Film: Silverlake Life, The View From Here

AIDS is a scary bastard, especially to the mother of a gay son. When Silverlake Life was filmed, it was a death sentence. However, the film-maker was fiercely alive while he survived, and ensured that this powerful story would be brought to the world by his lover, and then his student. Tom Joslin was not sentimental, but he was not afraid of love, of fear, of grief. Nor was he afraid of death, of AIDS, of losing his youth and health.

This film is lovely, heartbreaking, ugly and beautiful. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108138/

You reap what you sow - Film: Battle of Algiers

In the last couple of days, I watched Battle of Algiers La Battaglia di Algeri (1966) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058946/ and all the extra material included in the Criterion edition of this classic film shot in 1966. I really wish Pres. Obama had seen it too, because his remarks about our goals and methods in Afghanistan seem fundamentally flawed to me.

What I take away from hours of film, biography, history, interviews, etc., is that you reap what you sow. If you use terrorism and force, you end up with chaos, which is the situation facing Algeria now. The French used force and torture, and won the battle of Algers, but lost the war. and the colony. The Algerians won their independence, but rather than a peaceful democracy, they are now fighting off religious fundamentalists.

We need to think more carefully about where to involve ourselves in the world, and how we do it. Because one reaps what one sows, in politics as in life.


It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds. - Sam Adams

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Foreign Film bouquet

Last night, from England, The Killing of Sister George (1968), at the time of US release, so shocking that it was given an X rating! On one viewing, I found it disquieting, since all the women were so hard and manipulative, with the exception of the small part of the neighbor, a whore, who was .... friendly, in the best sense. Since I'm still thinking this film over, and it has such high marks from so many people on IMDb, I guess I should see the DVD version before I give an equivocal rating. Props to Robert Aldritch, the director, for making a landmark lesbian film in the Sixties -- before Stonewall! And to Beryl Reid (June 'George' Buckridge), Susannah York (Alice 'Childie' McNaught) and Coral Browne (Mercy Croft) who gambled their careers on these roles, and did such a superb job. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063185/

Another shocker, this one from Germany and Hungary - Mephisto (1981). What doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lost his soul? This is the bargain made by Mephisto, which is a slightly fictionalized story of German actor Gustaf Gründgens who gave up his ideals to remain an actor once the Nazis took power. Completely excellent. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082736/

From France, charming Ma Vie en Rose (My Life in Pink) (1997), about a little boy who must express himself as a girl to be happy and himself. I loved the depiction of French family life, especially the neighborhood parties. And young Georges Du Fresne (Ludovic Fabre) is completely charming. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119590/

Finally, from France and Italy, the hilarious comedy La Cage aux folles (1978) which is based on the musical play of the same name, and most Americans know by The Birdcage based on the same play. Superior in many ways to the remake, it left me wishing yet again that I knew French! I was sad to read on the IMDb message board that Michel Serrault, who played Albin Mougeotte /'Zaza Napoli' so magnificently, with such dignity, hysteria and love, has died. Also, Rémi Laurent who played the son, died of AIDS in 1989. RIP. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077288

Romance and Cigarettes (2005)

Romance and Cigarettes http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368222/ isn't for everybody, but I found it delightfully funny, and refreshingly different. John Turturro is a talented writer and director, and isn't afraid to take chances. His talented cast obviously enjoyed the shoot. I almost like James Gandolfini at this point! Susan Sarandon is splendid, and Kate Winslet is on fire! (almost literally). Smaller roles by Steve Buscemi, Bobby Cannavale, Mandy Moore, Mary-Louise Parker, Aida Turturro, Christopher Walken, Elaine Stritch as Nick's Mother, and a couple bits by Eddie Izzard as the church organist/choir director were all FUN.

If you like unusual, check it out! Be aware that Kate Winslet has a very dirty mouth in this one!

A Boy and His Dog

Yikes. I still can't like A Boy and His Dog (1975) although it's called a black comedy. The violence against women killed any humor I might have found in it otherwise. Don Johnson did hold his own against a talking dog, who seemed to be the only HUMAN in the entire film. The dog was the woman-hunter, however, and didn't seem to regard women as humans. Their only function in the film was as something to rape. Horrifying. http://imdb.com/title/tt0072730/

Start the Revolution Without Me

Blah. I must have been in the wrong mood for Start the Revolution Without Me (1970) because reading the IMDb quotes page brings a smile to my face, that wasn't there watching it. Perhaps Bud Yorkin, the director, is just not Mel Brooksian enough to give it that necessary oomph.

It really was most dreadfully silly, and funny. Donald Sutherland and Gene Wilder playing double roles, as the mis-matched sets of twins who raised as nobles, and peasants. They are so wonderfully young, energetic, funny and silly! http://imdb.com/title/tt0066402

Apartment Zero

Continuing my viewing of films set or filmed in Argentina, Apartment Zero (Conviviendo con la muerte)(1989) is set and filmed in Buenos Aires, with a sub-plot of the mercenaries who killed so many in Argentina. Another theme which I loved was movie trivia and film stars. Colin Firth as the emotionally crippled Adrian LeDuc is masterful, while his opposite Hart Bochner as the mysterious Jack Carney is stunning, charming, completely frightening. Every smaller role is so well done -- what a great film this was. I'm amazed that it is not better known. I found both commentary tracks interesting also -- especially the writer/director Martin Donovan. http://imdb.com/title/tt0094667/

