ELVIS & NIXON (2016)

April 20, 2016

elvis and nixon Greetings again from the darkness. The tagline nails the tone of the film: “On August 21, 1970 two of America’s greatest recording artists met for the first time.” Director Liza Johnson proceeds to tell the story of worlds colliding – an Oval Office meeting with President Richard Nixon and Elvis Presley. Of course, this is a fictionalized and satirical accounting, since Nixon didn’t kickoff his recording passion until the following year.

It would be pretty easy to bash the film as heavy on cheese and light on historical accuracy, but that would be missing the point. These two public figures couldn’t have been much different from each other, but the script (Joey and Hanala Sagal, and Cary Elwes) finds a way to have these two icons hold a conversation … bonding over their mutual hatred of The Beatles.

The terrific opening credit sequence perfectly captures the time period and is a work of art unto itself. We first see Elvis shooting out the picture tubes in the TV room at Graceland. He’s disgusted with the news reports of Woodstock and drug use among America’s youth. Constructing a loose plot to meet with President Nixon and offer his service as a Federal Agent-at-large, Elvis is mostly interested in adding a federal badge to his collection.

Michael Shannon plays Elvis and Kevin Spacey takes on the Nixon role. Rather than a finely tuned impersonation, Shannon goes after more of an impression or re-imagining of The King. It’s a perfect fit for this setting, and there is nothing like watching Shannon give an impromptu karate demonstration for the leader of the free world in the most famous room in America. Spacey, on the other hand, is spot on in capturing the posture, mannerisms, sound and essence of a man who carried much personal baggage with his political power.

The chain of events leading up to the meeting plays a bit like a farcical comedy. Nixon’s staff of Bud Krough (Colin Hanks), Dwight Chapin (Evan Peters) and HR Haldeman (Tate Donovan) is equal parts incredulous and opportunistic. We get two members of Elvis’ “Memphis Maphia” with Alex Pettyfer playing Jerry Schilling and Johnny Knoxville adding even more humor as Sonny West. There is a nice blend of “little” comedy moments and outright laughers – Elvis impersonators confronting him in an airport, the Secret Service reaction to Elvis’ gift to Nixon of collectible WWII pistols, and Elvis meeting with a DEA official played by Tracy Letts.

I found myself smiling throughout, with full understanding that this satirical look at a meeting between two famous men with little common ground has no real historical importance … other than resulting in the all-time most requested photograph from the National Archives. But for 86 minutes of smiling, I say to the filmmakers and actors … Thank you. Thank you very much.

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

TALE OF TALES (Italy, 2016)

April 20, 2016

tale of tales Greetings again from the darkness. Fairy tales have long been a fruitful source for movie material. Some, like Disney productions, land gently on the family/children end of the scale; while others like the Brothers Grimm material are much darker and adult in nature. And now, along comes director Matteo Garrone and his blending of three stories loosely based on the 17th century tales published by Giambattista Basile … and “black comedy” falls short as a description.

Mr. Garrone is best known for his chilling look at an Italian crime family in the award winning Gomorrah (2008), so a trilogy of demented monarchial fantasies may seem a bit outside his comfort zone … but grab ahold of your crown jewels and be ready for just about anything.

A very strong opening leads us into the first story about a King (John C Reilly) and Queen (Salma Hayek) who are by no one’s definition, the perfect couple. The Queen’s inability to have children leads her to strike a deal with a Faustian seer who promises a baby to the royal couple. The only catch is that the King must kill a sea monster, and the Queen must eat its heart after it’s properly prepared by a virgin. Yep, it’s pretty dark and pretty odd. Of course, as with all actions, there are consequences (albino twins of different mothers) … some of which are not so wonderful.

The second story involves a lecherous King (Vincent Cassel) who falls in love with a local woman based solely on her singing voice. Much deceit follows and the actions of two sisters (played by 3 actresses – Hayley Carmichael, Stacy Martin, Shirley Henderson) and some supernatural aging products lead to a twisty story of romance that can’t possibly end well for anyone involved.

The third of our 3-headed story is the strangest of all, as a King (Toby Jones) nurtures a pet flea until it grows to behemoth size. Yes, a pet flea would be considered unusual, but eclipsing even that in uniqueness is the King’s willingness to offer the hand of his daughter (Bebe Cave) in marriage to a frightening ogre who lives a solitary life in the mountains.

These three stories are interwoven so that we are bounced from one to another with little warning … which seems only fitting given the material. Knowing the theme of the three stories does not prepare one for the details – neither the comedy, nor the dramatic turns. All actors approach the material with deadpan seriousness which adds to the feeling of a Grimm Brothers and Monty Python mash-up.

