I am hearing impaired. I overcome the impairment a large part of the time by the use of hearing aids. That does not work in a movie theater unless hearing assist device is provided. Recently I attended an advanced screening of a major film that had actually opened in New York 3 days before and… Continue Reading
Theater Owners Blindsided By Netflix
The below is from The Hollywood Reporter 10-21-22 Just when relations were improving between Netflix and theater owners, knives are being sharpened again. The country’s biggest cinema circuits were blindsided on Oct. 18 when Netflix co-chief and chief content officer Ted Sarandos threw cold water on the significance of an unprecedented deal to play Rian… Continue Reading
16mm vs Digital
Director Natesh Hegde (Pedro) has made the aesthetic choice of opting to shoot his new venture Tiger’s Pond on 16mm rather than digital. “It’s true that digital cameras democratized the cinema medium. But I really do not like crisp and flashy digital images much,” says Hegde. “Also, I would like to practice cinema with precision.… Continue Reading
CIFF DAY 5
LUXEMBOURG, LUXEMBOURG There is nothing on the technical side for this film that deserves recognition. Camerawork and editing were mediocre at best, script lacking. Seemed like a film school lesson. CORSAGE Beautifully shot with a soft camera and a slight tint. Editing allowed for relatively smooth transitions. Vicky Krieps portrayal of the Empress is strong… Continue Reading
CIFF DAY 4
I had a thoroughly enjoyable day watching two very complex films. Both of these films represent what CIFF is all about. Both need to be distributed in the U. S. and hopefully will be shown in Chicago. LA MATERNAL Director Pilar Palomero gives us a compelling yet unsentimental look at teen motherhood. While the lead… Continue Reading
CIFF DAY 3
R.M.N. Christian Mungiu’s R.M.N. is about the social divide. It could be about the U.S. or any European country. A scary allegory of intolerance. Mungiu presents his story slice by slice in claustrophobic dark sets. This is such a complex film, that one is pleasantly surprised by the aesthetics which are done so well. Tudor… Continue Reading
Elusive Power of Cate Blanchett
From The New York Times: The Elusive Power of Cate Blanchett The actress has stayed one step ahead of audiences by constantly being in motion. In her new movie “Tár,” she’s as inscrutable as ever. Click link Continue Reading
CIFF Day 2
I did not attend the Opening Night but hope to have a brief report from toehr soon. CHILE 1976 (Orig. 1976) Manuella Martelli’s feature debut is superb. She combines excellent cinematography, camera work and colors, with a dramatic use of music that truly helps the film move along, The audience is treated to a constant… Continue Reading
A DEEPER BLACK-A glimpse at Elvis Mitchell’s essay/documentary “Is That Black Enough For You?!?”
Sidney though directed by Reginald Hudlin, is in reality Oprah Winfrey’s tribute to her idol and friend. In addition to its’ focus on Sidney Poitier, the person, the documentary highlights Poitier’s influence on American cinema as he broke down the walls and his role together with Harry Belefonte in leading the way for new young… Continue Reading
TRIANGLE OF COGNIZANCES
An incident reported from the this year’s Cannes Film Festival caught my attention and led to this article. At the screening of one of the films in competition, Triangle of Sadness, half of the audience walked out during the film and the rest gave it an 8 minute ovation. And then, to the shock or… Continue Reading