarandon, and David Bowie. To boot, Bauhaus plays Bela Lugosi’s Dead in the opening credits. The sexiest vampire film ever.

Cemetery Man (1996)
Also known as Dellamorte Dellamore. This Italian film is a bizarre tale of a cemetery keeper who has to keep the dead dead when they rise after seven days. A romantic, twisted and creepy, black comedy all rolled up in one. Starring Ruppert Everett.

Evil Dead 2 (1987)
Forget the first movie, Evil Dead 2 is the gory weekend getaway with Ash and his girlfriend, Linda. A classic camp flick. Starring Bruce Campbell.

The Devil’s Backbone (2001)
This ghost story set during the Spanish Civil War is truly spooky. Carlitos is the unlucky one within a boy’s boarding school who comes face to face with “The One Who Sighs”. Spanish subtitled in English. Directed by Guillermo del Toro; starring Eduardo Noriega and Marisa Paredes.

The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980)
A Bushman tribe receives what was thought to be a gift from the gods (a Coke bottle), but quickly find it is a thing of evil. As one Bushman sets out to get rid of the evil thing, he encounters several kooky characters from the civilized society. Thoughtful and absolutely hilarious! The star of the film is a real-life Bushman, N!xau.

Raise the Red Lantern (1991)
Set in China in the 1920’s, this is the compelling tale of a Master’s four wives. Songlian becomes the fourth wife, due to the fact that upon her father’s death, she can no longer afford to study at the university. There is much treachery to be had, as the wives compete for the Master’s time, and the tragic ending will pull at your heart-strings. Beautifully shot. Chinese film – be prepared to read subtitles. Starring Gong Li.

Wing Chun (1994)
This film is an inspiration to bad-ass girls everywhere. Wing Chun, a martial arts legend, and her aunt own a tofu business. When Charmy comes into the fold, her beauty attracts many admiring customers. She is kidnapped by bandits, but is rescued by the skillful fighter, Wing Chun. A fun and fantastic kung fu comedy that thumbs its nose at patriarchal China. Dubbed in English, but I prefer the subtitled version. Starring Michelle Yeoh.

Run Lola Run (1999)
This film turns the traditional sequence of storytelling on its head as Lola and her boyfriend Manni struggle to come up with 100,000 Deutsche Marks to pay back a gangster. A roller coaster ride of a film with an excellent soundtrack. German film – be prepared to read subtitles. Starring Franka Potente.

Delicatessen (1992)
This post-apocalyptic, black comedy in French (with English subtitles) explores the lives of the tenants in a run-down building with the landlord’s delicatessen at the ground floor. The landlord serves up his customers (literally) and has his eyes set on the newest tenant, who has fallen for his daughter. A delightful film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Starring Dominique Pinon.

City of Lost Children (1995)
Another mystical film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet that plays like a fairy tale. An evil scientist has lost his ability to dream; he kidnaps children so that he may steal their dreams, but is only haunted by their nightmares. A menagerie of bizarre characters are costumed by Gaultier. Be prepared to read subtitles from this French film. Starring Ron Perlman.

Suburbia (1983)
This cult flick is about a group of punk-rock kids (Totally Rejected) squatting in an abandoned house on the wrong side of the town and the adults who are trying to disband them. Features performances by TSOL, DI and The Vandals. One of the stars is a very young Flea, from the Chili Peppers. Directed by Penelope Spheeris, who also directed The Decline of Western Civilization.

Tuvalu (1999)
A modern silent film that’s beautifully crafted in its monochromatic tints. Anton is keeping up a decrepit bathhouse for his blind father; his evil brother is trying to take the bathhouse away in the name of modern technology. This conflict intensifies when the lovely Eva comes for a swim with her father and Anton falls for her. A very unique movie. Filmed in Bulgaria; directed by Veit Helmer. Starring Denis Lavant.

Pink Flamingos (1972)
This filthy flick is what made John Waters famous. A totally perverse, gross-out fest to see who will win the title of “The Filthiest People Alive”. This one will definitely test your limits, and some of the lines are priceless. Starring Divine.

Desperate Living (1981)
Another midnight movie by John Waters. This time around, Peggy and Grizelda are outcasts of society who flee to a shanty town named Mortville, ruled by Queen Carlotta. A rebellion against the queen kicks up, and although there is no Divine in this movie, there still enough to disturb and entertain here.