Black filmmakers illuminate the African-American experience in SFFILM and SFMOMA's latest Modern Cinema series, Black Powers: Reframing Hollywood. The series/festival runs from July 12–29. As with all Modern Cinema series, this one takes place at SFMOMA's Phyllis Wattis Theater. Neither organization is calling this a festival, but I think the title fits, because you can … Continue reading Black Powers coming to Modern Cinema
Month: June 2018
A Tale of Two Munchausens
The real Baron Munchausen (yes, there was one) never went to the moon. He did not ride on a cannonball. And he certainly wasn't swallowed by a giant fish. But the 18th-century aristocrat gained a reputation of telling outrageous tales of his military exploits. In 1785, when the Baron was still alive, Rudolf Erich Raspe … Continue reading A Tale of Two Munchausens
What’s Screening: June 8 – 14
Transgender prostitutes, unruly composers, hungry aliens, two film festivals, and three new B+ movies. And all of this is happening on Bay Area movie screens this week. Festivals DocFest continues through the week Frameline opens Thursday New films opening B+ Filmworker, Opera Plaza, Shattuck, opens Friday Like many great artists, Stanley Kubrick was an obsessive … Continue reading What’s Screening: June 8 – 14
A Boy Like Jake should be part of the film
B+ Family drama Written by Daniel Pearle; based on his stage play Directed by Silas Howard Early on, I found myself wondering if we really need this story? Do I care if this white, comfortable, Brooklyn couple get their four-year-old son (the Jake of the title) into the right private school? But as the story … Continue reading A Boy Like Jake should be part of the film
The Goodness and Flaws of Mr. Rogers
B+ Documentary Directed by Morgan Neville I'm not a Christian, but it strikes me that Fred Rogers - the ordained minister who created a long-running, completely secular children's television program - is an excellent example of what a Christian is supposed to be. He was kind and self-effacing. He taught pre-school children how to handle … Continue reading The Goodness and Flaws of Mr. Rogers
Filmworker: Obsessed with the Obsessed
B+ Documentary Directed by Tony Zierra Like many great artists, Stanley Kubrick was an obsessive perfectionist. You already know that. What you probably don't know was that he had an equally obsessive assistant - a man who gave up a promising acting career to stand in the shadows, on call 24/7, to help Kubrick create … Continue reading Filmworker: Obsessed with the Obsessed
Tom Mix, Sherlock Holmes, Buster Keaton, & Serge Bromberg: San Francisco Silent Film Festival, Part 2
The final nine programs I saw at this year's San Francisco Silent Film Festival: Saturday: Cowboys, spies, and Sherlock Holmes No Man's Gold After nearly 50 years as a silent film fan, I finally got around to seeing a Tom Mix western. I liked it - for what it is. The story involves a map … Continue reading Tom Mix, Sherlock Holmes, Buster Keaton, & Serge Bromberg: San Francisco Silent Film Festival, Part 2
Carl Dreyer, Yasujirô Ozu, & Ernst Lubitsch: My first report on the San Francisco Silent Film Festival
There's no time to write and post articles during the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, so I'm doing it afterwards. My first installment covers opening night, and two of the four full days - except for the late night screenings of The Lighthouse Keepers and Policeman. I need my sleep. Wednesday: Opening Night The Man … Continue reading Carl Dreyer, Yasujirô Ozu, & Ernst Lubitsch: My first report on the San Francisco Silent Film Festival
What’s Screening: June 1 – 7
Thrilling double bills by Hitchcock and Clouzot, comedy by Mel Brooks and Kristen Wiig, a fox with George Clooney's voice, silent and doc film fests, and Garbo and Gilbert's passion burning up the screen. Wild Strawberries couldn't drag me away! I had to prepare this newsletter earlier than usual, and I may have missed some … Continue reading What’s Screening: June 1 – 7
Bayflicks 