6. AROUND A SMALL MOUNTAIN (2009)
Jacques Rivette, the French New Wave titan known for the epic durations of his films (1971's OUT 1 lasts literally half a day), delivers a model of compression: a serene and melancholy romance set among the members of a traveling circus community. As in so many Rivette films (CELINE AND JULIE GO BOATING, THE STORY OF MARIE AND JULIEN), the characters act as if under a spell that extends its grip to the viewer as well.