02013.01
These are films I've watched in January 02013.
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- DirectorJean-Luc GodardAn 8-part documentary chronically the history of cinema: "All the Histories", "A Single History", "Only Cinema", "Deadly "Beauty", "The Coin of the Absolute", "A New Wave", "The Control of the Universe", and "The Signs Among Us".02013.01.01: The first episode of Jean Luc Godard's History of Cinema. DVD from MCPL.
- DirectorAlexander MackendrickStarsAlec GuinnessPeter SellersCecil ParkerFive oddball criminals planning a bank robbery rent rooms on a cul-de-sac from an octogenarian widow under the pretext that they are classical musicians.02013.01.01: Delicious. Alec Guinness leads the engaging cast in this wry comedy. Tivoed.
- DirectorSam MendesStarsDaniel CraigJavier BardemNaomie HarrisJames Bond's loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. When MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.02013.01.02: Went with my sweetie. We were underwhelmed. AMC Bloomington 11.
- DirectorDavid GelbStarsJiro OnoYoshikazu OnoMasuhiro YamamotoA documentary on 85-year-old sushi master Jiro Ono, his renowned Tokyo restaurant, and his relationship with his son and eventual heir, Yoshikazu.02013.01.03: "I fell in love with my work and gave my life to it." Streamed on Netflix.
- DirectorRodrigo GarcíaStarsGlenn CloseMia WasikowskaAaron Taylor-JohnsonAlbert Nobbs struggles to survive in late 19th-century Ireland, where women aren't encouraged to be independent. Posing as a man so she can work as a butler in Dublin's most elegant hotel, Albert meets a handsome painter and looks to escape the lie she has been living.02013.01.03: Streamed on Netflix.
- DirectorGus Van SantStarsMatt DamonFrances McDormandJohn KrasinskiA salesman for a natural gas company experiences life-changing events after arriving in a small town, where his corporation wants to tap into the available resources.02013.01.04: Went with my sweetie at AMC Bloomington 11. The film has some challenges, but I appreciated the experience while it was unfolding, and I'm glad I saw it. Matt Damon is always worth watching. Frances McDormand, John Krasinski, Hal Holbrook, Titus Welliver and many other strong performances.
- DirectorJon FauerStarsRemi AdefarasinRuss T. AlsobrookHoward A. Anderson III110 of the world's top cinematographers discuss the art of how and why films look the way they do.02013.01.01: Watched the film with my sweetie on DVD from Netflix. 02013.01.03: Watched Gordon Willis' extended interview.
02013.01.04: Watched Vittorio Storaro's extended interview. Storaro talks my language - energy, love, authenticity. - DirectorJohn FordHenry HathawayGeorge MarshallStarsJames StewartJohn WayneGregory PeckA family saga covering several decades of Westward expansion in the 19th century, including the Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the building of the railroads.02013.01.05: Watched on TCM. Part of my process of watching as many films from National Film Registry as possible. There’s a lot of beautiful scenery, but the film’s story is quite whacky and somewhat tedious/offensive. Well, I’ve seen it in full now. I'd seen parts of this before.. or perhaps when I was a girl I'd seen it, but it slipped my mind!
- DirectorJoss WhedonStarsNathan FillionGina TorresChiwetel EjioforThe crew of the ship Serenity try to evade an assassin sent to recapture telepath River.02013.01.05: This film never gets old. I love it.
