A frustrated, highly strung, spectacularly unsuccessful puppeteer inadvertently finds a passage way into the mind of John Malkovich and, uniquely skilled as he is in the art of manipulation, this seems like the perfect opportunity to escape his dead-end life and dull wife. There is little point in trying to explain the story further, you'll just have to watch this fantastically surreal, absurd, dark, gobsmackingly original comedy - the brainchild of a quite obviously seriously warped puppy. G find out more...

A psychotic American commander worried about the subversive effects of water fluoridisation on his "vital bodily fluids" starts off an attack on the Soviet Union. No-one can stop the fighters and no-one, as yet, knows about the failsafe Doomsday Machine. Brilliant black comedy. find out more...

An excellent black comedy, handsome thriller and a tall story that keeps you guessing as it unwinds. The genuinely ridiculous plot (a man pays a couple of goons to 'pretend' to kidnap his wife in order to get his paws on his in-laws' 'ransom' money) is completely credible as mighty plans fall apart, spiralling ever more beyond the protagonist's control and leaving us marvelling at the complex stupidity of human nature. A modern classic.

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Mike Leigh serves up another delicious slice of frighteningly real British family life. Alison Steadman is outstanding as the suburban mother of teenage twin daughters, one a plumber, the other a heavily depressed and anti-social bulimic. Stark, hilarious, tragic but ultimately uplifting. Brilliant British film making. find out more...

David Thewlis delivers an incredible performance as the clever and sarcastic Johnny. On the run from reality he turns up at his old girlfriend's house in London, where he proceeds to cause havoc. An inspired mix of script and improvisation with masterful direction, Leigh has taken a dark and inward look at life on Britain's bottom rung. Superb. find out more...

Tarantino's masterpiece, a sprawling montage of three interwoven tales. Rich dialogue and sassy humour. find out more...

Altman's highly acclaimed and superbly directed mish-mash of Raymond Carver's short stories. We flit between numerous characters and their strange, confusing, moving and emotive daily lives. The range of emotions, and the incredibly cynical humorous touches brilliantly deconstruct American life. find out more...

A very unimaginative title hides a magnificently stylish and engaging black comedy. When a mysterious stranger returns home, the town is awash with rumours and theories regarding his past. The bookish Audrey takes a special interest. From the director of "Trust", a low key, clever satire. find out more...