Tag: cinema

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Cinema Feature

Star Wars on the Rocks!

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away. Those words, etched in my memory from the first time I saw Star Wars A New Hope. Certain films mark my childhood. Luke, Leia, and Han have been a part of my life since 1977. The world Lucas created of simple good against evil is loosing its appeal. Relying more on brand worship than wondrous story telling. 

Why is Disney destroying the franchise? With every recent Star Wars media franchise launched in cinema or on television, the lack of creativity pulse is painfully noticeable. Assembly line production has taken its toll. As if the creators have been digging through Lucasfilm trash bins searching for ideas. “The Last Jedi”, story plots, characters felt all piled in blender then poured on the screen. Skywalker as a crazed lone Jedi did not click. Even the most ardent fans struggled defending Rian Johnson’s eight franchise entry-  A letter of apology would have been nice.

A SOLO Waste 

Not sure who to blame for the $300 million “Solo”. Ron Howard deserves credit for taking over a troubled production after the firing of duo directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. However, the standard plot line lacked originality, a passable first draft.  A buddy crime capper film in space lacked emotion. Alden Ehrenreich’s “lost in the headlight” performance never captured the cocky bravado of Harrison Ford’s 70’s style. It was the first Star Wars film to lose money at the box office.

The Resistance Bore

The latest Star Wars animation entry “Resistance” is annoying on all levels. The animation style is unnerving. The mixture of shadows and hues is as appealing as a used car lot. The coming of age stock characters, after watching three episodes, come across as lethargic. I hoped for their capture. Juvenile rebel pilot Kazuda Xiono leads a band of resistance against the First Order. Right! Lazy, lacking thrills, falling flat is my best review. 

In essence, Disney is expecting Star Wars fans to shell out billions of dollars to justify their $4 billion acquisition. The company seems to be taking a lot for granted. Goodwill eventually ends.

This writer is a massive Star Wars Fan.

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Cinema Feature

Berlinale Saved Me

Chat Cinema
theater or cinema auditorium screen with red curtains and seats

Rejection is a form of Protection 

“It is not enough for a film festival to be righteous. The films shown should be engaging.” I did not attend the Berlinale this year “because of the limited space”.  The likely reason, the Chat Cinema podcast I produced criticising the festival.  Someone took offence. 

Chat Cinema
Chat Cinema Podcast 

Reading over the reviews of the 69thannual event, “the press offices rejection is a cinema lovers protection.” It feels like I did not miss much. More like, saved. I support filmmaking. But when a film festival states “your attendence is not wanted”.  I can take a clue. Although, I wanted to see Monos and What She Said. 

If a person is going to spend time in a dark cinema, the very least to expect is engagement on a some level, not a sermon with a heavy dose of pretensions. This has been lost on the Berlinale team. 

Congratulations to Me

While there were many tributes to Kosslick for helming the festival since 2001, this years Berlinale lacked a well received Competition entry. I spoke to a writer colleague who described a film as “Just Boring!” Why the lack of high powered wattage for the creative heads final walk on the red carpet? But with celebration of Dieter continuing, why notice the many mediocre to average films? Instead, focus on the face saving self-congratulatory events took precedent.  The Guardian’s festival review of “hapless” seemed fitting.

https://twitter.com/BlackandPaper1/status/1095932043555426304

I believe women should have more opportunities to direct. Sadly, the film business has not felt this way. But I say, a female helmer can make a Heaven’s Gate like her male counterpart. Being on the political left side of social movements, the Berlinale showcased many women directors. Too bad their films were not up to par. 

I asked about fest opener, screened out of Competition,  The Kindness of Strangers from Danish director Lone Scherfig.  The words used, “Repetitive” and “too long”. The 34 metascore out of 100 says it all. Gender does not make anyone a good filmmaker.  Holland’s Mr. Jones, screened in Competition, nodded audience to sleep with its 141 minutes weightiness. 

Enjoy

Regardless if the Berlinale denies Chat Cinema/Black and Paper accreditation for 2020. Allow as many Instagram Influencers on the red carpet as possible.  This is a festival in a transitional crisis having lost its artistic and commercial way. 

