"Sherlock Holmes" *** (128 minutes)

Monday December 21, 2009

This ain't your father's Sherlock; or your grandfather's; or your great grandfather's for that matter. Those folks would probably absolutely despise director Guy (Mr. ex-Madonna) Ritchie's take on the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 19th century classic sleuth. However, today's audiences, spoon-fed with the multitude of more recent action f/x packed action heroes will more than likely go gaga over the histrionics afforded this latest of a long long line of incarnations of the London private-eye. (The Guinness World Records has the character being portrayed by 75 actors in over 211 films!).

Me? Well, I'll admit that I have not particularly paid attention to many of these portrayals. So my analysis is based strictly on this latest version and all I can say is that I was amply entertained by it all. Mostly due in large part to the wonderful acting by one of the best in the business: Robert Downey, Jr. He more than carries the action hero-type part and is aided in large part by a terrific Watson by Jude Law who perfectly plays off of the brooding Holmes.

The plot is setup with a wonderful opening sequence montage in which the evil Satanist Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong-who is becoming one of my favorite character actors. He was phenomenal in 2008's "Body of Lies") is captured and appears to be placed in a tomb after a date with the gallows. We quickly learn that somehow The Lord is not as dead and buried as it first appears. And then the fun, as well as the action, begins.

The script, co-written by Ritchie, Anthony Peckham (presently riding high as screenwriter for "Invictus"), & Simon Kinberg (2005's Mr. & Mrs. Smith) gives the plot enough meat & the main characters enough biting dialogue to keep the proceedings moving smoothly along. And, the busy Hans Zimmer supplies a score that is appropriate to the action. The only clear negative for me is the wasted presence of Holmes' love interest, the usually dependable Rachel McAdams ("State of Play") who seems to add no chemistry or warmth to the action.

Again, if you're expecting a Holmes in the style of Basil Rathbone or John Barrymore (to name but a very few), I'd advise you to stay away. But if you want diversion and care to witness a great charismatic performance by Downey, you won't be disappointed in the least.

Watson (Jude Law), Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) & Irene

Adler (Rachael McAdams) track the evil Lord Blackwell

Lord Blackwell (Mark Strong) and Holmes (Downey)

"The Social Network" (*** 1/2-120 minutes)

Thursday September 23, 2010

Director David Fincher's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" was my favorite film in 2008 and should have taken home the coveted Best Picture Award (won by "Slumdog Millionaire"). Fincher goes from fantasy/adventure to this docudrama and, will most likely be in strong contention for this year's award. Shown mainly in flashbacks, we methodically see how the dude who created Facebook, almost by fluke, became in a few short years the planet's youngest billionaire.

Harvard student & computer nerd Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg in a breakout role that will undoubtedly get him AA consideration), upset at being dumped at a restaurant by his girlfriend (Rooney Mara-set to play the latest Lisbeth Salander in the Americanized version of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo") in a brilliant nine minute opening scene, decides to get back by immediately creating an online on campus woman rating page using the head shots of Harvard coeds. After the campus servers crash from all of the ensuing traffic, Mark is contacted by jock twins, future Olympic rowers, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (both seamlessly played by Armie Hammer) who have a "Facebook" idea but need Zuckerberg's genius to bring it to fruition. Realizing he would never be accepted in their "club" Mark takes their idea and runs with it-all for himself. (One of the legal deposition scenes involves their lawsuit against the now successful Facebook CEO.)

The two main supporting characters are Eduardo (competently played by Andrew Garfield-currently in "Never Let Me Go") who is Mark's only friend who became his early financier-only to be later dumped by the heartless Zuckerberg. (Also included are deposition scenes involving his lawsuit against his longtime friend and co-founder.) And Justin Timberlake (forget 'N Sync, folks-this guy can act! Look for an AA Supporting Actor nom) as Napster & Plaxo founder Sean Parker who takes Mark by the shirt collar and introduces him to Silicon Valley with all the accompanying wild woman, parties, & drugs.

However, the real star is the spectacular rapid fire spot-on dizzying script (based on Ben Mezrich's book "The Accidental Billionaires") by "West Wing" scribe Aaron Sorkin who also wrote the "Charlie Wilson's War" & "The American President" screenplays. It is almost as if Sorkin were being paid by the word, as one's utmost attention is a requisite to getting the most juice out of his wonderful delicious script. My main beef was that, although the pulsating soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is a perfect accompaniment to Fincher's spectacular visual style, the music at times overpowers the words-which has as much character presence as the actor's who are voicing them.

The film, a "Citizen Kane" for our times, never bores and will help put in better perspective a story about how a computer geek had the knowhow, timing, & luck, to earn a king's ransom establishing a network that now involves over 500 million humans interconnecting as "friends" on the World Wide Web.