Practical Magic

Rory brought one of his favorite movies, Practical Magic (1998) for us to watch. Adapted from an Alice Hoffman novel, it has a cast of wonderful women actors: Sandra Bullock as Sally Owens, Nicole Kidman as her sister, party-girl Gillian Owens, Stockard Channing as Aunt Frances 'Fran' Owens and Dianne Wiest as Aunt Bridget 'Jet' Owens. Goran Visnjic (E.R.) has a juicy part as the sexy but evil Jimmy Angelov, while Aidan Quinn gets to be the good guy Officer Gary Hallet. Quite good fun, especially when the phone tree is turned into a circle for a good old fashioned exorcism. http://imdb.com/title/tt0120791/

The Bicycle Thief

Ladri di biciclette (1948) AKA Bicycle Thieves, is a wonderful and depressing look at post-War Italy. A family so poor that the sheets must be hocked to get the bicycle back -- which was pawned to buy food. And then on the first day of the job that bicycle was required to do, the bicycle is stolen. The rest of the film is the futile and exhausting efforts of father and son to find and reclaim the bicycle. Neo-Realism is powerful, but oh, so sad. Vittorio De Sica deserved the special Oscar awarded him the year after he refused to allow censors to cut his masterpiece. http://imdb.com/title/tt0040522

Cinema Paradiso

Nuovo cinema Paradiso (1988) might be the finest film I've ever seen. And wonderfully, the director's cut is almost a different film, and also very fine. Another film about the movies and love of movies, Cinema Paradiso follows the life of an impoverished Sicilian boy as he grows up and becomes a successful film-maker. His own father gone, he befriends Alfredo, the projectionist at Cinema Paradiso. So wonderfully satisfying in every way, this is one film I'll want to watch over and over again. I don't know how autobiographical this film is, but Giusseppe Tornatore is a genius. http://imdb.com/title/tt0095765/

Children of Paradise (Les Enfants du Paradis)

Marcel Carnes's Children of Paradise (Les Enfants du Paradis) (1945) is a miracle of film-making, created under the most extreme circumstances of Nazi occupation and political and economic stresses, but appearing a light and perfect as a wedding cake. Every element of the film combines to create an artistic whole, although Carne had to create two films because of Nazi edict. I've put the Criterion DVD set on my wish list, and can hardly wait to see all the wonderful extras and the brilliant clean copy they are able to offer. This film has been lauded as the best of French film, as well as the best film of all time. I'm not qualified to make such a judgement, but many scenes are unforgettable, and it is completely engrossing. I intended to watch only the first half last night, but couldn't resist the second reel!

Joss Whedon, genius

Writer, director, producer and composer weren't enough for Joss. When his Buffy The Vampire Slayer went off the air in 2003, he wasn't done with the saga. So he decided to write a comic book series, or as they are now known, graphic novels! I've read the first collection, issued as Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight Volume I, and Fray, which I checked out in one book which collects issues one through eight of the Dark Horse comic-book miniseries.

Previously reviewed: Buffy, Angel (have only watched part of the series), Serenity: http://valoriez.blogspot.com/2007/09/movies.html, and Firefly: http://valoriez.blogspot.com/2007/09/movies-fall-2007.html

Under the Cherry Moon - Prince

Under the Cherry Moon (1986) was good, and I'm not a Prince fan. I enjoyed the acting, the dancing, the humor, the music, the black and white look of Nice on the French Riviera. Prince directed and stars, and of course wrote and performs all the music. His female lead is a very young Kristin Scott Thomas, in her first film role. Altogether a fun experience. http://imdb.com/title/tt0092133/. Available at KCLS.

Zachariah - what a trip!

Zachariah (1971) was a completely unexpected pleasure. I couldn't figure out who the strangely familiar CUTE guy was, until I read the DVD box -- Don Johnson! In a film with Country Joe and the Fish! Actually, I couldn't stop shaking my head throughout the entire film, which looked just as fun as all get-out to make, on the lowest budget possible. Well, they did spend some money on great costuming, and the sets were cardboard or sticks and grass, LOL! Still, it all fit together, and although our young men obviously love one another truly, the road to happiness is rocky. There is a wonderful, exhaustive review of this film here: http://jclarkmedia.com/film/filmreviewzachariah.html
IMDb: http://imdb.com/title/tt0068011/. Available from KCLS.

Neil Gaiman works

Stardust (1999) is the latest Neil Gaiman book I've finished. Quite different than the movie of the same name, it is a delightful short novel. Coming of age by going to Fairie, and then never being able to go home again -- it's hardly a new plot. But Gaiman creates a hero who grows and changes, who has a history, who learns to love, and to change. As does the Star, who learns to live upon the Earth, to make a life here, to heal and forgive and love. Some of the minor characters grow and change too. I'm loving this Gaiman fellow!

Previously read and reviewed: Neverwhere, American Gods, the films MirrorMask and Stardust. Now reading Creatures of the Night (with Michael Zulli, artist: Dark Horse Books, undated), a graphic fantasy short collection. I liked the two short stories, and the artwork was OK. One can read the entire book in much less than an hour.

I'll review Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (1990) here, although Terry Pratchett is listed as the first of the two authors, but he does say that Gaiman sent him the first six pages, LOL! They both say that they wrote the book as a lark, and were pleased and surprised as Punch when it was not only published, but became a Cult Classic. Very funny, and a wonderful blend of the two authors. I'm quite pleased that they were able to double-handedly avert Armageddon, which sounds very unpleasant!

