what, is there some kind of curfew here for apologies?

Indie drama/mystery, Canadian comedy, classic psychological suspense, and costume drama. And hey--all recommended!

The Burning Plain (2008) - "Academy AwardⓇ winners Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger star in this romantic mystery about hope, redemption, and second chances."
Source: streamed on Amazon Prime
I watched it because: I like Theron, and the premise intrigued me
IMDB: 6.8/10  -  Rotten Tomatoes: Tomatometer: 38% Audience: 56%

notable quote: "I know this fact; it's real."
story: backward and forward in time and space, this film is an object lesson in assigning, accepting, and relieving blame
visuals: spectacularly shot and lit
costumes, hair & makeup: some of the best I've seen - I want to watch it again, just for this aspect
acting: Jennifer Lawrence (Mariana) - who is not usually a favorite of mine - and Theron (Sylvia) are magnificent

intangibles: I had no idea what this was about, only that it had been recommended on my feed and sounded all right. I sobbed through half of it. 
overall: highly recommended

The Grand Seduction (2013) - "To survive, a dying Newfoundland fishing village must convince a young doctor to take up residence by any means necessary."
Source: streamed on Amazon Prime
I watched it because: I was in the mood for a comedy, and this seemed like something different than what I've seen lately
IMDB: 7.0/10  -  Rotten Tomatoes: Tomatometer: 59% Audience: 66%

notable quote: "Everything?!"
story: a Canadian twist on Northern Exposure
visuals: gorgeous
costumes, hair & makeup: well done, and involved with some clever plot points
acting: Brendan Gleeson (Murray French) and Taylor Kitsch (Dr. Paul Lewis) are terrific, transcending their roles

intangibles: this seems at first like a shallow comedy, but there is a lot more to it. I liked it a lot.
overall: recommended

Gaslight (1944) - "Years after her aunt was murdered in her home, a young woman moves back into the house with her new husband. However, he has a secret that he will do anything to protect, even if it means driving his wife insane."
Source: I borrowed the DVD from my parents' collection
I watched it because: everybody knows what gaslighting is, and this is the movie that started it all
IMDB: 7.8/10  -  Rotten Tomatoes: Tomatometer: 87% Audience: 90%
AFI:  100 Years ... 100 Thrills (2001) #78

notable quote: "It will end. It's starting to clear."

story: the IMDB description, above, sums it up
visuals: moody and elaborate
costumes, hair & makeup: perfect for the time period
acting: Joseph Cotten (Brian Cameron) is a pleasure to watch here, understated yet commanding

intangibles: I had seen this a few years ago and enjoyed it very much. This time around, it was disconcerting and upsetting. The torment that Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer) puts Paula Alquist Anton (Ingrid Bergman) through is palpable and agonizing. Angela Lansbury (Nancy Oliver) is distressingly suited to her role, as well.

Academy Award winner:
• Best Actress--Bergman

• Best Art Direction--Interior Decoration, Black and White
Academy Award nominee:
• Best Picture

• Best Actor--Boyer

• Best Supporting Actress--Lansbury

• Best Writing, Screenplay

• Best Cinematography, Black and White
overall: recommended

The Prisoner of Zenda (1984) - "An Englishman on a Ruritarian holiday must impersonate the king when the rightful monarch, a distant cousin, is drugged and kidnapped."
Source: streamed on Amazon Prime
I watched it because: it sounded weird, but in a kind of fun way
IMDB: 7.3/10  -  Rotten Tomatoes: N/A%

notable quote: "'Why won't you let me kill you quietly?'

'Oh, a little noise adds a touch of cheer!'"
story: it sounds like a Monty Python sketch or a Bugs Bunny cartoon, but I guess it's supposed to be played straight? 
visuals: not the best thing that the BBC has ever put forth
costumes, hair & makeup: not exactly clear who's who and what's what. More distinct costuming would help here.
acting: Jonathon Morris (Rupert of Hentzau) was very dashing and dastardly, and John Woodvine (Col. Sapt) the faithful, cooler head

intangibles: I really thought this would be fun, funny, outrageous, and quick. It's funny, for sure - and perplexing.
overall: recommended with strong reservations

[the title quotation is from The Grand Seduction]