Erica (Rooney Mara) & Mark (Jesse Eisenberg) exchange

barbs in the opening scene

Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake) tries to join forces

with Zuckerberg

Eduardo (Andrew Garfield): Mark's friend, partner, & financier

"Body of Lies" *** 1/2 (128 minutes)

Tuesday October 7, 2008

Although not always a definite, the pedigree for this political thriller was an indication that my 2 hour plus attendance would ultimately be worthwhile. After all, you had one of world's most talented director (Ridley Scott), 2 of our most talented actors (Leonardo DiCaprio & Russell Crowe), and an Academy Award winning screenwriter (William Monahan who won Best Adapted Screenplay last year for "The Departed"). My faith was fully confirmed as this is one helluva taut intelligent thriller, masterfully directed by the "Black Hawk Down" maestro- who fully knows the genre. Based on the novel by Washington Post columnist David Ignatius, Monahan has written a smart script that will have you intrigued throughout. Although Crowe has gained 50 pounds and very capably plays a cynical CIA boss (albeit a rather pedestrian one note performance), this film belongs to DiCaprio, playing a CIA field operative whose every move is being orchestrated by the stay-at-home Crowe. I fully expect another AA nom (he's even better than last year's wonderful "Blood Diamond"). DiCaprio is working with the Jordanian intelligence chief (chillingly played by Mark Strong, an English stage and screen actor whose work here might garner him a supporting acting nod) trying to flesh out a terrorist leader in Jordan who is anonymously creating havoc in European cities. Golshifteh Farahani plays DiCaprio's Jordanian love interest whose kidnapping sets up the final half hour of action and suspense. My only main fault, once again, is the ever present, incessant soundtrack (this time around by Mark Streitenfeld who is back working with Ridley after scoring "American Gangster") that seems to be a part of virtually every scene. Scott knows how to stage spectacular effective action sequences as well as anyone on the planet. That as well as the wonderful script is sure to keep you from watching your clock to see when it all will end.

"Tinker Tailor Solder Spy" (***-128 minutes)

(l to r) Actor Gary Oldman, Director Tomas Alfredson, and AFI Programmer

Todd Hitchcock at the AFI European Union Film Showcase closing screening of

"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"

Monday November 21, 2011

Off to Silver Spring to screen the closing night film of the 24th AFI European Union Film Showcase, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" with an appearance by British actor Gary Oldman and Swedish director Tomas Alfredson (see coverage below following this review).   Tomas' previous film was the outstanding 2008 coming-of-age vampire classic "Let the Right One In".  (Although "Cloverfield" director Matt Reeve's 2010 U.S. remake "Let Me In" is admirable, it is nowhere as accomplished as the Swedish original.)

For his second commercial project, the director tackles John le Carré's 1974 bestselling spy novel that was initially made into a seven part, 350-minute BBC 1979 TV series starring Alec Guinness.  And herein lies part of the problem:  compacting the considerably dense spy novel into the 2 hour plus running time practically demands background knowledge of the story and a scorecard to keep track of the myriad of characters that comprise the wordy screenplay. 

It is the 1970's Cold War and a British intelligent agent (Mark Strong) is killed in Hungary resulting in the firing of top agent George Smiley (a subdued but effective Gary Oldman in the Alec Guinness role) and his boss, Control (the wonderful John Hurt).  However, Smiley is brought back in to uncover the Russian mole within the MI6 (the British Secret Service Intelligence agency-code named "The Circus") who was responsible for the assassination.  With the help of Circus agent Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch) and field agent Ricki Tarr (Tom Hardy), Smiley ultimately narrows the Mole's identity to Percy ("Tinker"-Toby Jones), Bill Haydon (the well-dressed "Tailor"-Colin Firth), Roy Bland ("Soldier"-Ciarán Hinds), and Toy ("Poor Man"-David Dencik).

The incredibly talented cast is matched in mood through DP Hoyte van Hoytema's cinematography, and the intricate production design by Maria Djurkovic. 

Those willing to devote their time and rapt attention, and not expecting any James Bond-like pyrotechnics and chase sequences, should ultimately be rewarded with an intelligent screenplay by Peter Straughan and his late wife Bridget O’Connor, as well as outstanding ensemble acting and production values.  Just be certain that you have your have your fill of caffeine or else you might miss the spy thriller's climax.

The movie began a limited U.S. platform release December 9, including Washington D.C. 

(l to r), "Poor Man" (David Dencik), "Tailor" (Colin Firth), 

"Tinker" (Toby Jones), Control (John Hurt), 

George Smiley (Gary Oldman), and "Soldier" (Ciaran Hinds)

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Following the screening was an extended interview/question and answer session moderated by AFI Programmer Todd Hitchcock.  In response to Todd's question as to what he saw was appealing about the role of George Smiley and what was the challenge that he had to figure out, Gary knew that  Guinness had made the role so iconic so he tried to bring his own interpretation after reading the books.  He pointed out that Alec was nearly 70 when he did the series, so there was that difference to explore.  He realized they were mining the same material and that there were places that they both would meet.  However, there were other shades to Smiley that initially presented the challenge of doing the role differently.  Overcoming Guinness' towering performance, that for many was the definitive portrayal of the character, was a challenge-but gave credit to Alfredson for having great faith in him.  

Todd then asked Tomas to explain how he went from making "an incredibly inventive vampire movie in Sweden" to pursuing John le Carree's spy material in the U.K.  Tomas revealed that it was quite hard to explain why one accepts to start working on a project.  However, he did say that when opening a script or, in this case a book, it is a very emotional thing.  If he gets many images in his head and if he reacts very quickly, for example, crying, laughing, or his heart starts beating, for him, it is the big impulse he needs to accept a project.  He also commented that he felt "Let the Right One In" was not a vampire movie but was a story about a young kid, and that this film was not an espionage film.  For him it was about the soldiers of the Cold War, and that it was a very personal and emotional journey about relationships.

Todd pointed out that since the film is a 70's Cold War period piece, and asked if it had a contemporary resonate with the U.K. audience considering the film's tremendous popularity in that country.  Gary responded that a great deal really has not changed over the years-other than the faces and the enemy and  remarked that he personally gets the same kind of sensation watching the news today as he got when was fifteen-years-old.

