Here's what I saw this last couple days. Listed in order of preference.
GRADE----A-
CLASS ENEMY--A disturbing and provocative drama from Slovenia features a group of high school age students rebelling against their teachers (and one in particular) because they feel that the "system" caused one of their fellow students to commit suicide. The film is intense and well structured and builds sympathy for all involved in the tragedy. On the down side, it does feature an annoyingly unsteady (as opposed to shaky) camera style. One of the very few ethnic students has the best line--screaming something like "You Slovenians, if you are not killing yourself , then you're killing each other!" and during a group parent meeting with the principal, his parents have the funniest moment in the film--and perhaps in all of SIFF this year. Watch for this one at BEST OF SIFF or hopefully it will open later this year. Plays one more time on 6/5!
SAM AND AMIRA---A BIG BIG surprise! Here's a comic drama about a healthy veteran returning from several tours of duty in the middle East, who becomes involved with an Iraqi immigrant about to be deported, as well as his cousin who is mired in a hedge fund scandal. The romance and his efforts to be a stand up comedian and his relationship to all he encounters flows with an assured confidence that made this small, independent film glow. Plays this weekend.
GRADE-----B+
INTERNET'S OWN BOY--A fascinating documentary of Aaron Swartz, a computer prodigy who was writing programs at age 12, who becomes targeted by the U.S. government as a hacker and charged with computer fraud and abuse and other felonies. His crime? Downloading millions of academic articles which are supposed to be available FREE to all citizens. It's a heartbreaking story--he committed suicide at age 26 due to the pressure and cost of government harassment.
Plays this week.
LILTING---Lovely chamber drama from England. When his lover dies, the boyfriend tries to befriend the lover's Chinese mother, who lives in a senior home and speaks no English. She is being courted by an older man who knows no Chinese, so he hires an interpreter for the three of them. Haltingly truths come to the surface. Plays this week.
EASTERN BOYS---French thriller with a gay protagonist involved with a gang of young thugs, mostly from Russia and Croatia. There's a long, almost hypnotic, opening segment involving a cruising at a train station, which reminded me of Hitchcock's VERTIGO, followed by an intensely uncomfortable home invasion sequence that had the audience squirming. The film ends with a long, intense sequence where the main character tries to resolve the issues of illegal immigration, bullying, homophobia and -Love?- with the action skill of James Bond, just exaggerating!, but the film is quite involving and raised some interesting issues.
SALVATION ARMY--Set in Morocco and France, this ethno-centric film is based on an autobiographical novel about growing up gay in Morocco, which seems to have a culture of acceptance, and follows 15 year old Abdellah as he interacts with his obsessive mother and sisters, and his big brother and abusive (at times) father. Ten years later, he is in college in Geneva, involved with a controlling Swiss man who he obviously despises. The wistful film is knowing and subtle and paints a world where being young or old creates different sets of obstacles, especially in this case, for gay men.
GRADE----B
ROOFTOPS--Algerian film, set on the rooftops of five different districts in Algiers, and featuring the five different prayers offered up throughout the day, and with five separate stories, inter cut smoothly to create a varied picture of this colorful city. The main theme of all the stories is the underling violence and danger that lies just beneath the surface of the beautiful setting.
ALEX OF VENICE--U.S. independent film, where Alex is a single mom struggling with her demanding job, losing her husband, dealing with a wacky sister and an ill father. The film is well made, acted and subtle--those are the pleasures. The negative may be the lack of "charisma" in the lead role (although the supporting cast is very strong), and the film may be too subtle for some.
GRADE----B-
B FOR BOY---Nigerian film about a pregnant middle class woman under stress from her mother in law to produce a male heir. When she has a secret miscarriage, she becomes desperate to produce a child, to keep her husband from marrying a second wife. The film keeps your interest in spite of some melodramatic maneuvering.
BENEATH--U.S.horror film (based on a true story!?!) about a trapped group of miners who start to see and experience haunted creatures. There are some definite chills and creepy moments, though that hand held camera works against the terror.
SOMETHING MUST BREAK--From Sweden comes a drama about sexual self discovery in the form of a transgendered love affair. Young Sebastian is male but longs to be female, and dresses in an androgynous fashion. He starts an affair with the hunky Andreas, but Andreas insists he isn't gay---nether am I, claims Sebastian. What a dilemma. The film has artistic pretensions at time, and the hand held business doesn't work in it's favor, but it is NOT boring and triggered some lively discussion in the lobby afterwards.
GRADE----C+
KUMIKO: TREASURE HUNTER---From Japan comes the story of a depressed, almost catatonic young woman nearly unable to function in a logical fashion. She is convinced that buried treasure lies just outside of Fargo, ND, inspired by her obsession with the film FARGO. She sets off to find that treasure. The film is small, and works, at times, like a parable, but there's not enough to satisfy our dramatic interest, and the ending is predictable. Plays this week.
WEST---German film set before the Wall has fallen in Berlin, where a young widow immigrates to West Berlin, only to find herself getting more paranoid when she discovers her husband may not be dead after all--the officials there keep questioning her. It's an interesting premise, but the film is really hampered by annoying and persistent hand held jerkiness. Plays this week.
FIRST SNOWFALL---Italian film that looks great, with lovely photography, but unfortunately, the story is very weak and the film is really, really static and boring. Many viewers I talked to found themselves drifting off, including myself, only to wake and find nothing of interest had occurred. Plays this week.
Recommended from previous blogs, and playing this week:
TO BE TAKEI
GARDEN LOVERS
HOUSE OF MAGIC 3D
BELLE AND SEBASTIAN
BALLET 422
THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD (revival)
THE STUNT MAN (revival)
Friday, May 30, 2014
Monday, May 26, 2014
SIFF Screenings--Best Bets---STILL LIFE, TANGERINE, THE DUNE, LIVING IS EASY w/EYES CLOSED, BEGIN AGAIN, I ORIGINS
Obviously some of the screenings below may be over, but there is a week following SIFF were the BEST OF SIFF will feature some of the best films, and some will be opening throughout the summer.
Listed in order of preference.
