A Dramatic Comedy Written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius The question with which I opened my Hugo post applies even more to Michel Hazanavicius' new silent film: Did I--and other cinephiles--love The Artist because it is a very good motion picture, or because the story, setting, and style are so close to any cinephile's heart? … Continue reading The Artist
Category: Silent Films
Thoughts on Hugo
I sometimes wonder whether Singin’ in the Rain really is the greatest movie musical ever made. I think it is, but I may be prejudiced because Singin' is, after all, a movie about film history--something I care very much about. Other critics and historians may have a similar prejudice. And so we come to Hugo, … Continue reading Thoughts on Hugo
Latino Cinema, a Kevin Smith Thriller, and Silent Films Before Live Theatre
Here’s a trio of current and upcoming events: San Francisco Latino Film Festival This film festival opened Friday, and I didn’t even know about it. My apologies. It runs in the City, Berkeley, Marin, and San Jose through the 25th. Check the web site to see what’s playing. Kevin Smith’s Red State Kevin Smith—the writer … Continue reading Latino Cinema, a Kevin Smith Thriller, and Silent Films Before Live Theatre
Silent Film Festival, Opening Night
I attended both San Francisco Silent Film Festival opening night screenings last night at the Castro. I didn’t attend the party, which conflicted with the second show. That was an easy choice. Upstream The festival opened with a newly discovered John Ford film. Thought lost for decades, a tinted print of Upstlream turned up recently … Continue reading Silent Film Festival, Opening Night
Blu-ray Review: Buster Keaton, The Short Films Collection
Full disclosure: I’m reviewing a Blu-ray set that I don’t even have. Kino accidentally sent me the DVD set rather than the Blu-ray. In fairness, this may be my fault. When I emailed a request for a review copy, I neglected to specify what format. Luckily, the content of the two sets are identical, so … Continue reading Blu-ray Review: Buster Keaton, The Short Films Collection
3D: Is It the Next Sound, the Next Color, or Just the Next 3D
You’ve probably read about 3D movies doing disappointing business lately. Some say that today’s 3D craze is bottoming out. Others argue that, like a killer in a bad horror movie (probably shot in 3D), the stereoscopic format will rise again. But I say: Look to Hollywood’s past for perspective on 3D’s future. Will it swiftly … Continue reading 3D: Is It the Next Sound, the Next Color, or Just the Next 3D
Festivals of Silents (and Live Music)
It’s June, and that means two weekends (and a few weekdays) of intense silent film activity. For those of us who love to read a movie’s dialog while listening to live musical accompaniment, summer brings added pleasures to the Bay Area. The Broncho Billy Silent Film Festival runs Friday through Sunday, the weekend of June … Continue reading Festivals of Silents (and Live Music)
Youtube 1911
I'm sure this is an April Fool's bit, and I suspect it will go away very soon. So check it out now. Go to Youtube and click on any video. In the lower-right corner, where you would usually see an HD button, there's a sepia label reading 1911. Press it for a return to older … Continue reading Youtube 1911
The Battleship Potemkin
My wife and I caught Sergei Eisenstein's Battleship Potemkin last night at the Castro. This was my fourth time viewing of what many consider amongst the greatest films ever made. It was my second time seeing it theatrically, and my first since Kino's new restoration. In fact, it was my first viewing in this century. … Continue reading The Battleship Potemkin
More Keaton on Blu-ray: Our Hospitality
Kino has another Buster Keaton Blu-ray title on the way, and it's a winner. Three years before he made The General, Keaton mined the antebellum South for comic gold in this almost gentle comedy inspired by the Hatfield/McCoy feud. Still adjusting to the long form of the feature film (this was only his second), Keaton … Continue reading More Keaton on Blu-ray: Our Hospitality
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