Gary mentioned that he saw the original series but did not want to use it as a template or revisit it-that he did not want to be contaminated with an impersonation.  He remembered it as "this big ghost that cast a shadow and I was terrified".

When asked by an audience member about a possible sequel covering the remaining books, Tomas replied that there might be one or two films in the future.

A question was raised as to why Tomas decided to use an old Julio Iglesias live disco version of "La Mer" over the last four minutes of the the action, which was contrary to the overall somber mood set throughout the movie.  Tomas stated that during the scenes when George was listening to music in his apartment he thought about using a soundtrack that gave a glimpse of George's inner life.  He eschewed the use of opera since the director thought of him as a romantic-which would be the total opposite of the life he lived in gray and dull England, and immediately he thought of Iglesias.  However, Tomas did not use it there because "it would be a little too strange".  However, he did find a rare vinyl recording of Iglesias' "La Mer" and decided to use it in the final scenes to "bring in a little fresh air" which would have the effect of "opening a window".  He thought the song created that feeling, and that its use was not supposed to create a happy end feeling.  

Gary was quizzed about his favorite role (he's been in over 60 films over the past 25 years!) and said it would be playing Lee Harvey Oswald (in Oliver Stone's 1991 film "JFK), stating that it was an exceptional experience because there was little of the character on the page.  Stone instructed Oldman to thoroughly research Oswald to prepare him for the part.  He also mentioned Tony Scott's 1993 action adventure "True Romance".  Gary then added that he has jokingly said that he's been waiting over 30 years to play the part of George Smiley explaining that in the past he has played characters who physicalized their emotions and that it was a joy not having to express it in a physical way in this film.

When asked whether he plans to direct another film (he directed "Nils By Mouth" in 1997), Gary said he would like to but bringing up two boys has taken up a lot of his time.  However, he said he was looking at a couple of projects and is hopeful he can direct one within a couple of years.

2012 SILVERDOCS Film Festival-June 18 through 24

The Audience Feature Award winner

Monday June 25, 2012-Day 7


(The festival officially ends on Sunday but each year the award winners and festival favorites are shown the following day.)

"The Waiting Roon" (*** 1/2-82 minutes)
Who hasn't visited a hospital ER and spent an interminable amount of time until you can go to your next destination?  Director Peter Nicks turns his camera on such folks holed up in the waiting room at Highland Hospital in Oakland, Ca and, without commentary, focuses on a number of patients and the, at times, overworked staff that service them.  A microcosm of our health care system, the documentary shows the tireless and thankless dedication of the hospital personnel who desperately work within the system to  alleviate the pain, anguish, and frustration of their patients.  Simply presented, the doc is powerful and unyielding, and truly unforgettable. A complete review will be posted after the festival.)

"Fame High" (****-97 minutes)
One of the more entertaining films about the arts is this gem from director Scott Hamilton Kennedy.  The institution is the Los Angeles Country High School for the Arts (LACHSA) whose alumni include Josh Grobin and Katy Perry.   Kennedy mainly focuses on four students throughout the school year:  2 seniors (a dancer and a musician/singer) and 2 freshman (a pianist and an actress)-each struggling to make a mark at the prodigious school where passing the curriculum could go a long way on jump starting their careers.  As the film progresses, we witness first-hand their trials, tribulations, failures, and triumphs that lead to a surprising moving climax.  (A complete review will be posted after the festival).

"Only The Young" (***-68 minutes)
Directors Jason Tippet and Elizabeth follows three teens slacking in depressed Santa Clarita, California in this U.S. Sterling Award winner doc.  With little parental guidance, amidst their skateboarding, video-game playing, and romantic relationships we wonder what future these young souls will ultimately encounter.  (A complete review will be posted after the festival.)

"Trash Dance" (***1/2-67 minutes)
Winner of the Feature Audience Award is director Andrew Garrison's film about choreographer Allison Orr's unusual idea of producing a show involving Austin Texas sanitation workers and their trash equipment.   Spirited, entertaining and inspirational, it is not surprising that the crowd-pleasing "Trash Dance" won the Audience Award here as well as at the Hotdocs Film Festival.  (A complete review will be posted after the festival)

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The marque announcing the appearance of Olympic weight-lifting
champion Cheryl Haworth from "Strong!"

Sunday June 24, 2012-Day 6



"Radio Unnameable" (*** 1/2-87 minutes)
Radio talk show host Bob Fass is in now in his 80's and still travels to his New York FM station WBAI studio once a week.  Considered to be one of the first of his kind, this fascinating profile of Fass chronicles his early days beginning in 1963 as the late night host who also provided live in-studio music performances (a young Bob Dylan played in the studio in 1966) as well as serving as a focal point for the happenings in and outside New York City.  Directors Paul Lovelace and Jessica Wolfson had access to his extensive archives (Bob recorded all of his shows) to paint a vivid portrait of this media pioneer who is as fascinating as his audience.  (A complete review will be posted after the festival.)


