Where the Wild Things Are

Are you kidding me? They’ve gone and mashed a bunch of my favourite things into 1 minute and 32 seconds:

• An iconic children’s story;
• ground-breaking film techniques;
• Spike Jonez;
• Wake Up by Arcade Fire;
• key themes I write about, and in life, written in big scrawly letters;
• cool editing;
• and just some general wildness and mayhem as we find ourselves.

I really like all of these things, I really like this trailer, and I really hope this movie is pretty much the cat’s pajamas. Be hopeful, be adventurous, conquer fear, watch this trailer, Wake Up, and be… WILD! I will go see this. I think you should too.

… and in a related story. The upcoming Vancouver International Film Festival runs from October 1st to 16th. I am still searching for a film fest buddy. If you’re a local reader let me know if you’re interested in attending anything. We can choose together, (website here) or you can trust my judgment. It’s what S. always did Film fest – good times.

Heimspiel

A couple of nights ago I finally got to see a Pepe Danquart documentary that I’ve been trying to find for a few years. It was playing as a part of a limited special run at the VIFC, and it turned out to be well worth the wait. Heimspiel is amazingly well shot and edited. The on-ice action is captured in a unique quality that displays both the beauty and the speed of ice hockey. This film truly wins you over though with its examination of East vs. West in Early 21st century Berlin.

I will write more later, but just wanted to put a quick post out there, and say there is one more showing of this film. Check out the VIFC website for the details

Arresting Film

“You must love Arrested Development”. It was kind of interesting to hear how often people would throw this comment my way in the past, back when I couldn’t really get into the show. Initially I thought it a bit of a poor take-off on one my favourite films of all time. Perhaps others saw this as well, and therefore often tried to engage me about the show. They ended up surprised that I really didn’t see what all the fuss was about during the little I watched. Then, I avoided watching more of it because there seemed to be this big assumption that I would “love” it. When it was picked up in syndication late at night I finally fell into watching a few episodes on my own terms, and admittedly laughed consistently (although maybe not as much as people felt I should have been ).The point? Well, with so many people thinking I’d be a big fan, I noticed that there are a lot of big fans of this show amongst friends. Thus, if they haven’t already heard, they’ll be excited to hear what Ron Howard has to say:

more about “Ron Howard Confirms an “Arrested Deve…“, posted with vodpod

Oh Gob, what will you get up to know?

VIFF – Anyone?

Autumn means it’s time to head to the film fest. If you are interested in catching some Vancouver International Film Festival flicks together please let me know (comment or email). If you are interested in catching some VIFF flicks without me, I’ll encourage that too.   It’s a great festival and however you want to be a part of it, I say go for it. It begins Thursday the 25th, and runs until October 10. The selection of documentaries (a favourite genre of mine) has gotten better each and every year. VIFF also brings in a healthy dose of both French and Asian films which are usually great for a change of pace.

Check out the schedule, on the website, (usually I read the write up for each and every film – but not so much this year)  and take in a film or two that interests you. You can also just let me know if you want to team up and I can just pick for both of us. I know ‘S’ would say this is what I always end up doing anyways through “facilitation”.

There are always some great films, check it out!

Portrait of Zidane

I haven’t posted about a film in some time, so in the spirit of getting things rolling in the third year here are some thoughts.

I was never very interested in following football until I first saw a Champion’s League match in 2002. It was if I was watching a game I had never seen before. As this introduction to foot came in France I have since followed French football a little closer than in other countries. One could say it is where I actually learned what the game could be like. Getting to know the game in France also meant getting to know Zizou. Having grown up in hockey I was keenly aware of how only a handful of players can come to impose their singular will upon a game of highly gifted, talented and trained stars. Lemieux had it, Lidstrom has it, and when you can recognize it in them, it is obvious Zidane had it in his sport.

A few nights ago I went and saw Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait. The 90 minute film follows Zidane’s every move on the evening of April 23, 2005 as his Real Madrid side hosts Villareal. 17 cameras focus on him, to catch every glance, every jog, every spit, every sprint, every pass reception -always deft – and every habitual foot drag. Rarely do you see much of the full field action. Glimpses of Raul, Beckham, Ronaldo, Carlos and even Figo, serve as quick reminders of the talent that flows on the pitch that night. This is not an action sport film. This is an art film that serves as a portrait of isolationism. The directors, Douglas Gordon and Phillipe Parreno, force us into a position where we must reflect on the enigmatic character that is Zinedine Zidane. What is the significance of being so unfathomably exceptional at controlling a ball without using one’s hands? Does there need to be a significance? Is he a role model? Is he isolated in his abilities? Does his drive or character keep him isolated?

