DEAF PRESIDENT NOW! (2025, doc)

May 15, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. It was 1988, and when this group of students proclaimed, “We will be heard!”, it took on additional importance. The anger of these students represented 124 years of repression. Student protestors were from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. It’s the only university for deaf students, and its history dates back to the time of Abraham Lincoln.

Oscar winner Davis Guggenheim (AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, 2006) collaborates with deaf actor-turned-filmmaker Nyle DiMarco to bring us the story of how the commitment to cause led the students, the University, and the nation towards real change. Although the film covers just one week, it effectively uses input and recollections from five key players. In other words, we get the ‘then’ (via archival footage) and the ‘now’ (modern day interviews).

Jerry was clearly the emotional leader … the guy who fired up the crowd through his passion. His passion shows even today as his memories come flooding back. Greg was the Student Body President, and his more reserved personality likely made him a more acceptable spokesperson. Bridgetta, a former high school cheerleader, used her energy to generate the rhythm of the crowd, while Tim did not hold back in addressing Ms. Spillman, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees … she doesn’t even bother to learn American Sign Language (ASL). Her clueless and obstinate approach to defending the board’s decision to bypass two qualified deaf candidates in order to name yet another hearing person as University President comes across as absurd and even a bit cruel.

The structure of the film is exceptional, blending the past with the present. Surprisingly, enough archival footage exists (even 37 years later) that we get a real feel for the commitment of the students and the manner in which the protests were carried out. It’s especially telling to hear the four demands made by the students: name a deaf President, resignation from the Board by Spillman, transitioning half the Board to half deaf members, and no reprisals for the students. All quite reasonable. With Spillman having stated something along the lines of ‘Deaf people are not ready to function in a hearing world”, we are provided a blunt testimony to her beliefs and possibly, the general sense of society at that time.

I King Jordan, a school professor, is interviewed and explains his unusual trek during the week … one that ended with his becoming President of the University (a position he held for many years). The film provides us with clips of Greg’s key appearance on “Nightline” with Ted Koppel, and a heartbreaking story about “broken ears”. Two years after this event, Congress passed the Americans with Disability Act – a stunningly short number of years ago. An odd segment is included with a quick overview of Alexander Graham Bell’s desire to “fix the deaf”, but we realize it’s not the deaf that need fixing. The film leaves us feeling a great deal of respect for these leaders, and might leave you chanting, “Deaf Power!”

The film will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, May 16, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

ADA: MY MOTHER THE ARCHITECT (2025, doc)

May 9, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Fourteen years spent teaching advanced degree architectural students at Columbia led to her being denied tenure, so Ada Karmi-Melamede did what any self-respecting and incredibly talented architect would do … she quit the job and bet on herself. It’s a bet that has resulted in numerous high-profile projects in her homeland, Israel.

Ada’s story would likely remain an untold secret if not for her daughter, Yael Melamede. Yael directs the film, but more importantly, masterfully directs her mother Ada into opening up about her life and career. It’s not an easy path for either woman, as Ada left her family to pursue her own career and passion for architecture, a step much more common for fathers than mothers.

To quell any doubts as to whether this is just a family member attempting to create publicity, or whether Ada’s work is deserving of such a tribute, one need only view some of her most famous projects: the Supreme Court of Israel, the Ben Gurion Airport, and the Open University of Israel. And beyond that are her contributions to New York: a master plan for Con Edison and a housing competition on Roosevelt Island. Should you need more, we see accolades from famed architects Frank Gehry, Keith Frampton, and Mose Sofdie. Despite her lack of widespread acclaim, Ada Karmi-Melamede is truly one of the most accomplished architects in the world.

Adding intrigue, this documentary is not just about a talented architect. There is also the personal element which finds a grown woman striving to find connection with her mother … a mother who admittedly didn’t possess typical motherly attributes. One is a woman who longs to know more, while the other is a woman who tends to balk at saying much about herself, her life, or her reasons. Seeing the defensiveness fade away is quite something, and a tribute to daughter Yael for encouraging the connection. We learn much about her childhood, the family, the influences, and the life each had without the other.

Ada is most comfortable talking about her profession. Her pencil versus computer segment strikes a chord, and when she reacts to a tour guide’s description of her work, the moment is priceless. We begin to understand her passion when she discusses the Parthenon, and the shots of her own projects leave no doubt as to her influence. Ada’s feelings on current Israeli politics are crystal clear, and the segment on “Time” provides a life lesson for everyone.