"Strong!" (***1/2-76 minutes)
Just in time for the summer Olympics is the World Premier of "Strong!", director Julie Wyman's inspirational take on a 5'8" 300+ lb weightlifter who just happens to be woman.  When we meet Cheryl Hayworth  we learn that she hold the North American record in the clean and jerk (319 lbs.) and the snatch lift (275 lbs.) and that she earned the bronze in the 2000 Olympics.  However, there is much more to this lady than lifting dead weights and Wyman's examination of her character, intelligence, and determination are highlighted as she attempt to compete in yet another Olympics in 2008 in Beijing.  The film will premier on PBA' "Independent Lens" on July 26.  (A complete review will be posted after the festival)

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Saturday June 23, 2012-Day 5


AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED:

The Sterling Award

Festival Director Skye Sitney opens the Awards Ceremony

ONLY THE YOUNG, PLANET OF SNAIL and KINGS POINT

 Receive Festival’s Prestigious Sterling Awards

Additional Distinguished Awards Go to ANN RICHARDS’ TEXAS, ¡VIVAN LAS ANTIPODAS!  ESCAPE FIRE: THE FIGHT TO RESCUE AMERICAN HEALTHCARE

Competitive Whole Foods/Silverdocs Green Grants Go to SEED and CAN’T STOP THE WATER

TRASH DANCE and SPARKLE Win Audience Awards for Best Feature and Short .

This year’s Sterling Award for Best U.S. Feature went to ONLY THE YOUNG directed by Jason Tippet and Elizabeth Mims.  The film follows three teens stuck in a chaste love triangle in a depressed Southern California suburb, and explores different paths to maturity, independence and romance, portrayed with cinematic tenderness, unexpected beauty and nascent wisdom in a foreclosed wasteland.  The prize is accompanied by a $5,000 cash award. 

The Sterling U.S. Feature Jury noted: “We loved this film for its striking and beautiful cinematography and its innovative editing.  But above all, we loved it for its sensitive and startlingly honest portrayal of adolescence.  Neither saccharine nor snarky, the film captures the depth and absurdity of being a teenager without cliché or caricature.”

This year’s Sterling Award for Best World Feature went to PLANET OF SNAIL directed bySeungiun Yi.  The poetry of the cinema merges fantastically with the poetry of touch, taste and smell when the filmmaker encounters the deaf and blind South Korean poet Young-Chan, who is unwilling to accept as limitations the world of sight and sound from which he is isolated.  The prize is accompaniedby a $5,000 cash award. 

The Sterling Award World Jury noted:  “This film immersed us into the sensorial experience of love unbound.  The poetic cinematography of life’s seemingly ordinary moments underscores the complexity of life itself.  Seungiun Yi’s PLANET OF SNAIL is a tranquil meditation on the resilience of the human spirit.”

The Sterling Award for Best Short Film was given to KINGS POINT directed by Sari Gilman. 

Inhabited by numerous transplants from New York who were lured by the promise of sunshine and palm trees, Kings Point is a place where retirees have begun a new part of their lives, for some the final chapter.  The prize is accompanied by a $2,500 cash award. 

The Sterling Award Short Jury noted: “For its bittersweet exploration of the universal needs and challenges of creating human connections - even within a seemingly close-knit community of peers - the jury recognizes KINGS POINT by Sari Gilman with the Sterling Award for Best Short.”  



Notable Special Jury Mentions:

A Special U.S. Feature Jury Mention went to THE WAITING ROOM directed by Peter Nicks. The complexity of the nation’s public health care system is etched in intimate detail in this poignant vérité portrait of an American public hospital and the community of patients and caregivers that intersect with it.  The ER waiting room in Oakland’s Highland Hospital serves as the backdrop to an encounter with a diverse community of largely uninsured patients alongside an indefatigable staff charged with caring for them.

The Jury noted: “The best documentaries immerse us in new worlds and connect us with people we’ve never met.  This vérité film gives us a personal experience with patients and caregivers trying to navigate a complicated and flawed healthcare system.  For a film that uses powerful and intimate moments to persuade, we are honored to give a Special Jury Mention to THE WAITING ROOM.”

A Special World Feature Jury Mention went to SPECIAL FLIGHT (VOL SPECIAL) directed byFernand Melgar.  Who gets two years incarceration for a traffic violation?  Undocumented immigrants!  Even in tolerant Switzerland, the benign administration and guards of the Frambois detention center near Geneva can do little to alleviate the fate of those entrapped in its system.

The Jury noted: “This film patiently portrays what life looks and feels like inside the walls of injustice where a group of detained immigrants and their sympathetic caretakers are bound together by a complex web of inequality.  Through his powerful vérité filmmaking and access, Fernand Melgar lays bare a life without freedom.  SPECIAL FLIGHT (VOL SPECIAL) is a sometimes uncomfortable, always honest remark on society’s divided attitude towards migrants.”

  

A Sterling Short Honorable Mention went to MONDAYS AT RACINE, directed by Cynthia Wade.  In the film, sisters Cynthia and Rachel, who watched their mother suffer the indignities and pain of struggling with cancer when they were younger, now own a beauty salon in Islip, Long Island. They open their doors every third Monday of the month to women living with cancer.  With great compassion and support, the women undergoing treatment face their fears together and rediscover their beauty in a whole new way.

The Jury noted: “For its ability to engage the viewer on a raw, emotional level through the moving testimony of two indelible characters facing illness, the jury recognizes MONDAYS AT RACINE by Cynthia Wade with an Honorable Mention.”

A second Sterling Short Honorable Mention went to PARADISE by Nadav Kurtz. Three immigrant workers from Mexico make their living in a most unusual way:  by rappelling down some of Chicago’s tallest skyscrapers to clean windows.  PARADISE gives a hair-raising view of this precarious profession and the men who risk life and limb to do it.

The Jury noted: “For taking the audience to new heights in experiencing a unique perspective on immigrant labor through beautifully-lensed and adventurous cinematography, the jury recognizes PARADISE by Nadav Kurtz with an Honorable Mention. ”

The Sterling Award winners were chosen by an eminent Festival jury, including:

Sterling U.S. Feature Jury: Heather Courtney, Filmmaker (WHERE SOLDIERS COME FROM);Marshall Curry, Filmmaker (IF A TREE FALLS: A STORY OF THE EARTH LIBERATIONFRONT); Adella Ladjevardi, Grants Manager, Cinereach.  

