Movie & Event Reviews
By
David Vine
SOUTHERN CIRCUIT SERIES
South Arts sponsors a series of presentations at various locations throughout the Southern States. The Southern Circuit is an annual program involving several filmmakers including those who work in the documentary genre. One very notable movie was the documentary "Girl Model." I especially liked the intimate portraits of the two main characters and enjoyed watching their interactions with each other and in other situations. The documentary reveals at the end something that might be criminal activity if it occurred in the U.S.
Netflix Movie Reviews
By David Vine
A very coherent look at the maturation of a kid with a camera in over his head. He was short on experience but long on guts and dumb luck. He stayed alive and progressed. Although I started my career as a photojournalist I never had an urge to cover conflict. 40 years later I now pursue documentary and cine verite work so I was very interested in this movie. I think it accurately portrays the real horror of war -- the death and destruction. Shooting Robert King also provides a very insightful, 15 year retrospective of King's career. I liked the way the story jumped back and forth through time. A little confusing but overall very effective. I would recommend this film highly, especially if you have a strong interest or possibly involvement in the craft of journalism. 2/12/13
Don't bother watching this unless you like violent experimental film. I seldom come to the conclusion that a film or video is without redeeming quality but seldom has arrived with this title. This black and white film made to look like a very early movie has hard to follow subtitles and really crummy cinematography masquerading as an "Art Film."12/17/12
This is more than entertainment. It was a warning, an early warning at that. "The Conversation" addresses the morals and ethics surrounding spying, specifically electronic eavesdropping. Prior to the revelation of Nixon's Watergate Tapes and the infamous 17 minute gap, we didn't pay too much attention to electronic eavesdropping. This movie was a wake-up call. Personally, I enjoyed it when I first saw it not to long after it was released but hey, I'm a techie, then and now. Many years later I can better appreciate the emotions felt by Harry whose business assignment, if successfully completed, might lead to the death of two people. It was, in my opinion, the first real look at electronic surveillance and its potential impact on people's lives. There have been many other movies on this general theme over the years, not the least of which are Nineteen Eighty Four, Enemy of the State and The Matrix. These later warnings of oppressive surveillance by "The Government" have informed us and stimulated debate on the issue. 12/5/12
If there's a technology available to boost sales, mega corporations spending multi-billion dollar ad budgets will use that technology. No doubt in my mind. The USG uses OVERT techniques. Just watch the film and decide for yourself. This documentary is a masterful piece that makes a strong case, maybe even proves, that corporations, government and other organizations with lots at stake will use subliminal messaging to get what they want from everyone. If you didn't read my review of “The Conversation” please take a second look. 11/24/12
This is a very well executed documentary. It lays out the problem provides support for the assertion then presents A solution. Great interviews, photography, editing, sound, graphics etc. A professional production. The editorial content is clearly presented and, like most documentaries these days, provides basically one side of the argument. It it were a "news" piece theoretically it would equally present both sides or all aspects of the problem/solution. We don't get real news anymore so we're left to our own devices to evaluate and utilize the information presented.
I believe I have the credentials and experience to say that this documentary is not purely an infomercial. Certainly, the experts are in the field of gold trading but they are people like you and me however the facts are concluclusive. The best recommendation is to watch the movie, apply your own common sense evaluation, then decide what to do based on the information you have received. DV PS - Note I used a capital A in the first sentence where it might seem inappropriate.