Next up: Sandman, the graphic novel.

Tristram Shandy

I'm going to try a new way of doing this, since I'm noticing that I'm interested in more book/film pairs. Or more films by one director, one producer, following one actor, etc. Too complicated to group all the films and books together by when I watched 'em, so from now one I'll group them in a more logical fashion, or do one-off posts. So:

Tristram Shandy: A Cock & Bull Story (2005). Certainly cock and bull, and if you enjoy Brit self-referential humor, mockumentary, or post-modernist wandering -- or Steve Coogan! -- you will love this film. If, on the other hand, you want a 3-act film, with a beginning, middle and ending, this will not be the movie for you. By all means get the DVD and watch all the extras, because it is packed with funny stuff. Also, it inspired me to buy and read Tristram Shandy, one of those books I've had on my to-read list ever since I heard about it. Now it's on my Amazon wishlist! http://imdb.com/title/tt0423409/

Movies, Fall 2007

Not a strong beginning for the season, sadly. Premonition (2007) is a Sandra Bullock vehicle all the way. She gives a strong performance, but the plot weakness works against her, unfortunately. Still, I found lots to like about this film and wish it had all hung together. http://imdb.com/title/tt0477071/. See Wikipedia for the best explantion of the plot and theme I find.

Next up, About Schmidt (2002), Jack Nicholson at his delightful old self. Schmidt has almost disappeared into the conformity of his so-called life, but his retirement and almost simultaneous death of his wife, instead of killing him, open him, quite unexpectedly, to life for the rest of his years. Delightful, sad, funny, and outrageous. http://imdb.com/title/tt0257360/

The Incredibles (2004) was charming fun. So many fun references to action/adventure/spy etc. films! In fact, it starts out good, and keeps getting better and better. http://imdb.com/title/tt0317705/

Back to the movies! Finished La Fille sur le pont (The Girl on the Bridge) (1999) tonight. Vanessa Paridis (perfect!) and Daniel Auteuil (amazing!) run around Europe testing their luck. Who knew knife-throwing could be erotic? Another Leconte (L' Homme du train (2002)) masterpiece. http://imdb.com/title/tt0144201/

Colin got Peter Pan (1953) for his birthday. It is showing its age, but is still a Disney classic. http://imdb.com/title/tt0046183/

Twisted! Another wonderful French film with the ever-amazing Daniel Auteuil, this time as an ugly man, through and through. Jean de Florette (1986) shows the banality of evil and greed set against the foolish, sunny, innocent but stubborn optimism of Gérard Depardieu as Jean de Florette. Yves Montand is malignant as the evil old mastermind of the dirty plotting for Jean's land. http://imdb.com/title/tt0091288/
Soon, we'll watch part two, which is called Manon des sources (Manon of the Spring)(1986) where Manon gains her revenge against the men who caused the death of her father, and changed her life forever. - Finally watched Manon, which was thoroughly satisfying. I was happy to see Manon give up her revenge, and let her enemies destroy themselves, without involving herself in that. Yves Montand is completely incredibly wonderful in the end. I felt that he understood how completely wrong he had been about life, and how he had been entirely at fault. http://imdb.com/title/tt0091480/

Broken Flowers (2005) http://imdb.com/title/tt0412019/ -- leaves me with as few words as Bill Murray's character uttered throughout the film. Great performance from him, and everyone else. I need to see more Jarmusch films!

I must say something about Firefly, even though I'm only in mid-series, and it's a TV show, and one cancelled after one season, at that. All I can say about that, is that TV execs are idiots. At least we got the Serenity film out of it, to sum up and finish the story. Good show!

If you are wondering why you see so much of the same stuff on your movie screen, over and over again, see This Film Has Not Yet Been Rated, and see what we have allowed the MPAA to do to American film. What a disgrace! But a fun, frustrating documentary comforts the fan -- a bit.

Grim, dark, gripping: The Number 23 (2007). Jim Carrey in one of his best dramatic roles ever. Much of the cast plays duel roles (or do they?) as he sinks obsessively into a novel and into disturbing dreams of obsession and murder. http://imdb.com/title/tt0481369/

Another dark masterpiece: Bringing Out the Dead (1999). Nic Cage is burnt out and seeing ghosts of those people he's failed to save in his years as a paramedic. But his compassion still burns within him, even as he sleepwalks through life. Wonderful soundtrack -- I wish I had access to all those songs. And the cinematography is absolutely splendid. http://imdb.com/title/tt0163988/

What an interesting night at the movies! First up, Strictly Ballroom (1992), first of Baz Luhrmann's "Red Curtain Trilogy", this one is set in Australia, and in his past. Funny and touching, with those *amazing* ballroom dancing costumes, hair and makeup. Under-rated gem. http://imdb.com/title/tt0105488/

Next, the disturbing Mysterious Skin (2004). Painful to watch, wonderful acting, writing, characters, cinematography, music -- but I can't say much else at this point. Haunting, in all senses of the word. http://imdb.com/title/tt0370986/

I'm a bit behind on movies, both watching them, and reviewing them here. Last night we watched the short Andre's Mother (1990), which was made for public TV. Very nice character study of two characters brought together by shared grief. Richard Thomas is more likeable than I've ever seen him, as Andre's grieving lover, and Sada Thompson as Andre's mother is so *frozen*. In the scenes with her mother, played by Sylvia Sidney (who steals every scene she's in), you see the roots of her damage. http://imdb.com/title/tt0099037/

Five Easy Pieces is a Nicholson classic that I haven't seen since Bob and I watched it in the theater, back in 1970. What a great film, from the first frame to the last, wrapped around the amazing scene in the diner: [Bobby wants plain toast, which isn't on the menu]
Bobby: I'd like an omelet, plain, and a chicken salad sandwich on wheat toast, no mayonnaise, no butter, no lettuce. And a cup of coffee.
Waitress: A #2, chicken salad sand. Hold the butter, the lettuce, the mayonnaise, and a cup of coffee. Anything else?
Bobby: Yeah, now all you have to do is hold the chicken, bring me the toast, give me a check for the chicken salad sandwich, and you haven't broken any rules.
Waitress: You want me to hold the chicken, huh?
Bobby: I want you to hold it between your knees.

