Category: Doc Talk
Hot Docs 2012: ‘China Heavyweight’ is an emotional contender
China Heavyweight Directed by Yung Chang Canada, 2012 In 1959, Chairman Mao banned Western-style boxing for being too American and too violent. Thirty years later, the ban was lifted. Although symptomatic of China’s ameliorating progress, Canadian director Yung Chang, in … [Read the Rest]
TJFF 2012: ‘The Flat’ is a convoluted family tree
The Flat Directed by Arnon Goldfinger Israel, 2011 Following the death of his grandmother, Arnon Goldfinger and his family take it upon themselves to clear out her now abandoned Tel-Aviv flat. Wanting to annex the place of dilapidated memories, Goldfinger … [Read the Rest]
‘Dérapages’ asks the tough questions about Québec’s youth behind the wheel
Dérapages Directed by Paul Arcand Written by Paul Arcand Canada, 2012 Automobile accidents make up the number 1 cause of death in the Canadian province of Québec on an annual basis. Youngsters, by which it is meant the group of … [Read the Rest]
Hot Docs 2012: ‘Beauty is Embarrassing’ is neither
Beauty is Embarrassing Directed by Neil Berkeley USA, 2012 Chances are, you haven’t heard of Wayne White. Quiet and unassuming, White could go for a walk in downtown Los Angeles and be completely inconspicuous to the artistic layman, but chances … [Read the Rest]
‘One Life’ excels in its storytelling through its truly inspired cinematography
One Life Directed by Michael Gunton and Martha Holmes UK, 2012 Remember the first 30 minutes of 2001: A Space Odyssey, when the primates encounter the black monolith and begin taking on human attributes and advanced levels of cognitive capability? … [Read the Rest]
Canadian Film Festival: ‘Material Success’ sells an experience that’s pure catharsis
Material Success Directed by Jesse Mann Canada, 2012 Greta Garbo and Monroe, Dietrich and DiMaggio. Marlon Brando, Jimmy Dean, on the cover of a magazine. Iconic, cherished, and often imitated, these figures serve as pedestals in the immovable institution that … [Read the Rest]
‘Bully’ is a critical wake up call for those who would rather turn a blind eye
Bully Directed by Lee Hirsch Written by Lee Hirsch and Cynthia Lowen U.S.A., 2011 *Preface: The following review does not partake in the debate surrounding the film’s controversial ‘R’ rating in the United States. The elementary and high school levels … [Read the Rest]
‘A Man’s Story’ is a shallow, unsatisfying portrait of designer Ozwald Boateng
A Man’s Story Directed by Vanon Bonicos UK, 2010 British fashion designer Ozwald Boateng’s career is chronicled in A Man’s Story, a documentary derived from director Varon Bonicos’ camera crew having spent twelve years tailing and accruing footage of the … [Read the Rest]
‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’ – effective, ultimately heartfelt, and handled deftly
Jiro Dreams of Sushi Directed by David Gelb Japan, 2011 Do not go to see Jiro Dreams of Sushi on an empty stomach. Guaranteed to make even the sea-squeamish turn mouthwateringly to eel, salmon roe, and tuna, the film will … [Read the Rest]
SXSW 2012: ‘The Source’ an admirably even-handed look at ’70s life on the fringes
The Source Directed by Jodi Wille and Maria Demopoulos USA, 2012 The Source family was a commune which developed out of a natural food restaurant off of the Sunset Strip in the 70s. Led by the enigmatic Father Yod, the … [Read the Rest]
SXSW 2012: ‘Jeff’ offers a unique perspective on the Dahmer horrors
Jeff Directed by Chris James Thompson Written by Chris James Thompson and Andrew Swant 2012, USA The opening frames of Jeff, which linger on fish swimming in an aquarium as Jeffrey Dahmer (Andrew Swant) admires them, suggest this film isn’t … [Read the Rest]
‘Undefeated’: Not whether you win or lose, but how well the film is made
Undefeated Directed by Daniel Lindsay and T.J. Martin Documentary, 2011, USA After the Academy Award nominations were announced, there was some grumbling from the political site Wonkette about “the Sarah Palin movie” being nominated for Best Documentary. That just goes … [Read the Rest]
Denis Côté’s ‘Bestiaire’ is a contemplative portrait of wildlife in captivity
Bestiaire Directed by Denis Côté’s Screenplay by Denis Côté’s 2012, Canada Denis Côté is Quebec cinema’s king of art-house filmmaking. Since his debut feature Les états Nordiques was released in 2005, Côté has, in a very short amount of time, … [Read the Rest]
Sundance 2012: ‘West of Memphis’ heartwrenching and triumphant, but no victory lap
West of Memphis Directed by Amy Berg 2012, USA You might think you know the story of the West Memphis Three as it was covered extensively by the press and the Paradise Lost documentary trilogy throughout the last 18 years. Then … [Read the Rest]
‘Urbanized’ a thought provoking documentary for an urban age
After bringing us illuminating takes on graphic design and industrial design wit Helvetica and Objectified, director Gary Hustwit turns his eye toward larger things with Urbanized. In a way, this is the first in the series to feel “important”. By looking … [Read the Rest]
