Managed to get to one movie at the Kabuki today—the last one I’ll see there at this year’s festival. B+ The Black Power Mixtape 1967–1975. The nature of the civil rights movement changed dramatically in the mid-to-late 1960’s, and this American/Swedish documentary tracks the black power movement from Stokely Carmichael’s heyday until heroin ravaged Harlem. … Continue reading SFIFF: Black Power Mix Tape
SFIFF: Sunday at the Castro
I forsook the Kabuki for two San Francisco International Film Festival events at the Castro today. La Dolce Vita This was my second time seeing what many consider Fellini's masterpiece. The first time--maybe 15 or 20 years ago--was at the UC Theater (of blessed memory). That was also from a new restoration spearheaded by Martin … Continue reading SFIFF: Sunday at the Castro
SFIFF: Films About Teenagers
After the Kanbar Award event, I caught two other films at the San Francisco International Film Festival. Coincidentally, both were about teenagers. Both were also very good. B+ Children of the Princess of Cleves. In France as in every other country, adolescents must deal with ranging hormones, overly-strict parents (in their eyes, at least), tests … Continue reading SFIFF: Films About Teenagers
SFIFF: Kanbar Award Winner Frank Pierson
The San Francisco International Film Festival’s Kanbar Award tribute to screenwriter Frank Pierson started 10 minutes late. But it was worth the wait. Pierson’s work ranges from memorable ‘60s classics like Cool Hand Luke to one of the best TV shows of recent years, Mad Men. As the Festival speaker who introduced the event put … Continue reading SFIFF: Kanbar Award Winner Frank Pierson
What’s Screening: April 29 – May 5
San Francisco International Film Festival continues through this week. As usual, I put festival listings at the end of this newsletter. A Strangers on a Train, Castro, Wednesday. One of Hitchcock’s scariest films, and therefore one of his best. A rich, spoiled psychotic killer (the worst kind) convinces himself that a moderately-famous athlete has agreed … Continue reading What’s Screening: April 29 – May 5
SFIFF: Living on Love Alone
I skipped Oliver Stone’s tribute this evening at the San Francisco International Film Festival and I’m glad I did. In its place, I caught a French gem that’s the sort of movie you go to film festivals to discover. A Living on Love Alone “Youth,” as W. S. Gilbert wrote, “must have its fling.” But … Continue reading SFIFF: Living on Love Alone
SFIFF: At Ellen’s Age
I took yesterday off the festival, but made it here today (Wednesday). I had other business in San Francisco, so it was a good excuse. Unfortunately, at least with my first movie of the day, it wasn’t a good experience. C- At Ellen's Age. Flight attendant Ellen arrives home to her boyfriend, who’s strangely distant. … Continue reading SFIFF: At Ellen’s Age
SFIFF: Cave of Forgotten Dreams
Two years ago, the San Francisco International Film Festival screened the animated film Battle For Terra. Although the film was made in 3D, and screened for press that way, it was shown flat at the festival. A lot has changed in two years. To my knowledge, Cave of Forgotten Dreams is the first feature screened … Continue reading SFIFF: Cave of Forgotten Dreams
SFIFF: The Colors of the Mountain
B+ The Colors of the Mountain. On one level, this is a funny tale about adorable boys who love soccer, set against beautiful mountain scenery. On another, and more important level, it's about the harse realities of third-world life when caught between violent revolutionaries and an utterly heartless and cruel government. At first, Manuel's life … Continue reading SFIFF: The Colors of the Mountain
SFIFF: State of the Cinema Address
Last night I attended Christine Vachon's State of the Cinema address. By her own count, Vachon has produced over 60 films (IMDB says 65), including Boys Don't Cry, Happiness, I Shot Andy Warhol, and The Notorious Bettie Page. On the other hand, she's also produced I’m Not There and Cracks; not everything she made is … Continue reading SFIFF: State of the Cinema Address
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