Category: Film

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Watch: ‘Vive le Tour!’ Louis Malle’s Short Documentary of the 1962 Tour de France

Today, the Tour de France begins. Our government is cruel and incompetent and corrupt, and many countries all over the world are currently active combat zones experiencing major humanitarian crises, so right now it’s kind of difficult to focus on anything as frivolous as the Tour de France. But, as we look at the world … Continue reading Watch: ‘Vive le Tour!’ Louis Malle’s Short Documentary of the 1962 Tour de France

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“Fantastic Planet,” A Strange and Mostly Unknown Film

In December of 1973, the New York Times film critic Howard Thompson, known for his pithy critiques, reviewed a rather strange-looking French animated film called “Fantastic Planet.” In his review, he says this of Fantastic Planet: “The story itself is a sci-fi honey, with tiny earthlings ‘from a destroyed planet’ dominated as pets or outcasts … Continue reading “Fantastic Planet,” A Strange and Mostly Unknown Film

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“Touch of Evil” NY Times Movie Review, from 1958

If you’ve seen the classic and influential Orson Welles film, Touch of Evil, you know it needs no introductions. If you haven’t seen it, you’ve most likely, by one route or another, learned about its famous opening crane shot; probably the most famous and iconic three minutes ever filmed. Ever. It’s been copied and studied and … Continue reading “Touch of Evil” NY Times Movie Review, from 1958

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Banksy Documentary, ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop,’ Checks Out

Hardly anyone believed that the documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop, directed by the internationally known (infamously) anonymous British street artist and prankster Banksy – known for his monkey mask, political subjects, humor and extreme secrecy – was an actual documentary. The film, about a filmmaker cum successful street artist, Thierry Guetta or “Mr. Brainwash,” didn’t seem real to most people, not only because … Continue reading Banksy Documentary, ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop,’ Checks Out

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Who ya gonna call?

Sources very close to me (the internet) have divulged that my aching need and desire will be fulfilled very soon. Bill Murray is reportedly reading a “very good” script entitled “Ghostbusters 3.” So many thoughts, so many thoughts are racing through my mind: Rick Moranis possessed by a phantom dog, the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man melting all over midtown and … Continue reading Who ya gonna call?

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Art Tatum at The Jazz Museum in Harlem

OK, so Art Tatum, the jazz pianist, died 50 years ago. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experience and appreciate his music. On Saturday, June 20 2009, The Jazz Museum in Harlem will offer a free (yes, FREE) Art Tatum program, also featuring the great Ben Webster in: 2009, A Centennial Celebration. Program includes biographical overview, documentaries and an … Continue reading Art Tatum at The Jazz Museum in Harlem

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The Brooklyn International Film Festival ends this weekend!

                        The Brooklyn International Film Festival is currently underway with more than 100 films and daily social events. If you don’t already know, the competitive festival includes experimental films, shorts, animation, documentaries and of course, feature films. The ten-day festival, now in its 12th … Continue reading The Brooklyn International Film Festival ends this weekend!

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My Interview with Marco Ursino

I visited the relaxed Williamsburg offices of The Brooklyn International Film Festival to speak with its creator and Executive Director, Marco Ursino. I was greeted by friendly faces, smiles and the intermittent clicking of computer keys. Susan Mackell, Director of Development for the festival, ushered me into a comfortable leather seating area and offered me water when a spontaneous … Continue reading My Interview with Marco Ursino

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Rooftop Films 2009

Start your summer right, the way it’s supposed to be: under the stars. Rooftop Films can help you. For the 13th year in a row, Rooftop shows independent, underground films at unique locations. This years kick-off is tonight in the Lower East Side, with music and free beer at Fontana’s. Shows are usually Friday and … Continue reading Rooftop Films 2009