Opens in NYC on May 9, 2025, and in LA on May 15, 2025

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BORROWED TIME: LENNON’S LAST DECADE (2025, doc)

May 1, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Documentarian Alan G Parker is not the British director Alan Parker who was twice Oscar nominated (MISSISSIPPI BURNING, 1988; MIDNIGHT EXPRESS, 1978), but he is the same Alan G Parker who has directed numerous music-based documentaries, including projects on The Sex Pistols, The Beatles, Status Quo (I’d like to track down that one), and KISS.  As the title makes clear, his latest work is a focused look at John Lennon’s final years in New York, leading up to his murder in 1980.

When we think of John Lennon, we tend to associate him with three things: The Beatles, Yoko Ono, and his being murdered in cold blood outside The Dakota, his NYC residence. Parker’s film focuses on the 1970s after John and Yoko moved to New York. Through interviews and archival clips, we get the sense that John was constantly attempting to discover who he was, post-Beatles era. Whether he was a husband, a father, an activist, or a recluse, one thing seems certain – music was vital to his existence. In fact, he was in the planning stages for a tour to support his “Double Fantasy” album in the days before he was gunned down. Some of those involved contribute here.

Lennon fans are the target here, and even though I just watched and reviewed Kevin Macdonald’s ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO just two weeks ago, the numerous interviews on display here are still interesting, providing personal insight into the man. These interviews are with folks like Tony Bramwell, Ray Connolly, and Phillip Norman, and include friends, musicians, journalists, and other industry sorts. Most of the recollections are personal in nature, though based in the professional world of music. There is a sense of awe as each explains their connection to the icon. What’s missing is any sampling of Lennon music.

We gain insight into the planned tour (and the next album), plus some details about May Pang and “the lost weekend”, his legal row with Paul (“How do you Sleep?”), and the drug use. There is also quite a bit regarding Lennon’s struggle to obtain his Green Card, and the challenges of being dad while bearing the weight of being a former Beatle. Parker includes the now infamous street interview of gum-chewing Paul McCartney who was still somewhat in shock immediately after his lifelong friend’s death. We also see Ringo and George appearing on a talk show sharing their thoughts. For many, this doc will prove to be a bit too long and filled with too many personal recollections, yet Lennon fans will always accept a bit more on the man who continues to fascinate so many years later.

Opening in UK cinemas on May 2, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

PINK FLOYD: LIVE AT POMPEII (1972/2025)

April 24, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. No one familiar with Pink Floyd would expect a conventional concert film from the band. So how about a live concert from the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pompeii, the city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.? And just for fun, we’ll have the band playing to an empty arena … no fans allowed. Now THAT is a Pink Floyd concert film.

Adrian Maben’s film was first released in 1972, and has had subsequent video releases since, so it’s likely most Pink Floyd fans have seen the film in one form or another. However, it’s time to watch again – only this time in a remastered 4K version that looks and sounds great. The beginning of the film shows all of the band’s equipment being set up (and yes, they had challenges with running enough electrical power to the area).

If you aren’t sure, this is the post-Syd Barrett lineup with Roger Waters on bass (and gong), David Gilmour on lead guitar, Richard Wright on keyboards, and Nick Mason on drums. In keeping with the times, we often see Gilmour and Wright going shirtless, scraggily hair on Waters, and sandals for the Italian sand. Also making his way around the band and equipment is Peter Watts (father of actress Naomi Watts), the band’s stage and sound manager.

It’s quite a visual to see the band and all the high dollar equipment set up in the middle of an empty majestic relic of the past. Songs played in the amphitheater include “Echoes” (split into two pieces), “A Saucerful of Secrets”, “One of These Days” (mostly Mason’s drumming), and then add-ons include “Careful with that Axe, Eugene”, “Mademoiselle Nobs” (with canine vocals), and “Us and Them”. We get some limited interviews, but the only real insights gained are: Mason likes pie without the crust, and the band readily admits to much arguing (no surprise there).

Pink Floyd was always willing to experiment with sounds and sights – here we get some early graphics and effects, including volcanic lava. This film offers a look into those early 1970’s years, and there are even some segments filmed inside the studio for the classic album, “The Dark Side of the Moon”. Certainly, the film helps make sense of the superb lyric, “The lunatic is in my head”.

In theaters and in IMAX beginning April 24, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

NEIL YOUNG: COASTAL (2025, doc)

April 14, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Over his 60-year career, Neil Young has proven to be one of a kind. As an incredibly talented songwriter with an instantly recognizable singing voice, he’s also acclaimed for his guitar playing. Few musicians have cut a wider swath of diverse music than the Canadian-born Young. His success began in the 1960’s with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. A solo career with two amazing albums (“After the Gold Rush”, “Harvest”) took him to new heights in the 1970’s, followed by some hard-rocking tunes with Crazy Horse. Since then, he’s kept fans guessing as to what style each successive record would feature.

