Most people think of All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)--the Oscar-winning movie that opened this year's San Francisco Silent Film Festival last night, as a talkie--and they're right. But in the early days of talkies, it was common to make an alternative silent version for theaters that had not yet converted, and for the … Continue reading Silent Film Festival opens with All Quiet on the Western Front
Month: May 2015
What’s Screening: May 29 – June 4
We've got three film festivals going on in the Bay Area this week: The San Francisco Silent Film Festival runs through Monday. The Green Film Festival run through Wednesday. SF DocFest opens Thursday You'll find festival screenings at the bottom of this newsletter. A+ Citizen Kane, Rafael, Sunday How does any movie survive a half-century reputation … Continue reading What’s Screening: May 29 – June 4
The Castro June Calendar
I just saw the Castro's June calendar. I don't have much time, as I'm about to head off to the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, but here are a few highlights: June 10: Double Indemnity and Body Heat. The classic noir story of an evil housewife who wants to be a rich widow, told very … Continue reading The Castro June Calendar
The A+ List: Citizen Kane
And now we return to my list of all-time favorite films--those that I've awarded the rare A+ grade. For a film to earn that grade, it must be the perfect embodiment of its genre or, better yet, stand beyond genre. It must be at least 20 years old (so I know that it’s stood the test … Continue reading The A+ List: Citizen Kane
What’s Screening: May 22 – 28
No festivals this week…until the very last day. Both the San Francisco Silent Film Festival and the Green Film Festival open Thursday night. All Quiet On The Western Front, Castro, Thursday, 7:00. The first great talkie war movie delivers a powerful anti-war message. When war breaks out, a young, naïve German student patriotically and enthusiastically volunteers … Continue reading What’s Screening: May 22 – 28
Silent or Green: More on upcoming festivals
A few notes about the two festivals opening next Thursday: San Francisco Silent Film Festival Pianist, entertainer, film preservationist, and Mel Novikoff Award recipient Serge Bromberg (how many people have that resume) wins this year's Francisco Silent Film Festival Award. The Festival will present him with the award on Saturday, May 30, at the screening … Continue reading Silent or Green: More on upcoming festivals
Mad Men and Mad Max
I attended two screenings in movie theaters so far this week. I thought I'd share them with you. Mad Men Finale at the New Parkway My wife and I have been following Mad Men for some years now--without cable or satellite. We binge-watched the first three seasons on disc, and season four on Netflix. We … Continue reading Mad Men and Mad Max
Summer Season at the Pacific Film Archive
You may have noticed that the Pacific Film Archive is currently closed. No big deal; it always closes for a few weeks in May and June. It will open again on June 11. But not for long. August 2 will be the last screening in the current PFA theater. When it reopens, hopefully early next … Continue reading Summer Season at the Pacific Film Archive
The A+ List and The Adventures of Robin Hood
I'm embarking on a journey through my all-time favorite films--the ones that I've awarded an A+. For a film to earn that grade, it must be the perfect embodiment of its genre or, better yet, stand beyond genre. It must be at least 20 years old (so I know that it's stood the test of … Continue reading The A+ List and The Adventures of Robin Hood
What’s Screening: May 15 – 21
No film festivals this week. Not many films I can tell you about, either. If it wasn't for the Castro, this would be a very short newsletter. On the other hand, the newsletter has a whole new look--one that should be more mobile friendly. A Orson Welles Centennial Double Bill: Touch of Evil & Magician: … Continue reading What’s Screening: May 15 – 21
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