Sterling World Feature Jury: Charlotte Cook, Director of Programing, Hot Docs; Jigar Mehta,Filmmaker (18 DAYS IN EGYPT) and Journalist; Stephanie Wang-Breal, Filmmaker (WO AI NIMOMMY).

Sterling Short Film Jury: Lisa Collins, Filmmaker, (OSCAR'S COMEBACK, TREE SHADE); CaraCusumano, Programmer, Tribeca Film Festival; Basil Tsiokos, Film Consultant and ProgrammingAssociate, Sundance Film Festival.

Other Awards include:

The WGA Documentary Screenplay Award went to ANN RICHARDS’ TEXAS written by Keith Patterson. In a state known for outsized political personalities, a silver-haired lady from Austin became one of the biggest and boldest by speaking her mind and sticking to her guns.  The high-energy ANN RICHARDS’ TEXAS celebrates her rise in the Democratic Party, her improbable turn as governor and her legacy as a feisty liberal icon.  The Prize is accompanied by a $1,000 cash award and a five-yearmembership in the WGAE Nonfiction Writers Caucus.

The films ESCAPE FIRE: THE FIGHT TO RESCUE AMERICAN HEALTHCARE directed byMatthew Heineman and Susan Froemke and THE HOUSE I LIVE IN directed by Eugene Jareckiwon the inaugural React to Film Social Issue Awards at this year’s Silverdocs, which is given to two well-crafted and compelling documentaries on a critical social issue that has the greatest potential, through the medium of film, to have an impact on that issue through reaching the broadest audience, particularly young people. In ESCAPE FIRE, the filmmakers examine the nuts and bolts of the current battle raging over a healthcare system that is desperately broken.  Drawing from harrowing personal stories and the ongoing efforts of those trying to make a positive difference, this hard-hitting film focuses on finding workable solutions.  In THE HOUSE I LIVE IN, filmmaker Eugene Jarecki (WHY WE FIGHT) offers a sobering comprehensive view of contemporary drug culture and examines the troubling realities of a broken system whose very existence, he argues, is making the problem worse rather than better.

The Cinematic Vision Award went to ¡VIVAN LAS ANTIPODAS! directed by Victor Kossakovsky.  The filmmaker reveals the sheer kinetic and visual splendor of the corners of our planet when he explores four pairs of dry-land antipodes:  Argentina and China, Russia and Chile, Hawaii and Botswana, and Spain and New Zealand.  In the end, it is not the differences, but the uncanny similarities that are most striking.  The prize comes with $4,000 in-kind services from the Alpha CineLabs in Seattle.

The Whole Foods/Silverdocs Green Grant went to SEED directed by Taggart Siegel for a project in development. SEED investigates the untold story of seeds, the basis of life on earth. As many irreplaceable seeds are nearing extinction, the film follows heroes working tirelessly to preserve agricultural security and seed diversity in an uphill battle against high-tech industrial seed companies and an impending global food crisis.

The Whole Foods/Silverdocs Green Grant for completion of a project went to CAN'T STOP THE WATER directed by Rebecca and Jason Ferris.  The film tells the story of Isle de Jean Charles, Louisiana, and the Native American community that are fighting to save their culture as their land washes away.  

The prize is accompanied by a $25,000 cash grant to each filmmaker for a total of $50,000.

The Audience Award for Best Feature went to TRASH DANCE directed by Andrew Garrison.  The film documents the creation of a beautiful dance piece inspired by the work of often-unnoticed public servants – sanitation workers.  The Audience Award for Best Shot went to SPARKLE directed by Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert.  The film chronicles Sheri “Sparkle” Williams, a star dancer with a 40-year track record with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company as she returns to the stage at 49.

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"Beauty Is Embarrassing" (***-89 minutes)
Director Neil Berkely creates a lively profile of artist Wayne White who received his big break creating
visual work on the set of 1980's "Peewee's Playhouse" and is currently successful with word paintings where he humorously places words across existing paintings.  The success of the documentary for audiences will depend on one's connection with the artist's off-the-wall, oftentimes, blue humor.  (A complete review will be posted after the festival).

CLOSING NIGHT FILM:  "Big Easy Express" (*** 1/2-67 minutes)
A unusual kind of concert film reminiscent of the phenomenal 2003 documentary "Festival Express"  which documented a 1970 train excursion through Canada featuring the top musicians of the day including Janice Joplin, The Greatful Dead, The Band.  This time around, three talented folk bands (Mumford and Sons, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and Old Crow Medicine Show) travel from California to New Orleans entertaining inside the train cars and outside at 6 separate stops along the way. Director Emmett Malley wonderfully photographs the scenery along the way (which is almost worth the price of admission), and has expertly recorded the music which will assuredly leave you smiling by the end of its too swift 67 minutes.(A complete review will be posted after the festival.)

