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

DEAR MR. WATTERSON (2013, doc)

December 7, 2013

calvin1 Greetings again from the darkness. Two upfront admissions: First, I am not a comic strip historian. Second, there have been a hand full of comic strips that I have been obsessively “drawn” to, and “Calvin and Hobbes” was definitely one of them. Any fan of C&H would not miss the chance to see a documentary that might provide some insight into the genius behind the imaginative boy and his feline friend. Bill Watterson is now as famous for his life as an extreme recluse as he is for his artistry on the little boy and his feline friend.

calvin2 Directed by uber fan Joel Allen Schroeder, we are presented with a steady stream of talking heads interrupted periodically by Schroeder’s trips to the Cartoon Museum, Ohio State University library, and Chagrin Falls, Ohio (Watterson’s hometown and the foundation of the Calvin and Hobbes world). Watterson re-created downtown Chagrin Falls when he depicted Calvin as a quasi-Godzilla stomping through town. Many of the talking heads are other cartoonists who remain in awe of Watterson’s works. We get a glimpse into the business side as we hear from an executive at Universal Press Syndicate, Watterson’s publisher. There is also a segment with Jean Schulz, the widow of Charles “Sparky” Schulz, the man behind “Peanuts”.

Since we see so little of the actual published work, we lean heavily on the spoken words of those interviewed … kind of frustrating when the subject is a medium of such visual relevance. Even more frustrating is the lack of insight into Watterson as an artist. Instead, the director rehashes what we already know from following the work. Watterson’s “high art vs. low art” arguments are mentioned, as is his belief that imagination and creativity are crucial to the good life.

By far the most interesting commentary comes from Stephan Pastis, known for his “Pearls Before Swine”. Pastis not only admires Watterson’s legacy but he provides insight into the world of artists who are constantly under the pressure of commercialism, and often find themselves doing business with those they have little in common with. He explains Watterson’s vision and integrity (and clout) in denying licensing rights for Calvin and Hobbes. Leaving hundreds of millions of dollars on the table by refusing to allow Calvin and Hobbes lunch boxes, t-shirts, stuffed animals, etc … calvin3clearly shows that Watterson’s vision was not about profit, but rather about artistic purity. The comparison to Snoopy selling insurance makes the point quite directly.

So we walk away with no more insight into Watterson (pictured left), no more insight into Calvin and Hobbes, but a clear understanding of the industry respect that the work and the artist carry. We all share the pure joy of reading and re-reading our favorite panels, not just for the smiles they bring, but also the multiple layers of observation delivered by a boy and his tiger. It’s a reminder to keep your imagination active and never miss a chance to go exploring!

watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtmV7-f_j7Y

Dear Mr Watterson

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtmV7-f_j7Y

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Posted by David Ferguson

PING PONG (2013, doc)

September 13, 2013

ping pong1 Greetings again from the darkness. Missing a lung? No excuse. Had a kidney removed? Please. Suffer a few strokes? Let’s play. Struggling with Dementia? Grab a paddle. Rarely has the human spirit provided a better platform than in director Hugh Hartford’s documentary about super seniors (age 80+) and their pursuit of a World Championship in Table Tennis/Ping Pong.

We get to know a group of these players through interviews and a glimpse into their personal life. The core group in the film ranges from age 81 to 89 and are in various stages of health … from pretty spry (one of the ladies has a boy toy 20 years younger) to hospital-bound given only a week to live (the interview took place 5 months after that diagnosis). One thing I noticed in each of these experienced folks … put a paddle/bat in their hand and you can see the twinkle in their eyes and a bounce in their step! There are multiple World Championship gold medalists represented here. There are arch rivals. Their are long time friends. We even meet a legendary Australian player … she competes at 100 years old! The “rookie” from Houston describes her own playing “as irregular as my driving“. One of the men spouts off poetry and Irish limericks before dismantling an opponent on the table.

This is a pleasure to watch and I’m thankful it was recommended by a friend of a friend. Should you question the motivation of these elderly folks, take in this quote from one of the players: “I’ll keep playing. I don’t want to sit down. I don’t want to die.”