Alexandre Desplat provides the perfect score for this oddity, though the audience may be limited to those who can appreciate grotesque sequences assembled with the darkest of comedy. The moral to these stories may be difficult to quantify; however, it’s a reminder that actions beget consequences no matter the time period.

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

OCCUPY, TEXAS (2016)

April 17, 2016

Dallas International Film Festival 2016

occupy texas Greetings again from the darkness. Can you go home again? The answer is usually complicated and often a factor of one’s own choices. What’s clear is that those choices leave a wide range of emotions in the wake. Writer Gene Gallerano and director Jeff Barry share the story of Beau Baker, a young man who 7 years ago, walked away from his comfortable suburban lifestyle and a bright future as a lawyer.

When first we meet Beau, he is sleeping on the streets of New York … awakened by a gentle foot nudge from his Uncle Nolan (Reed Birney, VP on “House of Cards”). Beau reluctantly agrees to return home when he is informed that his parents have recently died in a car crash. See, after Beau left home, he joined the Occupy Wall Street movement, and just never returned home after the movement fizzled.

Once back in Texas, Beau is informed that he is the executor of his parent’s estate, as well as the legal guardian for his two teenage sisters … much to the dismay of his Type-A Aunt Uma (Peri Gilpin). 17 year old Claire (Lorelei Linklater, Boyhood) and 13 year old Arden (newcomer Catherine Elvir) have mixed reactions to the reappearance of a brother they barely ever knew. Claire is angry and bitter, while Arden takes to Beau’s carefree ways and avoidance of responsibility.

The film was shot in Dallas, and offers peeks at the historic Texas Theatre, the Margaret Hunt Bridge, and St. John’s school. There is also a glimpse of the cultural clash between New York and Dallas, and it’s provided through Beau’s wardrobe and speech. Whether he can fit in with old acquaintances (including his old girlfriend Nikki Moore), and kick his carefree lifestyle to become a true role model for his sisters is the core of the film.

Writer Gene Gallerano also stars as Beau Baker, and does a nice job walking the line between selfish slacker and grown-up. The road from homeless street person to legal guardian doesn’t come with a handbook, and Beau makes most every mistake possible. On the bright side, we can tell pretty early on where the character and story is headed and that it’s going to be a feel good story of redemption – and overcoming the challenges that family brings. There are a couple of other interesting characters courtesy of the rarely-seen-these-days Janine Turner (as a bored housewife drawn to Beau), and Paul Benjamin (as a wise and generous neighbor). The inconsistent sound mix doesn’t affect our connection to Beau and especially Arden (in a terrific first on screen performance from young Miss Elvir). We really want what’s left of this family to come together.

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

HOTEL DALLAS (Romania, 2016)

April 17, 2016

Dallas International Film Festival 2016

Hotel Dallas Greetings again from the darkness. Remember when the 1980’s TV show “Dallas” saved Romania? Though it’s the tongue-in-cheek theme of this innovative docudrama, it’s understandable if you haven’t previously heard about this connection in the Romania-United States pop culture clash. Married filmmakers Livia Ungar and Sherng-Lee Huang deliver a visually unique standout even amongst the unusual offerings of a film festival.

In the 1980’s communist Romania, “Dallas” was the only Western show permitted to be broadcast to the general public … the idea being it would act as a warning of the evils of capitalism. Of course the result was much different, and Romanians embraced the film as a fantasy lifestyle. The show perpetuated the Poverty vs Wealth, and Communism vs Freedom differences.

Ms. Ungar also stars as a version of her youthful self, and her training in art plays a huge role in how she presents this story … it’s artsy, imaginative and even impressionistic at times. She utilizes “Endless Column” from Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi as the imagery for the link to United States culture and dreams. Time is also a bit relative here, as we bounce forwards and backwards periodically.

One of the more fascinating segments is the Southfork Ranch-style Hotel developed by a Sunflower Oil business tycoon (who also spent time in prison). It’s known as the Southfork of Slobazia, and one of the most oddball songs/videos you’ll ever hear/see accompanies us on the tour.

Patrick Duffy, who of course played Bobby Ewing in the “Dallas” series, plays an unusual American tourist named Mr. Here. Mr. Duffy contributes quite a bit of narration and his appearance adds to the surreal feel of the film. There are also re-stagings or reimaginings of some actual “Dallas” plotlines, including the infamous “Pam’s dream”. For those who like their movies on the extreme end of the artsy scale, they will be quite happy. Others may just be satisfied with the excessive number of shots featuring Ms. Ungar’s rear end in tight denim jeans.