He has also dipped his toe into directing movies, and the most recent one I saw was MOUNTAINTOP (2019) directed by Young’s nom de plume, Bernard Shakey. The film was an interesting look at the uneasy process of Young and Crazy Horse collaborating on a new album. This time out, Young/Shakey is not directing. Instead, it’s Neil’s wife, actress Daryl Hannah. She spends most of her time behind the camera, though we do catch a few glimpses of the SPLASH (1994) star. She gets full credit for the crisp black-and-white look of the film.

It opens with Neil Young writing in the sand as the waves flow in and out. It’s a reminder that writing is his true gift, and this occurs just as he’s undertaking a short tour on the west coast. Each show will be held at an outdoor venue … including the stunning amphitheater, The Ford. Thanks in part to COVID, this is Young’s first tour in four years, and his son Ben joins him for one leg of the tour. As the miles go by, we eavesdrop as Neil and his Silver Eagle bus driver, Jerry Don Burden, chat about a few topics … including Howard Hughes.

The conversations aren’t particularly interesting (and neither man appears to be wearing a seatbelt), but we do gain some insight that Young’s activism remains in place as he hopes the crowd will understand the meaning behind his song, “Love Earth”. A later singalong reinforces this. Of course, Young’s blistering “Ohio” in 1971 solidified his voice on social topics.

Beyond all of that, this film, and most of Neil Young’s career, has been about the music. In these beautiful venues, Young digs deep into his catalog for some rarely (maybe never before) played live songs. His musicality is expressed through many guitars, a piano, a reed organ, and his ever-present harmonica. This solo act is something to behold, and it raises another question: has the renowned curmudgeon softened? This appears to be a kinder, gentler Neil Young. He even serves up playful banter with his audiences. Perhaps recovering from a brain aneurysm has caused this, or maybe it’s the steady presence of his wife. Either way, it’s a good look for the 79-year-old musical genius – the one who sips tea from a Willie Nelson porcelain mug.

In theaters for one night only on April 17, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO (2025, doc)

April 10, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. So why did John Lennon and Yoko Ono leave England to live in New York? This film provides the answer. Where did they choose to live? The film provides the answer. Why did John perform his only full post-Beatles concert in 1972? This film provides the answer. Why did they become so politically and socially active during those first 18 months in the States? This film provides the answer. And if you ever wondered how John felt about American television, well you guessed it … this film provides the answer.

Where did all of these answers come from? Well, Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald (ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER, 1999; THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND, 2006; MARLEY, 2012) co-directs with Editor/co-director Sam Rice-Edwards and they focus on a very brief timeline, so that we might better understand John Lennon and Yoko Ono. You might think you know all you need to know about this famous couple, but the filmmakers, along with Producer Sean Ono Lennon, ensure that you see and hear clips you haven’t seen or heard before.

Much of this is centered around John’s only full post-Beatles concert in 1972, entitled “One to One”. Its purpose was to raise funds for kids through Willowbrook State School. And that’s not the only storyline about a kid – it turns out, one of the reasons John and Yoko moved to the states was her hope in reuniting with a long-lost daughter named Kyoto. It’s just one of the elements of the film that makes this much more of a personal story than simply a recap of celebrities. 

The film also works as a snapshot of the era. President Richard Nixon (one clip shows him sporting a maroon blazer), extremist Jerry Rubin, “The Mike Douglas Show”, Dick Cavett, Attica, Andy Warhol, and Billy Graham all have their moments. The attempted assassination of George Wallace is shown, as are numerous TV ads, TV series clips, and some news reports. The Vietnam War and Watergate are featured, yet somehow Allen Ginsburg reciting an ode to wiping one’s rear-end nearly steals the show.

We’ve all seen clips from Lennon’s One to One concert, and here they are remastered and sound terrific. “Instant Karma”, “Hound Dog”, “Cold Turkey”, “Imagine”, “Give Peace a Chance” are all shown, but it’s the scorching version of “Come Together” that really stands out. Of course, we are subjected to Yoko’s onstage banshee screeching … though thankfully near the end of the film, she gets a more heartfelt chance to actually sing.

During the film, the contrast with Nixon is obvious. John and Yoko are sincerely committed to peace, love, and justice, while Nixon’s politics for power stands opposed. The recreation of John and Yoko’s small apartment in the Village is quite something to behold – and remarkable when compared to the photographs and archival footage. When John describes his early obsession with TV as ‘a window into the world’ and a replacement for the fireplace of his youth, we gain even more insight into the man known mostly for his music and quips. In 1973, John and Yoko moved from the small apartment in the Village to the swanky Dakota building. His wish for the couple to be remembered as “two lovers” comes closer to reality with this film. Some of their home movies (with Sean) are played as the runtime ends.

