A Historical drama Written by Cate Shortland and Robin Mukherjee Based on the novel The Dark Room," by Rachel Seiffert Directed by Cate Shortland What happens when your entire world--wealth, security, parental love, and the values you were raised with--dissolve almost overnight? That's what happens to Lore (Saskia Rosendahl), a teenage member of the Hitler … Continue reading Lore: An Adolescent’s View of the Fall of the Third Reich
Month: February 2013
What’s Screening: February 22 – 28
Dear readers: I realize my blog has been all but dormant recently. My father was ailing the last few months, and I was his medical representative. He died last Friday. In addition, I was directing a one-act musical comedy, which will have its one-and-only performance at Ashkenaz this Saturday. You can understand why I had … Continue reading What’s Screening: February 22 – 28
What’s Screening: February 15 – 21
IndieFest continues through the week. The Black LGBT Film Festival plays the New Parkway tonight through Sunday, while Silent Winter takes over the Castro Saturday. Now, if anyone can come up with an independent black LGBT silent film, we'll have all of our bases covered. I've placed my Silent Winter capsules at the end of … Continue reading What’s Screening: February 15 – 21
What’s Screening: February 8 – 14
In festival news, IndieFest continues through this week and beyond. One other quick note: I haven't yet visited the New Parkway, but I hope to. But I really wish they'd play classic films at a convenient hour for older cinephiles. A+ Fantastic Double Bill: Samsara & Ikiru, Castro, Monday. The A+ goes to Ikiru, one … Continue reading What’s Screening: February 8 – 14
Journalism, Fiction, Torture, and Zero Dark Thirty
I saw Zero Dark Thirty last night, so I can can finally discuss the various controversies. But first, let me say that I liked the movie very much, although not as much as many others. The direction, photography, acting, and editing were all topnotch. But there was something hollow in the center. We never learn … Continue reading Journalism, Fiction, Torture, and Zero Dark Thirty
Wait 20 Years, and Then You Can Call a Groundhog Day a Classic
It's Groundhog Day! I repeat: It's Groundhog Day! The movie Groundhog Day first played to paying audiences 20 years ago today. I saw it soon after the release, and fell instantly in love with it. But only now, 20 years later, am I willing to give it my highest rating: A+. I don't give that … Continue reading Wait 20 Years, and Then You Can Call a Groundhog Day a Classic
Noir City in 3D
Last night I attended Noir City's first ever 3D double bill. Both films, Man in the Dark and Inferno, came out in 1953. That year was both the height of the classic noir period, and the zenith of the first 3D craze. Actually, it was the only year of the first 3D craze. Hollywood turned … Continue reading Noir City in 3D
What’s Screening: February 1 – 7
Noir City continues through Sunday. Then, after three festival-free days, IndieFest opens Thursday night. This is also a big week for Mary Pickford. With film historian Christel Schmidt plugging her new book, Mary Pickford: Queen of the Movies, it's time for the theaters to spotlight this early and immensely important producer and star. The Rafael … Continue reading What’s Screening: February 1 – 7
Bayflicks 