Joan Kramer and David Heeley have teamed together over the past 35 years documenting the lives and careers of many Hollywood legends. I have just finished reading their book In The Company of Legends (Beaufort Books-2015). Available in hardback, paperback and electronic versions this was one of the more enjoyable reads I have had in… Continue Reading
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Five for Five – Human Emptiness is a solid theme yet final result is true enjoyment
I have just completed a stretch of seeing five films over 5 consecutive nights. Although not an intended theme when I chose the films, all five shared at least one theme dealing with human emptiness. The five were Hologram for A King, Love and Friendship, Fireworks Wednesday, The Meddler and Papa Hemingway in Cuba. Just… Continue Reading
Cinema is Under Attack
I have previously commented on my negative feelings toward people watching films on tablets, phones, even computer monitors. I also have a full chapter on the subject in my book. The New York Times film critics have joined together for an excellent column on the real danger to large screen cinema nyti.ms/26CjoW5. My concern is… Continue Reading
De Palma Interviews Coppola on The Conversation
Cinephelia and Beyond is hosting a great interview of Francis Ford Coppola by Brian De Palma regarding the making of THE CONVERSATION. Check it out at http://www.cinephiliabeyond.org/francis-ford-coppola-brian-de-palma-conversation-two-great-filmmakers/ Continue Reading
Victoria — A really different approach
The German thriller VICTORIA was made in a unique way. First, starting with only 12 pages of script, the filmmakers rehearsed and improvised into a full length movie. Recall that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button also started with a 12 page short story. Then the film was shot in only one long take. “The… Continue Reading
Elaine May on writing, acting, directing.
Following a screening of her work at the Jacob Burns Film Center, Elaine May when asked which of the aspects of filmmaking—writing, directing, acting—she prefers, answered “They’re really different parts of the brain. Writing is close to acting. In directing, you control. Acting, you can’t control how good you are, and you can’t control how… Continue Reading
China –Highest grossing cinema territory in the world.
It has been known for generations that U.S. studios got their highest gross sales overseas. Some say this is one of the causes in lack of diveristy in film. It is also no secret that during the rise of Naziism, U.S. studios catered to the German moviegoing audience, often getting the most sales in Germany. … Continue Reading
Cinema’s Exiles: From Hitler to Hollywood – Anchors TCM Celebration
I have been communicating for years with Producer/Director Karen Thomas regarding her 2009 PBS documentary Cinema Exiles: From Hitler to Hollywood. I had been urging her to get the fabulous story released into general circulation. I received an email today from Karen with exciting news First the film will anchor a celebration on Turner Classic Movies… Continue Reading
Video essay on Sirk’s Imitation of Life
Catherine Grant forwarded the following on Twitter. It is worth a watch and discussion. “Watch @Delliott_Smith‘s richly informative & campily enjoyable video essay on melodrama & Sirk’s IMITATION OF LIFE. https://vimeo.com/80130945 “ Continue Reading
10 Cloverfield Lane – Put it back in the can
It has been a really long time since I have felt the level of disgust for a movie that I felt for 10 Cloverfield Lane. Many years ago all the people in my apartment building used to get togethr on Friday nights to watch Creature Features. These were B level films at best with zombies,… Continue Reading