The first time I saw Last Year at Marienbad was in college, in the 1970s. The teachers didn't tell us what to expect, they just gathered several classes together in the auditorium and screened this "important film." I found it deathly boring. We all did. One friend said it needed a pie fight--or even the … Continue reading Last Year at Marienbad
Month: November 2010
What’s Screening: November 26 – December 2
Amazing as this sounds, there are no festivals running this week. But there are some good movies. Voices of Light/The Passion of Joan of Arc, Oakland Paramount, Thursday, 7:30. Although not as popular as the works of Keaton or Murnau, Carl Theodor Dreyer’s 1928 period drama The Passion of Joan of Arc carries a high … Continue reading What’s Screening: November 26 – December 2
Leaves From Satan’s Book at the PFA
I saw Carl Th. Dreyer's Leaves From Satan’s Book at the Pacific Film Archive this afternoon. Made in 1919 through 1921, it's easily the earliest Dreyer film I've yet seen. Judith Rosenberg accompanied this silent film on piano; a translation of the Danish intertitles were read aloud by someone who's name I failed to get. … Continue reading Leaves From Satan’s Book at the PFA
What’s Screening: November 19 – 25
The New Italian Cinema runs through Sunday, while the Chinese American Film Festival continues through Tuesday. B Kings of Pastry, Balboa, Elmwood, Lark, opened last Wednesday. You may have seen, or heard of, two shows on The Food Channel called Iron Chef and Ace of Cakes. Combine the two, and slow down the editing for … Continue reading What’s Screening: November 19 – 25
Ratings, Censorship, and the Weinstein Company
I just received word that the Weinstein Company is appealing ratings on two upcoming films. They're objecting to the MPAA's NC-17 rating for Blue Valentine, and an R rating for The King's Speech. I saw The King's Speech at a press screening for the Mill Valley Film Festival, and liked it very much. (You'll find … Continue reading Ratings, Censorship, and the Weinstein Company
Metropolis Blu-Ray
There's so much good to say about Kino International's forthcoming Metropolis Blu-ray disc (to be released November 23) that I may as well start with the disappointment: Despite what we were told at this summer's San Francisco Silent Film Festival, Kino has not included the Alloy Orchestra's powerful and unique score as an alternate soundtrack. … Continue reading Metropolis Blu-Ray
Kings of Pastry
B Documentary Directed by Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker Full Disclosure:I saw this film at a special screening Monday night at the Balboa, after which we were treated to some of the most incredible chocolate I have ever tasted. I'll try to keep that from effecting my review. You may have seen, or heard of, … Continue reading Kings of Pastry
Nosferatu & The Club Foot Orchestra
After watching Blockheads at the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum yesterday afternoon (see this and that for quick reports typed on my phone), I drove to San Francisco to see Nosferatu at the Castro—the last of four silent film screenings accompanied by the Club Foot Orchestra. Quick summary: Great movie. Great score. Horrible print. Here's … Continue reading Nosferatu & The Club Foot Orchestra
Blackheads at Niles
Not much to say, really. Still L&H`s best feature. The slow first 15 minutes worked better with an audience. But then, so did the rest of the movie, which always worked really well. Now, on to the Castro for Nosferatu with the Club Foot Orchestra.
Before Laurel & Hardy at Niles
I'm sitting in the Niles Essenay Silent Movie Museum, waiting for the Laurel & Hardy show to begin. First thing that hit me when I entered the lobby was the significantly larger store. Unfortunately, I arrived at the last minute and didn't have time to explore it. Continuing at intermission: Just watched Three Stooges short, … Continue reading Before Laurel & Hardy at Niles
Bayflicks 