Alex Cox

Moviedrome Mondays: Kiss Me Deadly (1955)

by John Charet

While this is far from my last Moviedrome Monday entry, this week’s entry serves as Alex Cox’s final appearance on Moviedrome as host. 3 years later, Moviedrome would be rebooted with Mark Cousins taking over hosting duties from 1997 to 2000.

Kiss Me Deadly (1955)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to legendary two-fisted director Robert Aldrich’s 1955 cult film noir classic Kiss Me Deadly. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was September 12, 1994 (read here). Considering how influential this film was on his own Repo Man, Kiss Me Deadly serves as the perfect film for Cox to end his Moviedrome years on. Since it is hard for me to do justice to this film noir gem, click here to read my review of the film from three years earlier. If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite Robert Aldrich films (read here).

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Kiss Me Deadly

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s commentary on Kiss Me Deadly, but I can’t remember If this was the special feature from the US Blu-Ray/DVD Criterion edition or not.

Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer

Also, here is a youtube video link to screenwriter Josh Olson’s Trailers from Hell commentary on it

Also, here is a youtube video link to TCM (Turner Classic Movies) Eddie Muller’s intro and outro to it as part of his Noir Alley lineup from last year.

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Moviedrome Mondays: Major Dundee (1965) and Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974)

by John Charet

This week’s Moviedrome Monday entry consists of two films by late great legendary director Bloody Sam (a.k.a. Sam Peckinpah). If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite Sam Peckinpah films (read here).

Major Dundee (1965)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to Peckinpah’s 1965 cavalry western Major Dundee. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was September 4, 1994 (read here). Though I still love the film, I do agree with Cox that Columbia Pictures (the distributor) meddling of Major Dundee is too hard to shake off. Major Dundee originally ran 278 minutes long (though this has been highly debated), before being cut down to a reported 156, 136 and finally, 123 (read here). That last one served as the theatrical cut. In 2005, the restored 136-minute cut became available here in the US on DVD (read here). Whether it is the theatrical or restored cut, I do agree with Cox’s eloquent assertion that even an incomplete Major Dundee being better than no Major Dundee at all.

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Major Dundee

Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer

Also, here is a youtube video link to film distributor Michael Schlesinger’s Trailers from Hell commentary for it

Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974)

Once again, I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to Peckinpah’s vastly underrated 1974 Neo-Western gem Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was September 5, 1994 (read here). I am so glad that Cox reversed his opinion on Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia because like him, I too regard it as Peckinpah’s second greatest film after his 1969 magnum opus The Wild Bunch. Cox’s commentary is (as usual) articulate and insightful. Like him, I also think that Peckinpah may have seen Bennie (Warren Oates character) as a metaphor for himself.

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia

Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer

Also, here is a youtube video link to screenwriter Josh Olson’s Trailers from Hell commentary for it

Moviedrome Mondays: Naked Tango (1990) and Apartment Zero (1988)

by John Charet

This week’s Moviedrome Monday entry consists of two films set in Buenos Airs.

Naked Tango (1990)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to late director/writer Leonard Schrader’s (brother of the legendary Paul) 1990 erotic drama Naked Tango. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was August 28, 1994 (read here). I actually have not seen this film, so I unfortunately can’t comment on it. It does look interesting though 🙂

Here is a youtube video link to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s intro to Naked Tango

Here is a youtube video link to what may be either the film’s original theatrical trailer or a TV spot

Apartment Zero (1988)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to director Martin Donovan’s 1988 political thriller Apartment Zero. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was August 29, 1994 (read here). As eloquent as his intro is, I have to respectfully disagree with Cox on Apartment Zero. Concerning it’s content, I was fascinated by it’s blending of it’s cinematic themes (our lead character owns a revival house) with that of it’s political drama (his opposite may be an assassin). I was even more intrigued by the central relationship between these two characters – a Brit (Colin Firth) and an American (Hart Bochner) in Buenos Aires.

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Apartment Zero

Here is a youtube video link to what may be the film’s original theatrical trailer

Moviedrome Mondays: Excalibur (1981) and Nothing Lasts Forever (1984)

by John Charet

This week’s Moviedrome Monday is yet another double-bill of two very different films.

Excalibur (1981)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to director John Boorman’s 1981 medieval fantasy Excalibur. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was August 21, 1994 (read here). Not much to add here except my two cents – as brief as my thoughts are. A majority of Excalibur is undeniably flawed, but at the same time, it does have great actors and Alex Thomson’s cinematography makes it atmospheric.

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Excalibur

Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer

Nothing Lasts Forever (1984)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to former SNL (Saturday Night Live) writer Tom Schiller’s 1984 directorial feature debut Nothing Lasts Forever. Readers can also read Cox’s intro here. The episode’s original airdate was August 22, 1994 (read here). Can’t really add much here since I have not seen the film – it has reportedly never got an American theatrical or home video release. I read that it has been uploaded on youtube a few times and then taken down.

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Nothing Lasts Forever

Here is a youtube video link to what may be the film’s original theatrical trailer

Moviedrome Mondays: To Sleep with Anger (1990) and Contempt (1963)

by John Charet

This week’s Moviedrome Monday entry consists of an American film by an African-American director and a foreign film courtesy of a French filmmaker.

To Sleep with Anger (1990)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to underrated African-American director Charles Burnett’s 1990 comedy-drama To Sleep with Anger. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was August 14, 1994 (read here). While I have a considerable number of favorite Cox’s intros, this one for To Sleep with Anger tops them all as my number one favorite. Love his insights as always. As for myself, To Sleep with Anger is gracefully acted, directed, photographed and written. Not unlike the rest of Charles Burnett’s work, what makes To Sleep with Anger so unique (as other devotees of this film have implied) lies less in their plots and more in how they are presented. If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite Charles Burnett films (read here).

