Tag: Documentary

NOTHING COMPARES (2022)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Kathryn Ferguson 
Written By: Kathryn Ferguson, Eleanor Emptage and Michael Mallie 
Cinematography: Luke Jacobs 
Editor: Mick Mahon 

The story of Sinéad O’Connor’s rise to worldwide fame, and how her iconoclastic personality resulted in her exile from the pop mainstream. Focusing on prophetic words and deeds across a six-year period (1987-1993), the film reflects on the legacy of this fearless trailblazer, through a contemporary feminist lens.

This documentary offers a deeper look at Sinead O’Connor, especially if like me you only know her from her hit single NOTHING COMPARES 2 U (written by Prince. Whose estate refused to let it be used in this film) and tearing up a picture of the pope, live on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.

The film offers a biography of sorts that chronicles her life and career pretty much up to the point of the infamous incident. It shows her during the backlash and a little after. Where we are told she survived but never quite goes as in-depth as it does with her earlier life.

The documentary does not feature talking heads interviews. It’s more narration by various friends, family, associates, and herself. As well as old interview snippets and performances. It definitely helped me to discover more about her. As well as illuminate her beliefs and music.

She deserves more respect. What she did then might be shocking but not as controversial today. As she was truly trying to open the audience’s eyes to the abuses of the Catholic Church. Especially when it came to priests who were accused of sexually abusing children and just got reassigned. There were other issues, but at least the documentary tries to vindicate her or pays attention to her side.

The most dramatic moment is her getting booed at the Bob Dylan memorial concert. As she faces the crowd acknowledges them and performs sting and defiantly. Which she has always been even when it came to her getting a contract and the release of her first record 

The documentary not only opens your eyes but adds a new respect for her. Immediately afterward you want to check out her music. As you hear so many songs that you never realized 

She had or was so good. As she always seems to be a person who sings with passion and feeling. No songs are filler or throwaways. 

This documentary is done so well and so intimately. Whoever watches it will be enthralled and sympathetic. 

Grade: A

WOLFMAN’S GOT NARDS (2020)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Andre Gower 
Written By: Andre Gower & Henry Derron McComas 
Cinematography & Editor: Henry Derron McComas 

Featuring: Shane Black, Fred Dekker, Andre Gower, Ryan Lambert, Adam Green, Adam F. Goldberg, Seth Green, Chuck Russell, Joe Lynch, Diva Zappa. Zach Galligan, Kristina Klebe, Rebekah McKendry 

This documentary explores the power of cult film told through the lens of The Monster Squad (1987) and the impact it has on fans, cast and crew, and the industry.

This is a documentary about the film THE MONSTER SQUAD. The title comes from one of the more memorable lines of the movie. 

Though this documentary is about a little more than just that. It is about the film community in its own way. How a simple little film that actually bombed in theaters. Not only how to become a cult classic but how it affected the audience who discovered it. Whether when it was first released or later on cable, home video, DVD, or even just recently.

How a film can mean so much and hold so many memories that it becomes personal. Almost part of your DNA even though you weren’t involved. It feels distinct like it was part of your own childhood.

It not only follows the cast of the film. Finding out all the behind-the-scenes stories on the making of the film, but how it affected their careers and how the audience made the film not necessarily just be some job, but actually make it that much more special.

We catch up with the filmmakers and cast. The director of the documentary is also the star of THE MONSTER SQUAD. Andre Gower

We see and meet the fans of the film, go to the screenings, and get to know the audience. How they discovered the movie.

As THE MONSTER SQUAD is one of those movies that each generation seems to discover and pass it down to the next. It might be that the film’s audience is obviously kids and teenagers and it doesn’t talk down to them and for the most part, they are the protagonists. It’s a smart movie that wasn’t there to appeal to all or sell toys and products. It was an adventure with horror though still a rollicking fun movie. That unfortunately is rarely made these days. 

This is also a film that seems to not be talked about except by more film nerds. Even though it could easily be just as talked about as THE GOONIES. Though this film is treated like their dark weird cousin.

This is a movie I once loved as a kid. I even saw it twice in theaters. Though watching it now I can see its appeal and fun ideas. This is why I once loved it and still respect it to a degree, but it doesn’t pack as much of a punch for me. As it once did. As it’s not as magical to me these days but still enjoyable.

