I'm not one of those cinephiles who sees the digital transition as the end of cinema. Far from it. I respect the practical and even the aesthetic advantages of shooting digitally. And as a general rule (there are exceptions), I rather see a movie projected off a DCP than a 35mm print--and that includes classics … Continue reading Catching The Hateful Eight in 70mm
Category: First-person Report
Best Movie-going experiences of 2015
I don't do the usual top ten list. Instead, as one year ends and another begins, I list my favorite movie-going experiences of the previous year. What makes a great movie-going experience. A great movie helps a lot--but it isn't entirely necessary. It's a combination of the movie, the theater, the print, the projection, and … Continue reading Best Movie-going experiences of 2015
The Force Awakens at the Alamo Drafthouse New Mission
Thursday afternoon--the last afternoon of 2015--my wife and I finally saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens. And we went out of our way to see it at the Alamo Drafthouse New Mission. It was our first experience seeing a movie there. It was a lot of fun, but expensive. I've already written about the New Mission--the … Continue reading The Force Awakens at the Alamo Drafthouse New Mission
My Saturday: A whole lot of silent films at the Castro
I spent this Saturday at the Castro, where the San Francisco Silent Film Festival ran a one-day festival called--appropriately enough--A Day of Silents. They showed five programs, each with live musical accompaniment. The Black Pirate The festival got off to a slow start due to technical problems. The first movie, The Black Pirate, started more … Continue reading My Saturday: A whole lot of silent films at the Castro
Raymond Griffith at Niles
Last Saturday night, I visited the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum for a screening of the 1925 Raymond Griffith comedy, Hands Up! I had seen it once before--probably in 1977 or '78 at the Avenue Theater (of blessed memory). Then, and now, I totally enjoyed it. Sorry it took me so long to get to … Continue reading Raymond Griffith at Niles
My Fair Lady on the big screen
This Saturday morning, I finally saw the film version of My Fair Lady on the big screen--specifically, the big screen at the Cerrito. I really enjoyed it. As far as the big, roadshow musicals of the 1950s and '60s go, it's one of the best. Although, in general, those aren't my favorite musicals. I give … Continue reading My Fair Lady on the big screen
The final day at the Mill Valley (San Rafael) Film Festival
Sunday was the last day of this year's Mill Valley Film Festival. I spent the day at the Rafael, but I didn't stay long enough to catch any of the official closing films or the closing party. Here's what I caught: B Truth I kind of wish I was new to the theater. I would … Continue reading The final day at the Mill Valley (San Rafael) Film Festival
Ian McKellen at the Mill Valley Film Festival
Sunday night, I attended the Sir Ian Mckellen tribute at the Rafael--all part of the Mill Valley Film Festival. The event started 20 minutes late; no explanation was given. Executive Director Mark Fishkin started out with a brief summary of McKellen's many awards, nominations, and honors. He has received six Olivier awards, two Oscar nominations, … Continue reading Ian McKellen at the Mill Valley Film Festival
Cars, Queens, and Eye Surgery: Saturday at the Mill Valley Film Festival
This event should really be called the Marin Film Festival. It uses theaters all over the county. But I really did spend Saturday in Mill Valley, a town that I've never quite figured out geographically. I caught three films there. B- Havana Motor Club I'm not really a fan of car racing, which may affect my … Continue reading Cars, Queens, and Eye Surgery: Saturday at the Mill Valley Film Festival
Four nights at the movies: The Crowd, Preston Sturges, a Teenage Girl, & 2 Noirs
I managed to see four feature films theatrically in the last four nights--plus another on television. Sunday: The Crowd My wife and I, along with another couple, went to the Castro to see one of the greatest silent films ever made, and arguably the most difficult American masterpiece to see, King Vidor's The Crowd. I've … Continue reading Four nights at the movies: The Crowd, Preston Sturges, a Teenage Girl, & 2 Noirs
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