UNFIT: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DONALD TRUMP (2020, doc)

September 1, 2020

 Greetings again from the darkness. Election Day 2020 is only two months away. Our nation is divided into two vocal factions … those for President Trump and those against him. There seem to be very few who fall into the “undecided” bucket, and that’s with no head-to-head debate yet. Because of this, we might question the “why” of Dan Partland’s documentary. However, what it does is condense three and a half years of President Trump’s actions and words into about 80 minutes of jarring psychoanalysis.

The film kicks off by informing us the President of the United States, as a result of taking office via election, is not subject to passing the mental fitness evaluation required by the military … yes, the military of which he is now Commander-In-Chief. We then hear from a steady stream of psychologists who offer up their diagnosis, though admittedly, none of met with Trump personally, and their analysis is based solely on observation and experience. They are in agreement that he fits the personality disorder known as a “malignant narcissist.” This label has four key elements: narcissism, paranoia, anti-social behavioral disorder, and sadism (the pleasure of harming others).

Labels are in vogue here. We hear from many psychologists and some previously associated with government and/or the administration, and each one has a label for Trump. The overriding question of Mr. Partland’s film appears to be, “Is Trump fit to be President?” In addition to the psychologists, we get interviews with George Conway, Malcolm Nance, and Anthony Scaramucci. Conway labels Trump as a “practical joke that got out of hand”, while Scaramucci (who lasted a total of 11 days in the administration) offers up a defense of Trump by stating, ‘Obviously he’s an a-hole, but he’s not a racist. He treats everyone like s___.”

Malcolm Nance offers up the most substantive insight into how government officials view the President, but it’s sportswriter Rick Reilly and author Tony Schwartz whose recollections are most memorable. Reilly tells the remarkable tale of how Trump cheats at golf (a gentleman’s game of integrity) and Schwartz, who co-wrote the book “Trump: The Art of the Deal”, states matter-of-factly that the President has no empathy for others.

The psychologists explain The Goldwater Rule and how The Tarasoff Rule overrides it. Bottom line, they are speaking out because of what they perceive to be their duty to warn society of impending danger. It should be noted that John Gartner is writing a book about Trump and his infamous tweets, and it is fascinating to see Jane Goodall’s study on chimps correlated to Trump and our society. The Hitler and Mussolini comparisons are discussed, as is the rise of fascist leaders in Brazil, The Philippines, Turkey, and other countries.

Is Donald Trump fit to be President? The argument is made here that he’s not, though we don’t hear any input from those who believe he is. Character and judgment have been on display since January 20, 2017 (and even before inauguration), so voters will decide. The film ends with discussions of nuclear threats and responsibilities, as well as how the Coronavirus was initially handled. Trump is given credit for drawing out what is referred to as the “tribal nature” in folks”, but mostly what we are left with is that Trump believes it’s all about him. Perhaps the impact of the documentary would have been greater had there been statements and input from those who support him. Instead, it comes across as confirmation for those who agree with this sentiment, and noise for those who don’t.

Available September 1, 2020 on digital and cable VOD

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Posted by David Ferguson

HOUSE OF CARDIN (2020, doc)

August 27, 2020

 Greetings again from the darkness. He’s now 98 years old. Is it even possible to separate Pierre Cardin, the man, from Pierre Cardin, the global brand? Co-directors P. David Ebersole and Todd Hughes take on the fashion icon in the latest documentary focusing on the biggest names in the industry … and there may be none bigger or more important than Cardin. We begin with a montage of folks pronouncing his name in various dialects, and with the utmost respect.

“Who is Pierre Cardin?” After saying his name, many of those same people then struggle with how best to describe the man. Cardin himself cuts right to it, “It’s no longer me. It’s a brand.” The public brand was created by a private man – one who has never authorized a biography, which may explain why the filmmakers actually get very little direct input from Cardin himself. Instead, we get archival footage and a stream of admiring talking heads discussing his influence.