This is a documentary that is best to go into knowing or at least having seen the film it’s based on. You won’t get lost if you haven’t but it won’t be as strong and might miss a lot of what is being talked about. Though it is worth a watch to see how a film can bring people together and mean so much to them. While just trying to be entertaining.

Luckily this is not the typical behind-the-scenes documentary just for the fans, but really a love letter and document to the film and its everlasting impact. 

Grade: B-

LOVE, GILDA (2018)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Lisa D’Apolito  


With: Gilda Radner, Martin Short, Laraine Newman, Paul Shaffer, Bill Hader, Chevy Chase, Melissa McCarthy, Amy Poehler, Lorne Michaels, Maya Rudolph 

In her own words, comedienne Gilda Radner looks back and reflects on her life and career. Weaving together recently discovered audiotapes, interviews with her friends, rare home movies and diaries read by modern day comediennes, LOVE Gilda offers a unique window into the honest and whimsical world of a beloved performer whose greatest role was sharing her story. 

There is nothing wrong with the film as it gives a pretty full portrait of actress/comedienne Gilda Radner’s slice and careers us by excerpts from her journals and other personal writings and a bunch of colleagues and family are interviewed as well as footage from her performances and personal home movies.

There is no sadness except when You know the end is coming and the documentary more shows highlights from her life and the sadder stuff while mentioned is given short shrift.

Though rather than have that be a mark against it. Sometimes it seems if a documentary is more of a happy affair it is though more real Or white-washed when it might be that while we all have troubles and problems in life they don’t have to be marketed or shown to be more real. Just as in Life some people’s lives are more focused on the positive while acknowledging the tougher aspects. It doesn’t need to necessarily focus on it. Unless it is information that has to be mentioned to get a fuller picture.

As it seems in Gilda’s life her happiness cake from entertaining others around her and Her audiences. The film seems to try to showcase and celebrate that aspect of her and focus on that.

The documentary uncovers a few things, Some might not have known as well as giving important collaborators of her life like writer Alan swivel a chance to reminisce and for one me Who is a fan of his a chance to finally see him in the flesh so to speak on the screen

If you are a fan the film doesn’t reveal anything you might not already know but allows for more personal insight from her.

By the end, you wish the film felt more full, but then you realize how little time we had with Gilda before she was gone. She had a lasting career but it was brief and has a spectacular beginning that defined her but never got a chance to get beyond that to a greater work. Considering how many she inspired and entertained we realize just like her family and friends she and we were robbed of her presence way too soon and it leaves a lasting impression but also leaves a hole of sorts. She never got to get the recognition not the best of her never really got a chance to come through.

Though what she left behind was wonderful

Grade: B

DE PALMA (2016)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Noah Baumbach & Jake Paltrow
Cinematography By: Jake Paltrow
Edited By: Matt Mayer & Lauren Minnerath

 A documentary About Writer/Director Brian De Palma 

One of the exciting things of watching this film is knowing how reclusive director Brian De Palma usually is. It’s amazing to hear him speak about his craft and life as well as behind the scenes stories of his career.

He is also speaking and telling his stories, while looking right at you. So it’s not the usual talking heads type documentary. So while you watch it, it feels like he is speaking directly to you.

The film offers a masterclass in filmmaking and also let’s him speak for himself for once. Rather than seeing or reason an evaluation of his films. Here he will admit his mistakes, but also make us re-evaluate some of his work which has been accused of being more controversial or just bad filmmaking.

As the film gets to the end it does wind down as his later career films seem to be the most disappointing for audiences, critics and fans. So that some won’t care as much to here which is why they are more brief when it comes to those films. As throughout the film he addresses each film on his resume as well as we get to see scripts from each of these films.

This is one of those films you hope they have a longer director’s cut as it could go on longer and you would still be entertained. He is direct and methodical but allows for a sense of humor also. So the documentary doesn’t feel didactic.

He does address the critics and themes of his work. The accusations of his film promoting violence against women or being misogynistic. While his film more or less seems to worship women and let them appear all the more human. while also worshiping the beauty of them not only physically but emotionally. As in most of his film they seem to inspire the protagonist and lead them to his doom or help to bring the best out of him. Usually helping to define the protagonist. When the female character is not the protagonist herself.

