Five Came Back: Great film directors go to war

~ Lincoln Spector

It's hard to imagine an America so entirely at war that every aspect of the economy is affected. Where GM and Ford stop making cars to concentrate on bomber planes and tanks. Where healthy young men all but disappear from civilian life. And where five of Hollywood's top directors (along with multiple screenwriters, cinematographers, and … Continue reading Five Came Back: Great film directors go to war

Valentino, Keaton, Caligari, Laurel and Hardy: My report on Silent Autumn

~ Lincoln Spector

I could think of few better ways to spend a day then the way I spent last Saturday, at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival's first Silent Autumn event. Over the course of the day, we were treated to three features, two collections of shorts, and a lot of great music. Let's take the day … Continue reading Valentino, Keaton, Caligari, Laurel and Hardy: My report on Silent Autumn

What’s Screening: September 19 – 25

~ Lincoln Spector

The big event this week is the one-day Silent Autumn festival. I've placed festival films at the bottom of this newsletter. C+ The Zero Theorem, 4-Star, Elmwood, opens Friday. In the 1980s, Terry Gilliam's new film  feels like a less-effective retreat of his brilliant Brazil. Like that far superior picture, it’s set in a dystopian society … Continue reading What’s Screening: September 19 – 25

The Zero Theorem doesn’t add up to much

~ Lincoln Spector

C+ Dystopian satire Written by Pat Rushin Directed by Terry Gilliam In the 1980s, Terry Gilliam made three sci-fi/fantasy comedies that stood with the best films of that decade. But his best work is now far behind him. His latest movie, The Zero Theorem, although visually exciting and occasionally provocative, doesn't really go anywhere. Quentin … Continue reading The Zero Theorem doesn’t add up to much