UNMADE IN CHINA- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This riotous documentary follows American director Gil Kofman to Xiamen, China, where he’s making a state-sanctioned thriller that unravels due to interfering bureaucrats who rewrite his script and replace his leading lady and key crew members.”
5/3/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.
Add comment May 3rd, 2013
FREE THE MIND- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary follows the efforts of neuroscientist Richard Davidson as he prescribes yoga and meditation in an attempt to ease the suffering of two war veterans with PTSD and a child with anxiety and ADHD.”
5/3/13- A mixed review at best in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
8/29/14- Better reviews from the critics as of today, 15 months later. TRDB.
Add comment May 3rd, 2013
FRAGMENTS OF KUBELKA- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “This epic documentary subtly introduces the complex world view of iconic filmmaker and theoretician Peter Kubelka (born 1934, Vienna). While Kubelka’s radical and pioneering body of films is a highly condensed work of about an hour focussing on the essence of cinema.”
5/3/13- An excellent review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment May 3rd, 2013
VENUS AND SERENA- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Offering an inside look at the Williams sisters — Venus and her younger sibling Serena — this documentary follows the tennis megastars throughout 2011, when disabling injuries and illness threatened to end their careers.”
5/10/13- A fair review in today’s NY Times saying that the movie was interesting for tennis fans but had nothing new to say. TRDB.
Add comment April 30th, 2013
STORIES WE TELL- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Using a mix of interviews and sly home movies, Sarah Polley creates an intriguing profile of her family, especially her mother, Diane, who died when Polley was 11 years old. In a family of storytellers, does the truth depend on who does the telling?”
4/29/13- Excellent reviews. TRDB.
5/10/13- A very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
5/21/13- An interesting documentary about family relationships and specifically what Sarah Polley learned about her family by letting people tell the story. Done in a creative manner- could have been a bit shorter. TRDB.
Add comment April 30th, 2013
TRASH DANCE- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary tracks the vision of choreographer Allison Orr as she coaxes a crew of trash collectors to perform for the public. The event ultimately takes place on an airport runway, where thousands of people watch 16 garbage trucks “dancing.”
4/26/13- A good review in today’s NY Times and from other critics as well. TRDB.
Add comment April 26th, 2013
ONE NIGHT STAND- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “A funny, behind-the-scenes journey as Broadway, Hollywood and indie artists collaborate to produce four original shorts in 24 hours. Four groups of writers and composers choose their casts and work overnight to write and compose four 15-minute musicals.”
4/26/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. I saw only one other review and it was positive. TRDB.
Add comment April 26th, 2013
MARRIED AND COUNTING- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “Toasting 25 years together, Pat and Stephen take their love on the road to get married in every state that sanctions gay nuptials. George Takei narrates their yearlong journey that culminates on the steps of the Supreme Court.”
4/26/13- A good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment April 26th, 2013
SCATTER MY ASHES AT BERGDORF’S- 2013. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary peels back the curtain at Bergdorf Goodman, the iconic New York store that’s been launching design careers for more than a century. Key creative personnel and fans such as Joan Rivers and Candice Bergen discuss Bergdorf’s appeal.”
5/3/13- A poor review in today’s NY Times and elsewhere as well. TRDB.
Add comment April 21st, 2013
WAR ON WHISTLEBLOWERS- 2013. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “War Costs is a project of Brave New Foundation, highlighting the ongoing human and financial costs of U.S. militarism. Our mission is to champion social justice issues by using a model of media, education, and grassroots volunteer involvement that inspires, empowers, motivates and teaches civic participation and makes a difference.”
4/19/13- A weak review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment April 19th, 2013