Propaganda Films (USA): 5

Trapped (2002), a crime thriller directed by Luis Mandoki, follows the story of Dr. Will Jennings, a research physician who has recently patented a new anesthetic drug. After giving a talk about his patent at a Seattle hotel, he is approached by Cheryl, a mysterious woman who claims to be a fan of his work. In the hotel hallway, Cheryl makes advances towards Will before pulling out a gun and forcing him into his room. She then demands ransom for his daughter Abby. Meanwhile, Joe – Cheryl’s husband – breaks into Will’s luxurious Portland home and confronts Karen, Will’s wife who had just come back from ...

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 ...

Based on the 1881 novel by Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady (1996) is a British-American film directed by Jane Campion and adapted by Laura Jones. Isabel Archer, a striking woman, has turned down multiple potential suitors including Lord Warburton and Caspar Goodwood, whom she had initially given hope to. Her close friend Henrietta arranges for Caspar’s visit, as she deeply cares for Isabel. Isabel’s fierce personality and independent nature are admired by her cousin Ralph Touchett, who convinces his father ...

Sleepers (1996), an American crime drama film, was written, produced and directed by Barry Levinson. It is based on Lorenzo Carcaterra’s novel of the same name. Childhood friends Lorenzo ‘Shakes’ Carcaterra, Tommy Marcano, Michael Sullivan and John Reilly reside in Hell’s Kitchen during the 1960s. Their parish priest Father ‘Bobby’ Carillo, who has had a troubled past himself, attempts to guide them towards making good decisions. While still engaging in pranks and working for local gangster King Benny, the boys take things too far when ...

Kalifornia (1993), an American road thriller film directed by Dominic Sena, follows the story of Brian Kessler and Carrie Laughlin. Brian, a graduate student and journalist, has recently secured a book deal after his article on serial killers gained attention. In order to gather material for his book, Brian and Carrie plan to travel from Kentucky to California, stopping at notorious murder sites for Carrie’s photographs. However, with limited funds, Brian decides to post a ride-share ad on campus. Meanwhile, Early Grayce, a violent parolee who has just lost his job, is pressured by his parole officer to attend a ...