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 MONUMENTS MEN (2014)

February 11, 2014

monuments Greetings again from the darkness. Movies based on real life are often some of my favorites, but that doesn’t let them off the hook in needing to be well made. The real life story of the Monuments Men provides both pride and heartbreak. The Allied group tracked down and rescued so much Nazi-stolen artwork, while at the same time being so short-staffed that they resorted to picking and choosing what parts of history and culture to save.

For much of 2013, this movie was mentioned as a possible Oscar contender. When the release date was delayed and director George Clooney admitted he was struggling with the film’s “tone” – a balance of comedic and dramatic and historic elements – all the warning flags shot up. This final version would certainly have benefited from script improvement, though the cast is so strong and the mission so true, that the film is still enjoyable enough. Director  Clooney and co-writer Grant Heslov have adapted the source material from Robert M Edsel, but Clooney can’t resist stamping the movie with his smirk appeal, despite capturing the look of the era.

The actual Monument Men spend very little time together, so it’s tough to call this an ensemble piece. Bill Murray and Bob Balaban have their own subtle comedy routine going, while John Goodman and Jean Dujardin enjoy a jeep ride. Matt Damon and Cate Blanchett add a dose of gratuitous love interest where it’s not needed, and Hugh Bonneville strikes the heroic pose of redemption. Director Clooney ensures that actor Clooney and his buddy Damon get the most screen time and close-ups, detracting from what the real story should be … the men who saved art and culture.

Michelangelo’s Madonna of Bruges and Hubert van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece are supposedly the centerpieces of this group’s mission, but the film really is just an amalgam of individual scenes that leave the viewer working frantically to tie all the pieces together. Shouldn’t that be the filmmaker’s job? The question gets asked a couple of times, “Is art worth a human life?”. That critical theme could have been the core of a far superior movie … one not in such desperate need of suspense rather than more punchlines.

Very few war projects have successfully blended comedy and drama. A few that come to mind are Kelly’s Heroes, The Dirty Dozen and TV’s “Hogan’s Heroes“. It’s a tricky line to walk, even with a great cast. So while this one has sufficient entertainment value for a February release, I would rather recommend two others that deal with this same subject matter: The Rape of Europa (2007, documentary) and The Train (1964, directed by John Frankenheimer, starring Burt Lancaster).

**NOTE: the phrase “women love a man in uniform” was well established prior to anyone seeing John Goodman don the Army green.

**NOTE: the actor playing an elderly Frank Stokes (Clooney’s character) viewing the Madonna near the end of the movie is actually George Clooney’s real life father.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: it’s February and you just need a pleasant movie break

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you are seeking for an in-depth look at the fascinating folks behind this fascinating story

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CreneTs7sGs

Leave a Comment » | Comedy, Drama, War | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

GLORIA (2013, Chile)

February 9, 2014

gloria Greetings again from the darkness. One of my favorite comparison points with non-U.S. films is to imagine how Hollywood might take the same story and twist it for mass appeal. It’s pretty easy to imagine this one as a flat-out comedy with Diane Keaton or Goldie Hawn in the lead. Chilean writer/director Sebastian Lelio takes a much more interesting approach giving us a real world perspective on a divorced middle-aged woman seeking companionship and emotional fulfillment.  It’s easy to understand why this one has been a film festival favorite.

Paulina Garcia plays Gloria, a professional woman who embraces the free-spirited lifestyle that being long divorced allows. She has two adult children who are doing just fine in life, and a neighbor with noisy habits and a bothersome hairless cat. Gloria enjoys singing outloud to the car radio, and drinking and dancing at a local nightclub while maintaining hope that a worthy life companion is still in the cards. In other words, she is neither superwoman nor emotional train wreck. And thanks to the exceptional talents of Ms. Garcia, we are drawn to Gloria and care what happens.

We witness Gloria’s flirtatious glances across the dance floor to Rodolfo (Sergio Hernandez). We next witness a middle-aged bedroom encounter that doesn’t take advantage of the body-double directory. Once the girdle is removed (his), the two adults enjoy the moment, while vividly reminding us that all actors (and certainly all people) don’t look like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Companionship has always been based on emotions, not aesthetics … despite Hollywood’s efforts to prove otherwise.