- DirectorTony SargA look at the filmmaking process in the prehistoric era, inside the Stonehenge Film Company. It seems some things haven't changed much. The process begins with the writer dropping off his script, which the director immediately chops to bits (feeding many of them to his goat). After engaging a cast, he then proceeds to film, using a dinosaur as a camera crane. The censors then have their way with the film (more fodder for the goat). The author finally gets to see his work, but he hardly recognizes it and vents his wrath on the director.02013.01.06: from Treasures From the American Film Archives Program 1
- DirectorWilliam K.L. DicksonStarsCharles KayserJohn OttThree men hammer on an anvil and pass a bottle of beer around.02013.01.06: from Treasures From the American Film Archives Program 1
This film is on the National Film Registry. - DirectorEdwin S. PorterStarsEdward BouldenA woman being fitted for shoes exposes her ankle to the shoe clerk, who is intrigued. He kisses her, but her chaperone hits him with her umbrella.02013.01.06: from Treasures From the American Film Archives Program 1
- DirectorWallace McCutcheonEdwin S. PorterStarsDeyoImages of a rose, a young woman, and the American flag.02013.01.06: from Treasures From the American Film Archives Program 1
- DirectorJ. Stuart BlacktonStarsPaul PanzerGladys HuletteA drowsy pipe-smoker attempts to nap, only to be tormented relentlessly by the mischievous Princess Nicotine and her fairy companion.02013.01.06: from Treasures From the American Film Archives Program 1
This film is on the National Film Registry. - DirectorKenean BuelStarsGuy CoombsAnna Q. NilssonHal ClementsLieutenant Yancey's southern sweetheart, Rose, is jealous of Elinor, a northern girl, who is visiting her aunt Mary de Lane. This jealousy is excited by an invitation which Yancey receives from Mary to call and meet her niece. Yancey visits the de Lane home, and while walking along the river with Elinor, he shows her where the Confederate Ironclad is being constructed. Elinor, having strong Union sympathies, reveals the location of the Ironclad to the commander of the Federal gunboats. An attack is made on the Ironclad and Yancey rides to give warning. The Confederates are temporarily helpless as their power is exhausted. Yancey, knowing that a supply of ammunition is loaded on a train in another location, prepares to bring the needed powder to his compatriots. As the train is about to leave, a Federal scouting party rides up and opens fire. Rose and Yancey jump on the engine and make a wild dash to escape with the powder. Elinor, from a distance, sees the fight and sets fire to the bridge over which the train must pass. While riding over the bridge the last car catches fire. Yancey, who has been wounded, is left in the engine cab while Rose crawls over the loaded train and succeeds in cutting off the end car just in time to escape the explosion. The powder is delivered to the Ironclad in the nick of time, and a fierce battle wages between the Confederate vessel and the Union gunboats.02013.01.06: from Treasures From the American Film Archives Program 1
- DirectorJames Sibley WatsonMelville WebberStarsHerbert SternHildegarde WatsonMelville WebberAn avant-garde take on Poe's classic story of a traveller taking shelter at a household under a mysterious curse.02013.01.06: from Treasures From the American Film Archives Program 1
- DirectorPaul AlmondStarsDouglas KeayBruce BaldenJacqueline BassettIn this the first installment, we get a chance to meet some of the individuals who took on the responsibility of the 7 Up project, 21-years-ago - Tony, Bruce, Suzi, Nick and Peter.02013.01.06: Revisiting the whole Up Series. Starting the review with the first: 7 Up.
- DirectorMichael AptedStarsBruce BaldenJacqueline BassettSymon BasterfieldDirector Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born children after a seven-year wait. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.02013.01.06: Revisiting the whole Up Series.
- DirectorMichael AptedStarsBruce BaldenJacqueline BassettSymon BasterfieldDirector Michael Apted interviews the same group of British-born adults after a seven-year wait as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.02013.01.06: Revisiting the whole Up Series.
- StarsKevin CostnerBill PaxtonMatt BarrDramatization of the bitter blood feud between the two families on the West Virginia/Kentucky border in the years after the Civil War.02013.01.06 Part 3 this evening. Saw Parts 1 & 2 months back.
- DirectorMichael AptedStarsBruce BaldenJacqueline BassettSymon BasterfieldThis eye-opening episode uncovers human nature and the desire to survive and succeed in all its heart-breaking glory.02013.01.06: Revisiting the whole Up Series. 28 Up has a more expansive presentation... and delves in a more focused way into the lives of each of the participants.
- DirectorMichael AptedStarsBruce BaldenJacqueline BassettSymon BasterfieldDirector Michael Apted interviews the same group of British-born adults after a seven-year wait as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.02013.01.07: Continuing to relish this amazing series.