In IMAX theaters on April 11, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

THANK YOU VERY MUCH (2025, doc)

March 28, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. It’s been more than forty years since cancer took the life of 35-year-old Andy Kaufman, and we still don’t know how best to describe him: actor, comedian, illusionist, performance artist, prankster, or something more bizarre. It’s like no one knew ‘the real Andy’, and whether that was his intent or not, that’s the feeling we are left with after watching this bio from Alex Braverman.

Despite often stating that he was born on an island in the Caspian Sea, Andy was actually from Long Island, and Braverman describes what was truly a turning point in young Andy’s life. He was incredibly close to his grandfather … theirs was a special relationship. When he died, Andy’s parents decided to tell young Andy that the grandfather took a long trip. This feeling of rejection and abandonment changed the boy’s personality and perspective. It also formed the structure of his career – misdirection and trickery – a way to mess with reality.

Braverman includes input from many of Andy’s contemporaries, friends, and associates. We hear from Danny DeVito, Steve Martin, Robin Williams, Marilu Henner, Laurie Anderson, and Garry Shandling (first name often misspelled as Gary). We also hear from Andy’s dad, who confirms the mistake regarding the grandfather’s death, Andy’s longtime girlfriend, and his friend and writer, Bob Zmuda. We even hear from his college friend who claims to be the ‘real Latka’, the inspiration for Andy’s beloved character in “Taxi”.

A treasure trove of archival clips reminds us of some of Andy’s most memorable performances, as well as some we’ve not previously seen. His initial performance at The Improv is complemented by a memory from the club’s renowned owner, Bud Friedman. Andy’s stint on “The Dating Game” remains stunning, and we even get a clip of his 1975 screen test for SNL … where on the first episode he did his “Mighty Mouse” bit.

Transcendental Meditation and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi played a role in helping him get clean, and we learn how important his Carnegie Hall appearance was to him. Along the way, there were some baffling moments. His Elvis impersonation. The whole Tony Clifton phase. Reading “The Great Gatsby” on stage. Each of these had their detractors, but it was Andy’s wrestling – first with women – and then his confrontation with Jerry Lawler, that had folks wondering if he was slipping from reality.

Andy was often so far “out there”, that when he visited a healer in The Philippines, many wondered if his cancer was simply the next prank. Braverman’s film drives home Andy’s desire to make people laugh AND squirm (one or the other was not enough). He was truly a visionary and performance artist, and the documentary gives him his due.

Opens in theaters on March 28, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY (2025, doc)

March 15, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. The list of icons known by a single name is relatively short and includes such luminaries as Elvis, Prince, Cher, Bono, Beyonce, and Sting. Immediately recognizable with only her first name, Liza Minnelli also fits right in. Documentarian Bruce David Klein has delivered a tribute to her early years as the daughter of worshipped idol Judy Garland and famed film director Vicente Minnelli, and outlines her own path to stardom after tragedy to being recognized as one of the greatest performers of all time.

Liza is now 79 years old and wheelchair bound, and yet when the lights are on and the camera is rolling, her entertainer side takes over and she’s charming, and a bit naughty. The death of her mother in 1969 (at age 47) was a distinct turning point in Liza’s life. She says she was born and they took a picture – meaning she has spent her entire life in the spotlight … although she makes it clear she was not born in a red sequin dress.

We learn about those who have influenced her career, her life, and her style. Singled out are Kay Thompson as a mentor, Charles Aznavour who taught her performance, Fred Ebb and musical partner John Kander, Broadway legend Michael Feinstein, and famed choreographer Bob Fosse. We also learn of Liza’s four marriages and divorces to Peter Allen, Jack Haley Jr, Mark Gero, and David Gest. Though Liza offers no real comment on the marriages, those interviewed are particularly harsh when discussing the late Mr. Gest.

Liza’s brilliance has resulted in the rare EGOT, with her Emmy and Oscar being won in the same year (“Liza with a Z”, CABARET). Not surprisingly, her outstanding performance as Sally Bowles in CABARET (1972) draws a significant portion of the commentary here, and it’s stunning to hear Liza remark, “I don’t think I’m a real good singer, but I can act a song.” Her loyalty to friends is emphasized on multiple occasions – never more dramatically than when she saved the Broadway production of “Chicago” by substituting for Gwen Verdon.