One of the more interesting aspects of following the relationship between Rodolfo and Gloria is that, in life, we all carry baggage. Sometimes our own baggage is easier to deal with than that of others. The birthday party for Gloria’s son and the ongoing crisis with Rodolfo’s ex-wife and daughters convey just how difficult it can be to recognize the effects of such scenarios.

The class of this sub-genre is the 1978 film An Unmarried Woman with Jill Clayburgh. Of course, in that one, Ms. Clayburgh was significantly younger than the Gloria character here. Still, some of the obstacles are similar and both feature terrific lead performances from actresses. The role of music in Gloria’s life is especially poignant. At one party, there is a wonderful duet of “Aquas de Marco” (Waters of March) originally written by Antonio Carlos (Tom) Jobim. The song and the movie are about the daily progressions of life. The ending is especially spot on thanks to Gloria’s response to the original version of “Gloria” by Umberto Tozzi (re-made in the U.S. by Laura Branigan).

It’s quite easy to view this story through Gloria’s eyes and fully understand her “grow some” comment. However, for a different perspective, try looking at things through Rodolfo’s eyes. Maybe Gloria is a bit more self-centered than what she appears at first glance. There are a couple of scenes … the mirror and the peacock … that hint at this same ideal. This appears to be Mr. Lelio’s way of telling us that life is just not that simple and that we all have defense mechanisms that impact how we are perceived by others. It’s just not as clear-cut as the initial reaction.

**NOTE: this was Chile’s submission for Foreign Language Oscar, but it did not make the final cut.

watch the trailer:

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: Live Action and Animated (2013)

February 9, 2014

Greetings again from the darkness. Yes, it’s almost Oscar time again! This past weekend, I took my annual trek to the Magnolia Theatre to check out this year’s nominated Short Films – Animated and Live Action.  If you have never taken advantage of this opportunity, I would encourage you to do so. It is always an interesting 3-4 hours that keeps your mind (and eyes) spinning, while reminding us that short films are quite a different skill set than feature films.  Though I didn’t find this year’s films to be exceptionally memorable, it’s still insightful to view the variance in styles and substance from different countries and filmmakers.  I must say the nominations were a bit heavy on drama, with only a couple of exceptions.  Even the animation films were mostly adult in nature, which is unusual.

Below is my quick recap of each, with each category in order of my preference (not my Oscar predictions):

LIVE ACTION

voorman Helium (Denmark) – a young, terminally ill boy is bed-ridden and trying to come to terms with waiting to die. A kindly orderly befriends him and weaves a fantastical ongoing story to ease the boy’s acceptance of the afterlife.  It’s a combination of fine acting and special effects.

That Wasn’t Me (Aquel No Era Yo, Spain) – aid workers are taken hostage in Sierra Leone and we witness the brutal atrocities of war with an emphasis on child soldiers.  It is extremely well made, but torturous to watch.

Do I Have to Take Care of Everything? (Finland) – a light-hearted look at the chaotic morning of a family running late for a wedding, and the added stress brought on by a Supermom. This was a nice dose of levity amongst the darker films.

The Voorman Problem (UK) – Martin Freeman and Tom Hollander (pictured left) star in a an unusual prison-based vignette where, this time, it’s not the doctor who thinks he is God.

Just Before Losing Everything (Avant Que De Tout Perdre, France) – a frustrating situation where a mother tries to extricate herself and her kids from an abusive home place.  I say frustrating because no one will pick up the phone and call the freakin’ cops.  I understand the fear, but this sets a horrible example for those in this situation.

ANIMATED

get a horse lg Room on the Broom (UK) – this is the simplest story of the group, and it’s designed to be a children’s story with a message.  An extremely friendly witch and her constantly annoyed cat team up with a dog, a bird and a frog to defeat a fire-breathing dragon. It’s from the people who brought us The Gruffalo, and has celebrity voice acting from Gillian Anderson, Simon Pegg and Sally Hawkins.

Mr Hublot (France) – the most intricate and stunning animation of the group features an obsessive-compulsive recluse whose life changes dramatically after he adopts a robodog.