He also briefly talks about the influence of Alfred Hitchcock as obviously he has a similar filmmaking style and he even argues as filmmakers always tend to either copy or borrow from their influences and favorite films. Why wouldn’t he use the style of one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. As even i will admit that through watching Brian De Palma films. I got turned on to as well as awakened to the cinema of Alfred Hitchcock. now while I can see the similarities. He uses that same technical style and inventiveness to tell the stories he brings his vision to. He is more interested in the technical and visual aspects first and foremost and seems to build the plot and characters around that aspect. Luckily he has skill and talent around him that makes his films enriching even past the technical.

I might be partial to his cinema as they are more voyeurs films and also the fact that they are more modern and closer to age. When i was watching the cinema. Whereas Hitchcock will always be a master but the time period that separates us. makes it that I will always look at all of his work as classics due to style and age. So they are more like historic documents that are hard to argue about or criticize. Whereas with De Palma it feels more contemporary and can debate about his films easily.

Paltrow and Baumbach filmed Brian De Palma for one week in 2010, collecting about 30 hours worth of interview footage. De Palma, sitting in Paltrow’s living room and talking about his career, wore the same shirt every day for continuity’s sake.

Brian De Palma said, that initially there was no plan for a documentary feature, only an interview: “Noah and Jake were interested in this new digital camera, so Jake bought one. They wanted to make a record of all these stories that I’d told them over the years when we’d had dinner together, so they sat me down in Jake’s living room. Jake operated the camera, Noah did the sound, and they would just ask me questions.”

Do yourself a favor if a fan of his or movies in general. Seek out this film as it is quite a treat.

Grade: A- 

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY (2020)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed by: Kimo Eastwood & Ron Cicero Cinematography: Kimo Eastwood

Editor: Ron Cicero, Kimo Eastwood, Sean Jarrett, Kevin Klquber & Christina Burchard

Appearances by: John Kricfalusi, Jack Black, Billy West, Billy Gibbons, Jim Ballantine, David Silverman, Robyn Byrd, Bobby Lee, Ed Ball, Bob Camp 

A documentary that explores the rise and fall of The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991) and its controversial creator, John Kricfalusi.

This film is a discovery. As going into it didn’t really know all the behind the scenes drama until mroe recently and shined a light on what really happened between Nickelodeon and REN & STIMPY show. A show I remember watching early in my teens and loving it for being Different and twisted.

Then when I found out it was created by the man behind THE NEW ADVENTURES OF MIGHTY MOUSE. An equally inappropriate animated show but not as bad. Though for a Saturday morning cartoon on a major network it was shocking. It was canceled quickly after an episode seems to imply that a character snorted cocaine.

There is good and bad in all of us, sometimes it tips to one side more than the other. This is A rise and fall story that seems to happen so fast after the initial success that the monster of ego grows so fast you can barely notice. Once you do It’s too late might be indebted and then all the other horrors of their personality come out.

This is a tale of a self destructive artist in the middle. Where for the viewer it seems to be another childhood nostalgic love tainted by controversy over who is behind it and his personal problems and bad behavior.

Though as the cartoon of REN & STIMPY was a little off and kind of naughty especially for the audience it was aimed at. We might think it was rebellious and getting away with stuff that we didn’t understand but knew was wrong or too grown up for us to understand. We look at it as something fans took to heart and a kind of avant garde and there is no denying the talent behind it, but again it becomes a tale of trying to separate the art from the artist though knowing that art couldn’t have been created by anyone else. Even though after time other stepped into help create it and keep that spirit alive.

The artist behind it all doesn’t offer as many excuses as he does in the article that comes to light later and highlighted in the film. That includes interviews from those who know him and even his victims. 

His behavior that is tied into his art seems to do be part of his personality or a disorder that allowed because of a narcissistic personality and plenty of enablers that came along with his success. Even as it hints that he had a rough upbringing that has shaped him and his personality.

Happy this documentary talks about the accusations that go along with his other problems. As an audience should rather find out and know this rather then keep praising blindly. Where eventually you can’t separate your fandom. As you have been indoctrinated and It’s too late as you until then you have been loyal, nostalgic and too content to part with it and separate yourself. Where you try to rationalize and separate the art from the artist. Something similar for some with directors like Roman Polanski or Woody Allen. 

Wish the documentary has gone into his tiger projects but would have gone against the nature of the subject this documentary raises and given him too much screen time making the film all about him and his portfolio and not the actual project that has given him the biggest platform.

The film tries to show the other artists, talents and executives on production teams creativity. As well as what they brought in on the show. Sure he was the creator and head artist/writer but they gave the show and characters soul, depth and humanity. As well as them all admitting he drove them to work harder and be better to make the best show they could.

