WAITING FOR SUPERMAN (2010)

October 4, 2010

 Greetings again from the darkness. The system is broken. I am neither a teacher, Union official or politician … simply a U.S. citizen who sees a real problem with a public education system that seems to adequately serve very few.

After viewing Davis Guggenheim‘s documentary, I find it fascinating to read some of the comments made … especially those made by teachers.  To my eye, the film does not blame any one group for the problems – though lousy (not good) teachers and a misguided union do take some serious criticism. Shouldn’t they? The film makes the point that excellent teachers and principals can definitely make a difference … comparing a great teacher to a work of art.  The specific subject families show caring, involved parents and eager to learn children. Of course, not every family or child fits this definition. But shouldn’t the system at least work for the engaged parents and students?

There is no shortage of blame in this game – politicians, unions, teachers, administrators, parents and rowdy kids. Regardless of the situation, it’s clear that the overall system is flawed, especially in lower income areas. The film asks the question, do neighborhoods drag the school down or is it vice versa? To me, it doesn’t matter. The system should reward the teachers, parents and children who do want to teach and learn.

Regardless of your politics or personal involvement in education, I commend Mr. Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) and Mr. Gates and Ms. Rhee for rocking the boat … for getting the questions asked in a public forum. This movie should inspire much debate and discussion – typically the beginning of real improvement and change. Let’s hope this is the needed start to finding a better system.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you believe debate and discussion can lead to changes for the better.

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you believe the current public education system is perfect.

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Posted by David Ferguson

ELVIS ON TOUR: 75th Anniversary

July 30, 2010

 Greetings again from the darkness. Thanks to the July 29 one-night-only showing through Fathom Events, I got to see this on the big screen again for the first time since it’s initial release in 1972. In celebration of what would have been Elvis’ 75th birthday, an introduction was added that includes some clips and interviews … kind of a “making of” segment. I found it most interesting to get a behind the scenes look at how the film was put together, and the roles of Robert Abel, Pierre Adidge and Martin Scorcese.

The film itself won a Golden Globe for best documentary and it’s easy to see why. It provides a look at Elvis on the road … and a peek at what he was like as a man. In the new intro, Priscilla says “Elvis didn’t just sing a song”. She is so right. Sure, he had an amazing voice. And yes, he was an incredibly charismatic stage performer. Obviously, he was a handsome man and sex symbol of the times. But what the film reminds us is that he was a musician … a man who felt and loved the music.  Watching him breathe in a song by The Stamps (including the great J.D. Sumner) is a moment to behold.

For anyone who doesn’t “get” Elvis or thinks he was just some old guy in a sequined jumpsuit, this is the film to watch. Upon its original release, Rolling Stone magazine’s headline read “Finally, the first Elvis movie”. The montage of his early years and crowd shots of his later years, show just what an impact he had on his fans. There was, and still is, a connection to those who were captivated by the man and his songs. He truly was a musical and social phenomenon.

Seeing him carry the burden of being ELVIS is very interesting. While the songs and performances are fun to watch, the real value here is in the backstage portions. That’s where we see that he lived for the music. How else can you explain the voluminous recording library he left behind in less than 20 years. Despite the military service, pressures of fandom, and his personal issues, he continually recorded songs that we can enjoy today. Compare this to the Rolling Stones, whose careers have lasted more than twice as long as Elvis! While he was not at his physical peak on this tour, he was 37 years old and in decent condition. What is obvious is that the VOICE is still there when he wants it. The two best moments are when he records “Separate Ways” and then when he performs “Trilogy”. We hear the proof that the special gift never left him.

It’s difficult to watch this and realize that Elvis was dead 5 short years later. It really affects how you view his father, Vernon, who we see backstage and watching his son perform. It is also painful to see guys like Joe Esposito and Sonny and Red West kissing up to Elvis, now that we know they would go on to publish trash stories about him, once their golden goose was dead.

The film truly captures a part of history and a glimpse at a fascinating man.  Elvis really was the first mega-superstar who became bigger than life.