It’s a bit surprising to learn that this famous French designer was born in Italy. Cardin’s family relocated to France when he was young and Mussolini was in power. His fashion career got a boost when he met director Jean Cocteau and worked on costumes for the classic BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1946), and then was named head designer at Dior. In 1950, when Cardin left to open his own house, Christian Dior was quite supportive of his pupil. Cardin followed that example, and mentored young designers over many decades.

This is an informative profile, and clearly outlines Cardin’s global vision. We learn he was the first to expand internationally into Japan, Russia, and China … and there is an entire segment devoted to his impact on China fashion. We see his number one model in the 1960’s, Hiroko Matsumoto, and Naomi Campbell explains how Cardin was the first to hire a diverse troupe of models from many races. He even had the first men’s fashion show, something that seemed quite extreme for the time, although he also designed suits for The Beatles. So much of Cardin’s career is detailed here – his initial foray into Ready-To-Wear, realizing his goal of designing not just for the privileged, but also the masses.

The Cardin brand has found its way into so many industries and on to so many products. This includes furniture, cologne, and even cars – specifically an AMC Javelin. Cardin became a pioneer in fashion eyewear, and as with his clothes, his modern approach was often ahead of its time. The film proceeds to go into his purchase of Maxim’s, the famous Paris restaurant (which he later franchised), as well as his passion for the theater, and the purchase of Espace Cardin in 1970. Cardin’s connection to Gerard Depardieu, Dionne Warwick, Marlene Dietrich, and even Alice Cooper are discussed, and we also hear from Sharon Stone and Jean-Michel Jarre, among others.

Despite all we learn, by the end of the documentary, Pierre Cardin remains a bit of an enigma as a person. His personal life includes intimate relationships with Jeanne Moreau (labeled his “life companion for years”) and Andre Oliver (who died of AIDS in 1991). Pierre Cardin is a designer and fashion icon who has a museum dedicated to his work … work to this day that he maintains a finger on the pulse. In fact, when asked the secret to youth, Cardin replies, “Work. Work. Work.” And we know he means it.

The film premiered at the 2019 Venice Film Festival, and will open in Virtual Cinema on August 28, 2020, as well as On-Demand to coincide with New York Fashion Week on September 15, 2020.

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Posted by David Ferguson

YOU CANNOT KILL DAVID ARQUETTE (2020, doc)

August 20, 2020

 Greetings again from the darkness. I’ll admit to knowing very little about professional wrestling, so this was the first I had heard about actor David Arquette’s scandal from nearly 20 years ago, as he promoted his movie READY TO RUMBLE (2000). Documentarian David Darg and Video director Price James collaborate here as co-directors to deliver a documentary on one of the strangest, most off-the-wall stories I’ve ever seen … and one that fits well with the reputation of the professional wrestling world.

In a sport that thrives on good guy vs bad guy, David Arquette became the most hated man in wrestling. The power brokers in the industry determined a publicity stunt with his becoming WCW Champion would lead to a boon for the business. The fan and wrestler backlash was harsh and severe, and Arquette claims it made him persona non grata in both the sport and in Hollywood, though his math doesn’t add up. He discloses his “10 years of rejections” for acting roles, when the wrestling brouhaha goes back 20 years. And on top of that, he has worked pretty consistently over those two decades – albeit mostly in projects that don’t appeal to mainstream audiences.

So all these years later, here comes David Arquette in his attempt to re-enter the world of wrestling and gain respect from those that think he disrespected their beloved sport. The temptation here is to label the documentary and Arquette a joke, but he seems so sincere in his desire to find his way, that we catch ourselves following his journey with interest. And it’s not always easy to do so. There is one moment in particular: Arquette is wearing a purple bedazzled wizard cape while sitting on a horse and vaping, when he states, “I’m sick of being a joke”. Umm.

Arquette is likely best known for his role in the SCREAM movies, of which there were four between 1996 and 2011, and a fifth is on the way for 2021. Or perhaps he is best known as the ex-husband of “Friends” star Courteney Cox, with whom he has a daughter. Then again, maybe his fame is derived from being part of a family entrenched in entertainment. This includes his acting sisters Rosanna, Patricia and Alexis (who died in 2016), brother Richmond, father Lewis (a well-established character actor), and grandfather Cliff, who created the popular character Charley Weaver.

