We have a documentary about Israel this week. There's also science fiction from America and Russia. Billy Wilder studies office hanky-panky. How about a feature film made entirely with silhouettes. How do you fight crime while sloshed? Just follow the Nick and Nora Charles couple. New films opening theatrically A- Israelism, New Parkway (2023) ֍ … Continue reading What’s Screening: Dec Friday 29 – Jan 4
Month: December 2023
Leonard Bernstein & the MGM musical
In the 1940s and '50's, Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) made some of the best dancing musicals ever filmed. And now, Criterion is streaming nine of these pictures. I've added two movies, making eleven. Most musicals are fantasies. Without instruments and choreography, real people don't just burst into song and dance. But there are also realistic … Continue reading Leonard Bernstein & the MGM musical
What’s Screening: December 22 – 28
Finally, I've been able to give you a weekly newsletter. Just in time for Christmas. And I don't even celebrate Christmas. New films opening theatrically A- Anselm (2023), various theaters Try to see the film in 3D. Wim Wenders found a rare, artistic use for stereoscopic cinema. Anselm Kiefer is a German artist who works in … Continue reading What’s Screening: December 22 – 28
The Official, American list of important years
Every year, the Library of Congress adds 25 films to its list of films important enough to be saved and restored. This is not a list of this year's great American movies. The Library Congress' National Film Registry looks for more than good movies. It considers old films that people are still watching, or that … Continue reading The Official, American list of important years
What’s leaving Criterion at the end of 2023
I've been having technical problems recently. And yes, you won't get the Friday newsletter this week, again. But if you subscribe to The Criterion Channel, I can tell what good movies will leave the Channel before the year ends. Full recommendations A+ My Darling Clementine (1946) By all rules of the western genre, this John … Continue reading What’s leaving Criterion at the end of 2023
Laughs, drama, and a Day of Silents
This Saturday, I had a wonderful day at the Castro Theater. The event was A Day of Silents, which is part of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. Five feature films and a collection of shorts, all made before 1930, with live musical accompaniment, comprised this event. So, let's start. Of Mice and Men (and … Continue reading Laughs, drama, and a Day of Silents
What’s Screening: December 1 – 7
I had some considerable technical problems this week. I can't give you all the information and images. And this is a very good week for movies! So I'll just give you a list of the movies that I'd like to go to this week. Festivals & Series The Another Hole in the Head Film Festival … Continue reading What’s Screening: December 1 – 7
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