'Nuff said. http://imdb.com/title/tt0065724/

Ghost in the Shell Kôkaku kidôtai (1995), an early anime. A beautiful cyborg on the hunt for the Puppet Master, realizes that she too is "a living, thinking entity that was created in the sea of information" as he was. Beautifully done. http://imdb.com/title/tt0113568/

Finally, at Lou's urging, tonight I watched the truly dreadful Saw (2004). While I see the draw of the puzzle, the mystery, the drama, the film at base is about cruelty; cruelty displayed for us as entertainment. It isn't the gore that got to me, but the absolutely pointless cruelty. I wish this film did not exist. http://imdb.com/title/tt0387564/

Last night I finally got to the really wonderful Capote (2005). Philip Seymour Hoffman absolutely *shines* as Truman Capote, from when he chooses the topic of his next article, which soon grows into the book In Cold Blood. Catherine Keener as Nelle Harper Lee, Capote's childhood friend who acts as his assistant during the trips to Kansas, is his calm center. This is right before Lee's classic To Kill A Mockingbird was published. And finally, Clifton Collins Jr. as the murderer Perry Smith is absolutely captivating. All other aspects of the film are spot-on; no wonder it won an Oscar! http://imdb.com/title/tt0379725/

Inspired by a Hallowe'en series of scary film scenes, I ordered Jacob's Ladder (1990) because I love Tim Robbins. I won't give away the plot, but this film will MESS WITH YOUR MIND. Quite satisfying, if immensely disturbing. The supporting characters, the writing, sets, cinematography all combine to make this well worth your time. I'm not a huge fan of director Adrian Lyne, but this film raises him in my estimation. Oh, and Danny Aiello is an angel! http://imdb.com/title/tt0099871/

Tales of the City (1993) (http://imdb.com/title/tt0106148) and the imaginatively named More Tales of the City (http://imdb.com/title/tt0120574/) have been completely absorbing me. After watching the first series, I got the first book, the second, have now finished the third, and ordered the final trilogy. I may do a separate blog post just about this series, and the wonderful Armistead Maupin. I plan to read all of his books. What a prince!

Tonight, Colin and I watched the charming and beautiful Les Choristes (The Chorus, 2004). Wonderfully cast, acted, directed, filmed, and sung. If you like choral music, or are interested in education, you should see this film. If you enjoy good French film, you should see this. A very HUMAN film. I loved it.

Finally watched Wait Until Dark (1967), which features Audrey Hepburn as the blind Suzy, still trying to find her way in the world. As the tension builds, she sheds her fear and gathers her courage and intelligence to fight for her life against a trio of hardened criminals trying to play her. What a wonderful thriller! A couple of the scenes near the end were extremely frightening. Richard Crenna and Alan Arkin were top-notch, and Audrey Hepburn, of course, was her meltingly great self. What a dream she is!

Also long-awaited was Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), which is a Frank Capra/Cary Grant madcap masterpiece! Yes, Grant is over-the-top, but I think that was just what the film needed.

Down the stretch to the Solstice, and a new year's worth of films. We rented The Family Stone (2005) so Bob could see it. I like it just as much the second time! http://imdb.com/title/tt0356680/. Finally got Freaks (1932) from the library as a VHS tape. I hope they put this on DVD, and clean it up a bit. Sound is muddy, and it's sometimes hard to see exactly what is happening. But there isn't a creepier movie out there -- the casual, sly cruelty of Cleo and Hercules towards little Hans is met by the frightening anger and violence of all the freaks, who expose her for the monster she truly is. She is shown to be the true freak. http://imdb.com/title/tt0022913.

Also watched Burnt Money (Plata quemada) (2000), a wonderful Argentine film based on a true crime story. Leonardo Sbaraglia as El Nene and Eduardo Noriega as Ángel just burn up the screen. Pablo Echarri as El Cuervo is crazysexy as hell, too! Dolores Fonzi as Vivi also shines on the screen. If sex, drugs, nudity and crime offend you, this is not your film. But if magnetic characters walking and even dancing to their doom is your style, check it out! http://imdb.com/title/tt0227277/

The Night Listener (2006) was wonderful, but not as good as the book. More of a thriller, with much less emphasis on the shifting relationships. Robin Williams and Toni Collette were both outstanding, however. And Bobby Cannivale is a dream, as always! Be sure to watch the "making of" segment, if you are interested in Armistead Maupin and his former partner Terry Anderson. http://imdb.com/title/tt0448075/

The Phantom of the Opera (1925) haunted my dreams for a few days. Yes, it seems so over-played, but the attention you must focus on a silent film (this edition has music and the opera singing) makes it a very intense experience. The extras on the DVD, with photos of the sets, an old silent ad, etc., are also enjoyable. http://imdb.com/title/tt0016220/