We meet Arquette’s wife Christine McLarty (who looks like she could be Courteney Cox’s younger sister), a career news reporter who is now a film producer, and she seems to share our confusion on why David is pursuing this at age 46 – after a heart attack, which resulted in stints and blood thinners. When he speaks of his previous alcoholism, anxiety, and other mental and physical health issues, we hope this is his way of improving his health. However, as we follow him on the road, we realize, it really is about the wrestling and redemption.

The journey leads to a “backyard wrestling” match where amateurs looking to humiliate the actor pretty much beat the heck out of him. It’s at this point where he decides to train, and heads off to a facility in Virginia, followed by Cancun and Tijuana street wrestling, segments that prove quite entertaining. The pride of a wrestling match is mentioned, and we watch a ROCKY segment where Arquette chases a chicken, and is called “crazy white boy” while a Spanish version of “The Last Kiss” is played. I warned you this was a strange one.

At times we can’t help but think this is a hoax in the same way in which Joaquin Phoenix parlayed his acting “retirement” into I’M STILL HERE, a mockumentary on his pursuit of a hip hop career. The difference is that Arquette really trains and really wrestles, ending with a match at the “Legends of Wrestling” in Detroit against Ken Anderson. This is a film that feels like a gag when it starts, but very real by the end. It’s not enough to motivate me to go back and watch some of those terrible David Arquette movies, but it’s enough to tip my cap to a man pursuing respect and redemption.

Available at Drive-ins on August 21, 2020 and VOD on August 28, 2020

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Posted by David Ferguson

SKIN: A HISTORY OF NUDITY IN THE MOVIES (2020, doc)

August 17, 2020

 Greetings again from the darkness. Actress Hedy Lamarr is still remembered today for so many reasons. Often described as the most beautiful actress of all-time, she turned down the lead roles in both GASLIGHT and CASABLANCA (both eventually went to Ingrid Bergman). Her best known role was in SAMSON AND DELILAH (1949), and she was the inspiration for both Disney’s SNOW WHITE and Catwoman in the original “Batman” comics. Married and divorced six times, she’s in the National Inventors Hall of Fame for being co-inventor of ‘frequency hopping’ technology that is still used today for cell phones. Beyond all of that, some may know Ms. Lamarr is considered to have performed the first (non-pornographic) on screen female orgasm in ECSTASY (1933). And what better way for director Danny Wolf to open his documentary chronicling nudity in movies than with the actress whose career started with such a bang?

We hear a bunch of industry folks recall the first time they saw nudity on the big screen, and some actors and actresses look back on the first time they appeared nude in a movie. For the most part, director Wolf takes us in chronological order through the various stages of film nudity, dating back as far as 1887. However, he wisely includes a prologue dealing with the present day status of power dynamics, the #MeToo movement, and, of course, the Harvey Weinstein case. There is a stunning collage of those who have been accused of improper and/or illegal behavior – the faces are familiar, but, sadly, there are too many to name. We are even informed that today, actors and actresses typically have very detailed contractual protection in regards to nudity.

The steady stream of talking heads includes perspectives from authors, casting directors, film directors, art historian, professors, film critics, and, as mentioned, actors and actresses. Before breaking into the segments divided by decades (60’s, 70’s, 80’s, etc), we are provided a history lesson on the early years. For me, this was the most interesting chapter as it details the infamous Hays Code, the Catholic Legion of Decency (that “C” rating is pretty rough!), and the twenty year reign of Joseph Breen (the Breen Light was needed for go-ahead). There is also a brief profile of nude model Audrey Munson and her fascinating impact on statues, print, and cinema, and ultimately a tragic life spent mostly in an asylum (she died at age 104). This early segment also features the “secret” behind Chesty Morgan playing DOUBLE AGENT 73, the rise of “Monster Nudies” and “Nudie Cuties”, an interview with Mamie Van Doren. It concludes with Roger Vadim’s AND GOD CREATED WOMAN (1956) starring Bridget Bardot, effectively ending the Hays Code era.