**NOTE: the version I watched was online at pbs.org and was 52 minutes in length.  Evidently an 80 minute version made the festival rounds.

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRd5wY_5zZo

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE ACT OF KILLING (2013, doc)

August 14, 2013

act of killing Greetings again from the darkness. To some: a national hero. To others: a monster or war criminal. Co-director Joshua Oppenheimer’s concept was either to re-examine history or study the dark side of human nature. Either way, this is one of the most disturbing, difficult to watch documentaries I’ve ever seen.

The film begins with this quote from Voltaire: “It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets”. We then read text that provides the only historical background provided by the film … the Indonesian coup in 1965 that led to a year long slaughter of anyone deemed to be a communist. In reality, the definition was quite broad and basically included anyone who wasn’t totally onboard with the new power structure.

To carry out the massacre, a death squad of gangsters was employed and Oppenheimer recruits one of the most brutal of these gangsters to an “art” project: recreate your most heinous kills in whatever film genre you prefer. Anwar Congo agrees and even arranges for his accomplices to join in. The result is the most bizarre mixture of classic-type Hollywood crime thrillers and even a surreal musical number with bold colors and a giant metal fish.

That’s the best description I can provide. While I found myself unable to look away, this is not one that can really be recommended as a form of entertainment. There are some stunning moments here, but it’s nauseating to recall. An Indonesian TV talk show host is giddy to have these “heroic” gangsters on her show. Congo gathers his grandchildren to watch a brutal re-enactment of one of his missions. Their discussions of how important movies were to their murderous activities could lead to further analysis of the role of art in violence, but instead it points out why Congo agreed to this project in the first place – his ego is such that he seems himself as a Bogart type hero.

Renowned documentary filmmakers Werner Herzog and Errol Morris are both listed as producers, but some of the crew is listed as “anonymous” and who can blame them? While there seems to be no regret and no guilt for previous actions, there is an odd, extended scene where Congo’s guttural bellows and dry-heaving leave us wondering if maybe there is a crack in his facade … or is he just caught up in his performance. I’m not sure and I hope to never watch this again.

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD5oMxbMcHM

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Posted by David Ferguson

BLACKFISH (2013, doc)

August 6, 2013

blackfish1 Greetings again from the darkness. Dogs, cats, fish, birds, hamsters, ferrets, snakes, and even pigs. We love our pets. We also love our zoos, city aquariums and SeaWorld parks. For many years, we have chosen to believe that the research and educational advances that come from these outlets outweigh any of the negatives involved with keeping man’s quest to control wild animals in captivity. Filmmaker Gabriela Cowperthwaite shows us (by focusing on SeaWorld) that it’s way past time for us to open our eyes to the cruelty involved with the capture and training of wild animals for entertainment purpose.

The points made here are not speculation. We witness numerous interviews with “former” SeaWorld trainers. It’s clear these people thought they had a bond with their co-performers. Most never even mention the term “killer whale” … the common moniker for the majestic creatures better known as Orcas. The interviews have great impact, and when combined with startling TV news clips and rare footage shot by audience members, it becomes obvious that the huge profits and entertainment offered to families, are quite frankly generated by an immoral and inexcusable business model.

blackfish2 Most of the story is tied together by the 2010 death of super-trainer Dawn Brancheau by Tilikum, the largest Orca in the SeaWorld group. What we soon learn is that Tilikum was captured in Iceland waters at the age of three, and has since had many incidents resulting in injuries and even three deaths. It’s also stated that Tilikum is the head of the family tree for the majority of SeaWorld’s performing Orcas.

Of course, no one can or should blame these incredibly intelligent and emotional and family-oriented creatures. Everything about their existence in captivity goes against their natural habitat and way of life. The real issue is … just because we CAN capture and train these animals, does that mean we SHOULD? If the focus is profits, then the answer is apparently yes. If instead, the focus is respecting nature and valuing other species, then the answer is much different.

The Cove and Project Nim are two other documentaries that come to mind when thinking about filmmakers attempting to expose the danger and cruelty in trying to control nature. Watching this story had me hanging my head like the fisherman from the 1970’s who recalled capturing a young whale as the family members swam nearby crying and screeching … a scene eerily similar to another tragic event shown during the film. Let’s hope director Cowperthwaite’s screams are heard. See this movie before deciding to visit another SeaWorld (who couldn’t be bothered to comment on camera). There are better ways to teach your kids about nature and there are certainly less cruel forms of entertainment.

