Posts with the tag 'documentary'

DARWIN

DARWIN- 2011. Synopsis by IMDB. “Darwin is a documentary feature about an isolated community at the end of a weathered road in Death Valley, California. Propelled from society by tragic turns, the people of Darwin (population 35) must now find ways to coexist in a place without a government, a church, jobs, or children. The film tells the story of a uniquely American place and yet a place that is unique even within America.”

Good review in NY Times on 8/12/11. TRDB.

Add comment August 12th, 2011

REBIRTH

REBIRTH- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Every year between the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and its eighth anniversary, documentarian James Whitaker interviewed nine people, each with a connection to the events. Together, their evolving stories create a mosaic of grief and recovery. A Muslim woman now forging religious tolerance, a Freedom Tower construction worker who lost a brother and a high schooler whose mother died are among those sharing their stories in this fascinating film.” No reviews yet. TRDB.

Add comment August 11th, 2011

CHASING MADOFF

CHASING MADOFF- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This eye-opening documentary chronicles the decade-long and often frustrating campaign of reporter Harry Markopolos to bring regulators’ attention to the titanic and brazen investment scams engineered by now-convicted financial felon Bernie Madoff.” Poor reviews. TRDB.

5/7/12- Primarily about Markopolos, this documentary uses some gimmicks and some undocumented threats to liven it up. So-so! TRDB. Netflix.

 

Add comment August 11th, 2011

PROGRAMMING THE NATION

PROGRAMMING THE NATION- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “Programming the Nation? takes a powerful and provocative look at the history of subliminal messaging in America and the ways in which we are being manipulated subconsciously by advertisers, pop-culture, corporations, our military, and politicians. Filmmaker Jeff Warrick leads this journey through the subconscious mind while examining the reported history, scientific research and potential effects of such techniques on society.” Good audience reviews but no professional reviews as yet. TRDB.

Add comment August 8th, 2011

PIANOMANIA

PIANOMANIA- 2011. A documentary about the sounds of the piano, the tuning, the instrument itself. Very good reviews. TRDB.

Add comment July 26th, 2011

SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS

SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS- 2011. 

7/25/11. By Joseph Dorman this is a wonderful documentary about the famous Yiddish writer. TRDB. At the Theater.

Add comment July 25th, 2011

BEATS RHYMES & LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST

BEATS RHYMES & LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Rapaport goes behind the scenes with this documentary to chronicle the tumultuous group dynamics that have driven influential, genre-bending hip-hop sensations A Tribe Called Quest to the heights of success. Filmed during a 2008 reunion tour, this movie includes candid input from band members, including Q-Tip, along with testimonies by other artists such as Kanye West to Tribe‘s enduring musical legacy.” Very good reviews. TRDB.

11/3/11- Mostly good reviews but I have NO interest in the band and even LESS interest in the music. I found it very difficult to get into the movie and turned it off fairly early. TRDB. Netflix.

Add comment July 19th, 2011

THE HARVEST

THE HARVEST- 2011. A documentary about children who toil in the fields without the protection of child labor laws right here in our own backyards in America.  Good review in NY Times on 8/1/11. TRDB.

Add comment July 16th, 2011

THE INTERRUPTERS

THE INTERRUPTERS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “This powerful documentary follows a group called CeaseFire, which is dedicated to wiping out urban violence. Begun by epidemiologist Gary Slutkin, CeaseFire treats violence like an infection and seeks to eradicate the root cause before it can spread. Based in Chicago and staffed by many former gang members, “the interrupters” attempt to prevent the shootings and assaults that are prompted by tit-for-tat retaliation, despite the personal dangers.” Good early reviews. TRDB.

7/29/11- Good review in the NY Times today. TRDB.

3/12/12- A meaningful documentary about a system to interdict the violence cycle but as one reviewer put it– “great access to the subjects but the movie was repetitive and depressing.” TRDB. Netflix.

Add comment July 16th, 2011

CONAN O’BRIEN CAN’T STOP

CONAN O’BRIEN CAN’T STOP- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Following his unplanned and highly publicized departure from NBC, exiled talk show host Conan O’Brien decides to take his show on the road. This documentary captures that uproarious tour as well as O’Brien‘s dramatic break with his ex-employers.” Mostly good reviews. TRDB.

Add comment July 11th, 2011

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