GRADE A
STILL LIFE--Small, quiet, sad British film about a government employee who tries to find friends or relatives of people who have died alone---often there is no one, or if some are found, they have no interest in the remains of their kin. Just as his job is becoming redundant, he thinks he may have found some family of a lonely alcoholic man who died a few weeks earlier. The pacing and simple style is perfectly calibrated, and there's some wonderful tension created, along with some laughs. But the most astonishing sequence comes in the form of a "triple whammy" at the end, that literally sucked the air out of the theatre, sending tearful film goers out into the lobby, emotionally exhausted but joyous. This is the WOW film of SIFF so far.
TANGERINES--Beautifully structured Estonian film set during the 1992 conflict that pitted neighbor against neighbor, this has a poor wood working farmer who nurses two wounded soldiers, each from opposite sides of the conflict , in his home. A perfect combination of character, tension, action and technical finesse, it's both moving and profound.
J'ACCUSE--An epic 2 hour 45 minute silent French film by Abel (NAPOLEON) Gance, made in 1919, with powerful directorial tableau, an involving plot, and astonishing creativity. Filmed just after WWI, film deals with a love triangle among two soldiers who love the same woman, and the townspeople who become involved in their troubles. An amazing experience.
INTERNATIONAL MALE--An excellent collection of shorts set in countries like Sweden, Iran, South Africa, United Kingdom and the U.S., about homosexual experiences and prejudices.
GRADE B+
THE DUNE--Leisurely French film creates some tension when a ready to retire police man tries to solve the mystery of a nameless, speechless man, who may or may not have something to do with the officer.
LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED--Charming, ultimately magical Spanish film set in the late 1960's about a Beetle enthusiast teacher trying to meet his idol John Lennon who is on a movie set nearby. On the way he picks up a pregnant teen, and a runaway teen who trying to escape from his cruel father.
BEGIN AGAIN--US film by creator of the popular film and stage play ONCE. In spite of some hand held camera work, the film is energetic and excitingly different in telling the story of love lost and found and how to take chances to create artful music, which is featured prominently on the soundtrack. Down on his luck music producer is portrayed by a gritty Mark Ruffalo with a great deal of skill, and the excellent and likeable cast includes Keira Knightly, Catherine Keener, Hailee Steinfeld and Adam Levine.
GRADE B
I ORIGINS- Lots of fascinating ides float through this intriguing mix of spiritual and religious themed fantasy science fiction film. After a shaky start, story get progressively better although the ending is left disappointingly open to interpretation, as a scientist tries to prove or disapprove that :the eye is the doorway to the soul."
GRADE B-
GERONTOPHILIA--Unusual French Canadian drama of an older teen who becomes sexually and emotionally attracted to an older man under his care at a senor care facility. It's not explicit, but it raises some controversial issues, while staying fairly sex positive and cheerful.
SOLD--This is a slick and sanitized film of a 12 year old Tibetan girl inadvertently sold into prostitution by her impoverished father to a Calcutta based procurer. The human trafficking theme is important, but this film is so watered down that it looses some power.
GABRIELLE--Sympathetic French film of young handicapped adults getting ready for a singing concert. Central character doesn't want her sister/caretaker to leave for India, and wants to be together with her boyfriend, another handicapped singer, although the young mans mother is very much against it. Unfortunately, an excessive hand held camera technic detracts from he emotional moments.
GRADE C+
REMOTE CONTROL--Exotically and nicely filmed in Mongolian city of Ulan Bator, a young teen runaway squatting on a roof top, uses a remote control to watch the TV of a beautiful woman across the street. He also dabbles in petty crimes. The film is watchable but feels pointless by the end.
GRADE C
A PATRIOTIC MAN--Dull Finnish film about drugging during the Olympic by Finnish cross country skiers.
STRAY DOGS--Master Tsai Ming-liang's newest film features even longer takes (most 5 to 20 minutes long) than usual, trying the patience of his most ardent fans.
X/Y--Predictable and shallow story of love but mostly sex between rich 20-somethings, set in New York City. One from each coupling goes on to have sex with another--a circle of sex--a style which started in LA RONDE more than 50 years ago.
IGNACIAS M.--From Spain comes a lively character with AIDS who has had an interesting life, fascinating friends, and amazing jobs in the art field. For some reason, most of this talky film deals with his academia, philosophies, and bragging, in interviews that are incredibly boring.
ELSA AND FRED--Shirley MacLaine and Christopher Plummer star in this dull, tired chestnut of old age love. MacLaine is particularly annoying due to her penchant for exaggeration and lying.
Listed in order of preference.
GRADE A
STILL LIFE--Small, quiet, sad British film about a government employee who tries to find friends or relatives of people who have died alone---often there is no one, or if some are found, they have no interest in the remains of their kin. Just as his job is becoming redundant, he thinks he may have found some family of a lonely alcoholic man who died a few weeks earlier. The pacing and simple style is perfectly calibrated, and there's some wonderful tension created, along with some laughs. But the most astonishing sequence comes in the form of a "triple whammy" at the end, that literally sucked the air out of the theatre, sending tearful film goers out into the lobby, emotionally exhausted but joyous. This is the WOW film of SIFF so far.
TANGERINES--Beautifully structured Estonian film set during the 1992 conflict that pitted neighbor against neighbor, this has a poor wood working farmer who nurses two wounded soldiers, each from opposite sides of the conflict , in his home. A perfect combination of character, tension, action and technical finesse, it's both moving and profound.
J'ACCUSE--An epic 2 hour 45 minute silent French film by Abel (NAPOLEON) Gance, made in 1919, with powerful directorial tableau, an involving plot, and astonishing creativity. Filmed just after WWI, film deals with a love triangle among two soldiers who love the same woman, and the townspeople who become involved in their troubles. An amazing experience.
INTERNATIONAL MALE--An excellent collection of shorts set in countries like Sweden, Iran, South Africa, United Kingdom and the U.S., about homosexual experiences and prejudices.
GRADE B+
THE DUNE--Leisurely French film creates some tension when a ready to retire police man tries to solve the mystery of a nameless, speechless man, who may or may not have something to do with the officer.
LIVING IS EASY WITH EYES CLOSED--Charming, ultimately magical Spanish film set in the late 1960's about a Beetle enthusiast teacher trying to meet his idol John Lennon who is on a movie set nearby. On the way he picks up a pregnant teen, and a runaway teen who trying to escape from his cruel father.