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to To Sleep with Anger

Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer

Here is a youtube video link to cinematographer/director/writer Ernest Dickerson’s Trailers from Hell commentary for the film

Contempt (1963)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to master French New Wave veteran filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard’s 1963 foreign classic Contempt. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was August 15, 1994 (read here). Not much to add here except to say that Cox offers another eloquent introduction. Cox’s analysis on GATT (General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade) was particularly insightful. As for Contempt itself, it undoubtedly ranks as one of my many favorite Jean-Luc Godard films. If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite Jean-Luc Godard films (read here).

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Contempt

Here is a youtube video link to what may be the film’s original theatrical trailer

Here is a youtube video link to British film critic Mark Kermode’s commentary on Contempt as his BFI Player choice of the week

Moviedrome Mondays: Rope (1948) and 84 Charlie MoPic (1989)

by John Charet

This week’s Moviedrome Monday entry consists of two very different experimental films


Rope (1948)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to iconic filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock’s (a.k.a. The Master of Suspense) visually clever 1948 mystery thriller Rope. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here). The episode’s original airdate was August 7, 1994 (read here). Since I am a huge fan of every single film directed by Hitchcock, I will just talk about the film. Once again, Cox’s commentary on the film is as eloquent as always. As a pure technical exercise, Rope succeeds without a scratch – from start to finish, Hitchcock filmed the action in one continuous shot (a.k.a. a long take). If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite Alfred Hitchcock films (read here).

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Rope

Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer


84 Charlie MoPic (1989)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to director Patrick Sheane Duncan’s 1989 independent Vietnam film 84 Charlie MoPic. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was August 8, 1994 (read here). Not much to add here except that I am in complete agreement with Cox on this one. Flaws and all, the Found footage technique employed throughout does make for fascinating viewing.

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to 84 Charlie MoPic

Though there is a fan-made trailer for this film on youtube, I could not find a link to it’s actual original theatrical trailer.

Moviedrome Mondays: Race with the Devil (1975) and Detour (1945)

by John Charet

This week’s Moviedrome Monday double-bill consists of two road movies involving dangerous situations


Race with the Devil (1975)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s intro to director Jack Starrett’s 1975 action-horror road movie Race with the Devil. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was July 31, 1994 (read here). Not much for me to add here about this marginally good/marginally mediocre flick except that I do agree with Cox about the title sequence and the ending serving as the real reason to check it out.

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Race with the Devil

Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer


Detour (1945)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s intro to legendary B filmmaker Edgar G. Ulmer’s low-budget 1945 cult film noir classic Detour. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was July 31, 1994 (read here). Cox’s statements are eloquent as always, though I get the feeling that I am a bigger fan of the film than he is. If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite Edgar G. Ulmer films (read here).

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Detour

Aside from a revival trailer on youtube, I do not think (at least based on my knowledge) that Detour ever had an original theatrical trailer – taking into account that I could not find one.

Moviedrome Mondays: The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968) and Psychomania (1973)

by John Charet

This week’s Moviedrome Monday entry is a double-bill consisting of two motorcycle films.


The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s intro to the late legendary British cinematographer/filmmaker Jack Cardiff’s 1968 biker flick The Girl on a Motorcycle. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was July 24, 1994 (read here). Hard to disagree with any of Cox’s points considering how wild and crazy the film is (as Cox so eloquently implies). Overall, the only logical approach viewers could take to this film is just to sit back and enjoy the ride – flaws and all.

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to The Girl on a Motorcycle

Here is another youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to The Girl on a Motorcycle

Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer

Psychomania (1973)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s intro to director Don Sharp’s 1973 cult biker horror flick Psychomania. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was July 25, 1994 (read here). Unlike Cox, I actually prefer this one over The Girl on a Motorcycle. What I admire tremendously about Psychomania lies in the execution of the aforementioned film’s blending of horror with selected elements of the biker movie sub-genre.

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Psychomania

Here is another youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Psychomania

Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer

Moviedrome Mondays: Carny (1980)

by John Charet

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to director Robert Kaylor’s 1980 drama Carny. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was July 17, 1994 (read here). I pretty much agree with everything Cox says here. The performances from Gary Busey, Jodie Foster and the legendary Robbie Robertson are the main reasons to see this film though.

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Carny

Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer

Moviedrome Mondays: Halloween (1978) and The Baby (1973)

by John Charet

This week’s Moviedrome Monday entry consists of two horror thrillers.


Halloween (1978)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to master horror director John Carpenter’s low-budget independent 1978 slasher classic Halloween. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was July 10, 1994 (read here). Though I disagree with Cox’s fairly contrarian take on Halloween (I love it more than he does), his thoughts on the film are eloquently presented as always. If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite John Carpenter films (read here).

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Halloween

Here is another youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to Halloween

Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer


The Baby (1973)

I have posted a youtube video link below to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction to director Ted Post’s 1973 low-budget independent cult horror film The Baby. Readers can also read Cox’s intro transcript here. The episode’s original airdate was July 10, 1994 (read here). Bizarre (delightfully, genuinely or otherwise) and disturbing in equal measures with a truly twisted ending, it is no wonder why viewers I know have summed up The Baby’s content (If not it’s form) as far out. Steve (a fellow reader of this site) has fittingly summed it up as the best John Waters film that John Waters never made (read here). Speaking as a fan of Waters early work, you can not get higher praise than that for a film like this. If any of you readers are interested, here is a link to my favorite Ted Post Films (read here).

Here is a youtube video link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to The Baby

Here is a youtube video link to the film’s original theatrical trailer