The Dinner Game, originally Le Dîner de cons (1998) is a French film I'm on the fence about. It is very engaging, but rather mean-spirited. At the end, the real fool is shown to be the supposed smarty who was trying to get points with his similarly mean-spirited friends by showing off the biggest fool, played by Jacques Villeret (now sadly deceased), but Pignon ends up helping the handsome and rich Pierre Brochant, played brilliantly by Thierry Lhermitte. http://imdb.com/title/tt0119038/

I missed the first few minutes of Walk the Line (2005), but the rest of the film is excellent. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon as Johnny Cash and June Carter did a wonderful job both acting and singing, although Phoenix in particular often reminded me that he was NOT Johnny Cash, just because their looks are different. Nevertheless, he seemed to channel Johnny Cash. You don't have to love country music, or Cash's music, to love this film. http://imdb.com/title/tt0358273

What an intense experience the most recent Phantom of the Opera (2004) is! So rich, dense, and wonderful. I'm so glad I got so see Lon Chaney's powerful but unsympathetic Phantom before the modern Gerard Butler version, much more slick, sympathetic and obsessed. Emmy Rossum as Christine was just divine, perfectly balanced between her longing for her dead father and the Angel of Music he had promised would comfort her in her grief, and her love for her childhood sweetheart Raoul, played by Patrick Wilson. I so wish his hair had not been so greasy and long, LOL. Wilson's Raoul was much stronger than the 1925 character, who was a bit of a wimp. Oh, the music, especially Butler and Rossum's duets! Slowly, gently, night unfurls its splendour. Grasp it, sense it - tremulous and tender. Turn your face away from the garish light of day, turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light - and listen to the music of the night!... Softly, deftly, music shall carress you. Hear it, feel it, Secretly possess you. http://imdb.com/title/tt0293508/

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997) is based on a true story, and set in Savannah, Georgia where the murder happened. A few of the characters were minor players in the original tragedy. Clint Eastwood made a leisurely film, and even Jude Law's firecracker of a character doesn't wake it up much. The Lady Chablis playing herself, however, steals every scene she's in. And Irma P. Hall as Minerva anchors the wild tale. http://imdb.com/title/tt0119668/

The final film I watched this Fall was The Cockettes (2002), which was a total trip back to the late Sixties San Francisco. I adore this film, and anyone who cares about gay history, the Sixties, art or drama should SEE THIS FILM! As John Waters so wisely said, "the Cockettes were basically complete sexual anarchy. which is always a good thing." http://imdb.com/title/tt0303321/

Movies, Spring & Summer 2007

What I can remember from summer and fall 2007. I guess I'll start a new list on the Equinox!

An amazing film to end summer with, was Good Night, and Good Luck (2005). Wow, the guts it took to create the reality this film was based upon, and then the courage to make the film NOW -- immeasurable. David Strathairn was beat by beat perfect as Edward R. Murrow, but George Clooney wrote AND directed. It is unbelievable to me that it was nominated for so many awards, but won so few. Not a SINGLE Oscar, with six nominations! Courage was admired if not practiced in the past; now I guess it is so rare that it can be almost ignored. Don't ignore this film, though. Imagine if we still had a press with eyes, heart, and backbone? http://imdb.com/title/tt0433383/

I guess I'm trying to pack in as many films as possible before the equinox! First up tonight was The Holiday (2006), a pleasant romantic comedy. Very nice to have two leading ladies; both get their groove back by trading houses for a couple of weeks. Perspective really is everything, I guess. Nice to see Eli Wallach with a juicy little part. Unfortunately, he's the only part of the film not totally predictable. http://imdb.com/title/tt0457939/

Now, the second film, Caché (Hidden) (2005), by contrast, had my heart in my mouth. The tension builds oh so slowly, until it is nearly unbearable. Daniel Auteuil as Georges Laurent carries the film, like a heavier and ever more painful burden. Juliette Binoche as his wife Anne is as usual marvelous; mystified, angry, and perhaps hiding her own secrets. Maurice Bénichou as the tortured Majid -- I don't know what to say. He has very few lines, but is really the center of the plot. Little is explained, but so much is made clear. My heart is still beating very loudly. http://imdb.com/title/tt0387898/. I like this film so much that I checked the DVD out of the library, just to view the last few scenes again, and watch all of the DVD extras -- an interview with Michael Haneke, director and writer, plus a documentary about the making of the film. Not much hidden is made clear, however. This is a film made for thoughtful pondering.

Tonight's movie was a real surprise. Although I love Nicholas Cage, Weatherman (2005) was both a painful and pleasureable experience. Filmed in Chicago, it was just beat for beat surprising and *right*. Casting was excellent; special pleasures were Michael Caine as David Spritz' father, and his two children, played by Gemmenne de la Peña and Nicholas Hoult. See this film! http://imdb.com/title/tt0384680

Tonight was a double feature, of two I had seen some time ago. First, Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy (2000), charming but a bit too thin. Not as good as I remembered, especially after just finishing Tales of the City. Fun to see Zach Braff as a frickin' BLOND, and to see him, Andrew Keegan, and Justin Theroux as such youngsters! http://imdb.com/title/tt0222850/. Second up, Joss Stone's Serenity (2005), which WAS as good as I remembered. I've just *got* to see Firefly, the cancelled series which the movie grew out of. http://imdb.com/title/tt0379786/