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Posted by David Ferguson

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP (2010)

July 4, 2010

Greetings again from the darkness. Hoax or real? Documentary or Mockumentary? Fiction or Stranger than Fiction? Sorry, but I can’t answer these questions. A quick Google gives the appearance that the characters and story are true – or at least real. I guess the main argument I would make is that, true or not, the film is entertaining and enlightening either way.  Personally, I have never put much thought into graffiti or street art and never once (prior to this film) gave any thought that there could be celebrity graffiti artists.

The film certainly makes a statement regarding the commercialization of art. This includes fads and the power of hype and marketing. I can’t really offer up much commentary on the content of the film other than to say Thierry Gueta is a fascinating character, though I have absolutely no interest in owning his “art”. I did love Banksy‘s line about Thierry being more interesting than his work. Couldn’t agree more.

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Posted by David Ferguson

BABIES (Bebes, Fr., 2010)

May 9, 2010

 Greetings again from the darkness. About 4 months ago I saw this trailer and knew immediately I wanted to see it. The word “documentary” is usually box office death, with only a few exceptions. Those exceptions usually involve penguins and sometimes kitties and puppies.  Barely included in the Top 5 would be babies which are on display here.  Sorry, no penguins here. Only babies. And a couple of cats.  And goats.

Director Thomas Balmes from France had a pretty good idea – show the first year of life for four babies from different parts of the world. The babies are from Namibia, Mongolia, Tokyo and San Francisco. It seems his ideas pretty much stopped there. What we see are interlocking scenes of each of the babies at similar stages of developments. The stark contrast in environment seems to be the driving force of photography.

Developed countries vs. un-developed countries. Is it best to raise your child in the wilderness or in the big city? Does it even matter? We see babies rolling on dirt hut floors and poking at goat’s ears. We see other babies going through baby yoga and group therapy sessions. Apparently the big surprise is that all four babies learn to crawl, walk and talk no matter the level of luxury or amount of parental attention.

Roger Ebert says all babies are cute. Any fan of “Seinfeld” will tell you that’s just not true. What is true is that babies are curious and observant and creative. No one knows if the over-indulgent and over-protectiveness of high society actually helps or stifles the development of babies. What we do know is that life finds a way and babies keep growing and learning, whether in a hot tub with mom or in a bowl that a wild goat uses as drinking water.

I just wish the director had put more substance into the delivery. We are simply observers in quick snapshots of each baby. We get very little from the parents or other kids. Luckily, there is no narrator – not even Morgan Freeman!  The obvious points are made, but in the end, this feels a bit empty and probably better served on the National Geographic channel than the local cinema.

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Posted by David Ferguson

KILLING KASZTNER (2008)

February 9, 2010

 (2-9-10) Greetings again from the darkness. The best documentaries provide both (or more) sides of the story, show the conflict, allow the emotions to speak and inspire the viewer to decide or research further. Director Gaylen Ross does just that with this terrifying tale of truth … a truth left open to interpretation.

Rezso Kasztner arranged for the rescue of 1684 Jews. That much is known. The bone chilling debates occur when one views him as a hero and the other views him as a traitor – a collaborator with the Nazi’s (specifically Adolph Eichmann). Kasztner has been referred to as the Jewish Schindler, but also as the man who sold his soul to the devil.

Ms. Ross provides us access to many sources including his probable assassin! When this admitted killer sits down with Kasztner’s family, it proves the adage that truth is stranger than fiction. Kasztner’s family, especially his daughter, are on a mission to see him portrayed as the hero they see. The problem is that many, including some of those he rescued, see him as a Nazi collaborator and are unable to forgive.

So many fine moments and interviews in this one that it actually left me wanting more. Somehow we never really got to know Kasztner as a man, but I do walk away admiring his daughter and granddaughter for working to get their side of the story out, and even more amazingly, having a touch of pity for the assassin.

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Posted by David Ferguson

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