Posts with the tag 'documentary'
PAUL WILLIAMS STILL ALIVE- 2011. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “He won Grammys and an Academy Award; wrote many #1 songs; starred in a Brian DePalma movie; put out his own hit records and albums; was a guest on The Tonight Show fifty times; and is the president of ASCAP…and you might not have heard of him. In the 1970’s, Paul Williams was the singer / actor / songwriter that emotional, alienated teenage boys all over the world wanted to be, a sex symbol before MTV, when sex symbols could be 5″2 and sing songs about loneliness with the Muppets. A wistful musical journey that will re-introduce a new generation to Williams’ soulful classics, Paul Williams: Still Alive is the charmingly self-narrated story of Stephen Kessler’s lifelong obsession with the former superstar-and what happens when the nostalgic filmmaker finally catches up with him.”
Good review in the NY Times on 6/8/12 despite a negative reaction to the director who may have taken advantage of the subject more for personal gain. TRDB.
7/28/16- An excellent documentary with great access to the subject. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
June 13th, 2012
PATAGONIA RISING- 2012. Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Over the past century more than 45,000 large dams have redefined river corridors around the globe with disastrous results. Descending the Baker River from the Northern Patagonia Ice-cap to its terminus at the Pacific Ocean, Patagonia Rising investigates a controversial plan to build five large hydroelectric dams in Chile’s famed wilderness. Stopping off at Patagonia’s most remote frontier ranches, this engaging story brings voice to the iconic South American cowboys, Gauchos, caught in the crossfire of future energy demands. Chile could become a leader in sustainable energy development, or it could continue down the road to squandering the pure watersheds of Patagonia. Juxtaposing the pro-dam business sector with renewable energy experts, Patagonia Rising brings intimate awareness to this global conflict over water and power.”
The NY Times on 6/8/12 called this documentary beautifully filmed but without emotion. Others said the same. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
June 13th, 2012
THE INVISIBLE WAR- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This documentary calls attention to little-known facts about the high prevalence of rape within the ranks of America’s armed forces. Interviews with military personnel, elected officials and rape victims provide alarming evidence.”
Just a few reviews so far and they are excellent. TRDB.
6/22/12- Very good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
7/1/13- Interview after interview of woman who were sexually assaulted while serving our nation in the military AND the cover-ups that denied them any justice. Very well done and this film was nominated for the 2012 Academy Award for best documentary. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
June 13th, 2012
ONE DAY ON EARTH- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Capturing ordinary and extraordinary life events from around the globe over the course of one day — November 11, 2011 — this documentary explores the human experience in an attempt to answer the question, “Who are we?”
The NY Times on 6/1/12 said that this film was scattered but astounding. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
June 12th, 2012
U.N. ME- Synopsis by Netflix. “Recounting tales of uninvestigated civilian Ivory Coast shootings, the botched Oil for Food Program, a wild mishandling of the Darfur genocide and more, filmmakers Ami Horowitz and Matthew Groff craft a scathing attack on the United Nations. This darkly funny documentary features exclusive interviews with former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, former U.N. Weapons Inspector Charles Duelfer and former CIA Director James Woolsey.”
An OK review in the NY Times on 6/1/12. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
June 12th, 2012
CHELY WRIGHT: WISH ME AWAY- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This poignant documentary, filmed over three years, profiles country music star Chely Wright, a devout Christian whose struggle to succeed in the music biz while hiding her homosexuality from her conservative family and fans caused her much anguish.”
A very good review in the NY Times on 6/1/12 and elsewhere as well. TRDB.
3/19/13- I liked this documentary very much as it portrayed well her courage in “coming out” publicly. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Tags: documentary
June 12th, 2012
OC87- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Bud Clayman’s ambition to become a filmmaker was derailed in college, when mental illness overwhelmed him. But 30 years later, he overcame this obstacle and made a documentary about his struggles to fulfill his dreams.”
5/25/12- Good review in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
May 26th, 2012
PINK RIBBONS, INC.- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “Who really benefits from the pink ribbon campaigns: the cause or the company? In showing the real story of breast cancer and the lives of those who fight it, this film reveals the co-opting of what marketing experts have labeled a “dream cause.”
Weak review in the NY Times on 6/1/12 but fairly good reviews in general. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
May 23rd, 2012
THEY CALL IT MYANMAR: LIFTING THE CURTAIN- Synopsis by Rotten Tomatoes. “Shot clandestinely over a 2-year period by best-selling novelist and filmmaker, Robert H. Lieberman, this film provides a rare look at the second-most isolated country on the planet. It lifts the curtain to expose the everyday life in a country that has been held in the iron grip of a brutal military regime for 48 years. This unique feature length documentary, culled from over 120 hours of striking images, is an impressionistic journey. Interviews and interactions with more than 100 people throughout Burma, including an interview with the recently released Aung San Suu Kyi, are interwoven with spectacular footage of this little seen nation and its people.
Good audience reviews so far. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
May 20th, 2012
INDIE GAME: THE MOVIE- 2012. Synopsis by Netflix. “This captivating documentary follows several independent game designers as they painstakingly develop their games and hope for breakthrough success. It also explores the quirky sensibility these personalities bring to their art form.”
5/18/12- Very good reviews all around and also in today’s NY Times. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
May 19th, 2012
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