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

FARMER / VETERAN (doc, 2016)

April 17, 2016

Dallas International Film Festival 2016

farmer veteran Greetings again from the darkness. Alex Sutton served 3 tours of Iraq and is now considered fully disabled due to PTSD. He is the subject of this film from co-directors Alix Blair and Jeremy Lange, and we are privy to glimpses of his life over the span of a few years. Alex is trying to heal by working on a farm where he lives with his protective fiancé. It’s neither a glamorous nor productive life, but it presents the challenges faced by so many veterans.

Over the course of the film, we get a pretty good feel for the muddled perspective Alex lives with, due in part to a staggering number of prescribed drugs he ingests daily. Blending this diet of meds with his fascination and comfort with the arsenal of firearms he maintains, provides scenes like the one where he compares the hatching of a baby chick to the killing he did during the war – both providing God-like powers.

The film takes us through their daily lives on the farm (chickens, goats, a donkey, a horse, and a peacock), and then to their wedding day and the birth of children. Alex is a likable guy, but one who can never really focus for long periods or put a plan together to organize the farm activities. In fact, he seems closest to happy when firing shots from one of his weapons … even if for no apparent reason.

Our views change quickly during a reading of Alex’s medical records. Where we had previously accepted his account of the med-evac after injuries that “tore him apart”, we soon realize the PTSD has a deeper impact than the daily struggles on the farm. The closing credits detail the 400,000 cases of PTSD stemming from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it’s a reminder of the need for better care for this mental health challenge facing so many. A world of isolation is no solution. The filmmakers provide an intimate look at this growing issue, and it’s a reminder that the VA is ill-equipped in its present state. Kudos for excellent use of music throughout … especially the “Jubilee” song over the end credits.

watch the trailer:

https://vimeo.com/71373272

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Posted by David Ferguson

ARIANNA (2016)

April 17, 2016

Dallas International Film Festival 2016

arianna Greetings again from the darkness. Many of us while away the time pondering the meaning of life. We have that luxury, as most of us have already traveled the road of self-discovery … a road that is a bit more twisty and windy for others. The opening dialogue of first time director Carlo Lavagna’s movie takes away any possibility of a trendy or Hollywood twist. The titular character discloses that she has been born three times: once as a boy, once as a girl, and finally as understanding who she is.

As kids, we are so dependent on and trusting of our parents. Of course this is out of necessity and naivety, and as we mature, we learn our parents are merely human beings – hopefully acting in our best interest. We first meet Arianna (Ondina Quadri) as a 19 year old girl returning to the old family vacation home with her parents for the first time since she was 3 years old. Arianna is on hormone therapy due to her body being slow to develop (small breasts, no menstrual cycle). She has been under the care of a gynecologist arranged by her doctor-father, and has grown increasingly frustrated at her lack of progress into womanhood.

Arianna wonders why her mother acts so odd, and is taken aback when a neighbor asks where her brother is. All of this occurs with a picturesque Italian backdrop of greenery, rain and swimming holes. As she slowly unravels the near-lifelong mystery, we as viewers experience a constant feeling of dread for her … though her story is handled with dignity and empathy throughout. Arianna tries so hard to be “normal”, and even partially excuses her parents for acting in what they thought was her best interest.

First time actor Ondina Quadri is terrific in the lead role. She looks a bit like a young Joaquin Phoenix in Parenthood, and is totally believable as someone trying to understand who they are, and then come to grips with being placed half way between the two socially accepted genders. It’s a peek into the biological condition known as intersex, as well as the correlating theory of gender-assignment. Mostly it’s a touching story of a 19 year old that allows us to feel her frustration, and it’s presented in a beautifully paced manner by a talented new filmmaker.

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

SKY (2016)

April 16, 2016

sky Greetings again from the darkness. Remember that time you bashed your lover in the head with a lamp, left them bleeding on the floor, and then drove around for 3 days before turning yourself in to the police, confessing to what you assumed was a murder? And then remember how emotionally free you felt when it was discovered that not only was he/she alive, but they didn’t even blame you for the head injuries? Well that’s exactly what Diane Kruger’s character, Romy, goes through during the first part of the film.

Romy and her husband Richard (Gilles Lellouche) have travelled to the southwestern United States from their home in Paris. It’s pretty clear that their hope is that this vacation will reignite the passion they once had and break them out of their marital slump. A few too many drinks at the bar leads to some unwanted amorous advances, and in the heat of the moment, Romy starts whacking Richard in the head with the lamp.

