January 30, 2005 There were no big surprises in the Oscar nominations this week. I've been saying for the last month that The Aviator will take Best Picture, and now it's the official front-runner. Not that it deserves to win that Oscar--I could name five better films this year without even stretching my mind (Hotel … Continue reading Oscar Nominations

My wife and I went to the Pacific Film Archive Friday night to see two great late silent dramas, The Crowd and Sunrise. We were both familiar with The Crowd, having watched it together about a year ago on Turner Classic Movies. But this time, the ending was different--more upbeat. The televised version left us … Continue reading How Music Can Change a Silent Film

I attended the opening of David Thomson's series at the Pacific Film Archive Thursday night. He talked for nearly an hour, but it felt like 20 minutes--a terrific speaker! He ranged fro the nature of movies, our reactions to them, Hollywood, and the bottom line of making a film that works: The viewers "have to … Continue reading David Thomson and The Last Tycoon

There's a lot to cover today. New films, old films, 2004, and some great festivals. First, I can't recommend Hotel Rwanda enough. I saw it last night, and if a better film came out last year, I haven't seen it. By now you all know the story. Don Cheadle plays Paul Rusesabagina, the manager of … Continue reading New, Old, and 2004

Happy New Year! May your 2005 be as joyful as a dance with Fred and Ginger, and may your spirit and zest for life last like old-time Technicolor. It's another slow week for the revival and art houses, probably because there's so much worth seeing in the first-run houses, right now. I'm ashamed to say … Continue reading Happy New Year