Short Film Sunday at Tribeca Film Fest
Sunday in New York, the Tribeca Film Festival comes to a close with a day of short films. Eight programs featuring more than 60 shorts are showing back to back in two theaters. The rare opportunity to see shorts on the big screen in this format is one of the major benefits of local film festivals, as you not only get the chance to see shorts on the big screen and show encouragement to the filmmakers, but experience a carefully curated program which provides an emotional experience for the audience. As Short Programmer Ben Thompson said in...
read moreDennis Hopper Steals the Show: Scenes From His Great Career
Dennis Hopper was a madman, a genius, an actor, a photographer, a director. He was an artist. He was cool. When he passed away in 2010, the world lost one it’s great souls. He may have had his demons in life, but he rose above them and put forth amazing, prolific work throughout his career. He made every role his own no matter the project, Dennis Hopper was someone to be admired. Below are some of his most memorable roles and scenes in film. . . . Apocalypse Now (1979) Hopper only shows in the last part of the film, but he...
read moreTen Narrative Films to Look for From TriBeCa
The infamous TriBeCa film festival is underway already but there’s plenty more screenings to catch. If you’re in the New York area, and have some free time, here are our ten picks for narrative films to watch. Go to tribecafilm.com/festival for all screening times and dates. Big Bad Wolves (Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado) Despite the many movies offered as part of the Midnight program during Tribeca this year, the best thriller/horror film being shown at Tribeca this year might be the Israel film Big Bad Wolves....
read moreDavid Cross and The End of the World
Actor and comedian David Cross is especially well-known for his roles in smart, funny tv comedies like “Mr. Show”, “Arrested Development” and “The Increasing Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret”. He’s also appeared in dozens of movies, released three comedy albums and is also loved for his stand up. Recently David stopped by the SiriusXM studios to talk with Ron Bennington about his latest project, the film “It’s a Disaster.” Excerpts of the interviews appear below. * * * Ron...
read moreKubrick’s Shining: What Really Happened in Rm 237
Stanley Kubrick is one of the greatest film directors the world has ever known. Films like “Full Metal Jacket,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “A Clockwork Orange” and “Dr Strangelove” are not only in the top 10 lists of countless filmmakers, critics and fans, but they are studied in film schools worldwide. For decades now, Kubrick’s “The Shining,” has also been the subject of lengthy debate and analysis. The new documentary, “Room 237″ examines a series of theories...
read moreLock Yourself in Weekend: Sarah Polley
Sarah Polley is one of the most talented actresses of her generation; a smart, naturalistic actress who has been around for literally decades. A certain generation of kids know her for her Disney years in TV series like Ramona and Avonlea, and she long ago was declared a national treasure in Canada. But if you aren’t familiar with the actress, writer, director, or only know her for her foraye into mainstream horror or sci-fi (Dawn of the Dead, Splice), take a look at some of the best films from her 30 years in the business, before you...
read moreOut of the Box: Great First Films by Great Directors
In honor of the First Time Director Director Film Festival in New York this weekend , we are looking at some of the great films that were also the first films of some of our favorite directors. Directorial debuts are always interesting to look back on to see how much of the director’s style was evident in right out of the box. Some directors arrive fully formed but with others there is just a hint of the greatness that will come. * * * The Film: Blood Simple The Director: Joel and Ethan Coen This 1984 directorial debut of Joel...
read moreEnd Scene: Film’s Best Closing Credits Songs Vol 1
Great music matters in film, obviously. But having just the right music to end the film with, even music that just runs during the credits, can really punctuate the entire experience. The right closing credits song can leave you walking out of the theater with a rush of emotion, or thinking ‘what did I just see?’ And sometimes, you just don’t want to leave till that final song ends, even if you’re not a credit reader. Here are eleven songs that capped their films with the perfect song. Pulp Fiction: Surf...
read moreUn-Nominated Oscar Worthy Performances: Part Four
We love the Oscars, but they don’t really mean anything, do they? Last year we looked at When Oscar Blew It: Nine Times The Wrong Film Won Best Picture. This year we’re looking at Oscar worthy performances from actors who weren’t even nominated. From truly great comic performances to baddies who went too dark for the Academy, these performances hold up well past the year they were in contention. Today…part two of a four part series. Read part one, with one through 10, here, read part two with eleven through twenty here. * *...
read moreUn-Nominated Oscar Worthy Performances: Part Three
We love the Oscars, but they don’t really mean anything, do they? Last year we looked at When Oscar Blew It: Nine Times The Wrong Film Won Best Picture. This year we’re looking at Oscar worthy performances from actors who weren’t even nominated. From truly great comic performances to baddies who went too dark for the Academy, these performances hold up well past the year they were in contention. Today…part two of a four part series. Read part one, with one through 10, here, read part two with eleven through twenty here. * * * (click...
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