Once she realizes that he survived and she’s not going to spend her life in prison for murder, she also decides that she’s not going to spend the rest of her life in a dead end marriage – a different kind of prison. Instead, she sets off on a journey of self-discovery. She even mentions how free she is, and can choose her own path.

Her self-discover phase takes her to Las Vegas – courtesy of a truck driver played by Lou Diamond Phillips. Within a short period of time, she has befriended a lady (Laurene Landon) who wears a bunny suit in order to pose for pics with tourists. Romy borrows the bunny suit and meets a mysterious cowboy (Norman Reedus) named Diego. It’s the relationship between Romy and Diego that dominates the final 2/3 of the film, and though they both create interesting characters, it’s a bit of a letdown after the story’s set up with the French husband.

Lena Dunham has an odd turn as Diego’s sister-in-law, and there is a dose of spirituality from Native Americans, but mostly this is Diane Kruger’s movie. She seems to be enjoying the wide range of emotions while showing off her talents, and she keeps us interested enough to keep watching … even when the pace slows to a crawl.

watch the trailer:

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

MILES AHEAD (2016)

April 15, 2016

miles ahead Greetings again from the darkness. What would rate as the bigger challenge: defining jazz or describing the life of Miles Davis? In true “passion project” mode, Don Cheadle not only portrays the iconic trumpeter, but also directs, co-writes and co-produces. Cheadle’s tribute to The Prince of Darkness is as open to interpretation as the hundreds of songs from Davis’ recordings over thirty plus years.

Having stated in numerous interviews that he had no interest in the usual “cradle-to-grave” biopic, Cheadle’s odd blend of fact, fiction and hallucination are meant to capture the essence of Miles Davis, rather than the life and times of the man. Guns, drugs, music, girls, and art are all present throughout this trippy trip of a movie that plays like an impressionistic painting, and not a portrait.

The bulk of the film is spent on Miles Davis during his self-imposed six year drug-fueled hiatus in the 1970’s when he secluded himself in Howard Hughes fashion. There is an odd and ill-fitting plot involving the “secret” master tapes that Davis has recorded while waiting for his manager (Michael Stuhlbarg as Harper Hamilton) to pay him the money he is owed. Mixed in is a “Rolling Stone” writer named Dave Brill (Ewan McGregor) desperately trying to get an interview with Miles and listen to the tapes. This mad caper-ish core benefits greatly from the quick cuts to the past … especially those featuring Frances Taylor (Emayatzy Corinealdi) as Miles’ beautiful, talented and supportive wife.

Of course, we shouldn’t expect linear story-telling from a man whose life was anything but linear. After all, we are focused on the man who claimed his music was not “jazz”, but rather “Social Music” … and that “it takes a long time to play like yourself”. The car chases and gunfights might seem out of place, but do capture the essence of a man fueled by drugs and a possible (temporary) loss of his creative genius. Perhaps, as the movie suggests, Miles was remorseful for how he treated Frances. Or maybe it was simply the pressure of being Miles Davis …. The coolest of Cool Jazz.

Mr. Cheadle does a nice job in portraying Davis, and is spot on in the trademark raspy whisper which Miles was known for (the after-effects of a larynx operation in the 1950’s). Ms. Corinealdi (to appear in the new “Roots” project later this year) is outstanding as Frances Taylor, and is the one character we latch on to in hopes of maintaining our bearings throughout.

Taking its title from a 1957 Miles Davis album, the movie offers a glimpse into the mind of a musical genius who didn’t always fit into “proper” society, and would be the perfect pairing for a head-scratching trumpeter double-bill with the recent Born to be Blue, a look at Chet Baker.

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

EVERYBODY WANTS SOME (2016)

April 10, 2016

Everybody wants some Greetings again from the darkness. Richard Linklater’s now twenty-five plus years of filmmaking are loosely tied together with his constant desire to explore and observe how, within the confines of society, people connect with each other (or don’t). In what he has termed a “spiritual sequel” to his cult classic Dazed and Confused, the filmmaker takes us down memory lane to a college campus as the 1970’s devolved into the 1980’s.

Many of these characters and moments are undoubtedly snatched from Linklater’s own experiences as a college baseball player at Sam Houston State (after graduating from Bellaire High School). Linklater knows these guys. Heck, he WAS one of these guys! The cinematic kinship goes beyond Dazed and Confused, and influence can be seen as the follow-up to his Boyhood film, with some flavor from Animal House and a dose of Bull Durham.