The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) - great film about the classic years of Hollywood; David O. Selznick's Hollywood. Wonderful thread about the Hollywood connections: http://imdb.com/title/tt0044391/board/nest/31176173?p=1

Tales of the City (1993) is more of a mini-series than a film, but it has some great moments, and great scenes. Armistead Maupin wrote the novel, Richard Kramer the teleplay. Two thumbs up! All of the commentary on the DVD is worth the listen. I wish it was completely uncut, however. http://imdb.com/title/tt0106148/

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) is a rather dated character study of a Scottish teacher who gives everything to "her girls", for good and for ill. Fabulous acting by Maggie Smith, however, and a wonderful supporting role as the cold-blooded'Sandy' by Pamela Franklin. I'm stunned that she hasn't become a huge star by now! Celia Johnson is also wonderful as the long-suffering school mistress who finally gets rid of Miss Brodie. http://imdb.com/title/tt0064840/

Les Amants du Pont-Neuf (1991) or Lovers on the Bridge: wonderful! The more I think about this film, the more in love with it I am. Written and directed by Leos Carax, and beautifully acted by Juliette Binoche as Michèle Stalens, Denis Lavant as Alex, and Klaus-Michael Grüber perfect as Hans. What an excellent film. http://imdb.com/title/tt0101318/

Another French film, this time a cartoon -- Les Triplettes de Belleville (2003). So unusual, and not for everyone -- it isn't pretty, and the comedy is dark. Absolutely enchanting! Created by the genius Sylvain Chomet who wrote and directed, with music by Ben Charest. http://imdb.com/title/tt0286244/

Finally saw Little Miss Sunshine! (2006) Well worth waiting for! Offbeat, funny, and heart-breaking. http://imdb.com/title/tt0449059/

Also "finally saw" -- Aladdin (1994)! Much better than I thought it would be; not nearly what it could have been. Oh, well. http://imdb.com/title/tt0103639/

Some time in the last few months, I also "finally saw" My Own Private Idaho (1991). One of the posters on IMDb called it a "surreal character study," and that's true, but it's more than that. Not for everyone, to be sure. Gritty, Shakespearean, and bewildering by turn, it is ultimately just REAL. River Phoenix is amazing, and Keanu Reeves as Scott Favor is too. http://imdb.com/title/tt0102494/

And we've just finished the entire run of Buffy, The Vampire Slayer, of which I watched a bit over half this time around. Someday I hope to finish watching Angel, and then watch both series intertwined as they were originally televised.

Martin Scorsese's insanely great Dylan documentary No Direction Home (2005) was well worth watching twice. Maybe only once if you don't love Dylan's music: http://imdb.com/title/tt0367555/

Empire Records (1995) was fun. A bit cliched, but the music made up for that. http://imdb.com/title/tt0112950/

Zorro the Gay Blade (1981) -- over-the-top, great fun. George Hamilton is FABU! http://imdb.com/title/tt0083366/

The Libertine (2004) was chilling, yet engaging. Johnny Depp is electrifying. http://imdb.com/title/tt0375920/

Whale Rider (2002) is amazing! I loved everything about this New Zealand film. Absolutely top-notch. Keisha Castle-Hughes is unbelievably wonderful. She is heart-breaking. http://imdb.com/title/tt0298228/

I think I forgot to write about Swimming Pool (2003) before. We watched it quite awhile ago, but I still ponder it, at times. Very interesting film! http://imdb.com/title/tt0324133/

M. Butterfly (1993) was a revelation. Such sensitive, beautiful acting, and an excellent riff on the operatic tale of Madame Butterfly. Jeremy Irons, always excellent, plays René Gallimard, based on a historical character, who is in fact still alive. John Lone as Song Liling is electrifying. http://imdb.com/title/tt0107468/

The high points of the summer, of course, were Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007), which were both enormous fun. HP just gets better and better, as the story darkens. Pirates was the finale, and a topping good one it was! ARRRRR!

Earlier, we saw Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del fauno, 2006), a dark tale indeed, set in Fascist Spain. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. http://imdb.com/title/tt0457430/

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GLBT Films

Films for Gay-Straight Alliances

For the Bible Tells Me So by Daniel Karslake, 2007, 99 min, Color, DVD

Filmmaker and Duke graduate of '87, Daniel Karslake's new film has been short-listed for an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary in 2007.

ABOUT THE FILM:
Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival, Dan Karslake's provocative, entertaining documentary brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture, and in the process reveals that Church-sanctioned anti-gay bias is based almost solely upon a significant (and often malicious) misinterpretation of the Bible. As the film notes, most Christians live their lives today without feeling obliged to kill anyone who works on the Sabbath or eats shrimp (as a literal reading of scripture dictates).

Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

To view a trailer this film, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajBR0dq0XXk

See also: http://firstrunfeatures.com/forthebible_synopsis.html


New list from the Safe Schools Coalition: SHORT VIDEOS for your GSA?

NOTE: Safe Schools Coalition has NOT previewed these.

The Manual: http://cart.frameline.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=T723
Sophie Gregg 2006 15 min. Australia
Sonny, an eight year old boy, is sent away from home because his father believes he has characteristics that could lead to homosexuality. After twenty four years of treatment and psychiatric institutions, Sonny returns home for a funeral, and attempts to save his seven year old niece from experiencing a similar fate.

