Category: Uncategorized

To Late for Halloween: My Blu-ray Review of Nosferatu

~ Lincoln Spector

The big question about Kino's forthcoming Blu-ray release of Nosferatu, newly and beautifully restored: Why release a classic vampire movie three weeks after Halloween? Now, on with our review. Before Christopher Lee, Gary Oldman, or even Bela Lugosi, Max Schreck created the first screen Dracula. He was not the elegant, sexy aristocrat of the night … Continue reading To Late for Halloween: My Blu-ray Review of Nosferatu

American Epic With an Unblinking Eye: My Review of 12 Years a Slave

~ Lincoln Spector

A Historical drama Written by John Ridley, based on the memoir by Solomon Northup Directed by Steve McQueen Painful, frightening, outrageous, lyrical, beautiful, and terrifying despite the happy ending promised in the title, 12 Years a Slave reminds you of what cinema is supposed to be about. This is easily the best new film I've … Continue reading American Epic With an Unblinking Eye: My Review of 12 Years a Slave

Young, Gay, Jewish, Talented, and Out of Control: My Review of Kill Your Darlings

~ Lincoln Spector

A Drama Written by Austin Bunn and John Krokidas Directed by John Krokidas Interesting how Indiewood has embraced the beats lately--especially Allen Ginsberg. Depending on how you look at it, Kill Your Darlings is the second or third feature about Ginsberg in the space of just over three years. First there was Howl, about Ginsberg … Continue reading Young, Gay, Jewish, Talented, and Out of Control: My Review of Kill Your Darlings

Mill Valley Film Festival Report: Costa-Gavras Tribute

~ Lincoln Spector

Greek/French filmmaker Costa-Gavras has been making slick, exciting political films since the 1960s. His works have attacked Fascism, Communism, American foreign policy, and a Pope. Friday night, he stepped up onto the stage at the Rafael's downstairs auditorium to discuss his career and screen his latest film. But he didn't step up on time. The … Continue reading Mill Valley Film Festival Report: Costa-Gavras Tribute

Coming on Yom Kippur: The Atheist Film Festival

~ Lincoln Spector ~ 1 Comment

The Bay Area's fifth annual Atheist Film Festival plays one day--Saturday, September 14--at the Roxie. That's Yom Kippur. I'll assume it's a coincidence. I also assume that it won't hurt the box office much. I have nothing against atheism. The belief that there is no God is a perfectly reasonable one, and nothing to be … Continue reading Coming on Yom Kippur: The Atheist Film Festival