- DirectorErnst LubitschStarsMaurice ChevalierJeanette MacDonaldEdward Everett HortonWhen a small kingdom's main taxpayer leaves for Paris, its king dispatches a dashing count to win back her allegiance.02013.01.08: Delightful. Funny. Inventive. Ernst Lubitsch!
- DirectorJames BobinStarsAmy AdamsJason SegelChris CooperA Muppet fanatic with some help from his 2 human compatriots must regroup the Muppet gang to stop an avaricious oil mogul from taking down one of their precious life-longing treasures.02013.01.09: Enjoyable frothy musical film with a meta edge to it. Watched at the urging of friends. Good way to start today... as I lounged in bed delaying the start of work.
- StarsC. Harold CaulfieldTo encourage voters to approve a bond issue, the city commissioner of schools talks about some of the typical problems that students face.02013.01.09: From Treasures From American Film Archives Program 1.
- DirectorMaurice SchwartzStarsMaurice SchwartzMiriam RiselleRebecca WeintraubThe original, non-musical film version of the book which inspired "Fiddler on the Roof".02013.01.09: From Treasures From American Film Archives Program 1. On the National Film Registry. This film is the inspiration for The Fiddler on the Roof. Just watched a 17 minute sequence. That's all that I have access to.
- DirectorEsther DowidatRaymond DowidatStars'Old Man' GuettlerHans GuettlerBill GuettlerStructures, people and events are documented in Cologne, Minnesota, USA in 1939.02013.01.09: Delightful amateur documentary by Raymond and Esther Dowidat that is included on the National Film Registry. Lovely look at smalltown life. My favorite intertitle: "In Cologne everybody drinks beer." From Treasures From American Film Archives Program 1.
- DirectorScott BartlettAn experimental film consisting of rapidly changing, heavily modified images.02013.01.09: Exhilarated by this Experimental film... from Treasures From American Film Archives Program 1. On the National Film Registry.
- DirectorRon FrickeStarsBalinese Tari Legong DancersNi Made Megahadi PratiwiPuti Sri Candra DewiFilmed over nearly five years in twenty-five countries on five continents, and shot on seventy-millimetre film, Samsara transports us to the varied worlds of sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes, and natural wonders.02013.01.09: Netflix DVD.
- DirectorMiguel GomesStarsTelmo ChurroMiguel GomesHortêncílio AquinaA restless retired woman teams up with her deceased neighbor's maid to seek out a man who has a secret connection to her past life as a farm owner at the foothill of Mount Tabu in Africa.02013.01.10: Saw this intriguing film at Indiana University Cinema.
- DirectorFrank TashlinStarsTony RandallJayne MansfieldBetsy DrakeTo save his career, a writer for television advertising wants a famous actress to endorse a lipstick. In return, he has to pretend to be her new lover.02013.01.11: On the National Film Registry. I enjoyed the cinematography.
- DirectorKathryn BigelowStarsJessica ChastainJoel EdgertonChris PrattA chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L.s Team 6 in May 2011.02013.01.12: This afternoon we went to see Kathryn Bigelow's film at the AMC Bloomington 11. It felt to me like it was a handful of films smashed together.
- StarsIrving KaufmanLew WhiteA sing-along short with Irving Kaufman singing, Lew White at the organ, lyrics displayed for the viewing audience, and film clips illustrating the songs. "I Love a Parade" includes a montage of military marchers; "Baby Parade" is music and montage without Kaufman's singing although lyrics are superimposed on the screen images of children passing by. Then, it's on to "Presidents on Parade," featuring Washington, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Wilson, Coolidge, and FDR. Kaufman adds narration to bridge each piece.02013.01.12: From Unseen Cinema: The Mechanized Eye.
- StarsWinston MillerThomas Bailey Aldrich's poem is dramatized in triptych. In the center panel, a young man muses on the seashore where mermaids beckon, then he walks through the woods, accompanied by Titania's fairy brood. He's then shown as a grown man, walking a city street where temptation and dissolution teem. Those images from his youth keep him away from sin. Then, alone in a bed sit, we see him old, with a bottle, despair, and fading memories. The fairies try a last visit. The words of Aldrich's poem appear above and below the triptych.02013.01.12: From Unseen Cinema: The Mechanized Eye.
