Actor James Rebhorn (1948)

Enlightened (2011–2013), an American comedy-drama series, debuted on HBO on October 10, 2011. Co-created by Mike White and Laura Dern, the show follows Amy Jellicoe, a 40-year-old woman who returns to her hometown of Riverside, California after a two-month stint at a holistic treatment facility. Her mental breakdown at work led to a demotion, which was triggered by her self-destructive behavior such as heavy drinking and an affair with her married boss. This was all set off by a difficult divorce and miscarriage. With a newly adopted approach and outlook on life that ...

Far from Heaven (2002) is a historical romantic drama film written and directed by Todd Haynes. Set in 1957 suburban Connecticut, Cathy Whitaker embodies the ideal wife, mother, and homemaker. Her husband, Frank, holds an executive position at Magnatech, a television advertising company. However, one evening, Cathy receives a call from the local police station informing her that Frank has been detained. Despite Frank’s claims of a misunderstanding, it becomes clear that he has been frequenting gay bars in Hartford. Amidst the turmoil, Cathy encounters Raymond Deagan in her yard – the son of her late gardener ...

The American psychological thriller film, The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), was written and directed by Anthony Minghella. It is based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel of the same name, and tells the story of Tom Ripley, a man who is approached by shipbuilding magnate Herbert Greenleaf in 1958 New York City. Greenleaf believes that Ripley attended Princeton with his son Dickie and offers him one thousand dollars to travel to Italy and convince Dickie to return to the United States. While on a luxurious ocean liner, Ripley assumes the identity of Dickie and forms ...

The American mystery thriller film, The Game (1997), directed by David Fincher, follows the story of Nicholas Van Orton – a self-absorbed investment banker in San Francisco. On his 48th birthday, Nicholas meets with his estranged younger brother, Conrad, who surprises him with a unique gift – a voucher for a ‘game’ offered by Consumer Recreation Services (CRS). Despite being skeptical at first, Nicholas decides to apply for the game at the CRS office. However, the extensive psychological and physical examinations he must undergo only serve to irritate him. Eventually, he is informed that his ...

Independence Day (1996) is a sci-fi action film directed by Roland Emmerich. On July 2, an alien mothership enters Earth’s orbit and deploys saucers over major cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. U.S. Marine Captain Steven Hiller and his unit, known as the Black Knights fighter squadron based in MCAS El Toro, are called back to defend Los Angeles. His girlfriend Jasmine Dubrow decides to flee with her son Dylan. Meanwhile, retired combat pilot Russell Casse sees this as vindication for the alien abduction he claimed ten years ago. In New York City, technician David Levinson discovers ...

The American romantic action comedy film, I Love Trouble (1994), features Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte as the main stars. It was written and produced by the husband-and-wife duo of Nancy Meyers and Charles Shyer, while also being directed by Shyer himself. The movie follows veteran reporter Peter Brackett, who gains newfound fame after publishing his book ‘White Lies’. As he is tasked with covering a train crash for his newspaper, ‘The Chicago Chronicle’, he meets newcomer Sabrina Peterson. However, their ...

8 Seconds (1994) is a riveting American contemporary Western biographical drama film directed by John G. Avildsen. Growing up in Oklahoma, Lane Frost develops his bull riding skills under the guidance of his father Clyde, who is an accomplished bronc rider himself. As he embarks on a journey through the professional rodeo circuit with his close companions Tuff Hedeman and Cody Lambert, Lane also finds love with a talented barrel racer named Kellie Kyle. Despite the mounting pressure to live up to his growing fame and reputation, Lane remains determined to prove himself as one of the best riders in the sport. However, ...

Carlito’s Way (1993) is an American crime drama film helmed by Brian De Palma and written by David Koepp. The screenplay is based on the novels Carlito’s Way (1975) and After Hours (1979) written by Judge Edwin Torres. Set in 1975 New York, the story follows Carlito Brigante’s release from prison after serving five years of a thirty-year sentence. His close friend and lawyer, Dave Kleinfeld, uses a legal loophole to get him out. Despite his initial plans to leave behind his criminal ways, ...

Shadows and Fog (1991), an American black-and-white comedy film by Woody Allen, is based on his one-act play Death (1975). Kleinman is awakened by a vigilante mob in search of a serial killer, enlisting his help. His landlady gives him a bag of pepper. Meanwhile, circus performers Irmy and her boyfriend Paul argue about marriage and having children. When Paul leaves for another tent and has sex with fellow artist Marie, Irmy runs away to the city and ends up in a brothel. There, she catches the eye of student Jack who becomes infatuated with her. He offers her increasingly larger sums of money until she finally ...