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLOeH-Oq_1Y

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Posted by David Ferguson

BIG STAR: NOTHING CAN HURT ME (2012, doc)

August 4, 2013

big star1 Greetings again from the darkness. The best filmmakers can be described as visual storytellers. However, what can we expect from a film if the story has no real climax or even a definitive ending? Well if the story is early 70’s power-pop band Big Star and if the filmmakers are co-directors Drew DeNicola and Olivia Mori, and Producer Danielle McCarthy, the answer is an incredibly interesting and enthralling tale of how sometimes the universe just doesn’t line up the way it should.

Mythical stories involve such things as unicorns and the lost city of Atlantis. It’s tempting, though incorrect, to label Big Star as the mythical great band of the 1970’s. In fact, they were all too real. For the past 40 years, their influence has worked its way through the musical world and is obvious in the works of such bands as R.E.M. and The Replacements … just as the influence of The Beatles, The Byrds, The Kinks and more can be heard in the songs of Big Star. The mystery and confounding question is why did the beautiful music of Big Star big star2never “make it” to the big time like those others?

This documentary is a technical and structural and visual and auditory marvel. It captures and holds our attention just like any other well made historical drama would. A doc on The Rolling Stones or Bruce Springsteen would revel in the big time success achieved or the legendary live performances or recording sessions. Instead, with Big Star, we get a much more personal look at the creative genius of its two leaders: Chris Bell and Alex Chilton. They are described as flashing comets passing in the sky. Their all too brief time together produced something special that, still to this day, deserves to be heard. Their tragic personal stories need to be told. This film does both things very well. A large part of the Big Star catalog is heard throughout, and the abundance of meaningful interviews paints a clear picture of the band and its members.

big star band One would be challenged to name any artist or creative endeavor that has been more critically acclaimed, yet commercially unsuccessful as Big Star. It absolutely makes no sense … except for the cursory explanation given to the record labels: Ardent Records and Stax Records, and their ultimate failure in gaining retail distribution and radio airtime. Could it really be as simple as horrendous business execution? At this point, none of it really matters. The real interest … the real story … is the personal insight provided by lone surviving band member Jody Stephens, record producers John Fry (Ardent founder) and Jim Dickinson, and of course, the brother and sister of Chris Bell.

If you are asking yourself why you have never heard any music by a band that occupies 3 slots in “Rolling Stones'” 500 Greatest Albums of all time, I encourage you to seek out the songs … or pay attention the next time you are watching the opening of “That 70’s Show“. Yes, that is Cheap Trick doing a cover of a Big Star song. There is much to be gained from seeing this documentary and discovering Big Star … even all these years later.

**NOTE: Alex Chilton was barely 16 when he sang lead on the hit song “The Letter” for The Box Tops.

You can learn more about the band and the documentary at http://www.bigstarstory.com/

watch the trailer:

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

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Posted by David Ferguson

LOW & CLEAR (2012, doc)

August 2, 2013

low and clear2 Greetings again from the darkness. I missed this one during it’s festival run last year, but being a lifelong fan of the late great songwriter Townes Van Zandt, I was of course curious in a project that featured his first born son (John Townes Van Zandt II). While the facial resemblance is clear and a Townes song is included, this little documentary stands tall on its own thanks to stunning cinematography and a spiritual look into how a love of fishing bonds a couple of men over the years.

We are first introduced to J.T. on the Texas Gulf Coast, as he explains that it’s a mistake to assume the purpose of fishing is catching fish, and that instead, fishing is “a micro-examination of life itself”. Just as we are settling into J.T.’s zen-like approach to life and fishing, we are startled back into reality thanks to the shouted profanity and ear-piercing chainsaw wielded by Alex “Xenie” Hall, a fishing legend in Colorado.

