Indie Magic

In 1994 independent movies were given a huge boost by Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction," but the success of independent movies really began years earlier with "Sex, Lies and Videotapes," Steven Soderbergh's masterpiece. Alison Anders was one of the successful female film directors during this stretch, and "Gas, Food and Lodging" was her most successful, and best, film. Ione Skye and Fairuza Balk play sisters in New Mexico; Skye is the adventurous wild child in search of a way out, and Balk is the shy misfit fascinated by her surroundings. The film is so true to life it's a definite must-see, and you'll hardly recognize Balk if you've seen "The Craft." Also great in the film are Balk's clothes, which look like incredible thrift-store finds. Watch for J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. in a cameo, and the gorgeous Donovan Leitch in a small supporting role.