Will Carlo Chatrian change course? One can hope, taking pleasure from attending the Berlinale should not be a mortal sin.

Perhaps I will attend the the 70th edition of the Berlinale. If I am not on the blacklist for honesty. 

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Cinema Feature

Did I Say Something Wrong?

A Trapped Artist Inside   

Dealing with bureaucrats with artistic pretensions is a balancing act. On the one hand they crave the hell with life mentality of Fassbinder, the go your own path of a Bowie, the respectability of Nolan mingled with the steady monthly salary of a state tax officer. Nowhere do I see this more than at the Berlinale Film Festival.

After the release of the 2017 petition calling for an overhaul of the film festival I saw many of the artistic and bureaucratic emotions collide. Artist and bureaucrats have thin skin.  I experienced as well as witnessed the staffs defensive sensitive side during the press screenings, the shorten opening press conference, then at the festival. 

Having attended the festival for many years, I support the annual event and films. The Berlinale mixes mainstream cinema to the quirky to the “I Don’t Get it!” 

No need for an opinion if you are small

My criticism of the organization has not been any harder or meaner than the any other site or press outlet. As an attendee,  I stated the reality. Real change has to come on all levels if it is to stay relevant on the circuit. As the film world knows, the Berlinale has been beset by criticisms from all sides. Festival Head Kosslick resigns this year. After last year’s fest and more recently during a “Chat Cinema” podcast we restated our opinions. A complete redo needed if the Berlinale can gain footing on the level as Cannes, Venice, and Sundance festivals. 

I applied for festival access as press, no response. After a quick call, the reply on the other end,  “We will check on it.”  Then a declined notice via email. Never a problem in the past, all of a sudden a problem. Should I call a CSI team to solve the case? A small website critical of the fest, suddenly there is no space for attendance, press credentials denied for Black and Paper.  I was told the press team is being diligent this year. What was their working method in the past? 

After speaking to the press team concerning the declined noticed, they mentioned my YouTube features, it felt like they used it as a homework assignment. The numbers were low and the long videos. The reasoning made no sense: the number of seats limited. A drop in attendance the previous year meant there should be more places in 2019, simple math. 

Relevant 

I asked, if the staff is so Internet Savvy why did not they not see the 24 pictorial, written, and video features produced and published about the 2018 Berlinale festival posted on Black and Paper.com. Additionally, there could have been more features had we written about the films not liked. Instead I  decided to focus on the films liked.  

After sending 10 weblinks from the 2018 coverage, I called the press officer back asking if they wanted more proof.  I am so important the response was,” we are discussing it, it will take a few hours to discuss the application.”  To be the topic of discussion at a film festival by staff should inflate the ego. Instead it feels sad on this side of petty.  Did the Chat Cinema Podcast cause this relationship breakdown?  I was smugly told we did not have time to listen to the long cast.  I had time to endure screening 40 or so films at the film festival, only a few worth processing at a negative lab.

 Can you work for another magazine, was a question from the officer. I responded with a “NO!” This site has been ok for me.  I’m listed in the Berlinale data base, receiving emails from the festival. 

My advice, put together a good festival that engages, not sermonises. Or develop thick skin.

Crystal Ball 

Waiting a “few hours” from 1 pm until 7:48. I posted on Twitter a Chat Cinema tweet. Finally, 54 minutes later an email sent from the Berlinale press office stated my accreditation declined, again. REALLY! The press team spent 7 hours discussing Black and Paper, an honor in a way,  the center of attention of a festival with over 400 films, thousands of attendees and we were singled out. A rejection letter that took an afternoon to write.  There is an saying in the American South, “If people are talking about you, you must be relevant.” “But if they tell you not to come, you must be really relevant!”

Black and Paper will not attend the Berlinale 2019 because we stated our opinion. By and large not suffering from FOMO Syndrome. 


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Cinema

Chat Cinema talks Golden Globes and Awards

What did the Chat Cinema gang think about the Golden Globes?  Listen Down Below.


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Cinema

Chat Cinema Episode 2

Our Real Feelings on the Fest.

