CYBER-SENIORS (doc, 2014)

May 9, 2014

cyber seniors Greetings again from the darkness. As the world has become more connected, the greatest generation is being left behind in a cloud of digital dust. As pointed out by one of the teenage mentors, the generation gap is wider than ever. The good old days of three generations living together under one roof are gone, and quite often there is a great geographic distance between family members. Two teenage girls set out to close the gap by teaching senior citizens how to connect via the World Wide Web. Their project, Cyber-Seniors, is captured on film by director Saffron Cassady.

Taking place in a couple of Toronto Assisted Living Centers, the Cyber-Senior project has millennials making the rounds to tutor the residents on how to use a computer, and specifically, how to connect with distant family members. The film focuses on five individuals ranging in age from 77 to 93. While the seniors are absorbing the power of technology, the teenage mentors slowly come to realize the spirit of life and the interesting backstories of their much older pupils. Patience and a sense of humor are necessary for all parties involved, creating a very interesting, entertaining and meaningful story for the viewer.

Playing significant roles in the process are such items as Facebook, email, digital photos, chatting, online banking and Skype. There is a brief, but humorous segment on a dating site, but the real fun begins when 88 year old Shura creates a “cooking” video for YouTube. My guess is you will never again think of corn on the cob or grilled cheese the same. This leads to a YouTube contest, and this portion could have made a film unto itself, as each senior creates a video in line with their own personality – exercise, friendship, dating, and yes, even dental work. It’s fascinating to watch these folks flash some of their knowledge and personality.

The project itself is ambitious and worthwhile, but the real payoff comes as these fine people re-connect with their kids and grandkids and friends. While the humor and touching moments make for wonderful viewing, the film is a not so subtle reminder that everyone has something to offer, and we can all benefit from more personal interactions with those who mean so much to us. For other wonderful documentaries centered on senior citizens, see Young at Heart (2007) and Ping Pong (2012).

To see the trailer and learn more about the film, go to:

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Posted by David Ferguson

WHITEY: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. JAMES J BULGER (doc, 2014)

April 16, 2014

DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (2014)

whitey Greetings again from the darkness. Definitely one of the best documentaries at this year’s Dallas International Film Festival, this is one detailed and informative expose’ that focuses not just on bad guy Whitey Bulger, but a seemingly corrupt system that allowed him to maintain his power.

Joe Berlinger is an award-winning and very prolific documentarian, and he certainly goes all in here with an overwhelming amount of information, detail and speculation. The film begins with the 2011 arrest of Whitey Bulger after 16 years on the lam. We then explore the trial, as well as the background of Bulger’s 30 years of power in South Boston (after his release from Alcatraz).

The interviews are fascinating. We get first person responses from attorneys, thugs from the Bulger syndicate, as well as many of the victim’s family members … some still so desperate for justice after decades of pain.

The Bulger defense team claimed immunity due to his status as an FBI informant. Of course, this claim opens up the real intrigue here … how deep did the corruption go with local law enforcement, the FBI and the judicial system? Was Bulger empowered by those who should have been protecting the citizens and pursuing him? Many questions are asked, and the likely answers do not quell conspiracy theorists.

While some documentaries seem a bit thin as they stretch material, Mr. Berlinger’s approach is to supply much information, many details, and an endless stream of interviews … all to force us to wonder if Whitey Bulger’s reign of southie crime was permitted, even encouraged, by those we thought were the good guys.

watch the CNN Films promo:

 

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

RICH HILL ( doc, 2014)

April 14, 2014

DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (2014)

rich hill Greetings again from the darkness. Boo, Hiss to Poverty. Nobody likes poverty and it’s one of the more popular topics for political lip service. Poverty also happens to be a frequent topic of documentary filmmakers. A prize winner at Sundance, co-directors (and cousins) Andrew Droz Palermo and Tracy Droz Tragos brought their film to the Dallas International Film Festival.

The beautifully photographed film focuses on three adolescent boys living in poverty stricken Rich Hill, Missouri (population 1396). Andrew is a sweet, athletic likable kid living with a medicated mother and dreamer dad (who can’t keep a job, and sees no real need to try). Appachey is a chain-smoking, anger-riddled boy living in an out of control house. He struggles with authority and structure and freedom, and well everything else too. Harley is the oldest of the three boys and lives with his grandmother, while his mom is in prison after a committing a very violent and personal crime … one at the core of Harley’s behavior disorders.