Get a Horse! (U.S.) – the Disney entry is undoubtedly the most-seen of the group since it was shown prior to Frozen, one of the year’s biggest box office hits.  It’s a fabulous combination of old and new, as it starts out in classic Black & White and morphs into full color.  Mickey (Walt Disney’s voice) and Minnie Mouse are on a joyride with Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow until Peg-leg Pete starts causing trouble. The only problem with this one is the frenetic pace that makes it impossible to catch all the sight gags.

Feral (U.S.) – speaking of retro, this is Daniel Sousa’s hand-drawn, slightly dark story of the attempt to civilize a young boy raised in the woods.  While it looks beautiful, the story seems incomplete.

Possessions (Japan) – in the footsteps of Japan’s fantastic history of anime, a traveler takes refuge from a storm in a most unusual temple.  The colors are amazing, but the story lacks a real message … every item has a soul??

**NOTE: since it was presented as “Commended”, I would like to mention Pixar’s The Blue Umbrella, which somehow did not make the final cut.  It was shown prior to Monsters University and is a visual delight, and includes the usual Pixar emotions.

here is the teaser trailer for The Blue Umbrella:

2 Comments | Animation, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Short film, War, World Cinema/Foreign | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

DON’T PASS ME BY (2013)

February 2, 2014
dont pass me by Greetings again from the darkness. A very low-budget indie done in the vignette style with multiple characters and story lines is a very ambitious undertaking for first time writers (Rachel Noll, Katy K Burton) teamed with a first time director (Eric Priestley). The inexperience shows, but there is also enough spark here to raise a little interest in the parties involved.

The cast includes the two co-writers, Sean Stone (director Oliver Stone’s son), Nancy Karr (former Laker girls), Elizabeth Izzo, and brief appearances from Keith David, Jake Busey, C Thomas Howell and Jeremy London. Hannah (Ms. Noll) is an artist who is told she is in the final stages of cancer. Danielle (Ms. Burton) is a rising movie star trying to balance her shot at fame with family demands and a personal life. Jill (Ms. Karr) is an aspiring ballet dancer stuck in lousy marriage with a workaholic jerk. Brooke (Ms. Izzo) is a young pregnant girl in desperate need of guidance.

It would be nice if the stories of the four ladies were better intertwined, though the climactic convergence in a diner provides a quick glimpse of what could have been. All of the stories involve the characters attempting to overcome obstacles and re-gain control of their own lives. They have each missed opportunities and are dealing with that crazy thing we all call life … the one thing we don’t want to pass us by.

The film often suffers from heavy-handed melodrama, especially the overly-sentimental songs directing us how to feel at any given moment. But given the low budget and lack of resume from the filmmakers, it’s actually a promising effort.

watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBWW4FnF5Ik

Leave a Comment » | Drama | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THAT AWKWARD MOMENT (2014)

February 1, 2014

awkward Greetings again from the darkness. Writing about lousy movies is no fun, but if I can save even one person from wasting $10 and two hours on this garbage, it’s worth it. The only way this got the green light is because of the success of The Hangover movies, Sex and the City, and HBO’s “Girls“. The difference is that all of those projects had a sense of humor and style, while writer/director Tom Gormican somehow finds it creative to end numerous scenes with someone calling someone else either ‘a f***ing idiot’ or ‘an A-hole’.

Mr.Gormican’s only other listed credit is as Producer for the gross out Movie 43. Let’s just say he is now 0-for-2, and here’s hoping he never gets a shot at number 3. This is such a waste of a talented group of up and coming actors. Zac Efron loses whatever credibility he has built up since High School Musical by playing Jason the Jerk. OK, I added the Jerk part, but it’s true. Jason is best friends and co-worker with Daniel, played by Miles Teller, who was so good in The Spectacular Now. Daniel is a simple-minded misogynist with a razor sharp tongue. They are both friends with Mikey, a young doctor whose wife dumps him. Mikey is played by Michael B Jordan, a standout in last year’s Fruitvale Station. These twenty-somethings make a drunken pact to stay single and build their roster of casual sex partners, thereby avoiding the awkward moment of “So … where is this relationship headed?”

