The San Francisco International Film Festival’s Kanbar Award tribute to screenwriter Frank Pierson started 10 minutes late. But it was worth the wait. Pierson’s work ranges from memorable ‘60s classics like Cool Hand Luke to one of the best TV shows of recent years, Mad Men. As the Festival speaker who introduced the event put … Continue reading SFIFF: Kanbar Award Winner Frank Pierson
Month: April 2011
What’s Screening: April 29 – May 5
San Francisco International Film Festival continues through this week. As usual, I put festival listings at the end of this newsletter. A Strangers on a Train, Castro, Wednesday. One of Hitchcock’s scariest films, and therefore one of his best. A rich, spoiled psychotic killer (the worst kind) convinces himself that a moderately-famous athlete has agreed … Continue reading What’s Screening: April 29 – May 5
SFIFF: Living on Love Alone
I skipped Oliver Stone’s tribute this evening at the San Francisco International Film Festival and I’m glad I did. In its place, I caught a French gem that’s the sort of movie you go to film festivals to discover. A Living on Love Alone “Youth,” as W. S. Gilbert wrote, “must have its fling.” But … Continue reading SFIFF: Living on Love Alone
SFIFF: At Ellen’s Age
I took yesterday off the festival, but made it here today (Wednesday). I had other business in San Francisco, so it was a good excuse. Unfortunately, at least with my first movie of the day, it wasn’t a good experience. C- At Ellen's Age. Flight attendant Ellen arrives home to her boyfriend, who’s strangely distant. … Continue reading SFIFF: At Ellen’s Age
SFIFF: Cave of Forgotten Dreams
Two years ago, the San Francisco International Film Festival screened the animated film Battle For Terra. Although the film was made in 3D, and screened for press that way, it was shown flat at the festival. A lot has changed in two years. To my knowledge, Cave of Forgotten Dreams is the first feature screened … Continue reading SFIFF: Cave of Forgotten Dreams
SFIFF: The Colors of the Mountain
B+ The Colors of the Mountain. On one level, this is a funny tale about adorable boys who love soccer, set against beautiful mountain scenery. On another, and more important level, it's about the harse realities of third-world life when caught between violent revolutionaries and an utterly heartless and cruel government. At first, Manuel's life … Continue reading SFIFF: The Colors of the Mountain
SFIFF: State of the Cinema Address
Last night I attended Christine Vachon's State of the Cinema address. By her own count, Vachon has produced over 60 films (IMDB says 65), including Boys Don't Cry, Happiness, I Shot Andy Warhol, and The Notorious Bettie Page. On the other hand, she's also produced I’m Not There and Cracks; not everything she made is … Continue reading SFIFF: State of the Cinema Address
SFIFF: Walking Too Fast
After two documentaries, two dramas, and a comedy that may have been a tragedy, I felt I needed to see a political thriller. I made an excellent choice. A Walking Too Fast. Set in Communist Czechoslovakia before the Velvet Revolution, Radim Spacek’s taut thriller provides one of the best villains I’ve seen in a long … Continue reading SFIFF: Walking Too Fast
SFIFF: Life, Above All & The Light Thief
Two pictures I saw Saturday that, by coincidence, happen to be adjacent to each other in the San Francisco International Film Festival's alphabetical list of films: A Life, Above All. Children must often carry greater and more difficult burdens than they should bear. Occasionally, an unusual child is up to the task. That's the case … Continue reading SFIFF: Life, Above All & The Light Thief
SFIFF: Viz Cinema & Pink Saris
I just caught Pink Saris at the VIZ Cinema (AKA New People). This was my first time at that theater (which I’ve been following at Bayflicks for about a year now), so let me start with the place. Located in the basement of the New People complex, the Viz offers exceptional comfort and modern projection. … Continue reading SFIFF: Viz Cinema & Pink Saris