BEGIN AGAIN--US film by creator of the popular film and stage play ONCE. In spite of some hand held camera work, the film is energetic and excitingly different in telling the story of love lost and found and how to take chances to create artful music, which is featured prominently on the soundtrack. Down on his luck music producer is portrayed by a gritty Mark Ruffalo with a great deal of skill, and the excellent and likeable cast includes Keira Knightly, Catherine Keener, Hailee Steinfeld and Adam Levine.
GRADE B
I ORIGINS- Lots of fascinating ides float through this intriguing mix of spiritual and religious themed fantasy science fiction film. After a shaky start, story get progressively better although the ending is left disappointingly open to interpretation, as a scientist tries to prove or disapprove that :the eye is the doorway to the soul."
GRADE B-
GERONTOPHILIA--Unusual French Canadian drama of an older teen who becomes sexually and emotionally attracted to an older man under his care at a senor care facility. It's not explicit, but it raises some controversial issues, while staying fairly sex positive and cheerful.
SOLD--This is a slick and sanitized film of a 12 year old Tibetan girl inadvertently sold into prostitution by her impoverished father to a Calcutta based procurer. The human trafficking theme is important, but this film is so watered down that it looses some power.
GABRIELLE--Sympathetic French film of young handicapped adults getting ready for a singing concert. Central character doesn't want her sister/caretaker to leave for India, and wants to be together with her boyfriend, another handicapped singer, although the young mans mother is very much against it. Unfortunately, an excessive hand held camera technic detracts from he emotional moments.
GRADE C+
REMOTE CONTROL--Exotically and nicely filmed in Mongolian city of Ulan Bator, a young teen runaway squatting on a roof top, uses a remote control to watch the TV of a beautiful woman across the street. He also dabbles in petty crimes. The film is watchable but feels pointless by the end.
GRADE C
A PATRIOTIC MAN--Dull Finnish film about drugging during the Olympic by Finnish cross country skiers.
STRAY DOGS--Master Tsai Ming-liang's newest film features even longer takes (most 5 to 20 minutes long) than usual, trying the patience of his most ardent fans.
X/Y--Predictable and shallow story of love but mostly sex between rich 20-somethings, set in New York City. One from each coupling goes on to have sex with another--a circle of sex--a style which started in LA RONDE more than 50 years ago.
IGNACIAS M.--From Spain comes a lively character with AIDS who has had an interesting life, fascinating friends, and amazing jobs in the art field. For some reason, most of this talky film deals with his academia, philosophies, and bragging, in interviews that are incredibly boring.
ELSA AND FRED--Shirley MacLaine and Christopher Plummer star in this dull, tired chestnut of old age love. MacLaine is particularly annoying due to her penchant for exaggeration and lying.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
SIFF Screenings---BEST BETS------TOM AT THE FARM, DESERT RUNNERS, TO BE TAKAI, STANDING ASIDE WATCHING, MY LAST YEAR W/ THE NUNS
Screenings this week were varied and most were thoughtful and well done. Here's what I've seen in the first part of the week in the order I prefer.
GRADE A-
LAST YEAR AT MARIENBAD (1961)--A finely restored memory/dream film about rich folks living in the purgatory of an ultra ornate grand hotel, where people speak in monotone voices, and dialogue is repeated in loops of banality. This classic, iconic French film is a fascinating, frustrating, enigmatic puzzle, and I can't wait to see it again.
TOM AT THE FARM--Chilling French Canadian psychological thriller where a gay man (writer, director, actor Xavier Dolan) goes to his lover's funeral only to find that Mom didn't know her son was gay, and the cruel older brother has a disturbing homophobic agenda.
GRADE B+
STANDING ASIDE, WATCHING--I didn't enjoy watching this bruising Greek film which follows an aggressive young woman who travels back to the small town she grew up in, only to find passive, indifferent friends, corrupt authority and major economic depression. But when I realized (afterwards) that this is a micro vision of modern day Greece society and politics, the film takes on new meaning. AND, it is not boring.
TO BE TAKAI--Excellent documentary about actor/activist George Takai, who was featured for many years as Lt. Sulu on TV's STAR TREK and later became known for his equal rights and gay rights stands. Here he tells of the horrific treatment at Japanese internment camps, and shares stories about family and his longtime husband Brad.
DESERT RUNNERS--Excellent documentary about determined/stubborn athletes who participate in extreme desert marathons. The film captures the mental and physical endurance of these torturous experiences.
LAND OF STORMS--Hungarian/German film of a gay soccer player with a cruel father who quits the team to live in the country, where his sexuality antagonizes the small town. The ending seems predictable and unnecessary, but the film captures young love and passion in intense ways.
GRADE B
MY LAST YEAR WITH THE NUNS--Fine, funny, filmed performance piece retelling the 8th grade adventures of a boy in a Catholic school in the late 1960's on Seattle's Capitol Hill.
VICTORIA---This at times interesting three hour Bulgarian film about a spoiled girl living with a hateful mother could be even better with about 90 minutes of l o n g, d u l l takes edited out.
QUOD ERAT DEMONSTRANDUM--Also known as QED. It took me about 30 minutes to sort out the characters and "plot" of this Romanian film, set in the mid 1980's in an academia setting, but the film is smoothly directed and photographed and acted. By the end, it reminded me somewhat of THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
A TOUCH OF LIGHT---From Taiwan and based on a true story. A blind pianist college student struggles through his first year finding friends and overcoming fears of performance. A constant shaky hand held camera diminishes the film's considerable charms.
GRADE B-
RIGOR MORTIS--Hong Kong horror film with great effects and art/set design. A suicidal, washed up actor moves into a mammoth apartment building which is filled with odd tenants, including a vampire and a set of evil twin spirits. Often convoluted, but usually engaging. Matter of taste.
10000 KM---Spanish film about a long distant love affair, this film features two sexy, attractive actors but the progression becomes predictable by the end.
A BRONY TALE--A fascinating documentary at times about adult men who have a fascination with all things MY LITTLE PONY, a popular child's animated series. Unfortunately, I don't really care about MLP, or the fans--so this would be a matter of taste for viewers.
