EAMES: THE ARCHITECT AND THE PAINTER- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary tells the story of the husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames, widely considered America’s most important designers. Their creations include furniture, photography, interiors, multimedia exhibits, games and much more.”
11/18/11- A very good review in today’s NY Times and mostly good reviews in general. TRDB.
Add comment November 18th, 2011
BARBERSHOP PUNK- 2010. Synopsis by IMDB. “Is “The Man” controlling the vertical, the horizontal and the channel you’ll be on? In a privatized American Internet, is big business “Big Brother” or does the free market protect and serve the needs of the average citizen with its invisible hand? With the simple act of swapping files, barbershop quartet baritone Robb Topolski finds himself at ground zero of a landmark case whose outcome will affect the rights of every American citizen. Following one man’s personal quest to defend what he believes to be his inalienable rights, BARBERSHOP PUNK examines the critical issues surrounding the future of the American Internet and what it takes to challenge the status quo. Contemplating the future of the American Internet and the inalienable rights under review.”
11/11/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment November 12th, 2011
GOD’S FIDDLER- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “The only film biography of the world’s most renowned violinist, featuring family home movies in Los Angeles and all over the world.”
11/11/11- A fair review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Add comment November 12th, 2011
GRANITO- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Granito is a story of destinies joined by Guatemala’s past, and how a documentary film intertwined with a nation’s turbulent history emerges as an active player in the present. In Granito our characters sift for clues buried in archives of mind and place and historical memory, seeking to uncover a narrative that could unlock the past and settle matters of life and death in the present. Each of the five main characters whose destinies collide in Granito are connected by the Guatemala of 1982, then engulfed in a war where a genocidal scorched earth campaign by the military exterminated nearly 200,000 Maya people. Now, as if a watchful Maya god were weaving back together threads of a story unraveled by the passage of time, forgotten by most, our characters become integral to the overarching narrative of wrongs done and justice sought that they have pieced together, each adding their granito, their tiny grain of sand, to the epic tale.”
Add comment November 6th, 2011
PIANOMANIA- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “This engaging documentary profiles Stefan Knüpfer, the master tuner for Steinway & Sons, who is tasked with the often-demanding job of pairing world-famous pianists with the right instrument and supervising all aspects of each piano’s performance.”
11/4/11- Fairly good review for the documentary in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
2/27/12- Honestly, this was one of the more boring movies I’ve seen in a long time and I was sorely disappointed. I lasted 30 minutes. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment November 6th, 2011
CHARLOTTE RAMPLING: THE LOOK- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Actress Charlotte Rampling largely tells her own story in this unconventional self-portrait conceived by filmmaker Angelina Maccarone. Highlights include conversations between Rampling and her friends, along with clips from her most famous films.”
11/4/11- Described by the NY Times today as just OK and often a tease. TRDB.
Add comment November 6th, 2011
THE WAVY GRAVY MOVIE: SAINT MISBEHAVIN- 2009. Synopsis by Netflix. “Explore the meaningful life of longtime clown and political activist Wavy Gravy with this documentary, which follows the popular figure for more than 10 years, revealing his true character, core convictions and biggest contributions to society. Featured guests such as Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Patch Adams, Steve Earle and Buffy Sainte Marie share fond thoughts about the man and his remarkable work.” Mostly positive reviews. TRDB.
Add comment November 2nd, 2011
ELEVATE- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Four outsized West African Muslim teens find that everything — even basketball — is different in America when they accept scholarships to play hoops at two U.S. prep schools in this engaging documentary that charts their remarkable journeys.”
10/21/11- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
4/14/15- A well made documentary about these 4 men and their “journey” to America. It appeared that each had a smooth transition from the slums of Dakar, Senegal to the U.S., something I find hard to believe. TRDB.
Add comment October 29th, 2011
THE SWELL SEASON- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Exploring the realities of fame and great expectations, this poignant documentary shadows indie folk artists Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová on a whirlwind tour in the wake of their Oscar win for the haunting anthem “Falling Slowly.”
4/23/12- I was really bored and turned this off. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment October 29th, 2011
MY REINCARNATION- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “While fighting to preserve his spiritual legacy, a Tibetan spiritual master must also do battle with his own son, who has no interest in his destiny. The story that unfolds is a fascinating father-son conflict.”
10/28/11- An interesting review in today’s NY Times and I’ll try to see this movie. TRDB.
12/27/11- A very interesting and well made documentary and I’d definitely recommend it. TRDB. At the theater.
Add comment October 28th, 2011