Outside of the actual review I'd like to point out that owning gold is not the only step to take. The whole notion of self-reliance is critically important. Start dealing with local merchants, pay in cash, buy food directly from farmers at your local farmers market. Get to know your neighbors. Stockpile some food and water to get you through a month or two or three of hard times that can occur at any time for a variety of reasons. Thinks solar power and electric vehicles. I've driven a Prius going on six years. Buy a bicycle and ride it from time to time. Maintain your health and mental well being. There are lots of very practical things you can do to prepare for all types of hard times. 11/2/12
Page One: Inside the New York Times
This is a great documentary that artfully portrays the dilemma of print journalism in a very dramatic and entertaining way. It is a confusing time for them but it's pretty clear that the traditional newspaper publishing model will no longer work. The NYT is one of our country's flagship newspapers. I am a political conservative and I consider the NYT to, at times, clearly demonstrate it's liberal bias. None-the-less, they play a critical role in bringing forward critically important information that informed citizens need to have to be functional in our Constitutional Republic. Toward the end of the documentary it suddenly occurred to me in the form of a question... Who stands to gain from the demise of powerful journalism? At the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theory nut, let me posit that "those at the top" would love to tell lies and manipulate at will without fear of exposure. If we had to live amid a cacophony of rumors, opinions and speculation, that is without powerful journalism, we would be vulnerable to deception and manipulation from the highest levels of industry, government, military and the judiciary. Let's hope we don't have to live in that world. I don't have an answer but let's hope there's one out there so there is someone, bolstered by a powerful organization, that can speak truth to power. In that regard, "Page One" is a very enlightening movie.5/28/12
Superb blending of in-depth portraiture, street scenes, stories, music and detail. I've thoroughly enjoyed and have become immersed in the work of Agnes Varda. As a former photojournalist I appreciate the Henri Cartier Bresson style. This film brings to mind images of his work. However, the static subjects sometimes shown in this moving picture provide a somewhat surreal view of life on her street. I think it reflects the timelessness of that environment and certainly the pace of life there. Some of my still photography now focuses on often-overlooked details in common settings so I felt a strong connection with this work. Varda has created a time capsule that captures a slice of urban life in 1975 Paris. I did not hesitate to give it five stars. 5/9/12
This is an inspiring movie and personally moved me. She was and through the writings she has left with us, is "the" spokesperson for individual freedom. This woman who would not have been heard in Communist Russia abandoned her homeland for America. Her words are of growing importance in today's American society that increasingly exerts influence and control over the sovereignty of the individual as set forth by our Founding Fathers. Watch the movies about her or those she helped to create and you will be treated to a magnificent learning experience.4/11/12
I agree that this movie is cerebral and perhaps understated. Agnes Varda is an outstanding artist and movie-maker. In Cinevardaphoto she juxtaposed three very different movies. She is an equally talented photographer and that may be the basis for this film. The first distinct element of the movie is about a collector of art Ydessa (Dr. Ydessa Hendeles, daughter of a Holocaust survivor) who seems to be extremely wealthy and very well connected. She has amassed an astounding collection on her own. In Cinevardaphoto we explore Yedessa's unprecedented collection of photos of people posing with a Teddy Bear somewhere in the photograph. While Ydessa is a unique part of the compilation of the three films I felt cheated by the lack of background about the woman. I wanted to know more and I and I found some of it via basic Internet research. Should it have been part of the movie?
The middle part of Cinevardaphoto is a reflective movie about Agnes Varda's reflections on the subject(s) of one of her own photographs. This piece also captures the reactions of people directly and indirectly related to the photo as well as some scenes of childrens reactions to the photo, taken many years before the making of this movie.
The third and final piece is a movie made from still photos of Cuba. It celebrates the Revolution and the daily life and art of Cubans. I find this element of the entire movie to be a bit unsettling. It moves into the realm of political statement (supporting and celebrating the Communists) which, in my mind, doesn't really belong in a movie like this. Overall, Agnes Varda has found a place on my list of documentarians who I will explore further. Cinevardaphoto (Cine - Varda - Photo) is unique and very much worth watching. 12/13/11
This is a noteworthy but quirky documentary. The format of the piece may overshadow the editorial content for some. There is a very quick and staccato pace in the form of typewriter sound effects and some related graphics that is a bit overwhelming at times. The subject is the father of a family in Brooklyn, NY who spends 11 months of the year primarily in Japan for most of his daughter's formative years. Members of his family resented his absence yet it seems almost justified by the father's role in Japan's formative post-WWII era. Alan Berliner, producer, director et al of "Intimate Stranger" must have enormous love and respect for his mother (Joseph Cassuto's daughter) to have undertaken this production. It is a very large collection of, interviews, narration of correspondence, still photographs, old film and other artifacts. This was a seemingly enormous task and it came together well. One comes away from watching this feeling that Joseph Cassuto was a special man but a man who may have been slightly flawed psychologically. It is informative, somewhat entertaining but a very good example of Berliner''s unique documentary style. 11/27/11
The week of October 3rd, 2011 was full of interesting film/video events in my area. I live in Aiken, SC. Augusta, GA (home of Augusta National Golf) is about 25 minutes west of us while the capitol of SC, Columbia, is about an hour east.