GRADE C+
SEEDS OF TIME---Informative but bone dry documentary about the storage of millions of different types of seeds to keep them safe from disease, natural disaster and holocaust situations, in a Noah's Ark type of underground facility.
GRADE A-
LAST YEAR AT MARIENBAD (1961)--A finely restored memory/dream film about rich folks living in the purgatory of an ultra ornate grand hotel, where people speak in monotone voices, and dialogue is repeated in loops of banality. This classic, iconic French film is a fascinating, frustrating, enigmatic puzzle, and I can't wait to see it again.
TOM AT THE FARM--Chilling French Canadian psychological thriller where a gay man (writer, director, actor Xavier Dolan) goes to his lover's funeral only to find that Mom didn't know her son was gay, and the cruel older brother has a disturbing homophobic agenda.
GRADE B+
STANDING ASIDE, WATCHING--I didn't enjoy watching this bruising Greek film which follows an aggressive young woman who travels back to the small town she grew up in, only to find passive, indifferent friends, corrupt authority and major economic depression. But when I realized (afterwards) that this is a micro vision of modern day Greece society and politics, the film takes on new meaning. AND, it is not boring.
TO BE TAKAI--Excellent documentary about actor/activist George Takai, who was featured for many years as Lt. Sulu on TV's STAR TREK and later became known for his equal rights and gay rights stands. Here he tells of the horrific treatment at Japanese internment camps, and shares stories about family and his longtime husband Brad.
DESERT RUNNERS--Excellent documentary about determined/stubborn athletes who participate in extreme desert marathons. The film captures the mental and physical endurance of these torturous experiences.
LAND OF STORMS--Hungarian/German film of a gay soccer player with a cruel father who quits the team to live in the country, where his sexuality antagonizes the small town. The ending seems predictable and unnecessary, but the film captures young love and passion in intense ways.
GRADE B
MY LAST YEAR WITH THE NUNS--Fine, funny, filmed performance piece retelling the 8th grade adventures of a boy in a Catholic school in the late 1960's on Seattle's Capitol Hill.
VICTORIA---This at times interesting three hour Bulgarian film about a spoiled girl living with a hateful mother could be even better with about 90 minutes of l o n g, d u l l takes edited out.
QUOD ERAT DEMONSTRANDUM--Also known as QED. It took me about 30 minutes to sort out the characters and "plot" of this Romanian film, set in the mid 1980's in an academia setting, but the film is smoothly directed and photographed and acted. By the end, it reminded me somewhat of THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
A TOUCH OF LIGHT---From Taiwan and based on a true story. A blind pianist college student struggles through his first year finding friends and overcoming fears of performance. A constant shaky hand held camera diminishes the film's considerable charms.
GRADE B-
RIGOR MORTIS--Hong Kong horror film with great effects and art/set design. A suicidal, washed up actor moves into a mammoth apartment building which is filled with odd tenants, including a vampire and a set of evil twin spirits. Often convoluted, but usually engaging. Matter of taste.
10000 KM---Spanish film about a long distant love affair, this film features two sexy, attractive actors but the progression becomes predictable by the end.
A BRONY TALE--A fascinating documentary at times about adult men who have a fascination with all things MY LITTLE PONY, a popular child's animated series. Unfortunately, I don't really care about MLP, or the fans--so this would be a matter of taste for viewers.
GRADE C+
SEEDS OF TIME---Informative but bone dry documentary about the storage of millions of different types of seeds to keep them safe from disease, natural disaster and holocaust situations, in a Noah's Ark type of underground facility.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
SIFF Screenings----Best Bets---LUSTY MEN, ATTILA MARCEL, MUSE OF FIRE, DIFRET, OF HORSES AND MEN.....
Here's some screenings I saw this weekend, in order of preference.
GRADE A-
LUSTY MEN (1952) is Nicholas Ray's B/W film beautifully acted and written and directed and now restored about the year in the life of a struggling rodeo man. Robert Mitchum, Susan Hayward and Arthur Kennedy form the romantic triangle.
GRADE B+
ATTILA MARCEL-- The first live action French film by creator of TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE and THE ILLUSIONIST, with the same sensibilities: precious quirky characters in a sweet fantasy about mute man living with suffocating aunts, trying to find out what happened to his parents.
MUSE OF FIRE--Part silly vanity production, but this rousing, stimulating documentary about the importance of Shakespeare to modern audiences and actors, and the difficulties in understanding the Shakespearean language hits a lot of fascinating notes. A one of a kind experience, although I wish the hand held filler sequences involving the traveling around of the film makers were edited, and replaced with more of the interviews themselves, including talks with Judy Dench, Ian McClellan, Baz Luhrman, Jude Law, and many, many others (over 100!).
DIFRET--Powerful subject matter propels this "based on a true story" Nigerian production about a 14 year old girl who is kidnapped, abused and raped by her soon to be husband, as is wont in certain societal customs. When she kills her "intended" she is portrayed as the guilty one. Constant hand held camera distracts from film's potential.
OF HORSES AND MEN--Stubborn, odd townspeople and the horses they love and own, in a series of episodic stories set in a small Icelandic village, where the point of view is often from the animal. Unusual and appealing and heartbreaking, especially for some of the horses involved.
GRADE B
CHINESE PUZZLE--French movie filmed almost entirely in New York City (where most of the characters speak French!) A writer finds his life too complicated with his family and his various woman friends. It tries to be Woody Allen-ish, but fortunately the emphasis is on the drama instead of the silly comedy moments.
CANOPY--Nearly wordless thriller of two soldiers--an Aussie and a Chinese who are trapped on a small island during the Japanese invasion of Singapore during WW2. Minor, but evocative and beautifully filmed.
THE SEARCH FOR GENERAL TSO--Light weight but charming infomercial about the extremely popular Chinese American dish called General Tso Chicken, which is unheard of in most of China.
GRADE D+
DESERT CATHEDRAL--Low budget indie production has tiresome and dull script about a depressed man talking constantly into a wiggly video recorder, trying to explain/rationalize to his deserted family about why he has this persistent suicide wish. UGH.
