Tag: film critics

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Cinema

Benetonville Fest Highlights

Film News

For its eighth annual edition, the Bentonville Film Festival once again purported to be all-inclusive. Its tagline reads: ‘Championing Women and Diverse Voices’. Academy Award winner Geena Davis chairs this festival in Arkansas State. Physical events took place from June 22nd-26th, with virtual events running to July 3rd.  

Unknown Country at Benttonville Film Festival

The Competition Narrative entry The Unknown Country was directed by Morrisa Maltz. This road movie’s documentary-style premise seamlessly morphs into its fictional narrative. A grieving young woman called Tana (Lily Gladstone) is invited to reconnect with her estranged family. Sparse dialogue and compelling atmosphere exemplify this surreal journey from the Midwest to the Texas-Mexico border. The radio sound collages in the car serve as alternative episodic sequences. The overall effect sums up the contemporary psychological state of America. 

Also in competition, Straighten Up and Fly Right directed by Kristen Abate and Steven Tanenbaum. The directors were also the co-writers, producers and lead characters. Kristen is a 20-something New Yorker suffering from a severe case of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).  This inflammatory disease of the spine causes Kristen chronic pain and reduced mobility. A very personal film, co-director Steven Tanenbaum also suffers from ankylosing spondylitis. Despite its bleak scenario, the film is courageous and avoids sentiment. 

Some well-chosen shorts entries featured in the Competition Documentary section. The Weight of It concerns Maria, a breast-cancer survivor. Readjusting to her new life after a mastectomy and breast implant, we witness her strength and resolve. The US entry Seasick is a coming-of-age LGBTQ story set on a ferry. Sadie is an adolescent who is not yet ready to come out. She also has a crush on her shift captain, Jess. Director Lindsey Ryan handles the sensitive subject matter with charm and humor. 

The Tale of 2 Music Cities
The Tale of 2 Music Cities

The Competition Episodic section blurs the lines between short documentary and essay film. Tiffani Alexander’s The Tale of 2 Music Cities shows us Nashville’s overlooked musical heritage. The Tennessee town is more famous for its Country and Western music scene. However, the roots of the city’s musical lineage underlines the contribution of Black music. Otherwise, Shadow Work is the film debut of Kary Collier Jr. An intense caustic analysis, it focuses on a PhD graduate who confronts his alter ego.

Two of the Animated Shorts were the work of Canadian production company ACE Film. Pivot analyses the rites of passage and identity through a mother and daughter relationship. The Butterfly Affect is social commentary, looking at the self-worth of a young cashier. 

At the awards, actor Fin Argus won Rising Star for the feature Every Day in Kaimuki. His producer Effie Brown took the Rising to the Challenge Award. Gretchen Stoeltje’s Shouting Down Midnight won the jury award for Best Documentary Feature. Georgia, by Jayil Pak, was selected for Best Short Film and Carlos Cardona’s Chiqui won for Best Episodic.

By Steven Yates

Check out the Chat Cinema Podcast for entertainment news.

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Cinema

Cinema Culture War, Again

20th Century Culture War 

My first job, working a multiplex movie theater with 8 cinemas. I got to see movies for free. Invite friends and have popcorn. The Culture Wars of the Reagan Years were happening. Of course it  reached my city and the theater I worked that summer.  Martin Scorsese made “The Last Temptation of Christ”. What a controversy!  “Hollywood, those “movie liberals” needed to get struck down by God” were comments.  Main Southern Newspapers called for boycotts of Universal Pictures and parent company MCA. 

Suddenly, the theater I worked in was under siege. Letters, petitions, came in the mail everyday. People even marched in building demanding to see the manager about the possibility of the feature running in the city. That “Blasphemous Movie” should not be shown here. Their morale outrage was clear, at times scary.

In spite of the fact the Italian Catholic Scorsese’s film had not been seen by film goers. Many had made up their minds before the first frame unspooled in a darken cinema. Thankfully, The national chain GCC cinemas decided not to book the film in its houses.

I travelled 3 hours away by car to Cineplex Odeon to watch the film. My reaction, DULL! All the drama over a movie that almost put me to sleep. I had more exciting Sunday School classes than sitting through Willem DaFore’s underwhelming take on the Savior.

21 Century Culture War

 A new century, people are have access to cinema at their fingertips. Click, on comes a selection of 10.000 movies. More exposure to cinema does not mean more understanding for different stories or views on the world. “Cuties” a film made by Senegalese-French filmmaker

Welcome to 2020, a tight election, a broken economy, and to top off, a raging pandemic.  Ted Cruz  stated his “disgust” for the work, but the Texas Senator had not viewed the film. Why a US conservative elected official is “concerned” about African immigrant children in a Poor Paris Suburb is beyond my reasoning, while, 25% of America’s children go hungry everyday. But, perhaps, “Cuties” offers a Moral Outrage to strike-up the voter base to get to the polls. 

The “Cancel Netflix” hashtag trended for three days. Reach a wide audience, corrupting children, HA! What is the demand for a French Language film in the United States? 

Social media was visceral to a movie few watched or tried to understand. After posting on two digital platforms about a podcast we produced on the film, we got called names and accused of encouraging child sexuality. Certainly many accusers were trolls, but some real. How do I discuss a film with person who refuses to see it?

Was part of backlash because this is a work by a dark skinned African woman? An easy target, prejudices go deep. Racial resentment is running high during these tense times.

Doucoure’s themes are about searching, belonging, children’s susceptibility to the media. She presents new perspective on feminism.

The 21stcentury feels a lot like the 20thcentury, in a bad way.  The Culture War never ended. 

