When you think about it, Modern Times seems a strange name for such an old-fashioned movie. No one in America, or Europe, was making silent films 1936. Of course, it wasn't really silent. It had a recorded musical score (composed by Chaplin) and a great many sound effects (much more than City Lights). It even … Continue reading Chaplin Diary, Part 15: Modern Times
What’s Screening: August 10 – 16
Jim Jarmusch, Gary Cooper, Andrei Tarkovsky, and Gene Kelly grace Bay Area movie theaters this week. Also, one film festival. Warning: I had to write this newsletter two weeks early. It may be missing several worthwhile screenings. Festivals The Broncho Billy Silent Film Festival opens tonight and runs through Sunday New films opening A The … Continue reading What’s Screening: August 10 – 16
What’s Screening: August 3 – 9
Conventional war, nuclear war, a secret marriage, and jigsaw puzzles. All that and a closing festival on Bay Area screens this week. Warning: I had to write this newsletter a week early. It's likely missing several worthwhile screenings. Festivals The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival closes Sunday. Read my reports. New films opening A- Puzzle, … Continue reading What’s Screening: August 3 – 9
Hidden genius found in this Puzzle
A- drama Directed By Marc Turtletaub Screenplay By Oren Moverman & Polly Mann Based on the film Rompecabezas by Natalia Smirnoff Dramas, which like to feel above genre, have their own recognizable tropes. You can often see what's going to happen as clearly as you can see the ending of an action flick or a … Continue reading Hidden genius found in this Puzzle
Two More Silent Film Festivals Coming Up
You don't have to wait long to watch a movie with live accompaniment these days - and I'm not talking about Star Wars with the San Francisco Symphony. Here are two local silent film festivals coming up, from the two major silent film organizations in the Bay Area. Broncho Billy Silent Film Festival Niles Essanay … Continue reading Two More Silent Film Festivals Coming Up
My Last Day at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
For personal reasons, Saturday was my last day at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. I caught two documentaries. A Science Fair Highly-motivated high school students compete in local and national science fairs for fun and college tuition. They also hope to place in the biggest such event, the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). This … Continue reading My Last Day at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Take Action Day at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Friday was the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival's Take Action Day, which, when you think about it, is a strange name for sitting on your butt all day. They screened five political documentaries at the Castro that day. I saw the first three. None of these could reasonably be called Jewish films. The Festival justified … Continue reading Take Action Day at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Freedom of Expression, Liz Garbus, & The Fourth Estate
Thursday night, my wife and I visited the Castro for the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival's Freedom of Expression Award, which goes to a Jewish filmmaker who has worked to preserve our freedoms. This year, the award goes to documentarian Liz Garbus, the maker of Girlhood, Bobby Fischer Against the World, and What Happened, Miss … Continue reading Freedom of Expression, Liz Garbus, & The Fourth Estate
What’s Screening: July 27 – August 2
Three new movies this week, two of which are about the dangers of excessive money. Also, a religious double bill, surreal sci-fi, journalists, filmmakers, and giant worms. And only two film festivals. Festivals Modern Cinema/Black Powers: Reframing Hollywood closes Sunday. Read my preview. The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival continues throughout the week and beyond. … Continue reading What’s Screening: July 27 – August 2
Shining a light on Dark Money
B Political documentary Directed by Kimberly Reed Kimberly Reed's documentary covers one of the most important issues in America today: the legal bribery system that drives the American form of democracy. Aside from global warming - and of course there's a connection - It's about as important an issue as you could think of. Unfortunately, … Continue reading Shining a light on Dark Money