- Collection of 21 American short silent films. The films were taken from April 18, 1904 to May 16, 1904 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and document various Westinghouse manufacturing plants.02013.01.12: From Unseen Cinema: The Mechanized Eye.
- DirectorJames H. WhiteA panoramic shot, making a full circle, at the 1900 Paris Exposition. It begins and ends looking at the front of the Palace of Electricity. As it pans, first we see a workman hosing down the promenade. Men and women walk past, all wearing hats. We see the base of the Eiffel Tower, which the Palace faces. A couple strolls. A mother and daughter walk passed, father is slightly ahead wearing a boater. Three men in uniform walk toward the camera as it comes to a stop facing the Palace.02013.01.12: From Unseen Cinema: The Mechanized Eye.
- Here we show Captain N. P. Nissen, formerly known as Captain Bowser, making a trip through the Whirlpool Rapids in his famous twenty-four foot craft known as the "Fool Killer." Captain Bowser is shown embarking in his boat at Niagara Falls, Ontario. After he carefully embarks, the "Fool Killer" is taken in tow by a rowboat and towed out into the stream. Here the captain is seen to go below the whaleback deck and close the hatch. Then the trip through the Rapids begins. One of our cameras, which was operated by a second photographer, was in waiting on a trolley car, and the progress of the "Fool Killer" is followed on its entire trip through the mad waters, and a most realistic picture was secured which absolutely defies description. The boat is seen to pitch, rock and plunge as it is carried at the will of the current in this most erratic of streams, and we secured an absolute picture of a feat that has been heretofore declared impossible to accomplish. This strip is of the highest value from a dramatic, artistic and historical standpoint.02013.01.12: From Unseen Cinema: The Mechanized Eye.
- DirectorFrederick S. ArmitageA.E. WeedFilm taken from a boat heading down the Hudson is shown at varying speeds, often giving a sense of rapid transit. We see empty hills sweeping by, then a steamboat passes. A few houses appear in woods along the river's bank. The camera goes around a curve in the river; a train track is visible at the water's edge. The occasional sign of industrialization appears, then a working rail yard. Around another bend are more steamboats, a three-masted sailboat, and barges. In the distance, a train heads south. After awhile, we reach a city.02013.01.12: From Unseen Cinema: The Mechanized Eye.
- DirectorJerome HillIn a European seaside village, a maiden takes clean sheets down from the clothesline. Carrying her basket of linens home, she stops to consult a fortune teller, whose been napping the the sun. The cartomancienne sees love in the cards. The young woman pauses to reflect. We then see water, swirling, and into view swims a man, as if just appearing on earth. He arrives on shore - is he just in her mind's eye, or is he real? She weaves a garland of for her hair. Will they meet?02013.01.13: From Unseen Cinema: The Mechanized Eye. Beautiful film....
- DirectorF.W. MurnauStarsAnne ChevalierMatahiHituOn the South Pacific island of Bora Bora, a young couple's love is threatened when the tribal chief declares the girl a sacred virgin.02013.01.13: Netflix DVD. This film is on the National Film Registry. The 2012 film Tabu references this 1931 film in a number of ways - most obviously in the division into 2 identically named segments. Also in the illicit love affair, etc.
- DirectorGuy RitchieStarsRobert Downey Jr.Jude LawJared HarrisDetective Sherlock Holmes is on the trail of criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty, who is carrying out a string of random crimes across Europe.02013.01.13 - 02013.01.14: In this film, which I saw for the first time just now tivoed from DirecTV, and in the original, which we saw in the theatre, I think what I'm most drawn to is the calculated previsualizations of impending hand to hand combat. That interests me not only in the way it is filmed, but as an exploration of how Holmes' mind functions in a form of precise overdrive. I'm a big Sherlock Holmes fan. And I like Downey, Jr. and Law, but somehow this series seems to lack the core of what has always drawn me to Holmes... and doesn't sufficiently replace it with something equally compelling. If they make another, I will probably eventually watch it out of the corner of my eye on TV as I did this one.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsSterling HaydenLouis CalhernJean HagenA major heist goes off as planned, but then double crosses, bad luck and solid police work cause everything to unravel.02013.01.14: My sweetie and I watched this film tonight.... continuing my process of watching as many films on the National Film Registry as possible. Tivoed from TCM. First time I've seen this delightful John Huston film noir. Great stuff. We loved it.
