I suppose I should say something about Jean-Luc Godard – he was the last of that band of outsiders that created the French New Wave and changed cinema. I like some of his early works, such as Breathless and Vivre Sa Vie. But he eventually broke with his friends and became way too didactic to … Continue reading What’s Screening: Sept 23 – 29
Tag: Akira Kurosawa
What’s Screening: Sept 16 – 22
If you like old movies in real theaters, you can see Kurosawa's best, the flick that made Spielberg famous, the first great vampire movie, Billy Wilder's look at American business, Hitchcock in 3D, and a Kubrick double bill. Plus two festivals. Festivals & Series The SF International South Asian Film Festival opens Friday and closes … Continue reading What’s Screening: Sept 16 – 22
What’s Screening: Sept 9 – 15
Want to see an old movie in a real theater? This week in the San Francisco Bay Area, you can see some of the best from Akira Kurosawa, Richard Linklater, Walt Disney, Luis Buñuel, two from Francis Coppola, Nicolas Roeg (directing David Bowie), Elaine May, and a whole day of watching works by Pier Paolo … Continue reading What’s Screening: Sept 9 – 15
What’s Screening: August 19 – 25
In Bay Area moviegoing this week: A Powell/Pressburger film I’ve yet to see. A Kurosawa double bill. Spike Lee’s best film free in the open air. Movies by Howard Hawks and Samuel Fuller. And for the first time in movie history, a handsome man lights a cigarette and says the immortal words, “Bond. James Bond.” … Continue reading What’s Screening: August 19 – 25
What’s Screening: June 10 – 16
Being that it's Pride Month, several classic gay movies are screening in theaters this week. But Bay Area cinemas are also playing films from such famous straight directors as Charlie Chaplin and Akira Kurosawa. Also, two festivals. Festivals & Series The Castro Theater's 100th Birthday Celebration closes Sunday Frameline opens Thursday New films opening theatrically … Continue reading What’s Screening: June 10 – 16
What’s Screening: March 18 – 24
Four of the greatest films ever made are playing in Bay Area movie theaters this week - one of them through the whole week. The other three movies are pretty good, too. Plus three film festivals. Festivals & Series The East Bay Jewish Film Festival continues through this week and beyond Noir City opens Thursday, … Continue reading What’s Screening: March 18 – 24
What’s Screening: November 26 – December 2
I hope you didn't gain too many pounds yesterday. How much did I gain? I don't know. I wrote this newsletter on Tuesday. But that also means that I may have missed an event or two that appeared at the last minute. Anyway, here's what's happening in Bay Area revival cinema this week. Festivals & … Continue reading What’s Screening: November 26 – December 2
What’s Screening: October 22 – 28
It seems as if every theater is playing Dune - a movie that disappointed me. I'm hoping that The French Dispatch will be better. If you're looking for oldies on the big screen, we've got two mid-century Japanese classics, two versions of Nosferatu, and a bad horror flick with comic commentary. Also, we've got three … Continue reading What’s Screening: October 22 – 28
After Mill Valley: What’s coming up at BAMPFA (and that doesn’t count virtual cinema)
I haven't written an article like this one for almost two years, and I sure am glad to be writing this one now. The Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is getting back into show business, and I don't mean streaming into your home. As the Mill Valley Film Festival closes at BAMPFA, UC Berkeley's repertory … Continue reading After Mill Valley: What’s coming up at BAMPFA (and that doesn’t count virtual cinema)
Commentary tracks: Another way to enjoy your favorite movies
I haven't gone out much lately. One activity I can do at home is to watch a favorite movie with a commentary track. There's something special about watching a beloved film once again while someone tells you interesting facts about it. I recommend the experience. (I suppose I shouldn't even have to say this, but … Continue reading Commentary tracks: Another way to enjoy your favorite movies
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