Category Archives: Documentary

2020, Documentary, Ethical struggles, Father-son relations, Gay theme, Government Prosecutions, Homophobia, Independent, Mother-son relations, Netflix Streaming, Nudity, Religious Theme

Circus of Books (2020)

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From IMDB:

In 1976, Karen and Barry Mason had fallen on hard times and were looking for a way to support their young family when they answered an ad in the Los Angeles Times. Larry Flynt was seeking distributors for Hustler Magazine. What was expected to be a brief sideline led to their becoming fully immersed in the LGBT community as they took over a local store, Circus of Books. A decade later, they had become the biggest distributors of gay porn in the US. The film focuses on the double life they led, trying to maintain the balance of being parents at a time when LGBT culture was not yet accepted. Their many challenges included facing jail time for a federal obscenity prosecution and enabling their store to be a place of refuge at the height of the AIDS crisis. Circus of Books offers a rare glimpse into an untold chapter of queer history, and it is told through the lense of the owners’ own daughter, Rachel Mason, an artist, filmmaker and musician.

From Netflix you can stream this 1 hour 26 minute complete documentary.

IMDB’s summary tells most of the story. However, one of the most important themes of the plot is that one of the Mason’s sons during his college years came out to his parents as gay.  Karen needed time to absorb and accept this fact after which she and Barry became ardent supporters of the organization of parents of gay children.

In parts of the film you will see covers of gay DVDs and magazines which are quite explicit.

Watching this documentary is like watching a “happening.”   Still I cannot get my head around the contradictions: Karen, a devout practicing Jew, ran a gay porn shop and was at first shocked and dismayed that a son of hers could possible be gay.

Really?

 

2013, Acceptable Science, Art History, Documentary, Photography, Small gem of a film, True Story, Unusual

Tim’s Vermeer (2013)

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From Netflix:

Teller, of Penn & Teller fame, directs this absorbing film about inventor Tim Jenison’s quest to solve one of art’s greatest mysteries: How did Dutch master Johannes Vermeer paint so photo-realistically 150 years before the invention of photography?

Recently I took a course in photography in which the teacher recommended this film, probably because it involves the use of lenses.

For one hour and twenty minutes you get to accompany Tim Jenison on his unusual and obsessive quest to exactly reproduce Vermeer’s famous painting “The Music Lesson”. Here is a man who never gives up, although at one point he admits that if he were not being filmed then he would probably have quit before he finished.

His thesis is that without some technical aid it would have been impossible for Vermeer to create this masterpiece. In other words, the painting is suspiciously too good to be true. Other artists agree with Jenison. In the process of making his thesis more believable (we will never know for sure because Vermeer left no notes whatsoever), this amazingly talented and capable polymath begins by recreating exactly the very room that appears in the painting, including hand-making the furniture [even if it requires literally slicing an expensive tool in half].

Of course, it helps that this inventor is now financially independent. Nonetheless, his persistence is mind-blowing as we watch him day after day in the reproduction process. Finally he succeeds and weeps in happiness.

While possibly not interesting for everyone, Jenison’s achievement is worth witnessing.

2013, Black History, Civil Rights, Could Be Sad, Dancing, Documentary, Human spirit, Musical, Popular Singers

20 Feet from Stardom (2013)

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From Netflix:

Winner of the 2014 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, this film takes a behind-the-scenes look at the world of backup vocalists, weaving together interviews with legendary singers with the voices that support them.

If you are a fan of popular music from the 60’s onwards, you will rock to this documentary. You will hear many old songs that you probably know and also hear interviews not only with the backup singers but also with famous entertainers such as Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles and many more.

There is a sad theme that runs through the film: these backup singers were talented women that deserved their own individual moments of fame but the results here were mixed. Some reached the limelight and others did not. In interviews with this women we can hear exaltation, resignation, defeat, and other emotions. Sting explains how difficult it is to get to the top.

Civil rights play into this history.

While possibly not for everyone, this film may strike a resonant chord with you and you might have a happy nostalgic experience.