If that last paragraph sounds depressing, you are both right and wrong. Somehow, despite the situations that these boys are in, there is always a flicker of … not really optimism, but at least hope. This is the way to learn about the effects of poverty. Personal stories about real people. Governmental statistics mean little, but the smile of Andrew means everything … even as his father moves the family once again. The interconnection of parenting, schooling and the judicial system is on full display here, as is the healthcare system and the importance of hope and attitude. You will feel for each of these boys, and be forced to wonder how to make things better.

watch the trailer:

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

NO NO: A DOCKUMENTARY (doc, 2014)

April 10, 2014

DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (2014)

nono Greetings again from the darkness. Caught this one at the Dallas International Film Festival, and the most impressive part of director Jeff Radice’s approach is just how much he attempts to tackle. Most baseball fans immediately associate the name Dock Ellis with his much publicized 1970 no-hitter thrown while under the influence of LSD. Radice doesn’t focus on the baseball side of this story, but rather much more on the man and the times.

One must be of a certain age to have watched Dock Ellis pitch (he retired in 1979), and the era must be considered when understanding his often outspoken and arrogant behavior. Jackie Robinson had long ago broken the color barrier in baseball, but it wasn’t until the early 1970’s when things really started to change. 1971 saw the first all black and brown lineup from the Pirates (with Dock Ellis on the mound). The former players interviewed here recall the moment they noticed. The most emotional moment of the movie comes from an old radio interview where Dock is reading aloud a handwritten letter to him from Jackie Robinson.

In addition to his baseball and related antics, we get some history on his marriages, style, drug abuse and struggle to remain healthy near the end of his career. Radice scores with the numerous interviews of former teammates, as well as friends and family. Steve Blass and Bruce Kison provide a contrast to the words of Dave Cash, Mudcat Grant and Al Oliver, but the best insight comes from Ellis’ friends and family. This is where we see the hope and disappointment that Dock produced.

We also see the later years as Dock became a drug counselor and educated many on the mistakes he had made. Radice uses a 1981 movie called Dugout featuring former major league pitcher Bo Belinsky talking to little-leaguers about the importance of staying on the right track … the parallels to the career of Dock Ellis are obvious.

Some terrific game footage is used, but one of the most interesting moments occurs when Brad Corbett, Jr explains how his father (former owner of Texas Rangers) had interaction with Dock Ellis the player, and later with Dock Ellis the addiction counselor. There is also much made about “everyone” in baseball being on “greenies” (amphetemines) during the era … an interesting contrast to the steroid era. The main thing we learn is that there was much more to Dock Ellis than LSD and curlers in his hair.

Rather than a trailer (which I can’t find), here is a link to a 3 minute interview with the film’s Producer, Mike Blizzard, during the Dallas International Film Festival.

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: Documentary (2013)

February 24, 2014

lady in 6 Thanks to the historic Texas Theatre, what is normally a gap in my annual movie-going experience has been filled.  The documentary shorts category is especially difficult to program for both theatres and cable channels.  Run times are typically around 40 minutes, and the subject matter is not always the most uplifting in nature. The Oscar nominated group this year includes the world’s oldest Holocaust survivor, Yemen’s uprising, a violent hate crime, a terminally ill prisoner, and a cantankerous artist who avoids most interaction with people.  Not exactly a festive day at the theatre!

Despite the subject matter, documentary shorts are an exceptionally interesting genre because they must quickly capture our interest with a person or topic, and then provide enough depth that we feel the need to discuss or think about it long after the short run time has finished.  Oh, and the filmmaker is usually working with a miniscule budget, often handling the camera and editing, and most any other detail with very little help.  It’s truly a genre of passion not profit.

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS

These are not my Oscar predictions (coming in a couple of days), but rather a brief recap of each in the order of my preference – starting with my favorite.

LADY IN NUMBER 6

Filmmaker Malcolm Clarke wonderfully captures the spirit of the oldest Holocaust survivor, Alice Herz-Sommer. She was 109 during filming and she happily passes on the joy she finds in every day life, despite a most cruel and unusual past. Alice’s parents were friends with Franz Kafka in Prague, and as a little girl, she would listen to the stories he told. Her remarkable prowess on the piano led her to a remarkable career as a performer, but more importantly saved her life at Theresienstadt concentration camp. Alice Herz-Sommer passed away the day after her story so inspired me.  She was 110.