NOTICE-------After 15 minutes of struggle, the Harvard Exit screening on Saturday of HOTELL from Sweden was canceled due to technical difficulties. I will not be going back to see it due to so many other choices on the day of its repeat, plus the fact that the film is extremely hand held in that first 15 minutes........
GRADE A-
LUSTY MEN (1952) is Nicholas Ray's B/W film beautifully acted and written and directed and now restored about the year in the life of a struggling rodeo man. Robert Mitchum, Susan Hayward and Arthur Kennedy form the romantic triangle.
GRADE B+
ATTILA MARCEL-- The first live action French film by creator of TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE and THE ILLUSIONIST, with the same sensibilities: precious quirky characters in a sweet fantasy about mute man living with suffocating aunts, trying to find out what happened to his parents.
MUSE OF FIRE--Part silly vanity production, but this rousing, stimulating documentary about the importance of Shakespeare to modern audiences and actors, and the difficulties in understanding the Shakespearean language hits a lot of fascinating notes. A one of a kind experience, although I wish the hand held filler sequences involving the traveling around of the film makers were edited, and replaced with more of the interviews themselves, including talks with Judy Dench, Ian McClellan, Baz Luhrman, Jude Law, and many, many others (over 100!).
DIFRET--Powerful subject matter propels this "based on a true story" Nigerian production about a 14 year old girl who is kidnapped, abused and raped by her soon to be husband, as is wont in certain societal customs. When she kills her "intended" she is portrayed as the guilty one. Constant hand held camera distracts from film's potential.
OF HORSES AND MEN--Stubborn, odd townspeople and the horses they love and own, in a series of episodic stories set in a small Icelandic village, where the point of view is often from the animal. Unusual and appealing and heartbreaking, especially for some of the horses involved.
GRADE B
CHINESE PUZZLE--French movie filmed almost entirely in New York City (where most of the characters speak French!) A writer finds his life too complicated with his family and his various woman friends. It tries to be Woody Allen-ish, but fortunately the emphasis is on the drama instead of the silly comedy moments.
CANOPY--Nearly wordless thriller of two soldiers--an Aussie and a Chinese who are trapped on a small island during the Japanese invasion of Singapore during WW2. Minor, but evocative and beautifully filmed.
THE SEARCH FOR GENERAL TSO--Light weight but charming infomercial about the extremely popular Chinese American dish called General Tso Chicken, which is unheard of in most of China.
GRADE D+
DESERT CATHEDRAL--Low budget indie production has tiresome and dull script about a depressed man talking constantly into a wiggly video recorder, trying to explain/rationalize to his deserted family about why he has this persistent suicide wish. UGH.
NOTICE-------After 15 minutes of struggle, the Harvard Exit screening on Saturday of HOTELL from Sweden was canceled due to technical difficulties. I will not be going back to see it due to so many other choices on the day of its repeat, plus the fact that the film is extremely hand held in that first 15 minutes........
Thursday, May 15, 2014
SIFF Screenings---Best Bets-----Polanski's VENUS IN FUR, NIGHT MOVES, BELLE & SEBASTIEN, FIGHT CHURCH, SUNFISH
Opening night is tonight, and here is the last bit of pre-festival films I've viewed, in order of preference.
GRADE A
VENUS IN FUR is Roman Polanski's excellent version (in French) of a play based on an adaption of a story about pleasure and pain and the relationship between men and women, written originally by Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch in the 19th century. A story within a story, this concerns a frustrated director (Mathieu Amalric) who cannot find the right actress for the lead. When a wet and very late actress (Emmanuelle Seigner) arrives and demands an audition, he finds she may be just what he needs, but quickly finds the tables turned as the afternoon progresses. Funny, smart, sexy and audacious, this is a battle of the wits and the sexes, and the actors are sensational. It's a big crowd pleaser.
GRADE B
NIGHT MOVES was filmed in the Bend, Oregon area, and works like a slow burn thriller , building suspense and tension. Three friends build a bomb to destroy a dam that is blocking the salmon runs in their area---they are committed environmental activists. But when things go wrong, they find their emotions are running out of control.
BELLE AND SEBASTIEN is a French family film about a young boy during WWII who befriends a wild dog that the towns people think is a beast. The photography, music and setting are beautiful, the actors are accomplished, and the drama, which includes smuggling Jews cross the border to Switzerland, is engrossing. Surprisingly disarming.
GRADE B-
FIGHT CHURCH is a US documentary about the popularity of churches starting up clubs to train fighters for "cage" fighting--trying to appeal mostly to men. The film feels like a long commercial for fight club activities, with ministers who fight and train doing a lot rationalizing as to why this is a good idea. Towards the end, two other pastors appear to give the opposing view point. It raises a lot of controversial issues regarding religion versus violence, and it also raises a lot more questions than it answers. If you don't like seeing (mostly) men beat each other senseless in the ring, than stay away from this film, as it got a lot of early walkouts.
THE SUNFISH is a charming Danish love story about a divorced fisherman trying to rebuild his life after a nasty divorce. He finds love with a lovely biologist who tries to help him with his fishing, but he can't seem to stay out of trouble. I might have liked this more except for the obnoxious hand held camera that seemed to creep into most scenes.
GRADE C+
BEYOND THE BRICK; A LEGO BRICKUMENTARY. The title says it all in this proficient but long info commercial about the LEGO product and how kids and adults have created the second biggest toy company in the US. Strictly for LEGO fans.
GRADE A
VENUS IN FUR is Roman Polanski's excellent version (in French) of a play based on an adaption of a story about pleasure and pain and the relationship between men and women, written originally by Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch in the 19th century. A story within a story, this concerns a frustrated director (Mathieu Amalric) who cannot find the right actress for the lead. When a wet and very late actress (Emmanuelle Seigner) arrives and demands an audition, he finds she may be just what he needs, but quickly finds the tables turned as the afternoon progresses. Funny, smart, sexy and audacious, this is a battle of the wits and the sexes, and the actors are sensational. It's a big crowd pleaser.
GRADE B
NIGHT MOVES was filmed in the Bend, Oregon area, and works like a slow burn thriller , building suspense and tension. Three friends build a bomb to destroy a dam that is blocking the salmon runs in their area---they are committed environmental activists. But when things go wrong, they find their emotions are running out of control.
