#162 is Ratcatcher, by Lynne Ramsay. I had seen it somewhere at sometime - trailer in the indie theater, VHS or DVD at the video store. I don't remember exactly but very little of it stuck with me initially besides garbage :)
The film takes place during garbage strikes in Glasgow in the 1970's, and follows the character James thru the tenement slums and characters in the area. Within the first few minutes, a tragic death shapes him and for the rest of the film, seems to shadow over him and foreshadows over and over what seems like a bottomless pit that drags you down. Obviously as a much older person, with more resources I'm able to get a better feeling for what the character is going thru here. In many ways the whole film and setting remind me of "George Washington" a few films back in which the location is such a powerful character you just see it as best supporting actor. No one here is thriving - everyone is just barely holding it together.
It's a pretty good film I'd consider getting on Blu-Ray for the special features, of which there are the first 3 short films by the director, among others, interviews, and some good stuff. They must have acquired this only 2-3 years after it came out and it's been one of my favorites so far this grouping of 100.