If you ask film critics a question you will get an response.  If you ask film critics for opinions, get the pen and paper ready for this Chat Cinema

We love the Berlinale but feel the time has come for major changes.

This is the space for hundreds of journalists, complete with 6 to 8 charging stations.

Press Area Hyatt 
Press Area Hyatt 

Chat Cinema is sponsored by Beyerdynamic.

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Cinema Feature

Berlinale 2019 Preview

Ghost Town Anthology

The 69thBerlinale is shaping up. French Academy Award winning actress Juliette Binoche heads the festival jury starting February 7th2019. 

Danish director Lone Scherfigs “The Kindness of Strangers” opens the winter cinema event. According to the press film’s release,  the ensemble work stars Zoe Kazan and Bill Nighy as a group living in New York. Lone, a Berlinale regular, is known for character driven films. “An Education”, with Carey Mulligan opened to positive reviews with award nominations. 

This is the swan song for Berlinale head Dieter Kosslick. After 18 years of greeting cinema goers on the red carpet, he is hanging up his hat. New head Carlo Chatrian takes over the creative reigns in 2020.

  • The Golden Glove
  • Ghost Town Anthology
  • By the Grace of God

Staying to it’s reputation, the Berlinale showcases independent films and filmmakers with outsider perspectives.

The Competition list of films announced:

The Ground Beneath My Feet by Marie Kreutzer

By The Grace of God byFrancis Ozon

I Was Home, But by Angela Schanelec

A Tale of Three Sisters by Ermin Alper 

Ghost Town Anthology by Denis Cote

The Golden Glove by Faith Atkin

Stay Tuned for our Chat Cinema Podcast on the 2019 Berlinale.

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Cinema Fashion Feature Travel

Coming Soon in 2019

The first part of 2019 is busy as busy can get for us.  There are so many events: First, Pitti Uomo in Florence, The great menswear show for mens style. Then, Milan Fashion Week Men, Paris Fashion Week Men in January are on the agenda. 

Hot Faces from Milan Fashion Week Men

February kicks off with show business glamour.  The 69th Berlinale starts the first week of the month. Ten days of cinema from the unusual to Hollywood fare screened until the 17th. 

  • George Clooney at the Berlinale 

Fashion starts up again in the middle of the month with women weeks from Milan and Paris, so many runways, so little time. 

Etihad Airline Crew  

Lastly, March is travel.  The world’s biggest travel event comes around, the ITB. All the global destinations spread over 27 halls.  A sandy beach to a high mountain top to a five star resort, we report on the latest trends. Stay Tuned.

Categories
Cinema Fashion Feature

Chat Cinema-Awards Season

Black and Paper presents Chat Cinema. A podcast involving everything cinema featuring diverse opinions on awards, stars, filmmakers, film history, festivals, and books.  

Sponsored by Beyerdynamic

The inspiration behind this project was the need to get more voices heard in regards to the cinema world. I know so many diverse cinephiles, I decided to tap into their skills, knowledge, and experiences to produce a show.  Also, whenever we get together the topic of conversation always leads to cinema, why not record it? 

Episode 1-Awards Season, contributors Sofia Stavrianidou and Steve Yates give their views on this years competition.  What are their predictions?  Who deserves to win? Does the Academy dislike a certain actress? Plus, a digression on a film master from the past. 

Sofia Stavriandou studied Classics, at the National Kapodistrian University in Athens, Greece and took classes on Film and Communication in Athens and Cologne, Germany, She’s been a film professional for 20 years, specializingin press, publicity and media. Her experience include: working as the Communications Manager at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival (Greece), additionally, as Press Office Manager at Odeon Film Distribution (the largest distribution company in the Balkans and Greece), as well as a Film Sales and Acquisitions Executive at M-Appeal World Sales (Berlin). Today, her main role is the Head of Communications at Hellas Filmbox Berlin, the Greek-German Film festival in Berlin. As well, she cooperates with re:publica as publicity manager. Sofia has been based in Berlin since 2012.