BELLE AND SEBASTIEN is a French family film about a young boy during WWII who befriends a wild dog that the towns people think is a beast. The photography, music and setting are beautiful, the actors are accomplished, and the drama, which includes smuggling Jews cross the border to Switzerland, is engrossing. Surprisingly disarming.
GRADE B-
FIGHT CHURCH is a US documentary about the popularity of churches starting up clubs to train fighters for "cage" fighting--trying to appeal mostly to men. The film feels like a long commercial for fight club activities, with ministers who fight and train doing a lot rationalizing as to why this is a good idea. Towards the end, two other pastors appear to give the opposing view point. It raises a lot of controversial issues regarding religion versus violence, and it also raises a lot more questions than it answers. If you don't like seeing (mostly) men beat each other senseless in the ring, than stay away from this film, as it got a lot of early walkouts.
THE SUNFISH is a charming Danish love story about a divorced fisherman trying to rebuild his life after a nasty divorce. He finds love with a lovely biologist who tries to help him with his fishing, but he can't seem to stay out of trouble. I might have liked this more except for the obnoxious hand held camera that seemed to creep into most scenes.
GRADE C+
BEYOND THE BRICK; A LEGO BRICKUMENTARY. The title says it all in this proficient but long info commercial about the LEGO product and how kids and adults have created the second biggest toy company in the US. Strictly for LEGO fans.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
SIFF Screenings May 12-13--BEST BETS----IDA, HALF A YELLOW SUN, TIME IN QUCHI
I'm trying to blog at least twice a week due to the heavy flow of films I'm seeing starting this week.
Films are listed in order of preference.
GRADE B
IDA from Poland is a curious film about a young novice nun who is sent to live temporarily with her aunt prior to her taking her vows. It is the early 1960's and she learns quickly that her aunt is a prostitute, and that her parents were Jewish. She also learns the story behind her parent's death. The black and white film is solid and well made, with terrific characterizations from all the actors, and an odd cinematic style that seems superfluous but is striking at times.
A TIME IN QUCHI from Taiwan is a minor but touching slice of life film, as young Bao is sent to live with his grandfather in the mountains for the summer while his parents work out their divorce. He spends his time going to summer school, playing basketball and making new friends. Not much happens in this leisurely, subtle film, but the kids are remarkable and the film lingers as a series of pleasant or sad or silly memories, all from a child's point of view.
GRADE B-
HALF A YELLOW SUN is based on a popular Nigerian novel, set in Nigeria during the 1960's just before and during the Civil War and featuring the tragic events that occurred in Biafra during that time. The strong cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 YEARS A SLAVE) and Thandie Newton, and the production values are strong. Unfortunately, the first hour prior to the war comes across as laughably melodramatic, with high society affairs, out of wedlock babies, over the top angry "Mamas", servants who see and say things they shouldn't, etc. When suddenly the mood changes to the violent uncertainties of the civil unrest, it's jarring, and the story line which covers about a dozen years starts to move in fast motion, with events, cities, characters and time flying by. It is difficult to keep the factions and sometimes the character's politics straight, so the end result of this want-to-be epic is vaguely disappointing. That said, the film is nothing if not EXOTIC, and the melodrama made me laugh a lot, and as the film hurtles to the ending, I felt modestly entertained and certainly never, ever bored.
DIOR AND I from France is a documentary about Raf Simon's first year as director of the haute couture collection of this iconic fashion company. It's compelling at times, although if you are a TV's PROJECT RUNWAY fan among other shows, you've seen it all before.
GRADE C+
THE TRIP TO ITALY is a sequel of sorts to THE TRIP (2010) where actor/comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, in this case, drive around Italy instead of Great Britain, sampling great cuisine, joking about their careers, doing numerous actor and movie imitations, and then head home after a week. The best thing about this film is the eye candy of location scenery and haute cuisine. This time, the film felt very "scripted" as opposed to improvised, and the jokes were less funny and the imitations less than sparkling. To be fair, some in the audience were obviously having a great time, but mostly I felt I'd seen it all before in THE TRIP, only better.
GRADE D
ANOTHER is a poor, uninspired man's rip off of THE OMEN/ROSEMARY'S BABY that is laughably cliched, and comes complete with blurry images, giggly camera moves, obvious music cues, over-the-top acting, and "acid trip" special effects--all of which grow wearisome very quickly. I walked out after 25 minutes.
Films are listed in order of preference.
GRADE B
IDA from Poland is a curious film about a young novice nun who is sent to live temporarily with her aunt prior to her taking her vows. It is the early 1960's and she learns quickly that her aunt is a prostitute, and that her parents were Jewish. She also learns the story behind her parent's death. The black and white film is solid and well made, with terrific characterizations from all the actors, and an odd cinematic style that seems superfluous but is striking at times.
A TIME IN QUCHI from Taiwan is a minor but touching slice of life film, as young Bao is sent to live with his grandfather in the mountains for the summer while his parents work out their divorce. He spends his time going to summer school, playing basketball and making new friends. Not much happens in this leisurely, subtle film, but the kids are remarkable and the film lingers as a series of pleasant or sad or silly memories, all from a child's point of view.
GRADE B-
HALF A YELLOW SUN is based on a popular Nigerian novel, set in Nigeria during the 1960's just before and during the Civil War and featuring the tragic events that occurred in Biafra during that time. The strong cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 YEARS A SLAVE) and Thandie Newton, and the production values are strong. Unfortunately, the first hour prior to the war comes across as laughably melodramatic, with high society affairs, out of wedlock babies, over the top angry "Mamas", servants who see and say things they shouldn't, etc. When suddenly the mood changes to the violent uncertainties of the civil unrest, it's jarring, and the story line which covers about a dozen years starts to move in fast motion, with events, cities, characters and time flying by. It is difficult to keep the factions and sometimes the character's politics straight, so the end result of this want-to-be epic is vaguely disappointing. That said, the film is nothing if not EXOTIC, and the melodrama made me laugh a lot, and as the film hurtles to the ending, I felt modestly entertained and certainly never, ever bored.
DIOR AND I from France is a documentary about Raf Simon's first year as director of the haute couture collection of this iconic fashion company. It's compelling at times, although if you are a TV's PROJECT RUNWAY fan among other shows, you've seen it all before.
