Posts filed under 'Documentary/History'
BLANK CITY- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Celine Danhier directs this lively documentary that retraces the birth of the underground film movement in New York in the early 1980s, spurred by the work of artists like Richard Kern, Casandra Stark and John Waters. As part of what author and filmmaker Nick Zedd coined the Cinema of Transgression, these low-budget films were noted for being chock-full of explicit sex, gratuitous violence and dark humor.” Good reviews. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
April 2nd, 2011
FOO FIGHTERS: BACK AND FORTH (2011)- Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “James Moll’s documentary chronicles the 16-year history of the Foo Fighters: from the band’s very first songs created as cassette demos Grohl recorded during his tenure as Nirvana’s drummer through its ascent to their Grammy-winning, multi-platinum, arena and stadium headlining status as one of the biggest rock bands on the planet.” No reviews as yet. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
April 2nd, 2011
THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM- 2011. Premise by RottenTomatoes. “Winner of four Best Documentary Awards, The Elephant in the Living Room explores the controversial American subculture of raising the deadliest and most exotic animals on earth as common household pets. The story follows the journey of two men at the… Winner of four Best Documentary Awards, The Elephant in the Living Room explores the controversial American subculture of raising the deadliest and most exotic animals on earth as common household pets. The story follows the journey of two men at the heart of the issue. One, Tim Harrison, an Ohio police officer whose friend was killed by an exotic pet, and the other, Terry Brumfield, a big-hearted man who struggles to keep two pet African lions that he loves like his own family.” No reviews yet. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
March 31st, 2011
FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Focusing on two men whose bodies have been trashed by steroids, obesity and illness, this documentary chronicles the rigorous healing path — including a two-month diet of fruits and vegetables — that both attempt in a bid to rescue their health.” Fair review in NY Times on 4/1/11. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
March 25th, 2011
CIRCO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Mexican ringmaster Tino struggles to operate his family’s long-running traveling circus in the midst of an economic downturn, while coping with the demands of his fed-up wife and four talented young children in this fascinating documentary. Featuring music by alt-country rockers Calexico, the film explores family ties and cultural inheritance while taking viewers all across rural Mexico’s beautiful back roads.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
10/4/11- A remarkable documentary showing a slice of life and a good look at what living in a travelling circus is like, warts and all, especially the extended family dynamics. TRDB.Netflix.
Tags: documentary, Foreign
March 25th, 2011
MY RUN- 2011. A documentary about a 75yr. old man who ran in 75 consecutive marathons to raise attention to the problems of the single parent. No reviews yet. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
March 25th, 2011
TROUBADOURS- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “This engrossing documentary offers a loving look at the music scene in Los Angeles in the 1970s, focusing on superstars James Taylor and Carole King, and how their careers were tied in to the evolution of the world-famous Troubadour club. Interviews and archival footage highlight the examination of how the highly political music of the 1960s transformed into the more intimate songs made popular by the increasingly predominant singer-songwriters.” Fairly good reviews but some said it was lacking. TRDB.
3/11- I agree with the reviewers who said the movie was “lacking.” TRDB.
Tags: documentary
March 25th, 2011
INSIDE JOB- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Uncover the root of the 2008 global economic crisis with this documentary that combines extensive research, convincing interviews and cogent arguments to single out a rogue industry that’s tainted every sector of the financial system. Narrated by actor Matt Damon, this complex yet comprehensible film — an Official Selection at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival — features discussions with influential politicians, academics and journalists.” Great reviews and a nominee for Best Picture for 2010.
3/11- A well done documentary but I’ve seen it all before and got bored pretty quickly. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary
March 18th, 2011
NOSTALGIA FOR THE LIGHT- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Two distinct activities are underway in Chile’s Atacama Desert: While astronomers study distant stars through a giant telescope, local people sift through the soil looking for graves of family members killed during the nation’s brutal political past. The region’s uniquely dry, clear air encourages both pursuits and inspires director Patricio Guzmán to draw metaphorical links between them in this thoughtful, heartfelt documentary.” Good review in NY Times on 3/18/11. TRDB.
10/7/11- A very good documentary that makes many comparisons between various social issues in Chile and beyond. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary, Foreign
March 18th, 2011
MY PERESTROIKA- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “An intimate look at five longtime friends who grew up shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union, this documentary sheds light on how Russians have adapted to post-Soviet society and their nation’s continually shifting political landscape. Interweaving decades-old home movie footage with captivating tales of contemporary life, director Robin Hessman’s enlightening movie illustrates the stark contrast between Moscow then and now.” Very good reviews and this one sounds interesting. TRDB.
7/26/12- This movie got excellent reviews so I watched the entire film but I found it incredibly boring. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Tags: documentary, Foreign
March 17th, 2011
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