The guys live like frat boys, guzzling booze while spouting “jokes” on such thought-provoking topics as poop, penis, masturbation, homosexuality, and Viagra. To add even more insult to humanity, there are four female roles that could set back women’s advancement by 100 years … should anyone actually see this pile of junk. Imogene Poots, Jessica Lucas, Addison Timlin and MacKenzie Davis each play smart, beautiful women who somehow associate with these dunces. For the record, Jordan’s character is not as classless as the others, but guilt by association cannot be ignored.

Miles Teller still has the potential to be the next John Cusack, and Michael B. Jordan clearly has a future if he avoids projects like this, and Zac Efron will probably take his perfect face and go back to sweet romantic comedies. The four key actresses should all bounce back soon with far superior projects … movies that don’t denigrate men, women and movie soundtracks (it may be the worst since the 1980’s).

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you are related to director Tom Gormican and he has promised you a role if somehow someone asks him to make another movie

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you have an ounce of decency or even a minor reason to spend your days doing something worthwhile

watch the trailer … and then forget about this one:

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

 

Leave a Comment » | Rom-Com | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
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

Leave a Comment » | Documentary, World Cinema/Foreign | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

Dr. Strangelove – 50 Year Anniversary

January 30, 2014

Dr Strangelove: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

Fifty years ago this week (January 29, 1964), director Stanley Kubrick‘s classic black comedy/satire was released … make that UNLEASHED into theatres.  It’s place as a legendary and classic film is quite secure.  I wrote about it not too long ago, and here is the link if you’d like to get my take:

DR. STRANGELOVE (1964)

Also, just for fun, here is a rare image from the infamous filmed, but cut, pie fight that occurred in the war room (Yes, that is George C Scott).  It was an over-the-top (even for this film) slapstick scene that was deemed too tasteless so soon after the assassination of President John Kennedy.

strangelove pie fight

 

Leave a Comment » | Articles, Classics | Tagged: , | Permalink
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

 

Leave a Comment » | Documentary | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

WINGS OF DESIRE (1987, Germany, Der Himmel uber Berlin)

January 26, 2014

wings of desire Greetings again from the darkness. Angels have been frequently cast as characters in movies such as Heaven Can Wait, It’s a Wonderful Life, Angels in the Outfield and the American remake of this one … City of Angels with Nic Cage. Director Wim Wenders (Paris, Texas 1984) has always taken a poetic approach with filmmaking, even with his documentaries such as Pina (2011). His slow, thought-provoking style is not to everyone’s liking, but he has real talent for inspiring us to question ourselves, question others, and question life.

Damiel (Bruno Ganz) and Cassiel (Otto Sander) are two long-term angels who drift through the streets and libraries of WWII Berlin observing and listening to the internal thoughts and mental meandering of citizens … the wishes, the hopes, the happiness, the tragic, the loneliness … all emotions experienced in a typical day. The angels try to ease pain by offering a soothing hand on the shoulder, but they can have no direct impact and aren’t always successful. Damiel finds himself drawn to a Marion (Solveig Dommartin), a circus trapeze artist whose line “Most of the time I’m too aware to be sad” could easily have been the words of the angels.

There is an over-lapping subplot with Peter Falk playing himself as an actor in a German film. His character provides an instant infusion of interest and mystique, which the story later resolves. As Damiel gets closer to making the no-going-back decision to become human and bond with Marion, we see more of the fleeting moments that make up our lives. The angels see all, but can do very little. It’s this existence that makes Damiel’s decision understandable.

Famed cinematographer Henri Alekam’s floating camera, mixed lighting and dramatic contrast of black & white (angels view) and color (human view), add to the meditative effects of the film. There is a healthy dose of philosophy, metaphysics and spiritual questioning that goes on, including the three specifics asked by the film: Why am I me and not you? Why and I here and not there? When did time begin and where does space end? If such thoughtfulness is inspiring to you, then this Wim Wenders (Cannes’ Best Director winner) and Peter Handke (German playwright) script should keep you drifting with your thoughts for quite some time.

***NOTE: if you are unfamiliar with Bruno Ganz, not only is this film recommended, but so is his chilling turn as Adolph Hitler in Downfall from 2004.

watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic8iGIdv80o

Leave a Comment » | Drama, Fantasy, World Cinema/Foreign | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

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