KARAMA HAS NO WALLS (Czech)

The 2011 uprising/revolution in Yemen is seen up close through the lens of two cameramen (and director Sara Ishaq) right in the middle of the peaceful demonstration-turned-violent attack. When the soldiers, snipers and thugs begin attacking the civilians, we see people die in the streets. We see their friends carry bodies away. The attack resulted in 53 deaths and numerous injuries. It’s incredibly discomforting to watch, especially on the heels of the Oscar nominated feature documentary The Square, which details the similar uprising in Egypt.  Kamara (Dignity) indeed.

PRISON TERMINAL: THE LAST DAYS OF PRIVATE JACK HALL

This is a very unique story that takes place within the walls of Iowa State Penitentiary, one of the countries maximum security prison. It’s not unusual for “lifers” to die in prison, but what is unusual is a hospice wing funded by private donations and staffed by many volunteer prisoners.  We see this in action by following war hero turned convicted murderer Jack Hall.  The film gives an overview of how prison hospice can provide a dignified death, and we see this through an extremely close and personal  vigil of Mr. Hall through the lens of director Edgar Barens.

FACING FEAR

What may be the most incredible story and coincidence (destiny??) of any of the nominees, this film tells how the lives of Tim Zaal and Matthew Boger collided not once, but twice. A very young Mr. Boger was kicked out of his house by his mother. She refused to have a gay son living under her roof.  A few years later, Mr. Zaal and his band of neo-Nazi skin-heads chased down a random gay man (Mr. Boger) on the streets of L.A. simply to beat him to death.  By pure coincidence (or was it?), the two cross paths again in the museum where Mr. Boger works. As a reformed hate crime zealot, Mr. Zaal is the scheduled speaker of the day.  Director Jason Cohen captures this story of reformation, redemption, forgiveness and too many other emotions to name.

CAVEDIGGER

Ra Paulette is not a particularly likeable guy.  But he cares little what you think. His artistry lies in his unusual ability to dig caves into the hills and mountains, creating spectacular living spaces.  In an all too familiar story line, this artist is one of the worst businessmen you have ever seen. Since he can’t estimate his work or take direction from his clients, his jobs often get cut short and left unfinished. In his constant search for his Magnum Opus, he leaves friends and a wife in the piles of rubble he pulls out of the earth.  Despite his best efforts, director Jeffrey Karoff can’t make us like Mr. Paulette, no matter how much we marvel at his talent.

**NOTE: If you are interested in learning a bit more about the life of Alice Herz-Sommer, then please go to this link and read NPR’s article.  The link also takes you to the trailer for The Lady in Number 6,  http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/02/24/281965889/oldest-known-holocaust-survivor-dies-pianist-was-110

 

 

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

CUTIE AND THE BOXER (2013, doc, UK)

February 23, 2014

cutie Greetings again from the darkness. This finishes off my viewing of the five Oscar nominated documentary features. Filmmaker Zachary Heinzerling starts us with the 80th birthday of Ushio Shinohara. His wife Noriko has provided individual serving cakes and his has a number 3 candle on it. The candle has no significance other than they “don’t have 80 candles“. The rest of the movie is about what this couple does and does not have.

Ushio has had quite a career as an artist, starting with his Neo-Dadaism movement in Japan and carrying over to his popularity in New York City (he moved there in 1969) with his sculptures made from discarded items and his “boxing” paintings, of which we get to see the in-action video. It’s no secret that Ushio and Noriko are struggling financially … they discuss past due rent and utilities. We then learn that Ushio had once been quite popular and influential in the art world. His work has been displayed at many of the most famous museums and galleries, and Andy Warhol’s pop art was inspired by Ushio’s work.

But this story is about much more than the roller coaster ride of an artist. It’s even more about a 40 year marriage/relationship/partnership and the accompanying frustrations of one artist living in the shadow of another. We often sense the resentment coming from Noriko as she fills us in on her perspective, and we witness firsthand the challenges of living with Ushio. Neither of these people are especially likable, but afterall, they are artists! Home movies take us back to the early years (the 1970’s) and the destructive force of Ushio’s alcoholism and ego. When Noriko offered her assistance to the older (by 22 years) artist and then soon became pregnant, her passion for art was shelved. All these years later, her frustrations come pouring out through a mostly autobiographical story book illustration of Cutie (Noriko) and Bullie (Ushio).