These two first crossed paths many years ago as Xenie became J.T.’s fishing mentor. The river and the solemnity of fishing created a bond between two very different men. As the years passed, they saw less of each other, until a planned trip to British Columbia reunited them in the only way they can really communicate … rod in hand, waist deep in water. It’s this trip where we (and they) truly come to understand what polar opposites they are. J.T. soaks in the beauty and peace of nature in his quest for the perfect cast, while Xenie is on an adrenaline rush to catch and document as many fish as possible … gleefully shouting “I’m healed” after a particularly successful catch.

Very few movies or stories deal directly with the emotions involved in male bonding: rivalry, support, introspection. To see this between two such different personality types is quite interesting … especially since most every shot in the movie could be directly from a nature photography exhibit. When J.T. says he is at his best and worst while fishing, we immediately understand that it’s the only time he can truly be himself.

It’s difficult to tell if the lack of background or “non-fishing” life of these two is a strength or weakness of the film, but it matters little. As a character study or work of art, co-directors Khalil Hudson and Tyler Hughen provide us a look at real life that dwarfs the fictionalized fly-fishing tale of A River Runs Through It.

low and clear

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Posted by David Ferguson

20 FEET FROM STARDOM (2013)

July 1, 2013

20 feet1 Greetings again from the darkness. “And the colored girls go do doo doo, do doo …”. The controversial lyrics from Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” kick off this exceptional documentary about the oft-ignored back-up singers who have played (and continue to play) a huge role in some of the biggest songs of all-time. You may not know their names, but you have undoubtedly sung along with them while driving or taking a shower.

Director Morgan Neville has a credit list filled with music shorts and documentaries. One of my personal favorites of his is “The American Masters” on Muddy Waters. I recalled that while watching this one because Neville does a nice job of connecting the dots from Gospel, Blues and Soul to the roots of Rock and Roll. The main women featured here all admit to being daughters of preachers, and fine-tuning their ability to harmonize during their youth while singing in the church choir.

20 feet5 Most of the interview time and insight comes from Darlene Love, Lisa Fischer, and Merry Clayton. You may not recognize the names or faces, but you will surely recognize the voices. Ms. Love has been elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and may be best known thanks to her annual appearance on the David Letterman Show at Christmas. Ms. Fischer is the most frequent worker today of the three as she tours with Chris Botti, Sting and The Rolling Stones. However, the heart-stopping climax of the film belongs to Merry Clayton, as we are treated to her isolated vocals from the master on her infamous performance on the single “Gimme Shelter“. Hearing her raw voice blast out “Rape. Murder. It’s just a shot away” is both exhilarating and gut-wrenching. To hear her tell the story is mesmerizing. One of my favorite movie moments ever.

20 feet2 While we see and hear the personal stories filled with frustration and regrets, we also see an inherent love of music and the appreciation for their particular gift. We also hear from Tata Vega, Dr. Mabel John (a former Raelette for Ray Charles), and Claudia Lennear. With many similar stories of their quest for solo careers, we get the contemporary version with Judith Hill, a twenty-something working back-up today as she strives for a solo career. The parallels are obvious with her older peers.

Another excellent feature of the film comes in the form of interviews from the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Lou Adler, Chris Botti, and Mick Jagger. We also see some studio shots featuring Phil Spector (once the hottest music producer, now incarcerated), and concert footage of Talking Heads, Ray Charles, The Rolling Stones, and the Concert for 20 feet3Bangladesh. It’s especially fitting to see Luther Vandross as a back-up singer to David Bowie‘s “Young Americans“, and to hear from Sheryl Crow, who worked as Michael Jackson’s back-up/lead female. These are the examples of the back-ups who successfully made the walk.

My only minor quibble with the film is structural, not content. Neville has an over-whelming task of addressing each of the individual stories, while also relating it to the nasty and unfair music business, the Civil Rights movement, the development of Rock and Roll, and the role that “talent” plays in what Springsteen terms the “complicated” walk from back-up to lead singer (the titular 20 feet). The segment focusing on Merry Clayton’s role in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” is especially poignant. Overall this film is fascinating and entertaining, and makes a great companion piece to Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002) and Muscle Shoals (2013).  Whether or not you are a fan of documentaries, this is a film to be enjoyed by all.

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWyUJcA8Zfo

4 Comments | Documentary | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

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