We hear from his collaborators and other artists who were either fans, victims or witnesses and suspected things that might have happened or noticed inappropriate behavior or nature but were too scared to say anything. As they were all rebellious and misfit outsider going against true norm of the system. Only they didn’t go as far as him. 

So in the end the documentary shows both sides to him. The successful side that gained him fans, attention as well as notoriety. As well as the infamous dastardly bastard side where he used his success and fame to bully and fuel his Inappropriate fetishes with young women. Allowing him to be a sexual predator. We also get to see which side won out.This Documentary will rock your world if you like me weren’t exactly in the know about all the behind the scenes drama and revelations over the years.

Grade: B

LA ORIGINALS (2020)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed by: Estevan Oriol
Written by: Brian Maya & Omar Quiroja
Cinematography: Francisco Pugliese
Editor: Sofia Belgeri, Guille Gatti & Jonathan Smeke

Featuring: Mister Cartoon, Estevan Oriol, Brian Grazer, Cypress Hill, Eminem, Scott Caan, Snoop Dogg, Michelle Rodriguez, Travis Barker, Clifton Collins Jr, Theo Rossi, Terry Crews, Wilmer Valderama, George Lopez, Danny Trejo, Paul Rodriguez, Kobe Bryant, Ryan Philippe, Eva Longoria, Shepherd Fairey, Paul Rosenberg, Mark Hoppus

Photographer Estevan Oriol and artist Mister Cartoon turned their Chicano roots into gritty art, impacting street culture, hip hop and beyond.

Seeing the culture grown around the two subjects and being part of it. Allows you to constantly feel like an insider throughout this documentary.

As we watch and get to know them as they earn an education. Traveling and getting to see the world. While being backstage with rising hip hop artists. Where we are not supposed to have access to. So this is a rare glimpse. 

Luckily they seem to have taken plenty of pictures and videos to archive it all and through this and their talent that became an art they were able to find fortune and fame. Through their raw natural Talents. As well as become style Gurus and artists themselves. Even bigger than some of the ones they worked for. 

They never had to sell out. They might have had to travel outside of their comfort zones, but they built a business while there and bring others from there to their own comfort zone and made then travel and pay to be there. If not part of it shone somewhat on them to be part of the culture. As they make Keep making money off of the beauty and art of their own culture around them. 

Giving back somewhat, but finding Their way in the world through what they enjoy doing.

Traveling outside of their comfort zone seeing the world. They end up helping each other out from being trapped mindset. Letting them then see beyond their environments as they come up.

Even if they found more access exposing their surroundings and showcasing beauty in the every day and gritty. That there is an amazing art in places some choose not to look.

Mister Cartoon helped tattooing from being a niche into a true art form and given a sense of pride. Helping it more become part of the mainstream. 

He finds fame because of his art and access to rappers who show off his handiwork as he provides original pieces on Their skin. Which ends up becoming his canvases and starts a fad and provides a need. So that it is a rag to riches story. Directed by one of the subjects.

So some subjects are glossed over like Estevan’s drug addiction. Which is more mentioned then delved into. As this is more a congratulatory glossy documentary. The success we see we their loved ones but again never get too deep into those relationships.

There are plenty of celebrities throughout. Some are surprising like producer Brian Grazer who we never know why or what his connection with them or any of the story.

Feels like you are enjoying their company. Though they are tight-lipped you more see and hear about their actions. 

Luckily Estevan seems to have had the Vision to film everything early. This is what helps put them on the map and luckily for us get to see this archival footage from backstage and onstage as we know can’t be there but can witness as he seems to get the best shot each time. We wonder how. 

It’s dramatic and meaningful how many you have to go through to get that perfect one. That you won’t find out there Perfectly addressing the handling, maintenance, and control of their business 

It also shows that they might have helped start gentrification of their neighborhoods by setting up shop there and giving access to more and more young hip crowds of people who decided to start buying up cheaper properties around them. As they helped build up the neighborhood. 

It also shows How they try to give back and help less fortunate around them.

Grade: B 

THE WOLFPACK (2015)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

wolfpack

Directed By: Crystal Moselle
Edited By: Enat Sidi

Locked away from society in an apartment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Angulo brothers learn about the outside world through the films that they watch. Nicknamed, ‘The Wolfpack,’ the brothers spend their childhood reenacting their favorite films using elaborate homemade props and costumes. Their world is shaken up when one of the brothers escapes and everything changes.