Act of Faith: http://cart.frameline.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=T569
Dan Bree 2002 6 min. USA
In the history of Islam, love between men is a centuries-old phenomenon. Yet Koranic tradition forbids choosing a mate of the same sex. Kyriell, an Imam’s son, struggled with reconciling his love for men with his love for Islam and eventually came back to the faith. Pakistani-born Arslan saw no compromise in Islam and discarded his religion, and Iftekar, a Muslim community leader, admits that Islam needs to be brought into the twenty-first century. Through the words of these men, the struggle of gay Muslims is revealed.

Junk Box Warrior: http://cart.frameline.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=T534
Preeti AK Mistry 2002 5 min. USA
Based on a poem of the same title, Junk Box Warrior is an enchanting mesh of spoken word and black-and-white images over a haunting soundtrack. Written by and starring Trans Slam poet Marcus Rene Van (of Deep Dickollective), this film explores the alienation, frustration and fear of not fitting into society's gender binary.

Myth of Father: http://cart.frameline.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=T556
Paul Hill 2003 28 min. USA
Director Paul Hill’s father, Jodie, is a transsexual woman. When she came out to Paul a few years ago, he began a journey to learn about who his father is. This stunning video documentary contrasts Paul’s relationship to his father with the relationship of his father and her own dad. Candid interviews provide reflections on Jodie’s youth: "He seemed to live the normal life. He was into cars, he was into rock bands, he went into the Army…married…child…" But no one really knew Jodie, as she explains, "No one knew who I was. I trashed relationships with everyone I knew, including my own son."

In My Shoes: Stories of Youth with LGBT Parents: http://cart.frameline.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=T626
Jen Gilomen & COLAGE 2005 31 min. USA
In a time when LGBT families are debated and attacked in the media, courts and Congress, from school houses to state houses across the country, five young people who are children of LGBT parents give you a chance to walk in their shoes – to hear their own views on marriage, making change, and what it means to be a family. This film was produced by the COLAGE Youth Leadership and Action Program and directed by Jen Gilomen.

I was compiling a list of films for a GSA to show, and thought others might like to comment on or add to the list I came up with. Since the creation of this list, I've added links to IMDb to each film, and will be adding a note as to whether each film is available from KCLS and/or SPL. We should be ordering these films from the libraries so that they are made available to all:

In and Out (1997): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0119360/ (SPL, KCLS - VHS)

Ma vie en rose (1997): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0119590/ (SPL, KCLS - VHS)

Not specifically gay, but - Billy Elliot (2000): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0249462/ (SPL - VHS; KCLS - DVD, VHS)

Trevor (1994) is a sweet, short film about an important topic - suicide by gay teens: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0111486/ (KCLS - VHS)

Another short: Andre's Mother (1990), which was made for public TV. Very nice character study of two characters brought together by shared grief. Richard Thomas is more likeable than I've ever seen him, as Andre's grieving lover, and Sada Thompson as Andre's mother is *frozen*. In the scenes with her mother, played by Sylvia Sidney (who steals every scene she's in), you see the roots of her damage. http://imdb.com/title/tt0099037/

Haven't seen Bruno (2000), (AKA The Dress Code) but it looks suitable, and funny: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0123003/ (KCLS - DVD as The Dress Code; SPL - none)

Haven't seen Innocent (2005) yet, either. It is described as, "17-year-old Eric follows his parents to immigrate to Canada and is thus forced to confront different emotional and cultural problems. He must not only adjust to the new environment, but also come to terms with his homosexuality. Standing at the brink of adulthood, he encounters a series of potential romantic interests - his handsome cousin, a schoolmate, a middle aged lawyer and finally a kitchen helper. They represent different stages in Eric's development, from infatuation, sex, love to a sense of responsibility. http://imdb.com/title/tt0777896/

Edge of Seventeen (1998) - I don't see a rating, since it is Aussie: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0138414/

Also unrated, but looks *wonderful* - La Ville dont le prince est un enfant (1997) or The Fire That Burns: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120453/

This one sounds good to me, but may be too quiet for a GSA - The Long Day Closes (1992)(unrated, UK): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0104753/

My Own Private Idaho (1991) (I can't find a rating, but River Phoenix is prostituting himself): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0102494/

Interesting, also NR - Olivier, Olivier (1992): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0102583/

12-minute short on iFilms - The Seventh Sense: http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2404708?htv=12

Du er ikke alene (1978)(You are Not Alone): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0080662/

Short documentary - Gay Youth (1992)(40 min): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0345317/

Doc. - The Times of Harvey Milk (1984): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0088275/

35 min doc. - Let's Get Real (2004): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0414222/

One of my favorites is Philadelphia (1993): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0107818/

Another is Maurice (1987): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0093512/

The Laramie Project (2002): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0257850/

(Aus.) Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (1994): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0109045/

Saved (2004) has a cute gay sub-plot: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0332375/

M. Butterfly (1993) was a revelation. Such sensitive, beautiful acting, and an excellent riff on the operatic tale of Madame Butterfly. Jeremy Irons, always excellent, plays René Gallimard, based on a historical character, who is in fact still alive. John Lone as Song Liling is electrifying. http://imdb.com/title/tt0107468/


Too bad these are R:

Latter Days (excellent!): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0345551/

Yossi & Jagger (2002): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0334754/

Beautiful Thing (1996) (UK): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0115640/

Like It Is (1998): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0146990/ (Roger Daltry -- but boxing? Aus.)

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0248845/

Of course as soon as I clicked the post button, I remembered more. A couple more R-rated, but they are biographies, so maybe you can slide by.....