As the film treks through the eras, in the 1960’s we see the impact of Janet Leigh’s shower scene in Hitchock’s PSYCHO, and Marilyn Monroe proves nudity doesn’t kill a career. This was also the time of European influence on American cinema, and 1968 began the MPAA ratings system, with Brian DePalma’s GREETINGS (with Robert DeNiro) as the first Rated X movie (since edited to an R), and MIDNIGHT COWBOY becoming the first mainstream movie to carry an X rating.

Director Joe Dante talks us through much of the 1970’s as porn films like DEEP THROAT changed the landscape. It’s also the era where CARNAL KNOWLEDGE proved true movie stars could appear nude, and the decade that gave us LAST TANGO IN PARIS and THE LAST PICTURE SHOW. On the lower budget scale, this was peak Roger Corman time (the great Pam Grier is interviewed), the height of Drive-in movies (including cult favorite I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE with Camille Keaton interviewed), and the notorious CALIGULA with commentary from Malcom McDowell.

Director Blake Edwards had the honor of ending the 1970’s with Bo Derek as a perfect “10”, and kicking off the 1980’s by having Mary Poppins (his wife Julie Andrews) appear topless in S.O.B. The decade of the 80’s takes some heat for serving up plenty of lame music and movies, but there were some memorable moments as well. Eric Roberts and Mariel Hemingway spend some time talking about STAR 80 and PERSONAL BEST, the latter which was the first mainstream film to feature a love scene with lesbian athletes. A highlight here is director Amy Heckerling ruminating on her classic FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH.

The 1990’s revived the “erotic thriller” genre (BASIC INSTINCT), as well as the NC-17 rating, of which Philip Kaufman’s HENRY & JUNE became the first recipient. The 1990’s were also the decade of BAD LIEUTENANT, THE CRYING GAME, BOOGIE NIGHTS, SHOWGIRLS, and AMERICAN PIE (the re-birth of the teen sex comedy). So, honestly, no word can possibly describe such a diverse group of films with nudity. The decade could easily support its own documentary, much like the 1970’s.

There is some insightful commentary surrounding contemporary cinema, including FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, and the inclusion of older actors and actresses in the “action”. Some of the best commentary during the film comes from Diane Franklin, Sylvia Miles, an old Russ Meyer interview, Liz Goldwyn (Samuel Goldwyn Jr’s daughter), Malcolm McDowell, and film critic Richard Roeper. But it’s director John Cameron Mitchell who provides the most searing observation on contemporary cinema when he states (paraphrased) – today the left would say any nudity or any sex scene is exploitive. And that’s the core of the debate. In this “Post-Weinstein” era, what is the “right” way to tell these stories and show these characters in a realistic manner, and yet do so in a way that isn’t exploitive, or puts actors or actresses in a situation that they feel uncomfortable or will regret? Proper conduct by those in power and straight communication between all involved seems like a good start. What would Hedy have to say?

Available On Demand August 18, 2020

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Posted by David Ferguson

PSYCHOMAGIC, A HEALING ART (2020, doc)

August 5, 2020

 Greetings again from the darkness. Alejandro Jodorowski is a long-time avant-garde and visionary director known for cult classics EL TOPO (1970) and SANTA SANGRE (1989). He’s now 91 years old, and this is his first film since ENDLESS POETRY (2016) – only categorizing this as a “film” is a bit of a stretch. More in line with what we see would be, ‘a procession of demonstrations of Jodorowski’s own trauma therapy that he calls Psychomagic’.

Fortunately, we kick off with Jodorowski himself explaining his therapy. He defines Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, as being based on science and words. In contrast, he defines his Psychomagic as based on acts and touch. We then transition directly into an ongoing session – a sequence likely to be the last one many people watch, as only the most curious (or those charged with reviewing the film) will subject themselves to more.

The rest of the runtime is broken into “cases” distinguished by the specific reasons people are seeking treatment. Few can argue that treatments for emotional trauma can vary widely, and that not everyone will be affected the same, and that we should all be open to whatever works. However, I can assure you, Psychomagic treatment is unlike anything you have seen or experienced. These filmed sessions come off more like an acting workshop than therapy, though we are to assume they are legitimate.

