Screen time
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Babies
based on an original idea by Alain Chabat, directed by Thomas Balmès
A mesmerising and beautifully shot film following the journeys of four tots in four corners of the globe, from their first breath to their first steps. It documents their triumphs, tantrums and everyday interactions. One highlight: a smiley Bayar from Mongolia getting to know a tabby cat. –Sarah Robson
Seduction in the City: The birth of shopping
written and directed by Sally Aitken
The world’s first department store was created in 1852 by French entrepreneur Aristide Boucicaut. It turned out to be one of the smartest inventions of the industrial revolution and a significant driver of social change. The new stores glamourised shopping, turned wants into needs and created a space where consumer culture could flourish. By proving a place for increasingly affluent middle-class women to go, it paradoxically fuelled female emancipation. An insightful if a little slow-moving two-part documentary presented by Melbourne-based academic Sylvia Sagona. –Sarah Heeringa
Everything Must Go
directed by Dan Rush
Based on a short story by Raymond Carver, Everything Must Go depicts the imploding life of an alcoholic salesman. Surrounded by the vestiges of his suburban dream – which has literally been dumped on the front lawn –
Nick grapples with his response. Sad, humorous and brilliantly acted by Will Ferrell. –Sarah Heeringa
Freakonomics
from the directors of Super Size Me and Enron
Applying economic theory to a range of subjects both quirky and serious made the 2005 book Freakonomics a bestseller. Now its case studies have been brought to life in documentary form. Find answers to niggling questions: What really prevents crime? Will your name affect your chances of success? And does paying your kids to get good grades actually work? –Rebekah White