We only get brief glimpses of their son Alex, but enough to see that he is also a struggling artist, and regrettably, also an alcoholic. Maybe the single biggest moment occurs when Ushio utters “the average one should support the genius“. In other words, Noriko is correct when she accuses him of viewing her as a “free assistant” and a “free chef“. So while Ushio says “art is messy“, it’s also obvious that life is every bit as messy, and that art and life offer no separation for this couple.

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXS6Aby5AUg

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Posted by David Ferguson

DIRTY WARS (2013, doc, Spain)

February 16, 2014

dirty wars Greetings again from the darkness. This is one of this year’s Oscar nominated documentaries, and it comes from director Rick Rowley and investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill. You might know Scahill as the author of the best selling book, “Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army”. Here, he is on the front line of looking into the U.S. covert operations in the Middle East.

The film covers 3 years of Scahill’s work at uncovering drone strikes and top secret attacks on suspected terrorists. Suspected being the operative word. Scahill slowly pulls back the curtain to discover the activities of JSOC – the Joint Special Operations Command (formed in 1980). While the Osama bin Laden mission brought some rare media coverage for JSOC, Scahill’s work shows just how deep the secret and often unmonitored missions of this group go.

Scahill’s point is that the U.S. has significant ongoing covert operations in countries and areas of undeclared war, and it sometimes spills over to U.S. citizens. This point is driven home by the story of Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S. citizen killed for being a suspected terrorist. His 16 year old son was killed by a drone soon afterward. Per Scahill, many innocents have been killed (more than a million) and the U.S. is creating enemies from some allies. He even found that some refer to these soldiers as the “American Taliban”.

The film and Scahill’s commentary certainly raise some compelling points and makes for intriguing conversation. My issue is with the structure of the film and the manner in which the topics are presented. In light of the criticism he has received, Scahill has stated “The truth is just true sometimes. Objectivity doesn’t exist“. Scahill himself spends an inordinate amount of time on screen. This is typically an indication that a documentary is lacking sufficient proof and documentation. Additionally, his Hollywood-type narration is quite distracting and complimented by a mood-influencing musical score from the Kronos Quartet. If the story goes as deep as Scahill would have us believe … that there really is no end in sight … a less gimmicky approach was in order.

watch the trailer:

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE RAPE OF EUROPA (2007, doc)

February 12, 2014

europa Greetings again from the darkness. Watching the 2014 release of The Monuments Men inspired me to re-watch this fascinating documentary on the same subject. Thanks to the interviews of real life Monuments Men like Harry Ettlinger, Kenneth Lindsay, Charles Parkhurst and Bernard Taper, we better understand the overwhelming mission these folks were on, and how even today, some battles wage on over the rightful owners of artwork.

To drive home the point that there is more at stake than just pride, the case of Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I” is studied. Adele’s niece continued her litigation against Austria until a court finally awarded her the painting (and 3 others). She sold “Adele” for $135 million to a collector. So clearly the cause is not just for mother country. Economics play a huge role. Regardless, the more interesting portion of the story is the relentless pursuit of stolen artwork, artifacts, furniture and collectibles, and the attempts to return them to the rightful owners. That part was possible thanks to the extraordinary secret record keeping of Rose Valland (the basis for Cate Blanchett’s role in the new movie).  Also stunning is the devastating architecture destruction brought on by WWII, really making it a bittersweet story.

The breathtaking photographs and incredible archival film footage provide a clear understanding of the breadth of destruction. Seeing the before and after of the Monte Cassino monastery is just crushing. Gaining perspective on the damaged frescoes, some dating to 1360, when Pisa’s Camposanto was bombed, drives home the significance of culture and history. Seeing the aftermath of the bombing of Florence’s iconic bridges brings tears to the eyes. The most impressive piece is that so much of Europe has been rebuilt in the past 7 decades. Maybe that goes to answer the question of whether a human life is worth protecting art. People survive and find a way … even if Rafael’s “Portrait of a Young Man” remains missing.

This is based on the book by the Lynn Nicholas, and the film does a terrific job of presenting how the war impacted Russia, Germany, Italy, France, Austria and Poland. It’s also tough to reconcile, as one of the Monuments Men attempts, the idea that the Nazis were so protective of the stolen artwork while simultaneously exterminating so many Jewish people. Maybe things would have been different if a young Adolph Hitler had been accepted to art school.

watch the trailer:

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE SQUARE (2013, doc, UK)

February 1, 2014

square Greetings again from the darkness. This is the third of this year’s five Oscar nominated documentaries I have seen, and thanks to the historic Texas Theatre, I’ll get to see the last two as well. This one is directed by Cairo born and Harvard educated Jehane Noujaim. She sets out to capture the Egyption Revolution, as part of the Arab Spring, and now in it’s third year. This is a look from inside the core of the revolution, not a washed-over network news report.