Not to spoil anything, but rather to offer a taste of what’s in store, you should brace for full body shoe polish while dancing at night, the shattering of dinner plates on the patient’s chest in nature, pouring cold milk on an unclothed person, the simulation of birth for ‘grown ups’, sledgehammers on pumpkins decorated with family photos (OK, this one actually makes some sense!), sprinkling water on a massive tree to treat depression, burying a wedding dress, and participating in Mexico City’s Walk of the Dead. And I have skipped over the connection between menstruation and finger-painting and cellos.

Artists often thrive with great freedom, and the therapeutic effects of art have certainly been proven many times. It’s just that watching this, I became something beyond skeptical. It reminded me of the old-time healers, and the fine line between healing and scamming. Perhaps it was the regular inclusion of clips from Jodorowski’s films that put me on high alert, or maybe it was simply the progression of segments that each struck as more outrageous than the last. Jodorowski is an old man with a history of creating art, so I’m choosing to give him the benefit of the doubt, though it’s not an easy task after enduring this.

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Posted by David Ferguson

REBUILDING PARADISE (2020, doc)

July 30, 2020

 Greetings again from the darkness. It’s November 8, 2018 and the film opens with the daily weather report. For the residents of Paradise, California, this will forever be their worst nightmare: ‘Camp Fire’, the deadliest and most destructive fire in the state’s history. The first 9 minutes of film shows harrowing footage captured by dash cam, helmet cam, smart phones, news footage, and drones. As it begins, one resident says, “Honey, there’s stuff falling out of the sky.” Soon after, we hear a firefighter state “we are 100% surrounded by fire”, and as we ride in the car with a frantic family trying to escape, we hear their relief in the “clear skies” they finally glimpse.

This is a National Geographic production and it’s directed by 2-time Oscar winner Ron Howard. Mr. Howard is best known for his popular films like CINDERELLA MAN (2005), APOLLO 13 (1995), and yes, BACKDRAFT (1991). In the past few years, he’s directed documentaries on Luciano Pavarotti and The Beatles, but as best I can tell, REBUILDING PARADISE is his first step into Cinema Verite – letting the moments of reality unfold while capturing it with mostly handheld cameras.

By 11:38 am, the only light in the skies of Paradise is coming from the glow of the massive and intense fire. The aftermath can only be described as total destruction. Paradise is in ashes. We see the desperate attempt by first responders to ensure that all citizens are evacuated, and then we witness the search for bodies. Camp Fire killed 85 people and displaced 50,000 people, including all of Paradise (80 miles north of Sacramento). The challenges included finding shelter for residents, keeping folks out of town while the fire smolders, and figuring out what the next steps might be.

Director Howard structures the film with visits every 3 months, and to make it personal, a handful of folks are selected. These include Woody Culleton, a man who rose from self-professed town drunk to town mayor (now ex-Mayor), Police Officer Matt Gates, School Superintendent Michelle John, and School Psychologist Carly Ingersoll. Each of these people have their own personal struggles due to the fire, but they are also focused on assisting others, and helping the town of Paradise plan for the future.

It’s a full month before residents are allowed back to salvage anything possible from the ashes. At three months, activist Erin Brockovich gives a speech about the possible liability of PG&E and their equipment from 1921, while a logjam of dump trucks is used to clear debris from town. At six months, the high school seniors are given a graduation ceremony they will never forget, and at 9 months, healing and rebuilding is underway. We gain some insight into the struggles with FEMA and city government, and yet mostly what we witness is a community dedicated to remaining a community.

Mr. Howard chooses to end the movie with clips and warnings about global climate change, which may fit in a larger discussion, but here, the most effective segments are moments with folks simply trying to put their lives back together. That’s more powerful than anything else we can witness.

National Geographic is releasing this in Virtual Cinema and Digital on July 31, 2020

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE FIGHT (2020, doc)

July 30, 2020

 Greetings again from the darkness. The American Civil Liberties Union has been around since 1920. That’s 100 years of striving to be the stewards of our nation’s liberties. Eli B Despres, Josh Kriegman, and Elyse Steinberg are the three credited directors who bring us a behind-the-curtain look at the dedicated and hard-working ACLU attorneys in the New York office.

