(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.
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
Friday, January 07, 2011
Monday, January 03, 2011
Thinking About 2010 and Looking Forward to 2011
Inspired by Ondine
The Bad
The 2010 elections
Michael/Stephanie having to go to Amsterdam to find work
Austerity (and the propaganda surrounding the concept)
The continuing militarization of our society linked to a call for us to police ourselves.
The sad state of cinema (and art in general)
Corporate consolidation of media ---> limitation of public awareness about important social/political issues
Citizen United vs U.S.
Emergency surgery
The Good
Laura comes home from France at the end of the year
Building a home
Comrades that make life worth living
Students that seize upon the concept of learning as a life long collective project
Spending time with family in California
Realizing that I still don't have the answers, but still searching for the questions that might help.
North of Center, Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, Socialist Student Union, Lexington Film League, Gay/Straight Alliance, KY Theater, Peace and Justice Coalition, Peace Training-Peace Learning Institute
Teaching--and the opportunity to interact with new students
Wikileaks
2011: The Hopes
Continuing to build a home with Laura and a forge a strong community of comrades
Working on my doubts/insecurites about myself and developing strength so that I can help others do the same
Developing a local coalition of activists/artists/citizens that want to fight for justice and still desire to act freely--individually and collectively
Build the most beautiful backyard herb garden
Travel to Amsterdam to visit Michael/Stephanie
Go to the 2011 Socialist Forum
Work on my novel, write essays, develop my film criticism, and write for North of Center.
Get tenure and celebrate it by writing a slew of poems (and to get up at the Holler to read them--already have a bunch just need to "do it").
Realize my philosophy of anarchism through my most intimate individual relations all the way to my most collective (instituional) obligations.
Talk to people about what socialism is really about.
The Bad
The 2010 elections
Michael/Stephanie having to go to Amsterdam to find work
Austerity (and the propaganda surrounding the concept)
The continuing militarization of our society linked to a call for us to police ourselves.
The sad state of cinema (and art in general)
Corporate consolidation of media ---> limitation of public awareness about important social/political issues
Citizen United vs U.S.
Emergency surgery
The Good
Laura comes home from France at the end of the year
Building a home
Comrades that make life worth living
Students that seize upon the concept of learning as a life long collective project
Spending time with family in California
Realizing that I still don't have the answers, but still searching for the questions that might help.
North of Center, Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, Socialist Student Union, Lexington Film League, Gay/Straight Alliance, KY Theater, Peace and Justice Coalition, Peace Training-Peace Learning Institute
Teaching--and the opportunity to interact with new students
Wikileaks
2011: The Hopes
Continuing to build a home with Laura and a forge a strong community of comrades
Working on my doubts/insecurites about myself and developing strength so that I can help others do the same
Developing a local coalition of activists/artists/citizens that want to fight for justice and still desire to act freely--individually and collectively
Build the most beautiful backyard herb garden
Travel to Amsterdam to visit Michael/Stephanie
Go to the 2011 Socialist Forum
Work on my novel, write essays, develop my film criticism, and write for North of Center.
Get tenure and celebrate it by writing a slew of poems (and to get up at the Holler to read them--already have a bunch just need to "do it").
Realize my philosophy of anarchism through my most intimate individual relations all the way to my most collective (instituional) obligations.
Talk to people about what socialism is really about.
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