Netflix and Beyond

Oftentimes I have been asked for suggestions as to which movie should  “star” in film discussion soirees ; usually I equivocate or give a plethora of suggestions depending on the demographics of the group. “Certified Copy” will keep the participants in frenetic, pulsating, nonstop- interruption, interpretation mode. “Certified Copy” is one of the most interesting, entertaining, intellectually -inspiring  films of ... Read More »

Recently relishing Stacy Schiff’s Pulitzer Prize winning “Cleopatra” realizing that although attractive, Cleopatra’s compelling magnetism, allure rose from the radiance, brilliance of her mind, not the perfection of her countenance; the greatest men of her time could not rid themselves of her ebullient wit, comprehensive knowledge, sagacity, linguistic skills; she was a woman who knew that long after man’s incapacity ... Read More »

Is based on a true story revolving around dedicated French Monks living in a remote village in Algeria’s Atlas Mountains; the monastery, a medical oasis for the poor Muslim population. It is the mid- 1990s and the esoteric, simple and pure existence led by the monks is poignantly portrayed by actors of immense depth; they imbue their characters with an ... Read More »

William Shakespeare, a bard for all millenniums , wrote in “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” that “the course of true love, never did run smooth”. In “The Adjustment Bureau” Matt Damon as “David Norris” and Emily Blount as “Elise Sellas” prove worth the ripples or emotional rapids. It is a perfect pairing and a surprisingly entertaining film, especially for those capable ... Read More »

South Korea has inundated the Western film market with a blitzkrieg of effulgent flicks: “The Housemaid”, “Breath” and now “Poetry” all comprehensively stunning, thought- provoking and captivating to behold. Yun Jung-hee stars in “Poetry” a film by Lee Chang-dong. She is Mija, a beauty at 66, effervescent, joyous struggling with a surly, indolent, obstreperous grandson, Wook, (played sourly, glumly by ... Read More »

Watching the 83rd Academy Awards, pageantry at its pinnacle, Mark Antony’s diatribe in William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” marched through my mind: Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. I pledged not to bury, bash or verbally malign the production, hence brevity prevails: a respite from repetitious fashion gravitas, sedative- inducing  acceptances; ... Read More »

There is nothing more gratifying and satiatingly satisfying than witnessing an original and brilliantly executed film. On every level Iciar Bollain’s “Even the Rain” is saturated with ingenuity, creativity, historical and religious accuracies and ambiguities . It is inventive, titillating, stimulating; the bombardment of complexities,  witnessing the “filming” of a film, every thought kidnapped and held breathlessly and explosively captive, ... Read More »

It is mystifying when checking out the film section and major headlines scream: “the perfect film to ignite 2011”, “the best action thriller in years”, ‘a mesmerizing mind-bender”. I am a glutton for action and mind-benders but exiting these two films, shaking my head in bewilderment at the lack of veracity in these advertisements, I questioned my own judgment, but ... Read More »

Vic Muniz, the Brazilian artist and director Lucy Walker have produced an inspiring documentary pivotally engulfing the leitmotif, “to whom much is given, much is expected”. Mr. Muniz, a photographer, born into a financially depressed family in Brazil has experienced a meteoric rise in the contemporary art scene; he relishes his fame while totally embracing his heritage, his levity and ... Read More »

As I sat watching “The Eagle”, questioning the scarcity of my sanity, rationing of my reason, recognizing that once again my love of the spectacle, untreatable addiction to any historical or fictional references whether biblical: “The Ten Commandments”, “The Robe”,”Quo Vadis”, “The Last Temptation of Christ”, gladiatorial: “Ben Hur”, “The Gladiator” , “Spartacus”, roundtable: “Camelot”, “Excalibur”, “Knights of the Round ... Read More »