The film works as a glossy documentary. Giving a look at a interesting family and their particulars.

Though the way the film is handled it seems more like if people magazine did an In depth article on the story rather than a skilled journalist who would go in depth and get answers that the filmmakers choose to avoid or never venture to ask. As that would mess up the feel good story, That this film aspires to be

Just as the film is supposed to be about this family that rarely or never leaves the house at least the kids never do. Yet the director was drawn to make this documentary after seeing them strangely dressed walking through the park? Which I only know from researching the film. It is never brought up int he film, nor does it explore how she got permission to film the family.

It also never explains thoroughly why child services were never called in. Especially based on how many agencies they seem dependent on.

Just as the film, Never explains why the father. Who was so opposed to the outside world and it’s demeaning morals and violence. Why then does he let his kids watch films that are so violent.

For all the fascination and answers the film offers. There seems to be more times that the film avoids details and seems to not be asking certain questions that would open the doc up. Letting a story go by without delving into it.

Though what is onscreen is nice and of interest and shows the power of cinema on individuals and offering a certain view of the world. Especially when it is you only real view of it.

It reminds me of how many certain movie fans choose to close themselves off to the world. Who wish to only have the kind of works exist as the real one seems to disappoint. Where as these kids seem to do it out of necessity. Yet still find the real world fascinating as they have relate it experienced it and how much it is not only new to them, but magical. They embrace all that they have been denied.

The home productions look like the type that were Sweded in the film BE, KIND REWIND and the stage productions from RUSHMORE.

The father’s actions are explained, but still make only sense to him and while he comes off ultimately as a villain. The film chooses to make him seem human rather than totally despicable. Which might be because he is still around in their lives.

For instance, informing us that he has hit his wife numerous times and has been abusive towards her. While being a fascist in general when it comes to his family and offering not real management or help. Yet delivers he harsh message. That life goes on and not full of happy endings though throughout the film it does have them.

The film let’s us get to know certain members of the family, but others are constantly seen, but never brought to the forefront or given a chance to get to know. I know there are a lot of them, but it would have been nice to get to know some of them somewhat.

While the film has a charm of being an underdog, By showing that these kids as victims found a good way to not only escape and express themselves. While also finding a way to cope with their situation. Even though it is all they know. It also is a feel good for the audience for them to learn to venture out and be free. As well as showing off their artistic skills. Only the film is afraid to venture back down to the details and facts that might actually bring the spirit of the doc down.

You can’t help but be charmed by the kids in the family and amazed at their skills and talent especially when it comes to art. Making props and scenery. Though the film tries to make them fascinating and winners ultimately. Watching the film at times, It’s hard to overcome the fact that ultimately for a long time in their fathers attempt to save them. He made them into victims.

Grade: C

UNITED SKATES (2019)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

united-skates-tribeca

 

Directed By: Tina Brown & Dyana Winkler
Written By: Dyana Winkler
Cinematography: Tina Brown, Dynana Winkler & Matthew Peterson
Editor: Katharine Paterson 

Featuring: Salt N Pepa, Coolio, Queen Latifah, Reggie Brown, Vin Rock, Alonzo Williams 


When America’s last standing roller rinks are threatened with closure, a community of thousands battle in a racially charged environment to save an underground subculture–one that has remained undiscovered by the mainstream for generations, yet has given rise to some of the world’s greatest musical talent.

Continue reading “UNITED SKATES (2019)” →

THE FABULOUS ALLAN CARR (2017)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

 

thefabulousallancarr_004_allan_in_sunglasses_credit_david_alexander

Directed By: Jeffrey Schwarz
Cinematography By: Jeff Byrd, Matt May & Keith Walker
Editor: Jeffrey Schwarz & Carl Pfirman 


Featuring: Steve Guttenberg, Lorna Luft, Maxwell Caulfield, Valerie Perrine, Marlo Thomas, Connie Stevens, Brett Ratner, Bruce Vilanch, Sherry Lansing 


Armed with a limitless Rolodex and a Benedict Canyon enclave with its own disco, Allan Carr threw the Hollywood parties that defined the 1970’s. A producer, manager and marketing genius, Carr built his bombastic reputation amid a series of successes including the mega hit musical film GREASE and the Broadway sensation LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, until it all came crashing down after he produced the notorious debacle of the 1989 Academy Awards.

Continue reading “THE FABULOUS ALLAN CARR (2017)” →