The film picks up on January 27, 2017, just seven days after President Trump’s inauguration and subsequent immigration order, also known as the “Muslim ban.” We are shown a sea of volunteer attorneys set up to assist affected immigrants – especially those seeking asylum. The basic premise of the movie is to provide a glimpse of the challenges faced by the ACLU against the Trump administration.

Since there have been approximately 140 lawsuits filed since this President took office, the filmmakers wisely focus on four specific cases, along with the assigned attorneys:  Garza v Hargan, which involves the right to an abortion for an immigrant minor; Stone v Trump, the administrations military ban of transgenders; Department of Commerce v New York, dealing with the “citizenship” question proposed for the U.S. census; and Ms. L vs ICE, a family separation case tied to a child taken from her mother at the border.

The cases are presented in an easy-to-follow manner, and we get to know each of the attorneys and their individual challenges, both with their specific case and their own personal or family life. Each of the attorneys provide their unique “tour” of the ACLU offices, and we quickly understand how they are focused on their own specialties, rather than the organization as a whole. One of them remarks that there are more tattoos and piercings present than at the DOJ, which underscores not just the age difference, but also the attitudes of these crusaders.

A very brief history of the ACLU informs us that their mission dictates they support civil rights for all, which means not just the 1967 interracial marriage of Richard and Mildred Loving, but also the Charlottesville Rally which resulted in the death of Heather Heyer. In keeping with protecting ‘everyone’s rights’, the organization has even defended the rights of Nazis. Still, it’s obvious where the organization stands when Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination for the Supreme Court is discussed … the attorneys admit it will make their jobs that much more difficult.

Despite attorney Lee Gelernt’s middle-age struggles with technology (somehow the dude can’t keep his cell phone charged), the dedication and commitment of these folks is on full display (they even celebrate with “train wine”). Court cases, by definition, have two sides, and since we aren’t allowed in the actual courtroom to witness the cases being presented, this film focuses on one side. Because of that, it often plays like a fundraising or recruiting video for the ACLU. Still, the behind-the-scenes view of what these attorneys go through to fight for liberty is fascinating and worthwhile.

Magnolia Pictures and Topic Studios will release the film VOD on July 31, 2020

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Posted by David Ferguson

GORDON LIGHTFOOT: IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND (2020, doc)

July 29, 2020

 Greetings again from the darkness. We realize very quickly that octogenarian Gordon Lightfoot isn’t about to cater to co-documentarians Martha Kehoe and Joan Tosoni, or establish a new reputation as being a sweetheart at this stage of life. Instead he is filmed with his third wife Kim, watching clips of young Gord singing “(That’s What You Get) For Loving Me”. Despite his singing it with Johnny Cash, or having the song covered by Peter, Paul and Mary, Waylon Jennings, and many others, Lightfoot cringes and says. “I hate that song.” That’s what we get here – a man who speaks directly about his regrets, yet one who is appreciative of his life.

Lightfoot is thought of as Canadian Royalty, and is often referred to as the best ever Canadian singer-songwriter. He certainly played a key role in the popularity of folk music in the 1960’s, and we hear about his influence from many important Canadian musicians, including: Geddy Lee, Sarah MacLachlan, Tom Cochrane, Ronnie Hawkins, Burton Cummings and Anne Murray. For some inexplicable reason, the filmmakers include an interview with actor Alec Baldwin, who is neither Canadian, nor a musician – though at least he does seem to be a fan of Gordon Lightfoot.

The profile skips over much of his personal life to focus on the music. In fact, initially it seems like Gord is going to walk us through his songbook, one by one. With “Early Morning Rain”, we learn it was not only a hit for Lightfoot, but covered by others such as Judy Collins, Elvis Presley, Neil Young, and even Ian and Sylvia (a successful Canadian folk duo). It’s also at this point when Burton Cummings explains that it was Lightfoot’s songs that inspired The Guess Who to write their own songs. We also see a clip of a young Lightfoot being interviewed by an even younger DJ named Alex Trebek!