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Friday June 22, 2012-Day 4



"The Source" (****-105 minutes)
Ever wonder what it would be like to be a part of one of the spiritual psychedelic cults that took form in the late 60's and early 70's without actually joining?  Directors Jodi Wille and Maria Demopolos incredible documentary will give you that chance as they chronicle the "family" founded by jujitsu expert and stuntman Jim Baker, aka Father Yod, aka YaHoWha.  To help bring in the funds, the group (which ultimately grew to over 140 followers) worked in Baker's vegetarian restaurant "The Source", which was frequented by L.A. celebrities and even served as a setting for a scene in "Annie Hall".  The directors obtained extensive and amazing archival footage, meticulously maintained for years by cult member Isis, and recent interviews with many key cult members to produce, as Eric Hatch, the chief programmer for the Maryland Film Festival, accurately stated its program guide "one of the major documentary events of the year".  The filmmakers used the previously recorded music of The Source family that hauntingly accompanies the amazing visuals.  Not to be missed, the film repeats Saturday 6/23 at 9:15pm.


"Meet the Fokkens" (***-76 minutes)
The Fokkens, Martine and Louise, are now two elderly twin sisters living in Amsterdam.  Both have been working in the prostitution industry for over 50 years.  Louis retired 2 years ago while Martine is still turning tricks as her only means of income.  A sweet unflinching look into their lives both past and present.  (A complete review will be posted after the festival).

"The Ambassador"  (*** 1/2-94 minutes)
Director Mads Brugger goes undercover to reveal how easy it is to become a Third World diplomat-as long as you have enough cash and are willing to risk your life in the process.  Often humorous in its execution, the filmmaker takes us into this seedy milieu that involves the risks these folks take while attempting to smuggle "blood diamonds" out of Africa. (A complete review will be posted after the festival 


"The Queen of Versailles" (*** 1/2-100 minutes)
Winner of the Sundance U.S. Directing Award, director Lauren Greenfield shows the extreme ups and downs in the lives of the Siegels.  David is a 74-year-old timeshare mogul and his wife Jacqueline, 30 years younger, is a former beauty queen and graduate of RPI.  We meet them and their 8 children in the late 2000's as they are in the midst of constructing their 90,000 square foot "castle" modeled after the French Palace of the title.  Then comes the 2008 economic meltdown-which has the family rethinking their exorbitant lifestyle in a big way.  A curious fascinating inside look into the lives of the rich and famous.  The film replays Sunday July 24 at 5:30pm and opens nationwide July 20. (A complete review will be posted after the festival.)

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Thursday June 20, 2012-Day 3


"Special Flight" (****-103 minutes)
In the cinema verite style reminiscent of the techniques utilized by great documentarians such as the Maysles Brothers and D.A. Pennebaker, Fernand Melgar has carefully documented a group of some 25 illegal Swiss immigrants from Africa and Easter Europe holed up in the Frambois detention center near Geneva as they await their fate.  Many of these individuals have been living in Switzerland for over 10 years-paying taxes and raising families.  After being found out oftentimes in the most mundane manner (getting stopped for a traffic violation, for example), they must await the decision of the slow moving administration-which could take up to two years.  Being away from their family is only part of their ordeal as many of them know that returning to their "homes" could be certain death in the existing politically volatile climate from which they escaped.  Like a reality show from hell, Melgar follows these poor souls for months and allows us to personally connect with their plight.  Quietly powerful in its simplistic presentation (there is virtually no musical soundtrack), we get to feel their horror and helplessness-all the while questioning how this could happen in a supposedly democratic country.  "Special Flight" won the Full Frame Grand Jury Award and the Center for Documentary Studies Filmmaker Award.  Truly unforgettable.

"Seeking Asian Female"  (***-84 minutes)
American born Asian filmmaker Debbie Lum always wondered about "Yellow Fever"-the term applied to particular attraction white men have for Asian women.  She set out to explore this social phenomenon-but found her film going in a different director after she met twice divorced 60ish Steven.  Steven allowed Debbie full access to his life and when she realized he was a character straight out of a fiction novel (Lum admitted he kind of creeped her out at first meeting), she began filming his attempt to meet foreign women over the Internet.  He strikes gold with 30-year-old Sandy, a Chinese national-and after a trip to China to meet her, she agrees to move to San Francisco and marry him.  The main problem:  language.  That put the filmmaker in a awkward situation as their principle translator-including being their mediator and counselor during their arguments.  The initial humor is eventually replaced with pathos as we wonder where this unconventional relationship was heading.  Although many purists will balk at the idea of the documentary filmmaker putting oneself smack in the middle of the story (did she ultimately affect the relationship after being thrust into the action?), the story does become a fascinating sociological statement on the quest for humans to connect-no matter the odds.  "Seeking Asian Female" will air on PBS' Independent Lens series sometime in 2013.
  
"We Are Legion:  The Story of the Hacktivists" (*** 1/2-94 minutes)
Straight out of today's headlines, director Brian Knappenberger delves in the history of the "hactivists"-better known as "Anonymous"-the Internet savvy activists around the world who are trying to fight social, economic and political injustices by working mainly through their keyboards.  Starting as geeky Internet pranksters, they have evolved into a force to be reckoned with.  (They were instrumental in the 2011 Egyptian revolution when they connected with the Egyptian masses after their government shut down the Internet.)  Not to be confused with hackers stealing passwords and such from corporate computer files, Anonymous is the Boston Tea Party of the computer age.  Fabulous interviews with Anonymous members (some hidden behind their signature Guy Fawkes masks), frantic editing, and an effective non-stop soundtrack will keep you fascinated in this important story of our times.  The documentary re-screens Saturday July 23 at 10:45pm.