- DirectorHenwar RodakiewiczWithout sound, in three movements. Title cards declare that what a person likes and his manner of liking them reveals character. There are long looks at forms and rhythms. The film begins and ends with the sea: the tide coming in, small breakers running up on a beach. In the first movement, rocks appear, light and dark play on water. From time to time, machines turn. The light makes dappled patterns. In the second movement, a leafy tree branch gives way to water then shots of the sky and clouds. The third movement returns to the shore, with long takes looking out far, past the beach to outcroppings under the horizon. Small breakers interrupt the patterns of light on water.02013.01.14: What an amazing film! I was exhilarated. "Without sound, in three movements." IMDB lists this as a documentary, but I experience it as an intuitive, raw, dynamic art piece.
- DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsChris PineZachary QuintoSimon PeggThe brash James T. Kirk tries to live up to his father's legacy with Mr. Spock keeping him in check as a vengeful Romulan from the future creates black holes to destroy the Federation one planet at a time.02013.01.15: Own this one. Felt like watching it again last night as a soothing tonic after starting to watch Damsels in Distress and finding it not up my alley. I enjoy what Abrahms did with this Star Trek reboot. Looking forward to Star Trek In Darkness this summer.
- DirectorGeorge S. FlemingEdwin S. PorterStarsJames H. WhiteThomas WhitePorter's sequential continuity editing links several shots to form a narrative of the famous fairy tale story of Jack and his magic beanstalk. Borrowing on cinematographic methods reminiscent of 'Georges Melies', Porter uses animation, double exposure, and trick photography to illustrate the fairy's apparitions, Jack's dream, and the fast growing beanstalk.02013.01.16: Short from Unseen Cinema: The Devil's Plaything: American Surrealism.
- DirectorGary RossStarsJennifer LawrenceJosh HutchersonLiam HemsworthKatniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games: a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death.02013.01.16: Netflix DVD. Watched this one out of curiosity.
- DirectorStanley TucciStarsQueen AfuaWill AllenChristopher BarnesSoul food's relevance to black cultural identity.02013.01.16: tivoed from PBS Independent Lens.
- DirectorStephen ChboskyStarsLogan LermanEmma WatsonEzra MillerCharlie, a 15-year-old introvert, enters high school and is nervous about his new life. When he befriends his seniors, he learns to cope with his friend's suicide and his tumultuous past.02013.01.17: watching my Film Independent screener!
- DirectorKat CandlerStarsJonny MarsHeather KafkaAddisyn StevensonWhen a teen murders his math teacher in the name of a black metal band, the mid 30s lead singer will have to re-evaluate the two things he loves most, his music and his family. Black Metal, a dark drama, follows Ian, a husband, father and musician struggling with the guilt and blame of a tragic and senseless murder.02013.01.18: watched this short film in the Screening Room on YouTube. This film is in the the U.S. Narrative Short Films category at Sundance Film Festival 2013.
- DirectorTerry GilliamStarsSean ConneryShelley DuvallJohn CleeseA young boy accidentally joins a band of time travelling dwarves, as they jump from era to era looking for treasure to steal.02013.01.18: We had fun revisiting Time Bandits at Indiana University Cinema. We particularly enjoyed watching it with an eye on the inventiveness of the costumes - following Costume Designer James Acheson's visit yesterday. So many great little touches. One of my favorites has always been the way Evil's minions have plastic covers - just like the furniture Kevin's parents sit on in the opening sequences of the film.
- 2011–6.7 (10)TV EpisodeDirectorRobert TrachtenbergStarsDon BurgessRobert Zemeckis02013.01.19: Thanks, TCM, for airing this series. Tech talk.