The running style, his foot drag, his subtle movements into open space, and deft abilities with the ball are not new to the football fan. However, displayed in this focused context we are left to consider the questions above, and many others. Is there any significance to his abilities, his character, to anything about football? The film is interspersed with an outstanding musical score that evokes a range of emotions. It pulls the viewer to wonder about Zidane’s enigmatic emotions. The majority of the time he appears eerily calm, a little too laid back for an athletic competition of such high caliber, and amongst such skilled peers. Then in a flurry, we are reminded of his intensity when he receives the ball and single handily creates a goal from almost nothing. Later a glance or a single word remind us of his seething intensity and desire to compete. Yet, as most fans know who have followed him, there is anger underneath as well. This is revealed at the end when he is sent off on a red card following a bit of a scuffle. A prophetic ending, as just over a year later his career, and his country’s hopes, would exit on a red card as well. Thus, the viewer is left to wonder if the film portrays not just 90 minutes of Zidane, but does it paint a picture of his career? Fans constantly cheering or cajoling in the background while he works in isolation with 21 other players around him. Leading a team, while working alone.

If you enjoy art films, and enjoy football then it is a must see. It does drag on at times, but perhaps this just serves to make the viewer question the significance many people place on football, when so much else goes on in our world. The directors do splice in some images from other happenings around the globe on that date in history. Including a passerby in a car bomb scene wearing a Zidane jersey. Even if it does drag, there is something about this film that makes it worth watching. I can’t quite sum it up. Just like one can’t quite sum up Zidane in a few words. His skills, his appeal, his character – they are all a little bit elusive. Perhaps it is summed up by using some of his own words, which appear as subtitles from time to time in the film: “Magic is something close to nothing at all.”

Holiday Break = Posting

I am looking forward to posting over the holidays as there will certainly be more time in my schedule. I also plan on filling this time with many other things besides blogging, but if everything can be kept in balance I should be able to get a few posts up. To start things off I updated the Currently… page, and made some edits to the About page. That about page is going to need some major edits soon, so watch for those if you’re interested.

Specifically, the Currently… page features my thoughts on two films I took in during the past month or so. Both are recommended.

Autism: The Musical

1 in 150 people are diagnosed with autism (1)

I only saw one documentary at this year’s Vancouver International Film Festival, but one would be hard pressed to convince me there was a better doc shown than Autism: The Musical. It is not a musical, and it is about life more than about a disease. In fact, Tricia Regan’s candid following of a group of autistic children and their parents en route to creating a musical, could have been the best film in the whole festival. Having only gone to six screenings, this is a ridiculously bold statement – yet I feel it’s warranted. Autism grabs the viewer subtly and boldly all at the same time. One is welcomed into the world of autism by the people that live with it most closely, and we are made to feel welcome and uncomfortable at once. The stigma is shed, but the questions, wonderment, hope and fear are only emboldened. “Must-see” is an overused cliche for cash grab blockbusters, but I can think of no other way to simply get to the point about this documentary. Autism touches so many lives in some way, but many of us go home at night without having to live every moment connected. Autism: The Musical awakens us to the possibilities, that there can be a whole new level of engagement, involvement, communication and being. Tricia Regan did what excellent documentary directors and producers do, she let the subjects come to her, but she didn’t shy away. It is almost an impossible balance, especially when delving into human lives as people are existing. Regan brings children and their parents before our eyes for our own judgment. The amazing well of talent, hope, creativity and love that comes from the children is captivating. We are also allowed to hear and see the parents as human, caring, adventurous, kind, faulty, heroic, ordinary, extraordinary, fearful, and hopeful all at once. In other words, even with the incredible challenge of autism in these people’s lives we see that they are just like us, only they face decisions and challenges we find almost impossible to consider. The theme of communication is prevalent throughout: its challenges, rewards, barriers to it, and the pieces that make it come alive – like the Miracle Project.

There were times when I wondered if Regan had set-up shots, drawn a script and forced the subjects into roles to act out her expectations. This wonder was only fleeting as the raw emotions of the film could simply not be construed as staged. The doubts were completely pushed from my mind when Regan spoke to the audience after the film and answered questions. Her passion for the subject, and her honesty spoke just as loudly as her film. One scene in particularly clings to me vividly. A little boy by the name of Wyatt tries, in almost desperate fashion, to explain in an extraordinarily articulate way, why he feels the way he does, and how he feels about his friends. He might have been you or I trying to do the same – the mind is the most fascinating unknown.

Please try and see this documentary. It will appear on HBO sometime in the new year. Visit the film’s website to find any details about upcoming theatrical appearances (mostly in the United States). You’ll also notice the prestigious selections and awards it has garnered; which are not nearly enough. For those of you in Canada, please write to the Passionate Eye at CBC and ask them to air this documentary. There is a wealth of supporting evidence and literature about it on the internet. Begin at the film’s website, also check out Autism Speaks, and please let the CBC know that this film should be shown. All our lives can be made better when we learn more about the connection between communication and love. The world can be made a better place when acceptance of any difference can be made easier. This documentary helps.