"Plimpton!  Starring George Plimpton as Himself"  (****-88 minutes)
Most people remember George Plimpton as the participatory Sports Illustrated journalist who often put himself in incredibly perilous situations and writing about them from the point of view of the everyman.  His famous stint in 1963 as the Detroit Lion "last string" quarterback led to his best-selling book "Paper Lion".  However, what most people don't know:  his fascinating history from growing up in a prominent New England family (with a glowing heritage dating back to The Mayflower), his expulsion from an exclusive private school, his co-founding of the Paris Review, his relationship with Ernest Hemingway and the other prominent authors and celebrities of his time, his close relationship with Bobby Kennedy (he was practically standing next to the slain Senator when he was assassinated in 1968), as well as the myriad awards he received as a result of the multitude of literary works he created before his death in 2003 at the age of 76.  First-time directors Tom Beane and Luke Poling have made a loving tribute that is enthralling from start to finish.  Their use of incredible never-before-seen archival footage and fascinating interviews help propel those 88 minutes which never bore.  This is the kind of film one rarely sees from first-time directors.  The SILVERDOCS World Premiered film will have a second screening Saturday 6/23 at noon.

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Wednesday June 20, 2012-Day 2


"Chasing Ice" (****-72 minutes)
Global warming/climate change has been (excuse the pun) a hot issue ever since 2006's "Inconvenient Truth" brought it to the forefront of the national psyche.  Scientists have been debating the validity that man is perilously affecting the planet to such a degree that the fate of millions of folks living next to the ocean will be determined by the rising waters due to melting glaciers.  Is this a fact or is it nearly a natural phenomenon that occurs over the course of time?  First time director Jeff Orlowski begins in 2007 to follow nature photographer James Balog and his Extreme Ice Survey, the most comprehensive and authoritative photographic glacier study ever undertaken to document the glacier melting phenomena, in order to prove once and for all that the threat to our planet is more than nature at work.  Winner at this year's Sundance Excellence in Cinematography award, the film is incredibly beautiful, while at the same time, horrifying in detailing for the first the consequences of the images we are witnessing.  The film is due to be released in theaters in the fall.

"The World Before Her"  (***-90 minutes)
Director Nisha Pahuja details the dichotomy of women existing in current day India.  On the one hand, there is the Old India represented by the camps established by Durga Vahini on behalf of the largest Hindu nationalist group who are trying to preserve the subservient dogma while also providing military training to the participants.  On the other hand, the New India is represented by their annual Miss India beauty pageant where the director follows a group of 20 participants in general, and a couple in particular, as they are preparing for the big night.  Pahuj, who gained unprecedented access to the Hindu camp, jarringly jumps back and forth to emphasize both groups' struggle for equality, and the choices they must make in a country dominated by men and traditions.  The film has won major awards at both Hotdocs & the Tribeca Film Festivals.

"The House I Live In"  (****-105 minutes)
The term "War on Drugs" was first coined by the Nixon Administration in the early 70's.  The fact that we are losing that war is not a revelation.  What is a revelation is the reason that war is, and probably will never be won.  Filmmaker Eugene Jareki (2006's "Why We Fight") has superbly documented the affect this "war" has had in our country that has cost $1 trillion over the 40 years of existence.  And the eye-opening comparison this "war" has to pre-Germany holocaust conditions is just one of the many theories that are thoughtfully presented.  The director began the project by investigating the effect that drugs had on his long-time housekeeper's family after her son became the victim of drugs.  Over the course of three years, the director's personal story took on a much broader meaning that will have you questioning the deeper motives of our government.  Winner of the documentary grand prize at Sundance, the film is being released theatrically later this year and will assuredly be in consideration for an Academy Award.    

"China Heavyweight"  (***-89 minutes)
In 1959 Chairman Mao banned the Western sport of boxing in China.  After the cultural revolution, the ban was lifted in the late 80's and the sport is now routinely included as part of their standard curriculum.  Director Yung Chang (2007's award winning "Up the Yangtze") has focused his camera on ex-boxer Qi Moxiang, who is now a coach in a middle school, and his aspiring student Yunfei Miao whose idols include Mohammed Ali and Mike Tyson.  What becomes clear is that failure could mean a life of drudgery in the tobacco fields instead of obtaining glory in the ring.  Chang provides an interesting look into a sport that only recently was allowed to exist in a country that only recently  had total disdain for Western values.  The film will begin a platform release beginning July 6 in New York (it opens in Silver Spring on July 18).  "China Heavyweight" re-screens Thursday 6/21 11:30am.

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Tuesday June 19, 2012-Day 1


"The Imposter" (****-95 minutes)
In 1994 San Antonio, Texas,13-year-old Nicholas Barclay disappeared.  Three years later, Spanish authorities in Linares, Spain were contacted by a person who later claimed to be Nicholas.  What followed was a series of events that took the Texas family on a virtual roller coaster ride that would eventually make national headlines.  Director Bart Layton, using reenactment and interviewing techniques reminiscent of the great Errol Morris, as well as a top-notch score by Ann Nikitin, tells a riveting story that must be seen to be believed.  The A&E backed film, which won the Grand Jury prize at the Miami Film Festival and Filmmaker Award at Hotdocs, will have a theatrical release later this year.  The documentary replays Wednesday 6/20 at 10:15PM.

"Time Zero:  The Last Year of Polaroid Film"  (*** 1/2-95 minutes)
Director Greg Hamilton has carefully documented the history and apparent demise of the photographic format that everyone took for granted-until the Polaroid Corporation announced in 2008 that it no longer would produce the instant film that has been such a mainstay in our culture for decades.  Interviews include prominent photographers and even filmmaker John Waters, who for years has painstakingly taken a Polaroid snapshot of everyone who visits him.  A loving plea for the retention of the photographic format that could be a victim of the digital age.    The doc replays Saturday 6/23 at 7:45.