* Paul Monette: The Brink of Summer's End (1996): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0117310/

Piñero (2001) (Benjamin Bratt stars): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0261066/

** Before Night Falls (2000) (Javier Bardem): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0247196/

Basquiat (1996): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0115632/

Super intense - Boys Don't Cry (1999) (Hilary Swank): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0171804/

Gia (1998)(R): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0123865/

Love! Valour! Compassion! (1997): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0119578/

Torch Song Trilogy (1988): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0096289/

Better Than Chocolate (1999): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0168987/

Revoir Julie (1998): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0180095/

Orlando (1992): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0107756/

Trick (1999) (R): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0162710/

The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy (2000): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0222850/

Mysterious Skin (2004)(NC-17): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0370986/ -- very intense, prostitution, and very disturbing violence. Wonderful performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

The Cockettes (2002), was a total trip back to the late Sixties San Francisco. I adore this film, and anyone who cares about gay history, the Sixties, art or drama should SEE THIS FILM! As John Waters so wisely said, "the Cockettes were basically complete sexual anarchy. which is always a good thing." http://imdb.com/title/tt0303321/. Brief views of bare breasts and penises, and frank discussion of drug use. This is a documentary of the Sixties. :-)

La Mala educación (2004) (Bad Education) (NC-17/R): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0275491/

Burnt Money (Plata quemada) (2000), is a wonderful Argentine film based on a true crime story. Leonardo Sbaraglia as El Nene and Eduardo Noriega as Ángel burns up the screen. Pablo Echarri as El Cuervo is crazysexy as hell, too! Dolores Fonzi as Vivi also shines on the screen. If sex, drugs, nudity and crime offend you, this is not your film. But if magnetic characters walking and even dancing to their doom is your style, check it out! http://imdb.com/title/tt0227277/. Probably not suitable for most high school GSAs, in the US anyway.


Also, in my wonderful queer film group over at MyQueerSpace.com, the following places to research and order films were recommended:

Strand Releasing: http://www.strandreleasing.com

TLA Releasing: http://www.tlareleasing.com

Popcorn Q Movies: http://www.planetout.com/popcornq/

IMDb: http://us.imdb.com/ (obviously, I use this one constantly)

Suggestions from the GSA group where I originally posted my lists:

Camp (2003): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0342167/ (PG-13)

The Birdcage (1996): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0115685/ (R-?!)
Of course there is always the original: La Cage aux folles (1978): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0077288/

The Truth About Jane (2000): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0256459/ (TV movie)

Three to Tango (1999): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0144640/ (PG-13)

Paragraph 175 (2000) is a good documentary about how the Nazis persecuted gays: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0236576/

Hairspray (1988): http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0095270/ (PG)

I came across a SUPER list tonight, with short summaries of each of the listed films: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/andrew.cmu.edu/usr/out/public/Filmlist and Listmania! Gay Films You Might Have Missed: http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/fullview/3SYA7TIB3ZZKI/104-2303910-1113561?%5Fencoding=UTF8

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Why are so few of these gay, independent films not known even in the community?

Mark mentioned at the recent annual Seattle PFLAG meeting that most of the gay related movies were independent and that people seemed to be unaware of the majority of them. He says, "This documentary should shed light on why this is the case, from what I read in the review, which is on page 57 of the Advocate, September 26, 2006 issue."

Rated G for “greedy”

This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Directed by Kirby Dick, IFC Films

In his new documentary, This Film Is Not Yet Rated, Kirby Dick goes well beyond indicting the top-secret rating system of the Motion Picture Association of America. His real subject is the greed of the Hollywood studios and how they use the rating system to suppress independent films, especially those with queer characters.

Brokeback Mountain notwithstanding, indie filmmakers produce most queer screen content. Unfortunately for these artists, the MPAA maintains rigid control over commercial releases through a secret panel of screeners who often label gay sex as ‘aberrational behavior.’ Regardless of the artistic intent, filmmakers adding a little boy-on-boy action are headed for an NC-17 rating and all that it implies: advertising restrictions and limited releases.

This Film Is Not Yet Rated presents an overview of the rating system’s hypocrisy, including how sex (gay and straight) is censored four times more often than even the most brutal violence. With the help of a dyke private investigator, Kirby aggressively pursues the identities of the secret screening board members in an effort to understand their maddeningly inconsistent judgments. While the investigation techniques tend to be a bit pathetic, the findings are damning—the panel turns out to be a glaringly white and heterosexual group of ‘concerned parents’ sometimes augmented by Catholic and Episcopal priests.

Kirby obviously had a soft spot in his heart for queer filmmakers, beginning his film with the travails Kimberly Peirce faced in releasing her Academy Award-winning Boys Don’t Cry. He compares, for example, the sexual content of Peirce’s film, which received an NC-17, with the hetero horniness of American Pie, which skated by with an R.

The MPAA, which emerges in Kirby’s film as a creature of the Hollywood studios, wraps itself in the cloak of morality. But like so much in the United States, what the MPAA presents as protecting children is much more about protecting profits. And it’s clear that gay visibility on the silver screen suffers for Hollywood’s greed.

—Patrick Moore (September 26, 2006 issue of The Advocate, p. 57)

Often we seek to grow or change ourselves by adjusting the external aspects of our lives. We all too often forget that permanent or real change only comes when the center of our being, our inner drives and motivations, undergoes transformation. - Errol Strider

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