Cuties is available on Netflix. 

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Cinema podcast

Why the Fuss?

Senegalese-French filmmaker Maimouna Doucoure unwittingly stepped in the middle of the American Culture Wars.  Her small film has gotten a lot of attention.  “Cuties” is the story of a girl from a poor Paris neighbourhood trying to find her way in life.  

Ignore the Outrage! 

According to some, it promotes Child Sexuality. On social media many  are calling for canceling Netflix.  The streaming giant acquired the production earlier this year.   Senator Ted Cruz wants the company investigated calling the film “disgusting”.  Why the Fuss? Has the film become the latest victim of  “Outrage”? 

I chatted with Chat Cinema Contributor Kristin about the controversy.  Kristin thinks people should see the film before condemning it.  “After the Berlinale screening we discussed “Cuties“, she says.  The overall opinions,  “We liked it”.  “Admittedly, it is not a great film, but enjoyable”. 


“Cuties” is available on Netflix. 

Kristinloves going to the movies.

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Cinema podcast

Chat Cinema Stay In

In these times when we are being asked to “Stay Inside” it is important to still have connect with colleagues.  The Chat Cinema gang got together over Skype to have a conversation about films. Our stay home recommendations to watch until the crisis is over.  Some surprises happened over the course of the 4 way digital meet up.      

Bonus films we recommend.

Kristin-Breakfast at Tiffanys

Sofia-Working Girl

Steve-Crimes and Misdemeanors 

Breck-Blazing Saddles 

Please Stay In during this Crisis.  The medical services have there hands full at this time.   We wish everyone to be safe.  

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Cinema podcast

Chat Cinema Podcast

The last Chat Cinema of the year. A bit of a conversation about the state of Cinema. Many auteurs are having a hard time adapting to the new trend of Hollywood.  Director Martin Scorsese comments raised many eyebrows.  

This inspiration for this podcast comes from a recent New York Times article. 


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Cinema

Man Made Accomplishment

Watching the documentary “Man Made” the other day made me think.   In the 21stcentury transgender people continue to have a precarious existence in our society. Violence, unemployment, rejection, and death always lie in wait. The average lifespan of a transgender person is 30, a frightening statistic.  Director T. Cooper’s focuses on 4 transgender men. Each with a goal of entering the Trans Fit Con Body Building competition in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Thankfully, Cooper handles the material in a presentational manner. It would have been easy  to deploy a heavy dose of drama to make the audience sympathetic to the cause. The director avoids the “society as a guilty oppressor”. The documentary keeps the emptional focus centered, showing the discipline involved preparing for a competitive sport.  Every body builder lives for the pose on stage. 

Not a tragedy, but a film about hope.  Each man overcomes the many obstacles staying on track in the face of personal adversity.  In the end, a sense of accomplishment is universal.  

From Journeyman Pictures, Man Made is available on Vimeo, Google Play, iTunes, and Amazon.


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Fashion

Chat Cinema talks #MeToo

This Chat Cinema Podcast came with a lot of thought. We debated on how to cover the topic. 

The #MeToo Movement has affected every part of the entertainment industry. In light of the revelations, Hollywood is going through a period self reflection.

I worked in the film business. The “casting couch” was very much a part of the process for women and men. The stories of “midnight meetings” were part of the landscape. The history of Hollywood: Studio moguls, executives, directors, and producers dangled parts for “favors”. Actress Heddy Lamar said, “the most famous women in the world were the biggest sluts”.

Steve, Sofia, and Breck discuss the topic that has up ended the industry. 

Use Your Head

Harrvey Weinstein never covered his trail. There was no need because he made money and won awards. Many willingly overlooked his behavior. Guardian Film Reporter Peter Bradshaw referred to him as the “Caligula of Cannes”.

The performers union SAG/AFTRA represents 160.000 performers. Many always looking for work or the big break.  When a once in a life time opportunity knocks on the door, many turn off the thinking button. A chance of a chance of landing a role in a film or televsion show.

Victim shaming is a term used in elite centers like Los Angeles and New York City.  All hotel rooms have one main piece of furniture, the bed. If a late night meeting takes place in a suite, perhaps questions should be asked.  The most obvious is, why this time? In urban culture this is described as a “Booty Call”.  

As a gay man who has been involved in a few late night rendezvous, a “meeting” at the Ritz after 9 pm usually does not involve detailed contract negotiations.  

Female Control 

Rewriting history for the sake of an argument clouds over past female achievements.  Women controlled their cinema destinies.  Mary Pickford co-founded United Artists studio with Chaplin, Douglas, and Griffith. Gloria Swanson briefly produced her own features after leaving Paramount. Claudette Colbert reached the top of the mountain becoming the highest paid performer in the business in 1938 and 1941 with complete control of script, director and leading man casting decisions. Colbert demanded certain close up camera angles from cinematographers. 

While the need for diverse voices is crucial. The heavy doses of sermonizing mixed with A-list  victimhood dilutes the message. Madonna going on television  complaining about career obstacles as a woman came across as humbled shopping spree at Nieman Marcus.  Protesting about fair treatment while walking the Red Carpet wearing $10.000 gowns had an air of day time soap opera self importance.   Am I the only person who missed the point?

Yes! The film community needs to do better. There is hope.  Less Victimology, more substance would be appreciated. 

The writer worked in Hollywood at the bottom of the ladder staring upward.

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Cinema

The Netflix Effect

The Netflix effect is real. The streaming has effected the cinema world like no other technology.   The Chat Cinema Team, Steve, Kristin, and Breck discuss the shockwaves.

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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 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.