The annual Guggenheim Symposium honoring Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky
The award is "named for the four-time Academy Award winning filmmaker Charles Guggenheim" while "the Symposium honors a filmmaker whose work captures current events, frames history and inspires audiences".  The recipients this year have created such brilliant diverse works such as 1992's "Brother's Keeper", "Metallica-Some Kind of Monster" (2003), and the 2011 Oscar nominated "Paradise Lost3:  Purgatory", the third installment in their series involving the West Memphis 3.  The HBO produced series eventually led to the freeing of three teens who were falsely imprisoned for the 1993 gruesome deaths of three West Memphis, Arkansas pre-teens.  Appearing with the filmmakers at the symposium was Jason Baldwin one of the three released from prison after 18 years.  Complete coverage of the symposium, moderated by Eugene Hernandez of the Film Society of Lincoln Center, will be posted here after the festival wraps up on the 24th.

"Beware of Mr. Baker"  (*** 1/2-92 minutes)
Washington-based director Jay Bulger visited and temporarily lived with the legendary rock/jazz drummer Ginger Baker in Baker's home in South Africa to document one of the more unusual characters you'll ever experience on screen.  Known primarily for his days as the drummer for such rock groups as Cream and Blind Faith, you'll be surprised to learn that his passions include polo (investing most of his money transporting dozens of horses across continents) and jazz-while holding a general disdain for rock and roll.  Considered to be one of the greatest jazz drummers on the planet is lost in his documented tirades that include a closing shot of him breaking the nose of the director as he was preparing to leave his for the U.S.  Terrifically edited, animation is also effectively used by the director to tell Ginger's life story.  Taking over 5 years to complete, Bulger has included a glorious rock soundtrack and uncovered remarkable archival footage, as well as provided riveting interviews with many of the talented musicians who have played with this ego-driven talent-who has remarkably survived drugs and 4 marriages over his 75 years.  The film is due to be released nationally later this year.   "Beware of Mr. Baker" rescreens Saturday 6/23 at 1:15PM.

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Monday June 18, 2012-Opening Night-"Don't Stop Believin':  Everyman's Journey"  (*** 1/2-113 minutes) 

It is hard to believe that 10 years have passed since "My Architect" (Nathaniel Kahn's film brilliant touching film about his journey to learn about his absent biological father, noted architect Louis Kahn) walked away with the grand prize at this phenomenal film fest.  The doc went on to be nominated for an Academy Award in 2004-as had many of the films showcased over the past 10 years.  Considered to be one of the preeminent documentary festivals in the world, and the largest in the U.S.,  SILVERDOCS has continued to grow in stature.  This years version presents 114 films in 5 closely located venues over 7 days that is sure to whet the appetite of ardent film lovers as well as the casual film goer who wants to view the world in glorious intimate settings.  

 

Opening the 10th edition is, as the title reveals,  a journey of another sort.  Baltimore based director, Ramona S. Diaz (2003's critically acclaimed documentary "Imelda") happened upon a story that, if it wasn't true, would be difficult to believe.  

Picture this:  You're a homeless dude in a 3rd world country, earning pennies as the breadwinner  for your family singing in a local band doing covers of iconic groups, including Journey.  You're friend (and biggest fan), spends all night in an Internet cafe uploading your performances on YouTube.  Out of nowhere, you get a call from Neal Shoen, one of the mainstays of the hugely popular 80's Journey who are on a quest to fill the shoes of departed singer Steve Perry.  The next thing you know you are on a plane to L.A. to audition.  Then after "getting the gig", you find yourself onstage singing to 18,000 Chilean fans.  

This unlikely scenario is professionally documented by Diaz as she follows the incredible life-changing events of Filipino native Arnel Pineda in intimate detail.  The concert footage is topnotch  MTV quality but the film maker also includes the band's history as well as a fascinating back story of Pineda who earlier in his life was consumed with drug and alcohol addiction while always dreaming of making it in the big time.  Superb editing keeps it all moving nicely, despite its nearly 2 hour running time.  And that is the only knock.  The film will be helped immensely with a 15-20 cut-which is likely by the time it hits the theaters sometime next year (a U.S. distribution deal is currently pending).  

"Don' Stop Believin':  Everyman's Journey" moves on to screen at the Newport R.I. Film Festival on July 12 and Michael Moore's Film Festival in Traverse City, MI later this summer before it is shown internationally.  The film replays at SILVERDOCS on Sunday June 24 at 12:15PM.

Following the excellent Q&A moderated by The Washington Post pop music critic Chris Richards interviewing Ramona Diaz and Executive Producers Capella Fahoomes and Josh Green, was a lively opening night after party held across the street at the recently opened The Fillmore with music provided by The Regan Years cover band. 

Arnel Pineda fronting Journey

Journey guitarist Neal Schoen being interviewed on The Red Carpet

(l to r) Executive Producer Josh Green, director Ramona S. Diaz,
Journey guitarist Neal Schoen' significant other, "Real Housewives of DC"
star Michaele Salahi, and Executive Producer Capella Fahoomes  

AFI Silver Theater Director Ray Barry opens the 2012 SILVERDOCS
Film Festival

SILVERDOCS Festival Director Skye Sitney introduces the Opening Night film
and director Ramona S. Diaz

Director Ramona S. Diaz

(l to r) Executive Producers Josh Green and Capella Fahoomes, Director
Ramona S. Diaz, and Moderator Washington Post pop critic Chris Richards

 

Inside The Fillmore as the after party winds down