GRADE C+
THE TRIP TO ITALY is a sequel of sorts to THE TRIP (2010) where actor/comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, in this case, drive around Italy instead of Great Britain, sampling great cuisine, joking about their careers, doing numerous actor and movie imitations, and then head home after a week. The best thing about this film is the eye candy of location scenery and haute cuisine. This time, the film felt very "scripted" as opposed to improvised, and the jokes were less funny and the imitations less than sparkling. To be fair, some in the audience were obviously having a great time, but mostly I felt I'd seen it all before in THE TRIP, only better.
GRADE D
ANOTHER is a poor, uninspired man's rip off of THE OMEN/ROSEMARY'S BABY that is laughably cliched, and comes complete with blurry images, giggly camera moves, obvious music cues, over-the-top acting, and "acid trip" special effects--all of which grow wearisome very quickly. I walked out after 25 minutes.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2014--Screenings begin--Best Bets--CASE AGAINST 8, LUCKY THEM, OBVIOUS CHILD, I'M BIG BIRD, CHICAGO GIRL, DAMNATION, SKELETON TWINS
It's SIFF time, and here's a quick rundown on the first 18 films that have been screened in the last week and a half for the press and pass holders. The Film Festival begins May 15, and GUIDES are available around town and on line. Anything rated B- and higher is certainly recommended---any lower, then see it at your own risk. I've listed these films in order of my preference, and left off the pluses or minuses
GRADE A
THE CASE AGAINST 8 is a high quality HBO documentary about the five year struggle to overturn California's Proposition 8--it would declare unmarried those same sex couples that had been legally married during the year prior. I thought I knew this story, but some facts astounded me and there are some powerfully moving moments.
LUCKY THEM is the best film yet by local director Megan Griffiths (EDEN 2012, OFF HOURS 2011) and highlights a sexy, rainy Seattle location and sparkling and witty acting by Toni Collette, Thomas Hayden Church and Oliver Platt. Added bonus---it's disarmingly funny, too.
GRADE B
OBVIOUS CHILD is a quirky, humorous and ultimately lovable story about a struggling stand up comedian who gets dumped by her BF, loses her job, and becomes pregnant--all just before Valentine's Day. Jenny Slate plays the lewd comedian with a forceful comedic flair.
I AM BIG BIRD: the CAROLL SPINNEY STORY--Perhaps he's not the most dynamic puppeteer to get national attention, yet this sweet, skillful documentary is classy, informative. joyful and most moving at times.
#CHICAGOGIRL: SOCIAL NETWORK TAKES ON A DICTATOR--Who knew that a 19 year old girl could coordinated months of dangerous political protesting in Syria from behind her computer in her Chicago home? It's an astonishing documentary.
DAMNATION--Smart beautiful documentary on the need to get rid of most of the US's 20000 plus dams. My only minor complaint--it's almost too ambitious as it covers over 20 specific dams , instead of focusing on just a handful.
SKELETON TWINS---Saturday Night's Bill Hader and Kristen Wigg are sensational as suicidal siblings struggling to rebuild their estranged relationship in this entertaining comedy-drama. You can't miss the very fine lip sinc scene.
GARDEN LOVERS---From Finland comes a strong documentary about various couples who love to show off their gardens, their naked bodies, and spout about what love and relationships mean to them. It's the typical, lovely "Film Festival" film.
ZIP AND ZAP AND THE MARBLE GANG. Mix up GOONIES, and HARRY POTTER (minus the special effects magic) and add in some substantial Art and Set design, and a clever plot, and you get this way better than average young adult adventure from Spain.
THE SIGNAL is an intriguing art-house science fiction with a terrific set up and premise, but it never quite takes off to that higher level that we want it to, due to a protracted chase ending. Still, the actors and direction are fine. Maybe the sequel will give us more......
BALLET 422 is a bare bones documentary that is both fascinating as it explores the creative mind, and frustrating in the absence of plot or details. A young dancer is given the opportunity to create a totally new dance for the company, and he does ultimately succeed, but most of the time he looks like a deer caught in the headlights.
BORGMAN--We enter "midnight film" territory here, but the plotting is so bizarre and absurd that this portrait of human evil lacks logical progression. It is consistently interesting to watch, but ultimately ends up in the WTF! category.
GRADE C
HELLION is well acted by Aaron Paul and Juliette Lewis and several kids. This story of a troubled teen and his broken family feels raw and real, but is sabotaged by a consistently annoying hand held camera. It that doesn't bother you, check it out, as I'd rate it higher if the camera work wasn't so obnoxious.
DEAR WHITE PEOPLE is another close call for me. Set on a college campus, this racial dramatic comedy is an ALMOST--but leisurely paced film needs better script and faster pacing. NEXT TIME!
40 DAYS OF SILENCE---Loooonnnnnggg takes, dark scenes impossible to make out, and obtuse themes frustrated me, but some in audience felt entitled to fill in a lot of blanks that are NOT in the script. Set in small Uzbek village, main character has no dialogue, and what little there is is ambiguous.
MOOD INDIGO--Witty, clever and bizarre surreal scenes ultimately become tiresome and there's very little to connect to in this slightly plotted romance from France. For some, the visuals may be enough.
THE CONGRESS--Half live action, half animation, this science fiction film based on an early 1970's novel feels dated with themes of actors giving their souls to the studio heads, and the possibilities of psychedelic drugs to reach different planes of your mind, etc. The pacing is slow, the plot feels half backed and the lead character, played by Robin Wright, is so passive you want to reach out and slap her.
CLOWNWISE--Dull and talky, and I can't get into clown shtick (with the exception of SEND IN THE CLOWNS) so I walked out after 45 uneventful minutes.