The film opens with Jake (Blake Jenner) driving his 442 muscle car up to the baseball house while “My Sharona” from The Knack blasts from his car stereo. What follows is a look at the behind the scenes tribal nature of a sports team, and how that blends with the predictable manner in which 18-21 year old boys handle a sudden shot of freedom. Conversation and activities center on three things: baseball, girls, and beer … with priorities shifting given the circumstances of the moment. What’s never missing is the ultra-competitiveness of these individuals raised to be the best. Whether it’s nerf basketball in the living room, foosball at the bar, or flicking knuckles, the goal of that point in time is to be better than the other guy … even a friendly game of ping pong turns hyper-tense as it nears game point.

Linklater has assembled a terrific cast that not only succeeds in capturing the time period, but also the essence of the age group. Some of the faces will be familiar, and each character fits nicely into the profile. Tyler Hoechlin (Tom Hanks’ son in Road To Perdition) is team captain McReynolds, Wyatt Russell (son of Kurt and Goldie) plays elder statesman and team spiritualist Willoughby, Juston Street (former Longhorn player) plays the jacked-up overly intense freshman pitcher, J Quinton Johnson is the sometimes rational second baseman, and Glen Powell is a real standout as the smooth-talking and philosophical Finnegan … also a master of pranks. Despite the ever-present quest for girls, Zoey Deutch’s Beverly is the only female character with much screen time, and she makes the best of it as a smart, ambitious love interest for young Jake.

I’ve always believed that the music of our youth goes a long way in defining each generation. Linklater seems to agree (the soundtrack is spot on) as this group is bounced between the fading days of disco, the sterile and soulless transition to Urban Cowboy Country music, and the desperate pleas of new edge Punk Rock. Within the 3 days we are with the guys, they take their athlete swagger to each venue type, and even mix in a party thrown by Beverly’s “artsy-fartsy” group. Figuring out where one fits is a rite of passage not to be missed.

Linklater ensures that our tight knit teammates fill our ears with an endless stream of quips, wise-cracks and put-downs, each designed to register dominance – if only for the briefest moment. We even get a sequence featuring the ballplayers actually playing ball, and though their tone shits once on the field, the personalities remain evident. In addition to adding “f***withery” to our vocabulary, the production design is brilliant and captivating all by itself. The album and book covers, cars (a Gremlin sighting), stereo equipment and costumes all provide the throwback feel necessary for the film. Though it lacks any real plot, and feels meandering (just like its characters), Linklater provides the best insight yet into the driving forces of young male primates of 1980. It’s not always pretty or something of which to be proud, but … that’s what I’m talking about!

watch the trailer:

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

NOTHING LEFT UNSAID: GLORIA VANDERBILT AND ANDERSON COOPER (2016)

April 9, 2016

nothing left unsaid Greetings again from the darkness. Rather than the usual biographic approach, this is quite a personal and intimate conversation piece as the “poor little rich girl”, Gloria Vanderbilt, recollects her life of fame with her journalist son, Anderson Cooper. Expert documentary filmmaker Liz Garbus (Oscar nominated for What Happened Miss Simone, 2015, and The Farm: Angola, USA, 1999) delivers what amounts to video memoirs as Mr. Cooper guides his 91 year old mother down Memory Lane.

This is an HBO documentary, and it will have a theatrical run in addition to multiple showings on the cable behemoth. Some may view it as an ego piece … two persons of privilege reminiscing about their “tough” lives, but it’s a stark reminder that no amount of money can prevent the heart from breaking, or the lasting effects of grief.

Gloria Vanderbilt turns out to be a relatively pragmatic lady who, with age and experience, has come to accept the unusual path her life has taken … from a basically parentless childhood, to being at the center of custody battle that created a national media frenzy, to four marriages (the first at age 17), to a personal and social life that bears mention of such names as Frank Sinatra, Richard Avedon, Charlie Chaplin, Truman Capote, Sidney Lumet and Errol Flynn. Along the way, she has been constantly involved with art … whether in the form of painting, writing, sculpting, acting – or designing the iconic jeans of the 1970’s that bore her name.

She kicks off the film by quoting Faulkner: “The past isn’t over, it’s not ever over.” It’s the perfect beginning, as the hook here is that her son Anderson Cooper has spent a couple of years going through her storage units, and is now depending on her to fill in the historical life gaps created by her letters, photographs and paintings. Much of the discussion focuses on young Gloria’s beloved nanny, as well as the custody case featuring Aunt Gertrude (who founded the Whitney Museum).

Hers may not be a life that altered the course of mankind, but now 92 year old Gloria Vanderbilt has experienced the highest highs and lowest lows, and is willing to discuss the fascinating specifics … thanks to the coaxing by her little boy.

**This premieres Sunday April 10, 2016 on HBO

watch the trailer:

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

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