(Capsule comments--mostly)
2011 Films:
To find info about films: Internet Movie Database
Sex and Lucia (Spain: Julio Medem, 2007: 128 mins) ***
Interesting premise spirals off into increasingly ridiculous coincidences. Sexy at times, boring at others. Overall a step beyond the typical romance-sexuality film, but unfortunately fails to live up to its potential.
Moliere (France: Laurent Tirard, 2007: 120 mins) ****
I was suprised by how much I enjoyed this film. Romain Duris gives a stellar performance as Moliere and Tirard imaginatively fills in the gap in the official biographies of Moliere's life. I'm not very familiar with Moliere's plays, but LW is and she seemed to get even more out of it (and supplied me with background info). The film made me eager to see a Moliere play!
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers (USA: Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith, 2009: 92 mins) *****
Amazing story of a man shifting his ideological position/perspective, of the courage of one's convictions, and damn, surprisingly, a powerful story of the power of the love of a strong unwavering person (the influence of Patricia Ellsberg and someone he almost lost).
The Good, The Bad, The Weird (South Korea: Kim Ji-Woon, 2008: 139 mins) ***
This film is indebted to its Spaghetti Western namesake, but it also goes in some interesting directions and provides a “resistance” backdrop that is unfortunately never realized. Of course it is a straightforward action film with quirky characters. A saving grace is its forsaking of CGI/Special Effects and the actors doing most of their stunts.
Made in the U.S.A. (France: Jean Luc Godard, 1966: 90 mins) *
Why do I bother watching Godard films and why do people fawn over him?
Matt and Khym: Better Than Ever (USA: Tony Comstock, 2007: 53 mins) ***
Attractive, caring couple in their early 30s, who have cared for others most of their lives discuss and demonstrate how they have kept the fire alive over the years. Comstock films is dedicated to making documentary style films that explore sexuality and sex through “real” people.
Shortbus (USA: John Cameron Mitchell, 2006: 101 mins) *****
10th time I have seen this film (watched it with someone who hadn't seen it) and I still well up emotionally. An earlier response to the film American Culture: Sex and Sexuality, Pt. 1
True Grit (USA: The Coen Brothers, 2010: 110 mins) ****
Surprisingly funny, while portraying a strong young girl who is ahead of her time. Jeff Bridges erases the John Wayne version. Strong dialogue and witty interplay between the three main characters increases the appeal of this film.
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