Swept Away
Lina Wertmuller, Italy, 1974.
1:00 pm.

Lina Wertmuller has the distinction of being the first woman to be nominated for a Best Director Oscar. The works that she made during the 70s are anything but so-so and "Swept Away" is the most notable.

A slovenly sailor and his employer's bitchy wife are stranded in an isle. What begins as an amusing, verbal tussling between a Communist southerner and a quasi-Fascist northerner turns provocative when the sailor manages to strip the woman's pride and vanity thus controlling her completely.

Giancarlo Gianini (recently seen in "Hannibal") and Mariaangela Melato played the lead roles. Madonna and Gianini's son starred in the remake, which might not be shown in local theaters.

The Importance of Being Earnest
Anthony Asquith, UK, 1952.
3:54 pm.

There are a number of earlier adaptations of "The Importance of Being Earnest" but Anthony Asquith's 1952 version might be the most memorable screen adaptation of Oscar Wilde's comic play on social manners. It boasts of an impressive cast: Michael Redgrave (father of Vanessa and Lynn), Dame Edith Evans and Margaret Rutherford.

Manhunter
Michael Mann, US, 1986.
5:30 pm.

Finally, Michael Mann ("The Last of the Mohicans" and "The Insider") made "Manhunter" nearly two decades ago. It's based from the book titled "The Red Dragon", which Brett Rattner brought to the screen again recently.

Sources: imdb.com, allmovie.com