It should first be noted that this revolution began as more of a protest. Citizens just fed up with the Mubarek regime began congregating in Tahrir Square in hopes of influencing change and a transition to a society of conscience. Ms. Noujaim and her multitude of cameras follows a hand full of these protesters and the changes that occur inside the revolution. These changes occur as Mubarek falls, the military takes over and betrays the movement, and then the Muslim Brotherhood takes control when Mohamed Morsi wins the election. This causes the loss of solidarity in the movement as it becomes clear that the Brotherhood consorted with the military to gain power, proving their mission was quite different.

One of the faces of the revolution is Egyptian actor Khalid Abdalla whom you might recognize from the fine 2007 film The Kite Runner. Abdalla speaks excellent English and is clearly passionate about the vision. His comments also drive home the difference in a protest and the politics of a true revolution. We only get a couple of on camera comments from government and military officials, but the real insight and spirit of the film is captured in the faces, words and actions of those involved in the sit-ins, despite the many violent attempts to shut them down (Ms. Noujaime was also arrested and detained).

One of the more staggering visuals comes from an aerial view of Cairo as the camera captures the masses as they descend on the streets during the third uprising that we see. It’s breathtaking and in stark contrast to the news reports we saw in the U.S. Unfortunately, there is still no resolution in this as Egypt is still in flux and preparing for yet another election. That brings even more power to the “in the moment” point of view that this film delivers.

watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twB2zAOzsKE

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Posted by David Ferguson

LETTERS TO JACKIE: REMEMBERING PRESIDENT KENNEDY (2013, doc)

January 29, 2014

letters to jackie Greetings again from the darkness. This documentary was released in 2013, and the announcement today of the passing of Pete Seeger, finally pushed me to watch it. The motivation for the film was in tribute to JFK on the 50th anniversary of his death. Unfortunately, living in Dallas, there were just so many movies and events commemorating the tragic event, that this one slipped through the cracks. After watching, it’s clear that it is a worthy and emotional tribute.

The assassination occurred on Friday November 22, 1963. By Monday the 25th, more than 45,000 letters were delivered to the White House. In the first 50 days, more than 800,000 letters arrived. We are treated to the reading of 21 of these precious letters through the voices of many well known actors including: Betty White, Octavia Spencer, Chris Cooper, Demian Bichir, Berence Bejo, and a closing from Mark Ruffalo. These are letters from everyday people affected by the death of a man who many felt so connected to.

Emotions flow from the mostly handwritten letters (a lost art). Emotions ranging from anger to sadness to disbelief, and most of all, sympathy to Jackie Kennedy and her kids. Some compare their own tragic stories, while others explain how impacted they were by JFK. The sincerity is palpable. These people felt a need to reach out to Jackie … not as the Queen of Camelot, but rather as a saddened widow and single mother – one grieving person to another. Their words strike a nerve.

Director Bill Couturie won an Oscar as Producer of the 1989 documentary Common Threads: Stories From the Quilt. He helped capture some of the stories associated with the AIDS quilt. With that movie and this one, you might think Mr. Couturie is the most emotional and serious man in the movie business. Before concluding that, you should know he also directed Ed (1996). Haven’t seen Ed? It’s about a chimpanzee who plays baseball. Evidently Mr. Couturie has a lighter side as well.

The film works thanks to the real words of real people, and it’s provided a boost through some terrific footage of the incredible stages of Kennedy’s presidency: the inauguration speech, the chimp in space (not Ed), formation of the Peace Corps, the Bay of Pigs fiasco, the trip to Paris, Jackie’s televised tour of the White House, the early stages of Vietnam, the Civil Rights movement, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy’s speech in Berlin, the Freedom March, and of course the assassination. Some of the footage is stunning in clarity.  Some it all too familiar.

John Kennedy was our youngest President (age 43) and the first to be born in the 20th century. His vision and presence, despite some failed efforts, connected with an enormous number of people throughout the US and even the world. The shattered feeling caused by his death still resonates even 50 years later, and it’s very sobering and touching to hear the words of so many just trying to make sense of a senseless act.

**NOTE: This is based on the book by Ellen Fitzpatrick

watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdpx3tP3xUs

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

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