Not much time is devoted to the dark period, although her friendship with Halston (clothes and parties at Studio 54) is mentioned. Liza’s half-sister Lorna Luft appears briefly, but not much personal insight is provided. Rehab for Liza is acknowledged, but let’s be clear, Bruce David Klein set out to make a loving tribute to a fascinating performer, and that’s exactly what this is.

Opens in theaters on March 14, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

CORONER TO THE STARS (2025, doc)

February 28, 2025

Slamdance Film Festival 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Most Americans can’t name their county’s Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner. However, when one person held the position in Los Angeles County from 1967 through 1982, it’s understandable that he spent an inordinate amount of time in press conferences and TV interviews. Dr. Thomas Noguchi has been described as a “Renaissance Man” – a doctor, chef, and artist, as well as a pursuer of fame. Co-directors Ben Hethcoat and Keito Ideno present the story of Dr. Noguchi, “Coroner to the Stars”.

Should you question the label, know that, prior to his promotion, Dr. Noguchi personally handled the autopsy of Marilyn Monroe. Once he was leading the department, his high-profile cases included Robert Kennedy, Sharon Tate, Janis Joplin, William Holden, Natalie Wood, and John Belushi. Now that’s some star power. What really stands out here is Dr. Noguchi’s personality. Obviously a knowledgeable and talented doctor, he never shied away from the spotlight and pledged to “tell it like it is.” That may seem like a simple thing for a Medical Examiner, yet he was constantly reminded of the political pressures and battles. Instead of bowing to these pressures, he vowed “No more Dallas” … referring to the Feds taking over the autopsy of President Kennedy in 1963, opening the way for numerous conspiracy theories.

Fellow Japanese-American George Takei offers some insight through interviews, as do Noguchi’s attorney and a news reporter who covered Los Angeles during that era. The film includes quite a few nuggets, including Noguchi’s findings that there was a second shooter (friendly fire) in RFK’s assassination, and William Holden did not die from a heart attack. It’s interesting to note that Noguchi was the inspiration for the TV show, “Quincy, M.E.”, where Jack Klugman played a Medical Examiner. Many scenes were shot at Noguchi’s facility, where we also glimpse the massive crypt filled with a staggering number of corpses.

Dr. Noguchi’s career provides a wealth of topics, issues, and events, and the filmmakers do a nice job of presenting this in a manner that’s interesting and easy to follow. With courtroom hearings and politics involved, the reality seems very complex, yet we end with an understanding of the ups and downs of Dr. Noguchi’s career. He’s now 98 years old and his wife has passed, but this is a man who was the leader for Forensic Pathology, and whose work often helped make sense of challenging situations.

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Posted by David Ferguson

40 WATTS FROM NOWHERE (2025, doc)

February 28, 2025

Slamdance Film Festival 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Music lovers know very well how radio changed in the 1990’s. Consolidations, mergers, and mandated playlists became the norm. Traveling from city to city and town to town made this abundantly clear. Where once independent stations were keyed in to local culture, corporate radio commanded the airwaves. The exceptions were ‘pirate radio stations’ and Sue Carpenter not only founded one of the best (KBLT), she put together this documentary on how she did it.

By definition, pirate radio is breaking the rules set by the FCC … taking over an open frequency in a market while being unlicensed. Of course, this only works at low power levels, and the film does a nice job of explaining the technical aspects, stopping short of the dizzying specifications required to broadcast. It’s those FCC rules that forced Ms. Carpenter to use Paige Jarrett as her business name – no need to make it easy for someone to track you down. She provides a brief history of her move from San Francisco to the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles, including input from Stephen Dunifer of Free Radio Berkeley. We see archival clips of Mr. Dunifer, as well as a more recent interview.

Most famously, the history of pirate radio must include a tip of the cap to Radio Caroline, the UK pirate radio station that broadcast from ships (plural) as early as 1964. Richard Curtis (loosely) based his 2009 film, THE BOAT THAT ROCKED, on Radio Caroline. Still, it makes sense for Sue Carpenter to focus on her accomplishments with KBLT, as she broadcast from a closet in her small house. It’s fascinating to hear her recall the assistance she received in bringing on DJ’s for the station … musicians and music lovers who thrived on the independent nature and freedom to play the tunes and bands and artists they appreciated. Many of the original DJ’s appear for interviews here and there are enough home movies for us to get the feel for the times.

KBLT broadcast from 1995 through 1998, and not only was it a much needed outlet for the thriving underground and alt-rock music scene, it also carried with it a bit of civil disobedience for those involved. It’s described as going ‘viral in the 1990’s’ (prior to social media). A live, on air, in-studio acoustic performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers was a highlight, and KBLT has been described as a real life version of PUMP UP THE VOLUME (1990). While those involved muse about what a great time it was, the impact on music remains undeniable.

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