- DirectorGoran DukicStarsAzazel JacobsDiaz JacobsA most unusual love story unravels when the objects in a young man's pockets come to life.02013.01.19: Watched this fun little short - part of 2013 Sundance Film Festival Shorts - on YouTube.
- DirectorTarsem SinghStarsLily CollinsJulia RobertsArmie HammerAn evil queen steals control of a kingdom and an exiled princess enlists the help of seven resourceful rebels to win back her birthright.02013.01.19: The costumes in this film ARE inventive. And, although the film is not a success, I did find it enjoyable.
- DirectorRoko BelicStarsMarci ShimoffEd DienerRichard DavidsonHappy takes us on a journey from the swamps of Louisiana to the slums of Kolkata in search of what really makes people happy.02013.01.20: Streaming on Netflix. Maximize Gross National Happiness.
- DirectorRuben FleischerStarsSean PennRyan GoslingEmma StoneIt's 1949 Los Angeles, the city is run by gangsters and a malicious mobster, Mickey Cohen. Determined to end the corruption, John O'Mara assembles a team of cops, ready to take down the ruthless leader and restore peace to the city.02013.01.21: This film is a confused mess. It suffers from gratuitous violence, a muddled plot, perfunctory direction, inelegant cinematography, and actors who - for the most part - appeared to be wasting their time and talents. I laughed a lot - though not in ways I imagine the production team would appreciate.
- DirectorTony DonoghueAn animated documentary about repair and recycling in an Irish village.02013.01.21: Love this beautiful stop animated short...
- DirectorDavid FranceStarsPeter StaleyLarry KramerIris LongThe story of two coalitions -- ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group) -- whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition.02013.01.21: Streamed on Netflix.
- DirectorJeff Orlowski-YangStarsJames BalogSvavar JónatanssonLouie PsihoyosFollow National Geographic photographer James Balog across the Arctic as he deploys time-lapse cameras designed for one purpose: to capture a multi-year record of the world's changing glaciers.02013.01.22: We went to IU Cinema and saw this on the big screen. The visual images are intense.
- DirectorPeter LordJeff NewittStarsHugh GrantSalma HayekJeremy PivenPirate Captain sets out on a mission to defeat his rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz for the Pirate of the year Award. The quest takes Captain and his crew from the shores of Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London.02013.01.22: I'm getting a real kick out of this animated pirate story, which has been nominated for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year.
- DirectorMinkyu LeeStarsAlexander JashoAdam, and a dog, in the Garden of Eden.02013.01.23: Enjoyed watching this Oscar Animated Short film on Vimeo. Thanks to Roger Ebert for sharing the password protected link.
- DirectorJohn KahrsStarsJohn KahrsKari WahlgrenJack GoldenbergAn office worker meets the girl of his dreams and uses a fleet of paper airplanes to get her attention.02013.01.23: Enjoyed watching this Oscar Animated Short film on Vimeo. Thanks to Roger Ebert for sharing the password protected link.
- DirectorPESTransforming familiar objects into fresh guacamole.02013.01.23: Watched this Oscar Animated Short film on Vimeo. Thanks to Roger Ebert for sharing the password protected link.
- DirectorTimothy ReckartStarsNigel AnthonyRayyah McCaulWalter and Madge have grown apart: he lives on the floor and she lives on the ceiling. When Walter tries to reignite their old romance, the couple must face their equilibrium.02013.01.23: Watched this Oscar Animated Short film on Vimeo. Thanks to Roger Ebert for sharing the password protected link.
- DirectorNicholas JareckiStarsRichard GereSusan SarandonBrit MarlingA troubled hedge fund magnate desperate to complete the sale of his trading empire makes an error that forces him to turn to an unlikely person for help.02013.01.23: Watched Netflix DVD. The film suffers from too many focuses and I ultimately didn't care about Gere's character, but Tim Roth is always a joy to watch and I genuinely did wonder how it was going to work out.