During that week there were three very noteworthy events that I'll briefly summarize here and provide links to background information and my photos of the events. The first two were part of Westobou 2011, an arts and culture week held in Augusta.
On October 3rd "The Art of Film Editing: An Evening with Katie McQuerry" was held at Augusta State University. You can listen to her talk here and see photos of her here. She had me glued to my seat as she showed clips (my favorites were scenes from "No Country For Old Men") and provided rich, in-depth commentary about the technical aspects of them.
October 5 was the date of "The Life and Works of Words of Horton Foote," a presentation by author Dr. Gerald Wood. The seminar presented by Wood provided much detail in words and pictures about the noted screenwriter. This event was held at the Augusta-Richmond County Library in Augusta.
Finally, on Friday of that week "Input 2011 -- International Public TV screenings with their producers, How to get funding for your project from public television" was held at the SC Educational Television headquarters in Columbia. The all-day event was co-sponsored by the SC Film Commission and it provided tremendous insight into the range of programming acquired by Public Television. Here are some photos of the event.
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www.lostinba.com
A mockumentary staring Michael Solton
His visit to this exotic destination is a merry-go-round of pleasures including dining, dancing, nightlife, etc. He seems to loose touch with home and his modest financial fortune (at least enough to fund his lifestyle). When the financial markets take a nose dive his money suddenly dries up. He reacts with despair, drinking and he becomes a street person. His redemption is surprising and if I gave you any more detail I would spoil the story for you.
This 70 minute feature blends fact and fiction in a very seamless manner. It presents an engaging story. The cinematography is first-rate and the acting is very believable. In fact, I'm still not sure if it's a true story. It is well organized with distinct beginning, middle and end.
Carlos Asseph is the Buenos Aires born writer, director and editor of the movie. Brother Leonardo is the director of photography and cameraman. Carlos explains the "Doc-Fic" technique saying, "We take a documentary point of view telling a story based on a particular person who evolved into the main lead in a constant passage from living to acting and from documentary to fiction."
I believe the documentary genre is sacred territory for the portrayal of facts with a point of view. I don't even like recreation of scenes because it can confuse and perhaps mislead the viewer. Lost is not a documentary. It is seemingly (mostly, entirely?) unscripted and produced on a low budget. The strength of the movie comes from the story itself and character portrayal. It's a very good feature movie and I'd enjoy watching it again.
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ABEL RAISES CAIN
www.abelraisescain.com
A documentary about ALAN ABEL by Jenny Abel and Jeff Hockett
I wanted to go primarily because it was a documentary AND the producer/director (Jenny Abel) was to be present for a talk afterward.
I was captivated by the movie and could identify with it because I was involved with print and broadcast media during the late 1960s through early 1980s.
Alan Abel pulled some spectacular stunts (AKA Hoaxes) and fooled some of the biggest names in television, radio and print journalism (including Walter Cronkite).
Even after he was found out he could usually repeat the same hoax elsewhere.
He captured national attention using sometimes very elaborate charades. You'll have to buy the DVD and watch the movie to get more specifics.
During the talk at The Morris, Jenny explained that the passion that drove the making of this movie was her desire to capture and recount his story. However, I feel this movie is very complex. I can discern at least these story lines or themes:
- On the surface this is a high-quality entertaining documentary that tells the story of the world's greatest hoaxster - Alan Abel. Jenny's narration and the soundtrack play a major role in making this a great movie.
- It is story about a child (Jenny Abel) growing up in this unique and unpredictable (possibly even tumultuous) environment with one-of-a-kind parents.
- The movie provides a great retrospective of popular media (mostly television) during the 1960s through the 1990s.
- It scrutinizes the mind-set, some might say gullibility, of television and radio show hosts irresponsibility. They were quick to feature odd and offbeat attention-getting stories to get higher ratings or a bigger audience without closely examining the validity of the purported claims.