When you think about it, Modern Times seems a strange name for such an old-fashioned movie. No one in America, or Europe, was making silent films 1936. Of course, it wasn't really silent. It had a recorded musical score (composed by Chaplin) and a great many sound effects (much more than City Lights). It even … Continue reading Chaplin Diary, Part 15: Modern Times
Category: Comedy
A Day of Two Film Festivals
On Sunday, for the first time in my life, I attended two film festivals on the same day. Only in the Bay Area. Modern Cinema/Black Powers: Reframing Hollywood SFFILM and SFMOMA don't officially call their various series festivals, but they qualify in my book. When you can see eight films in three days, all built … Continue reading A Day of Two Film Festivals
Chaplin Diary, Part 14: City Lights
As we work through Charlie Chaplin's directorial work in chronological order, we now come to his greatest masterpiece. Yes, that's my opinion, but it's hardly an unusual one. City Lights may come as close to a perfect comedy as you can find. I've already written about City Lights in a 2013 Blu-ray review, so I'll … Continue reading Chaplin Diary, Part 14: City Lights
Chaplin Diary, 13: The Circus
People often overlook Charlie Chaplin's fourth feature, The Circus. Sandwiched between his two long-form masterpieces, The Gold Rush and City Lights, it feels unimportant. But you shouldn't overlook it. While The Circus is no masterpiece, it's a very funny comedy with a considerable amount of heart, even if it veers very close at times to the … Continue reading Chaplin Diary, 13: The Circus
Sorry to Bother You, but you don’t want to miss this movie
A- Comedy Written and directed by Boots Riley I worry that people will assume that this very pointed comedy is nothing but a Get Out rip-off. Both movies combine humor, horror, and social commentary, and were made by an African-American neophyte director with a decidedly black point of view. But if you know anything about … Continue reading Sorry to Bother You, but you don’t want to miss this movie
You’ll want to put Boundaries between yourself and this movie
F Road movie Written & directed by Shana Feste Road movies follow a very close formula. Two or three people, usually relatives who hate each other, are forced together on a long road trip. Along the way, they argue, learn more about each other, and bond. In the end, they've learned something about themselves and … Continue reading You’ll want to put Boundaries between yourself and this movie
Santa Fe & Charlie Chaplin: More July Festivals
I've already told you about Modern Cinema and the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (although there'll be more to say on that one). But there are two other festivals competing for your attention next month - and both over the same weekend. Charlie Chaplin Days Friday, July 13 - Sunday, July 15 Every year, the … Continue reading Santa Fe & Charlie Chaplin: More July Festivals
