Godard Restored..

"I want to become immortal and die.."


A new restoration, another visit.. Beautiful..

Crimson Lolita

I haven't been able to watch two films in one day in quite some time and today apparently was the day! I revisited Kubrick's, "Lolita" and was more intrigued than the first time I saw it. His dynamic way of mixing comedic and absolute absurd drama, is purely brilliant. The picture was truly ahead of it's time. The second film I watched was, Jafar Panahi's "Crimson Gold".. A film about two men who try to rob a jewelry store and deliver pizza. The social and emotional subtext that comes with this piece of work is not easy, but it's execution is precise and something that ranks up with the tone and fixating nature of Antonioni or even Bresson. As a fan of Kiarostami, I was excited to see something he wrote for somebody else to direct. The collaboration clearly works, and it's unfortunate the oppression and issues that have come with such a great artist. I'm looking forward to visiting more of Panahi's work.

Some wonderful visuals and thoughts..

"Leon" and "Paris, Texas"

Arizona Dreams

Harmonious, poetic, and free. The images are pleasing and the people are worthwhile. In an abstract world, we can definitely relate. Lewis, Depp, Gallo, Dunaway, and Taylor may not present the best performances of their lives or careers but they definitely present something very memorable and heart warming. Kusturica definitely is in a league, or shall we say medium of his own..

"Exit through the Gift Shop"

A Banksy Film



Just go see it! Even if you never really figure out who the hell is who, what is what, or what is art, you'll still have a hell of a time...


:)

I had mentioned to my girlfriend to wait to buy tickets to Steve James' screening of his new documentary "No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson" in Evanston. We forgot to buy them the night before and then couldn't buy them online in the morning. In a rush we grabbed some breakfast and quickly drove to Evanston. Luckily they were not sold out, my girlfriend was not mad anymore, and we got the tickets.

The screening was at Seven PM and in a small theater with a small projection. The room was packed and the venue was well organized and brought together. I liked the way the seats were raised behind one another because it would be hard for a tall person or one with a big head to block your view if they sat in front of you :) Luckily this was not the case and the film rolled.

After the film was shown Steve James and two YWCA Facilitators, Susan O'Halloran and Gloria Woods lead a discussion and time for questions and answers. The documentary brought up some issues on race and led to some interesting discussion. The documentary seemed to have an unbiased view, which is fair, but I believe it worked at a disadvantage for the work. Steve James, after I asked him, said he felt he learned and was brought into this situation. Of course his answer was a bit more eloquent and insightful. Only problem, his film wasn't. The piece really lacked any depth or progression and seemed to stick to the surface. We are well informed by those somewhat or indirectly effected by the incident but never really make a connection with anyone directly involved. Rather than a documentary by someone who made "Hoop Dreams", we see a glossy piece of journalism, simply, and slightly informing us on an event, that may have not even been brought to the spotlight if not for the celebrity status of one of the defendants.

Boston Hotdogs

5am flight on Thursday. Sun rises over Midway, we zoom to the airport and get on a not so shaky flight, meaning I'm not so neurotic in the sky. We land, get to Boston airport, receive a Dodge Charger as a rental car and zoom downtown for lunch and some b-roll shooting of the city. We meet a Casey Affleck look alike or possibly an unknown twin who has taken over his family's hot dog business. He tells us he has a degree and has been to Australia and has had some unfortunate involvement with the law. He didn't go into detail on that, but I did forget to mention his accent was thick! He thinks I'm a lutheran from NYC, I tell him I was baptized Catholic and I'm from Pennsylvania but I live in Chicago. He says " I hear they have ballin dogs.." We have some wonderful conversation but unfortunately it is cut off and we must leave. Back to the Charger and we zoom through the narrow city and back onto the highway to Cape Cod. We arrive at a small resort type building, light and sound. Cory arrives, book in one hand, hand shake from the other. Insight, intelligence and vibrance made the last interview for the American Library Association Documentary wonderful! It was a pleasure meeting and shooting Cory Doctorow. I know he is going to bring something wonderful to the project. Back to the Charger. We zoom back to the city, get lost on some of the crazy streets in the city, get settled into the hotel, grab a burger and a beer, back to the hotel, sleep for three hours, back to the airport. Shaky flight into Chicago, sweaty palms, but all lands well. It's beautiful and good to be back. The producer and editor are currently finishing up the editing and it's looking wonderful and should be done shortly! Good to be back in Chicago but Boston, I will be back at some point to hopefully enjoy your city for a bit longer.