staff picks: long weekend movie rentals
Grey Gardens (1976)
This documentary about the black sheep of Jackie O’s Bouvier family has spurred trends in décor (faded grandeur), fashion (head scarves, broaches) and culture (a hit Broadway play). A must-see for any fashion-obsessed culture-vulture. www.greygardens.com
Sarah Bancroft, editor-in-chief
Band of Outsiders (1964)
It's been called "a Godard film for people who don't much care for Godard." Beyond being a totally enjoyable film about the beat generation in France with film noir elements, it features one of the most famous dance sequences in film history, called "The Madison" (both Hairspray and Pulp Fiction took inspiration from it). So, girls, grab your fedoras and press play!
Lisa McIntosh, vitamin v girl wednesday
The Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico (2005)
An award-winning mockumentary about a wild country singer named Guy Terrifico in early '70s Vancouver. It has some absolutely hilarious moments, a Kris Kristofferson cameo and great, original songs.
Johan Wall, vitamin v photographer
Born Rich (2004)
A brilliant peek into the lives of New York's young heirs and heiresses as they ponder their positions for a Johnson & Johnson heir/budding filmmaker friend. You’ll have new respect for Ivanka Trump and might even feel sorry for Conde Naste heir, S.I. Newhouse IV. Amazingly, only one lawsuit resulted.
SB
Winter Passing (2006)
A warm, interesting story with Zooey Deschanel, Ed Harris and Will Ferrell that is beautifully shot. About a daughter who has been offered a huge sum to uncover the love letters from her reclusive novelist father written to her now-deceased mother.
JW
Rent films at www.blackdogvideo.bc.ca (Vancouver and Toronto)