- DirectorDavid O. RussellStarsBradley CooperJennifer LawrenceRobert De NiroAfter a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.02013.01.23: Saw this film in the theatre last month. Loved it. Watching it again tonight thanks to the Independent Spirit Awards screener. Love it even more this time. Love being able to really appreciate the way the script is constructed.
- DirectorRichard LinklaterStarsJack BlackShirley MacLaineMatthew McConaugheyIn small-town Texas, an affable mortician strikes up a friendship with a wealthy widow, though when she starts to become controlling, he goes to great lengths to separate himself from her grasp.02013.01.24: I found Bernie initially engaging, but my interest flagged once we were into the center of the film. The story lacked dimensionality. Not enough complexity. It was just taking us through to the inevitable conclusion.
I appreciate receiving a screener for this film. It's helping me determine how I want to vote in the Independent Spirit Awards. - DirectorJ. Stuart BlacktonStarsPaul PanzerA one-armed man obtains an artificial limb which he cannot control.02013.01.25: from Unseen Cinema: The Devil's Plaything: American Surrealism.
- DirectorG.W. BitzerFour prisoners, in convicts' stripes, march backwards down stairs and, under the watchful eyes of guards, hop backwards into their cells. Later, one overpowers a guard and springs his three pals. But, will they be able to pull off an escape? Other guards come to the aid of their fallen comrade before all four felons can flee. Guards and convicts spring forward and backward out of cells, up and down stairs, and into and out of freedom.02013.01.25: from Unseen Cinema: The Devil's Plaything: American Surrealism.
- DirectorVictor FlemingStarsDouglas FairbanksAlbert MacQuarrieKathleen CliffordPsychiatrist Dr. Ulrich Metz attempts to drive Daniel Brown to suicide.02013.01.25: from Unseen Cinema: The Devil's Plaything: American Surrealism. Great nightmare imagery.
- DirectorJean EpsteinStarsJean DebucourtMarguerite GanceCharles LamyAllan visits the sinister Usher family mansion, where his friend Roderick is painting a portrait of his sickly wife Madeline. The portrait seems to be draining the life out of Madeline, slowly leading to her death.02013.01.25: from Unseen Cinema: The Devil's Plaything: American Surrealism. On the National Film Registry.
- DirectorRobert FloreySlavko VorkapichStarsJules RaucourtVoya GeorgeRobert FloreyA wannabe movie star experiences the surreal horrors of dehumanization at the bottom of Hollywood's social ladder as his hopes for success vanish and his identity is reduced to a number.02013.01.25: from Unseen Cinema: The Devil's Plaything: American Surrealism. On the National Film Registry. Loved this expressionistic exploration of Hollywood extras in the 20s.
- DirectorJonathan DaytonValerie FarisStarsPaul DanoZoe KazanAnnette BeningA novelist struggling with writer's block finds romance in a most unusual way: by creating a female character he thinks will love him, then willing her into existence.02013.01.25: I found this film satisfying. I like meta stories about writing and creativity ... and about the necessity to love freely.
- DirectorIra SachsStarsThure LindhardtZachary BoothJulianne NicholsonIn Manhattan, film-maker Erik bonds with closeted lawyer Paul after a fling. As their relationship becomes one fueled by highs, lows, and dysfunctional patterns, Erik struggles to negotiate his own boundaries while being true to himself.02013.01.25: This film is ultimately too long and too self-indulgent. That's what I'm coming away from this experience with. I never invested in the primary relationship... so all the hoopla didn't seem worth it.
- DirectorTanya WexlerStarsMaggie GyllenhaalHugh DancyJonathan PryceThe truth of how Mortimer Granville devised the invention of the first vibrator in the name of medical science.02013.01.25: Revisiting this funny film, which I first saw at IU Cinema last summer.
- DirectorGeorge HarrisonJohn LennonPaul McCartneyStarsJohn LennonPaul McCartneyGeorge HarrisonThe Beatles charter a special bus for a surreal mystery tour.02013.01.25: Enjoying revisiting Magical Mystery Tour. Nicely restored version.