Watched on DVD
Hard to believe I had the time, but I did catch up with writer/director Paul Schrader's THE WALKER (2006) and found it very interesting. The plot involves an aging gay gigolo ("a walker") who spends his time with elderly married women, escorting them to social and entertainment events when their husbands are unavailable. He seems to balance their friendships well--they all know about him and they know each other, too, and no one seems jealous. (And he makes some money off them too) . When one of his women friends seems implicated in a political murder (the story is set in Washington DC) he tries to cover for her, and ends up implicated in her place. It was fascinating to see a modern film set around a totally gay character (played well by Woody Harrelson) and there are many scenes showing prejudice, and how hurtful people can become towards gays in particular, with slurs and insinuations and downright bigotry. (So many gay characters are in supporting roles, or in comedies. or period pieces. This one felt "fresher" and more organic.) Kristin Scott Thomas, Lauren Bacall, Lily Tomlin, Ned Beatty and Moritz Blibtreu head a fine cast. Schrader's career has had ups and downs, (AFFLICTION 1997, AMERICAN GIGOLO 1980, CAT PEOPLE 1982) plus he wrote the screenplays for RAGING BULL, among others classics, so he certainly knows what buttons to push to keep you fascinated. GRADE------B
GRADE A
THE CASE AGAINST 8 is a high quality HBO documentary about the five year struggle to overturn California's Proposition 8--it would declare unmarried those same sex couples that had been legally married during the year prior. I thought I knew this story, but some facts astounded me and there are some powerfully moving moments.
LUCKY THEM is the best film yet by local director Megan Griffiths (EDEN 2012, OFF HOURS 2011) and highlights a sexy, rainy Seattle location and sparkling and witty acting by Toni Collette, Thomas Hayden Church and Oliver Platt. Added bonus---it's disarmingly funny, too.
GRADE B
OBVIOUS CHILD is a quirky, humorous and ultimately lovable story about a struggling stand up comedian who gets dumped by her BF, loses her job, and becomes pregnant--all just before Valentine's Day. Jenny Slate plays the lewd comedian with a forceful comedic flair.
I AM BIG BIRD: the CAROLL SPINNEY STORY--Perhaps he's not the most dynamic puppeteer to get national attention, yet this sweet, skillful documentary is classy, informative. joyful and most moving at times.
#CHICAGOGIRL: SOCIAL NETWORK TAKES ON A DICTATOR--Who knew that a 19 year old girl could coordinated months of dangerous political protesting in Syria from behind her computer in her Chicago home? It's an astonishing documentary.
DAMNATION--Smart beautiful documentary on the need to get rid of most of the US's 20000 plus dams. My only minor complaint--it's almost too ambitious as it covers over 20 specific dams , instead of focusing on just a handful.
SKELETON TWINS---Saturday Night's Bill Hader and Kristen Wigg are sensational as suicidal siblings struggling to rebuild their estranged relationship in this entertaining comedy-drama. You can't miss the very fine lip sinc scene.
GARDEN LOVERS---From Finland comes a strong documentary about various couples who love to show off their gardens, their naked bodies, and spout about what love and relationships mean to them. It's the typical, lovely "Film Festival" film.
ZIP AND ZAP AND THE MARBLE GANG. Mix up GOONIES, and HARRY POTTER (minus the special effects magic) and add in some substantial Art and Set design, and a clever plot, and you get this way better than average young adult adventure from Spain.
THE SIGNAL is an intriguing art-house science fiction with a terrific set up and premise, but it never quite takes off to that higher level that we want it to, due to a protracted chase ending. Still, the actors and direction are fine. Maybe the sequel will give us more......
BALLET 422 is a bare bones documentary that is both fascinating as it explores the creative mind, and frustrating in the absence of plot or details. A young dancer is given the opportunity to create a totally new dance for the company, and he does ultimately succeed, but most of the time he looks like a deer caught in the headlights.
BORGMAN--We enter "midnight film" territory here, but the plotting is so bizarre and absurd that this portrait of human evil lacks logical progression. It is consistently interesting to watch, but ultimately ends up in the WTF! category.
GRADE C
HELLION is well acted by Aaron Paul and Juliette Lewis and several kids. This story of a troubled teen and his broken family feels raw and real, but is sabotaged by a consistently annoying hand held camera. It that doesn't bother you, check it out, as I'd rate it higher if the camera work wasn't so obnoxious.
DEAR WHITE PEOPLE is another close call for me. Set on a college campus, this racial dramatic comedy is an ALMOST--but leisurely paced film needs better script and faster pacing. NEXT TIME!
40 DAYS OF SILENCE---Loooonnnnnggg takes, dark scenes impossible to make out, and obtuse themes frustrated me, but some in audience felt entitled to fill in a lot of blanks that are NOT in the script. Set in small Uzbek village, main character has no dialogue, and what little there is is ambiguous.
MOOD INDIGO--Witty, clever and bizarre surreal scenes ultimately become tiresome and there's very little to connect to in this slightly plotted romance from France. For some, the visuals may be enough.
THE CONGRESS--Half live action, half animation, this science fiction film based on an early 1970's novel feels dated with themes of actors giving their souls to the studio heads, and the possibilities of psychedelic drugs to reach different planes of your mind, etc. The pacing is slow, the plot feels half backed and the lead character, played by Robin Wright, is so passive you want to reach out and slap her.
CLOWNWISE--Dull and talky, and I can't get into clown shtick (with the exception of SEND IN THE CLOWNS) so I walked out after 45 uneventful minutes.
Watched on DVD
Hard to believe I had the time, but I did catch up with writer/director Paul Schrader's THE WALKER (2006) and found it very interesting. The plot involves an aging gay gigolo ("a walker") who spends his time with elderly married women, escorting them to social and entertainment events when their husbands are unavailable. He seems to balance their friendships well--they all know about him and they know each other, too, and no one seems jealous. (And he makes some money off them too) . When one of his women friends seems implicated in a political murder (the story is set in Washington DC) he tries to cover for her, and ends up implicated in her place. It was fascinating to see a modern film set around a totally gay character (played well by Woody Harrelson) and there are many scenes showing prejudice, and how hurtful people can become towards gays in particular, with slurs and insinuations and downright bigotry. (So many gay characters are in supporting roles, or in comedies. or period pieces. This one felt "fresher" and more organic.) Kristin Scott Thomas, Lauren Bacall, Lily Tomlin, Ned Beatty and Moritz Blibtreu head a fine cast. Schrader's career has had ups and downs, (AFFLICTION 1997, AMERICAN GIGOLO 1980, CAT PEOPLE 1982) plus he wrote the screenplays for RAGING BULL, among others classics, so he certainly knows what buttons to push to keep you fascinated. GRADE------B
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