Steven Yates studied Film and English at Kent University before taking an M.A. at Westminster University in London. Working as a freelance film writer since 1998, he has been published in books for Wallflower Press and in magazines and websites including El Hype, Celluloid, afterimage, Film International and theartsdesk.com. Based in Berlin, Steve is a member of FIPRESCI (The International Federation of Film Critics) and has sat on their jury at numerous international film festivals since 2002. He is also one of the main English language supervisors for the FIPRESCI website (www.fipresci.org).

Stay tuned for more podcast on cinema topics. 

Categories
Cinema

Coming Soon: Visual Stunner

When I read “It” director Andy Muschietti was attached to direct a big screen version of Hajime Isayame’s “Attack on Titan”, I was curious. As a fan of anime. I knew about the Japanese comic but was not so familiar with background and story. I decided to watch a dubbed episode of the series that turned into a binge watching all 3 seasons. I watched the dubbed titled Japanese film, only once. I liked some of the visual effects.

As a movie film series I think Titan” could be the most visually striking work since “Lord of the Rings.” Bringing a media franchise like this to the screen with a big Hollywood budget could be groundbreaking. A story of mankind driven to the brink of extinction by giant malformed humanoids preying on human beings. The San Diego Comic-Con trailer session could have attendees swooning.

Eren, at times, a hyper active annoyance, is the main protagonist living in town of Shinganshina behind Wall Maria, one of three 50 meter protective barriers used for preventing titan attacks. After an attack on the wall by Armor Titan, the gate is breached, allowing entering titans to feed on the local population. Defense of the realm is entrusted to a squad of soldiers known as Survey Corps armed with swords and grappling equipment enabling them to move, almost fly, from trees, buildings, and engage titans.

If all this sounds insane, it is, the premise has a number of contemporary messages involving: environment, military, and social inequality. But like many anime, Attack on Titan suffers from the stock cut out characters which I hope the film version will avoid; The hysterical, over the top female who screeches, the know it all, but weaker sidekick, and the hyper active hero who charges into battle without thinking.

I am excited, but cautious. Americans making turning anime to the big screen does not have a great track record. “Akira” has been in development hell for decades. “Ghost in the Shell” was empty. “Speed Racer”,  anymore questions! I am in your corner Andy, waiting for the first of your two films.

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Cinema

The Up and Comers

The Shooting Stars is a European Project promoting up and coming talent in cinema. Each year 10 performers are chosen by film professionals for their work in media.

European Shooting Stars at the Berlin International Film Festival 2018.

Franz Rogowski from Germany

Irakli Kvirikadze from Georgia

Jonas Smulders from The Netherlands

Matteo Simoni from Belgium

Matilda De Angelis from Italy

Michaela Coel from United Kingdom

Alba Ausust from Sweden

Reka Tenki from Hungary

Luna Wedler from Switzerland

Eili Harboe from Norway

Black and Paper participated in round table interviews with the actresses this past February.It’s always interesting to see how young talent face the press corps in a manic setting of photogrpahers and television cameras.

Alba August 

Alba August is the daughter of esteemed Swedish Director Belle August. I was taken by her confidence. Her stories of visiting her father on film sets reveals in a way she is a veteran in the business.

Elie Harboe 

Norwagien Actress Elie Harboe did not travel the classic route of acting work with professional training at school.  Auditioning for film during an open casting call at age 7 she learned technics in small groups. She was using an Acne bag as an everyday accessory for carrying books. An avid reader with a Bachelor Degree in English Literature, her dream is to publish a book in the future.

Malinda De Angelis wearing Fendi 

Of course I expected style from Italian Actress Malida De Angelis. She was wearing Fendi. She was the only lady wearing high heels. “As an Italian we care about Fashion”. A self-decribed actress by chance, she trained as a muscian. “Music is fundamental in my life”, “when I prepare for a role, to get in the mood I listen to certain bands” says De Angelis.

Belgium Actor Matteo Simoni 
Got this image but no time for an interview. 

Stay tuned for Shooting Stars 2019 this Februrary from Berlinale.

#ThisBerlinale18 Coverage Sponsored by Canon Camera and Pringle of Scotland