Anne Murray and Sarah MacLachlan discuss “Song for a Winter’s Night”, and Lightfoot explains how he isolates to write songs …and he “waters” his guitars (something that makes more sense seeing than reading). Gordon tells the story of how he quit a promising career in banking to take a chance on performing, and he relates how growing up in the country helped him when he moved to the city. He also tells the fascinating “behind the scenes” story of how the record company changed the name of his first album after “If You Could Read My Mind” became a hit on the radio. By the way, that song has been recorded by a slew of artists – so many that the filmmakers offer up a slide show to make the point.

Photographs give us a taste of some of Lightfoot’s infamous parties attended by various celebrities. It was this partying lifestyle that led to drugs and alcohol abuse, as well as his weight gain. Lightfoot talks about his 3 year affair/relationship with Cathy Evelyn Smith, a name you might recognize as the woman who injected John Belushi with the lethal “speedball” that killed him. It was his severe jealousy over Ms. Smith that led Lightfoot to write his biggest U.S. hit “Sundown.” There is also an entire segment on Bob Dylan, and how much respect each of the songwriters had/have for each other.

Yet another “behind-the-scenes” moment occurs when one of Lightfoot’s band members recollects the time they recorded “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” They had never even rehearsed the song, and yet it was the first take in the studio that ended up being the hit version. Also included is a segment where Lightfoot reminisces about his childhood in Orillia, and we get a brief clip of his mom and dad. Even more shocking is the included recording of Lightfoot as a kid, singing with the church choir. The high pitched soprano voice bears little resemblance to the soothing tones of an older Gordon.

As a poet-singer-songwriter, few have been better or had more success than Gordon Lightfoot. The film skims over much of his personal life and his severe health issue in 2002, but focusing on the music is what his fans want – and it’s a treasure trove of early performances, clips, and photographs. He’s now 81 years old, and the filmmakers don’t shy away from contrasting his singing voice on “If You Could Read My Mind” with  a ‘then and now’ edit. Lightfoot admits to regrets, and also states “I appreciate having been alive.” Still sporting that renowned attitude, he undoubtedly enjoys hearing Diana Krall and Sara MacLachlan open the film with the titular song. A Canadian national hero indeed. As a bonus, we southerners finally learn the meaning of “Gitche Gumee.”

Opening in Virtual Cinemas July 29, 2020

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Posted by David Ferguson

KAYE BALLARD: THE SHOW GOES ON (2020, doc)

July 13, 2020

 Greetings again from the darkness. I feel obligated to disclose that while growing up, I was never much of a Kaye Ballard fan. It seemed she was mostly seen on game shows (“Hollywood Squares”) and her many appearances on Talk Shows and Variety Shows. Her loud and boisterous humor was a bit outside the nuanced observational humor I preferred. Now, after seeing Dan Wingate’s documentary, I have tremendous admiration and respect for this multi-faceted performer whose showbiz career spanned more than 70 years.

One of the first clips we see is Kaye Ballard performing in front of a live audience (where she was always most comfortable) and she says, “I wish I was 90 again.” It’s a great line that not many comedians get to use. Ms. Ballard died in 2019 at age 93, and she never stopped performing. Director Wingate’s opening credits are in “old school” style, replete with flashing neon lights and big band/orchestral music. It’s the perfect choice for the profile of a performer who evolved as the business changed.

We listen as she recollects the start of her career, and then systematically walks and talks us through the next 70 plus years. She was only 16 years old when she joined Spike Jones’ band, and she admits performing is what she always wanted to do. Wingate includes comments and clips from an incredibly diverse group of entertainers – ranging from Liz Smith to Perry Como to Henry Mancini to Bette Davis to Carol Burnett to Ann-Margret to Woody Allen (and many more). Composer-Singer Michael Feinstein has a few appearances throughout the film, providing some structure, but interviews with Ms. Ballard keep her on screen much of the time.