1. – http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/index.php

VIFF 2007

The 26th Vancouver International Film Festival opened on Thursday and I am anticipating some great films. As seems to be the trend for the VIFF lately, the two week festival seems heavy with documentaries this year, which suits me just fine. As one can tell from the Doc Quest featured on another page, I think good documentaries are one of the most powerful communication tools of today’s cultures. While most of the doc’s revolve around either the environment or the military conflicts the United States is involved in, there are some from other topic areas that look really good. After reading descriptions for each of the 350 films playing in this year’s festival I came up with a list of 97 that attracted my interest. Due to constraints put on me, such as eating, teeth brushing, employment, and perhaps even sleeping, it doesn’t look like I’ll be able to catch all 97. Thus, as happens every year, I rank them, then see where they can fit into my schedule, and the schedule of my film fest buddies. This is perhaps the best part of the film fest: spending time with other people who enjoy good films.

Check out what the VIFF has to offer at their website: www.viff.org. But be careful, you too may get swept into the world of documentaries, subtitles, dark comedies from independent filmmakers, long takes, disturbing plots, and low budget shorts. All the while surrounded by elitist film viewers (don’t call them moviegoers). In the end, it’s all great fun!

Addendum:
-This year’s #1 pick, of the 97 I would like to see: The Green Chain. Look for a review after the viewing.

Four Eyed Monsters Review

Being the second in a series of every day posts to mark Être ou Avoir’s first year.

Susan Buice and Arin Crumley have crafted a piece of questions and uncertainty with 2005’s Four Eyed Monsters. Earlier this month the film was uploaded to YouTube in its entirety (view it here), and although it is a few years old, and their concept even older, its popularity has taken off. There are some people who state this film is “one of a kind”, or that it is the most original piece of film making ever. I’ve read other reviews who compare it to the works of a young Woody Allen. At the same time, there are plenty who find it unwatchable, and pointless. I found the film to be mediocre. However, I did sit through the entire 70 minutes or so, surprising myself. Initially I thought I would watch a bit on YouTube and then get bored. Still, one of the reasons I stuck it out was to see what they would do with the concept – and a theme I did not agree with from the outset. Four eyed monsters (monster couples) are a creation of the protagonist, and in my view, merely an outlet for frustrations of an unbalanced life. Unfortunately I did not sympathize or empathize with Arin’s view of the world around him. He possessed a lot of angst with couples, and the manufactured coupledom of our society. I simply regarded this as him setting his own trap and being snared by it.

The redeeming feature of the film was that it tried to explore how we access new relationships in our e-this, and iThat world. The film points to the elephant in the room: that all the exciting new modes of communication we have at our disposal might actually be hampering meaningful and progressive communication between two people trying to build a sustainable human relationship. However, instead of actually tackling the issue and exposing more of the issue’s dimensions, the film seems to suddenly realize that over an hour has passed and maybe things should wrap up in a whirlwind and leave the verdict about what to do with the elephant and the predicament up to the viewer. While, it is a clever and intelligent move to leave decisions up to the audience, a film shouldn’t waste 60 minutes on presenting a conundrum with details and possibilities that could have been presented in five minutes.

I was intrigued to see what these young film-makers would do in terms of editing and style. It is interesting to see glimpses of well constructed film and envision the possibilities of future films that these two could put together. I hope they put another project together, because there is a lot of potential, and it will be good to compare where they go next to this creation. If nothing else this film will give you something to talk about, and maybe that’s the sign of a good film. It’s better that film-makers actually try to engage you in something and not quite succeed than just plug in a formula and steal your brain cells. Four Eyed Monsters at least tries, and there are actually things that can be critiqued – and hey, it’s an entire film on YouTube, that’s pretty cool.

Documentary Quest

For some unknown reason I have carved out a little quest for myself: to watch each Academy Award winning Documentary Feature. This task may prove to be impossible as the award dates back to the 1940’s, but I feel like giving it a try. This is certainly not to suggest that I view the Academy Awards to be the premier rank of films. Instead, I am using the list of winners as a non-exclusive catalogue to search out what should hopefully be good documentary films. I have been interested in documentary films for sometime, but my recent apathy towards most North American fiction films has ignited a passion for well produced non-fiction films. A renewed interest in PBS’s Frontline and CBC’s The Passionate Eye have also pulled me into more doc’s. These programs have also reassured me that 97.9% of television serves as the most mis-used medium of our time. The documentary is an art form that is varied, while being both complex and simple. It exposes lives, problems, conflicts, dreams and allows a film maker to package these expositions as art, journalism, film, drama, and life all at the same time. In some cases the subtlety is what excels, in others the obvious. I enjoy not only comparing subjects, but also production styles, ways of portrayal, cinematography, and investigation techniques.

I have started a new page on the blog here, listing the documentaries watched as a part of this quest. Of course I will watch other doc’s, not just those to have won the Academy Award. However, for interests sake I’ll just be listing the Oscar winners (I do have other things to do besides keeping track of everything I see on a blog), and perhaps a few other notables. There is no time line for this quest, and no guarantee it will be seen through to the finish. More importantly, and in keeping with the direction of this blog, it is a means – as most things in life are generally means to something – to further conversation. So, I encourage you to check out the list, let me know which ones you would recommend, recommend others, ask for recommendations on those I’ve seen, and let your own thoughts and questions be known.