Posts with the tag 'documentary'
THE WOODMANS- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “This intimate documentary profiles the Woodmans, a family dedicated to the making of art in all forms, and their reaction to the suicide of their most famous member, daughter Francesca, whose startling, sexual photographs established her legacy. Father George, a professor, mother Betty, a famed ceramicist, and son Charlie, a videographer, are interviewed about Francesca’s intense life and how the family’s devotion to art crafted her development.” Good reviews.
Tags: documentary
February 1st, 2011
BUCK- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Buck Brannaman, inspiration for “The Horse Whisperer,” is revealed as a complex figure in this documentary by Cindy Meehl. The master horseman reveals details of his troubled childhood and his dawning awareness of new ways that humans and horses might work with one another. As Buck learns more about horses, he finds that the ways we communicate with our animal companions offer lessons on how we relate to fellow human beings.” At Sundance 2011.
7/8/11- An excellent documentary where we see the man in action and we learn about life events that made him what he is. Definitely recommended. TRDB. At the Theater.
Tags: documentary
January 30th, 2011
HELL AND BACK AGAIN- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “In this unvarnished documentary set on the Afghan front line, U.S. Marine Sgt. Nathan Harris is wounded by Taliban machine-gun fire, then returns to his North Carolina home to grapple with the stress of civilian life. Embedded with Harris’s company on the battlefield, filmmaker Danfung Dennis discovers that for the 25-year-old veteran, recovering from a bullet to the head is no tougher than regaining a foothold in an apathetic homeland.” At Sundance 2011. Fair audience reviews and a few professional reviews– all good. TRDB.
1/24/12- Another reminder that war is hell. Very well done and highly recommended. TRDB. Netflix Streaming.
Tags: doc, documentary
January 30th, 2011
SENNA- 2010. Synopsis by Netflix. “This fast-paced documentary profiles Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula One racing, and a hero in his native Brazil. Using only archival footage, director Asif Kapadia examines the idealistic Senna‘s inspiring legend. Charismatic, compassionate and a dedicated risk-taker, Senna was known for his integrity in a sport often fraught with cutthroat politics, and also for the deep religious faith that gave him purpose.” At Sundance 2011.
A good (not great) review in the NY Times on 8/12/11. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
January 30th, 2011
INTO ETERNITY- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Filmmaker Michael Madsen directs this documentary that chronicles the construction of Finland’s underground Onkalo nuclear waste repository, the world’s first permanent disposal zone for radioactive waste generated by nuclear power plants. As it examines the technology designed to keep the waste safely sequestered for 100,000 years, this film also explores strategies for convincing future generations to leave the lethal material undisturbed.” Very good review in NY Times on 2/2/11.
Tags: documentary
January 30th, 2011
THESE AMAZING SHADOWS- 2011. Synopsis by Netflix. “Fueled by exclusive interviews and dazzling archival footage, filmmakers Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton shine a light on the work of the National Film Registry and the art of preserving aesthetically, culturally and historically significant cinema. Highlights in this Sundance selection include input from the likes of Christopher Nolan, John Waters, Rob Reiner, Debbie Reynolds, Tim Roth and George Takei.” At Sundance 2011.
11/26/11- This documentary is a must-see for anybody seriously interested in movies and their influence on our culture. Quotes I loved are “movies are a window to the world” and “movies are a time capsule of our society.” Great Documentary. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary
January 29th, 2011
BHUTTO- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Duane Baughman and Johnny O’Hara’s documentary is an in-depth and at times incendiary look at the epic life and tragic death of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, whose 2007 assassination sent her country’s political system into a tailspin. As a passionate and outspoken voice of reason and democracy, Bhutto‘s return to the seat of power seemed inevitable; but as a deeply divisive figure, her death was perhaps inescapable as well.” Very good early reviews.
5/19/11- A very well done documentary if a little one-sided toward the Bhutto family. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary
January 29th, 2011
PAGE ONE: A YEAR INSIDE THE NY TIMES- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Documentarian Andrew Rossi goes inside the New York Times to examine how the venerable paper and its reporters are responding to the massive changes in how news is gathered, analyzed and dispersed. Is there any future for newsprint? The creative process of journalism is also dissected, with journalists David Carr, Brian Stelter and many others providing insight into their writing processes and where they think the news business is headed.” At Sundance 2011. Fairly good audience reactions. TRDB.
7/15/11- Excellent documentary that we all need to listen to as newspapers with shrinking revenues fold right and left. TRDB. At the Theater.
Tags: documentary
January 29th, 2011
HOW TO DIE IN OREGON- 2011. Premise by Netflix. “Director Peter Richardson’s documentary takes you into the lives of terminally ill men and women as they consider availing themselves of physician-assisted suicide, which is legal in Oregon under the state’s 1994 Death with Dignity Act. As patients discuss their wishes with families, friends and doctors, Richardson examines all sides of this weighty issue and even documents an assisted suicide as it occurs.” Very good reviews. TRDB.
3/1/12- A completely fascinating documentary which was about the Oregon law but even more about some of the people who took advantage of it. TRDB. Netflix.
Tags: documentary
January 25th, 2011
AND EVERYTHING IS GOING FINE- 2010. Premise by Netflix. “Spalding Gray, known for his radically minimal solo shows staged on equally spare sets, is the focus of collaborator Steven Soderbergh’s documentary, which compiles rare footage for what amounts to a posthumous monologue by the writer and actor. In Soderbergh’s unconventional foray into the genre, clips are drawn from across Gray’s career and set to music by his son, Forrest — but throughout, only Gray’s brave and comic voice is heard.” Good reviews.
Tags: documentary
January 18th, 2011
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