It’s clear she always thought her best work was from her time in nightclubs, and though she never stopped those performances, her career shifted to live theater and then to TV. Her best-known TV role was co-starring with Eve Arden in “The Mothers-In-Law” series from 1967-69 (re-runs available on Amazon Prime), and then later had a recurring role in “The Doris Day Show.” Ms. Ballard was a vibrant performer and an extremely talented singer.

She jokes about being typecast as a “screaming Italian”, but hearing her talk about her friendships, including Marlon Brando, Carol Channing, and the recently deceased Jerry Stiller, makes it clear she established many personal connections over the years, and was always quick to help out another performer. She even speaks to a couple of exceptions, including Phil Silvers. And who would have guessed she crossed paths with Andy Warhol, while also performing for President Ronald Reagan at The White House? This is a woman who is very grateful and appreciative of the career and friends she made, and I walked away feeling educated, and maybe even guilty for undervaluing her talent. Kaye Ballard was much more than an “X” or “O” on “Hollywood Squares” … she was an incredibly talented and generous woman who lived her dreams.

Viewing details available at KayeBallardMovie.com

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Posted by David Ferguson

OLYMPIA (2020, doc)

July 10, 2020

 Greetings again from the darkness. She is now in the 7th decade of her acting career. She was married to one man for 55 years. She recently turned 89 and is still working regularly. Olympia Dukakis is a marvel to behold. Strong-minded, direct-speaking, charismatic, talented and long-lasting, she makes a fascinating subject for director Harry Mavromichalis in his first feature-length documentary.

An early segment features Ed Asner presenting her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Soon after she admits that “it doesn’t mean anything” to her, but her Academy Award did. She won the Best Supporting Actress for her role as Cher’s mother in MOONSTRUCK (1987), and we later see her at the ceremony as her elderly mother is captured watching it unfold on TV. This moment matters because we have already heard Olympia discuss her challenging times growing up with her mother (she claims to have channeled her own mother for the role).

Much of this documentary was filmed years ago. We are there on her 80th birthday and her 49th wedding anniversary. Clips are included from some of her theater work, as well as movies. Playing a transgender character in PBS’ “Tales of the City” (1993) made her a gay icon, and we see her as Grand Marshal of the Gay Pride parade in San Francisco. This is especially timely today given that Halle Berry just announced she was stepping down from a transgender role … due to the pressure brought on by her not being transgender.

Olympia is very forthcoming in discussing her approach to life, and life itself. She discloses the initial doubts she had regarding a woman’s place in Greek history, before bucking up and proclaiming “it’s not me that’s less.” When she felt the theater world considered her “too ethnic”, in 1973 she founded The Whole Theater in Montclair, New Jersey. She refused to let the world place limits on what she could do. She offers up many personal memories such as her time fencing at Boston University – stories that provide clear examples of her personality and makeup.

As I watched the film, my thought was that it meandered a bit too much. Upon reflection, it makes complete sense, as that’s the manner in which she lives and works and thinks. We see clips as she converses with her cousin Michael Dukakis, the former Governor of Massachusetts, during his candidacy for President. The film bounces around with stops in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Cypress. Toronto was for a Norman Jewison retrospective (including MOONSTRUCK), and while in Cypress we walk the aisles of a grocery store with her (very weird).

Insight is offered from fellow actors such as Laura Linney, Austin Pendleton, Lainie Kazan, and Whoopi Goldberg, but it’s really the bits and pieces we get regarding her long-term marriage to actor Louis Zorich that are most meaningful. The couple discuss why their marriage and partnership has worked, and how friendship is the key. Louis passed away in 2018, and Olympia continues to act and teach acting classes. We even get a peek behind the curtain when we watch her work through/find a character in rehearsal. Seemingly tacked on towards the end are clips from a trip to her mother’s village in Greece with her daughter and grandkids. It’s a chance to see her interact with local women, and does provide a stark contrast to what Olympia has done with her life. She claims that she can “remember plays and theaters”; however, “it’s people” she doesn’t remember. She can be certain that the people will remember her.

Virtual cinema release on July 10, 2020 via https://www.abcinemanow.com/

watch the trailer:

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Posted by David Ferguson

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