- DirectorKirby DickStarsAmy ZieringKirby DickKori CiocaAn investigative documentary about the epidemic of rape of soldiers within the US military.02013.01.26: This documentary is powerful.
- DirectorLiza JohnsonStarsLinda CardelliniMichael ShannonJohn SlatteryA soldier returns to her family, friends, and old job after a tour of duty, though she finds herself struggling to find her place in her everyday life.02013.01.26: watched the Independent Spirit Awards screener for this film. I found the film compelling.
- DirectorVictor FlemingStarsSpencer TracyFreddie BartholomewLionel BarrymoreA spoiled brat who falls overboard from a steamship in the 1920s gets picked up by a New England fishing boat, where he's made to earn his keep by joining the crew in their work.02013.01.26: We watched Captains Courageous tonight. I remember first seeing this film at the St. Louis Art Museum on their Friday night classic film series... when I was in high school. Loved seeing it again. Thanks, TCM.
- DirectorDavid AyerStarsJake GyllenhaalMichael PeñaAnna KendrickShot documentary-style, this film follows the daily grind of two young police officers in LA who are partners and friends and what happens when they meet criminal forces greater than themselves.02013.01.26: Loved the cinematographic lens flaring, psychedelic textures. I was taken aback a bit by the film as a whole. Had read reviews indicating this was a film that depicted life of everyday cops, but it felt more like a video game coming to life.
- DirectorColin TrevorrowStarsAubrey PlazaMark DuplassJake JohnsonThree magazine employees head out on an assignment to interview a guy who placed a classified advertisement seeking a companion for time travel.02013.01.27: Netflix DVD. This is a funny film. Quirky and not entirely successful in its storytelling, but I enjoyed the experience.
- DirectorMaurice TourneurStarsMary PickfordMadlaine TraverseCharles WellesleyThe wealthy but selfish parents of a lonely young girl begin to rethink what is important to them after a servant's irresponsibility results in a crisis.02013.01.27: Borrowed the DVD from Monroe County Public Library. Funny and engaging early Hollywood film feature starring Mary Pickford. Frances Marion wrote the script. Particularly loved the dream sequences. This film is on the National Film Registry.
- DirectorClayton BrownMonica Long Ross"The Believers" follows how two scientists have coped with ruined reputations after announcing the discovery of 'cold fusion' in 1989, even as a community of believers continues to search for evidence of its truth.02013.01.28: Monica Long Ross and Clayton Brown of 137 Films were present tonight at Indiana University Cinema to share their documentary film The Believers and talk about it afterwards. Engaging look at the Cold Fusion controversy. Keep an eye out for it. Looks like it may be streaming online soon or coming to a local theater!
- DirectorThor HeyerdahlStarsThor HeyerdahlHerman WatzingerErik HesselbergA documentary about the Kon-Tiki expedition of the Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl.02013.01.29: Streaming from Amazon Instant Video. It's been a LONG time since I've seen this documentary. I'm looking forward to the chance to see the new Kon-Tiki feature film... when it is available.
- DirectorKahlil JosephStarsSolomon GibbsStoryboard P.Flying Lotus02013.01.29: A short film by Kahlil Joseph featuring music from the Flying Lotus album.
- DirectorRoss FinkelTrevor MartinJon PaleyStarsJean Carlos BatistaMiguel Angel SanoJohn LeguizamoTwo top baseball prospects in the Dominican Republic face fierce competition and corruption as they chase their big league dreams.02013.01.30: John Leguizamo narrates this challenging story about the politics and pressures of baseball in the Dominican Republic.
- DirectorLouis LeterrierCorey YuenStarsJason StathamShu QiMatt SchulzeFrank Martin, who "transports" packages for unknown clients, is asked to move a package that soon begins moving, and complications arise.02013.01.31: we watched this film - partially with sound off - aware that no dialogue is needed to follow the action.... and not needing the sound effects to punctuate and heighten the stream of explosions, fights, etc. Goofy film. We were SUPER impressed with the way Qi Shu's lipstick stayed almost flawless despite the duck tape over her mouth, and other situations that might have explained a bit of roughing up around the edges if realism were called for ... which clearly it was not.