2011, Acceptable Trash, Documentary, Motorcycles, Nudity, True Story

Corman’s World (2011)

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From NetFlix:

B-movie maestro Roger Corman is celebrated in this star-packed documentary. While trafficking in movies featuring lots of blood, violence and nudity, Corman nonetheless managed to tackle issues like race and sexism with his independent features. Luminaries including Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Robert De Niro and Jonathan Demme offer their reflections on the legacy of this purveyor of thrills and chills.

Roger Corman managed to make about 300 films, most of which were horrible schlockfests. But that is the beauty of camp films, they are so horrible that they are just plan fun. In one film the monster from outer space is a great big paper bag with a painted face and an open mouth through which someone now and then squirts red juice.

Real film history is involved here. We think of Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, and William Shatner as established stars. But they got their start and continued help from Roger Corman.

Corman did make some notable films: “Easy Rider” and “Jaws” to name just two.

Part of the film is a tribute to Corman, who somehow never got the respect he deserved.

At one point Corman was making a film a month. He had no money and made these movies as cheaply as possible. But he made money on all his films except for one: he naively went down south when desegregation was just starting and made a film about a lynching.

If for no other reason, you can watch this documentary just to see the outrageously stupid and funny clips from his films.

2010, Complicated, Conspiracy, Documentary, Not Feel Good, Talking Heads

Inside Job (2010)

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From NetFlix:

From filmmaker Charles Ferguson comes this sobering, Oscar-winning documentary that presents in comprehensive yet cogent detail the pervasive and deep-rooted corruption that led to the global economic meltdown of 2008. Through unflinching interviews with key financial insiders, politicos, journalists and academics, Ferguson paints a galling portrait of an unfettered financial system run amok — without accountability. Actor Matt Damon narrates.

For a long while I resisted watching this infuriating film. But then my dental hygienist, Kathleen, said it is better to know even if there is nothing that can be done and even if I have to admit that our bankers, financial system, economists and government are very corrupt. But I was particularly disappointed in the current President Obama who has done NOTHING to improve the situation.

Is this film the legacy of all those crooks ? Will this film even be remembered ? Who will take the trouble to watch a film about complicated financial instruments that probably no one understands (including the corrupt economists) ?

Only at one point was it fun watching a slimy Harvard economist lose his cool.

You will NOT be happy after having watched this documentary!

2002, Biographical, Conspiracy, Crime, Documentary, Military, Violent, War

The Trials of Henry Kissinger (2002)

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From NetFlix:

This riveting documentary depicts former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger as a warmonger responsible for military cover-ups in Vietnam, Cambodia and East Timor, as well as the assassination of a Chilean leader in 1970. Based on a book by journalist Christopher Hitchens, the film includes interviews with historians, political analysts and such journalists as New York Times writer William Safire, a former Nixon speechwriter.

What did Lincoln say? “You can fool some of the people some of the time …”.

So many details appear in this well-crafted documentary that I fear to cite any facts for fear of being inaccurate. Please therefore view the film critically. Granted the makers hated our clever war monger, but judge for yourself whether or not the accusations are well founded.

Kissinger is accused of at least the following:

  • He hijacked a Paris peace accord that could have ended the Vietnam war so that by prolonging the war he could get Tricky Dick Nixon re-elected.
  • He promoted the bombing of Cambodia.
  • As a result of this bombing, the almost total destruction of Cambodia paved the way for the Khmer Rouge.
  • He is responsible for the overthrow of Allende in Chile and the installation of Pinochet.

Ironically our Henry was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for ending the Vietnam war. But he received this award two years before the war ended. Vietnamese officials boycotted the award because the members of the Nobel committee were such fools.

One facet of history that has always bothered me is that evil men often go to their graves convinced that they “did the right thing”. For example consider: Pinochet (Chile) or Emilio Massara (Argentina’s “dirty war”) both of whom claimed to their dying day that they had acted for the good of their country. Several Nazi war criminals never understood what all the fuss was about. (Note that the documentary calls Kissinger a war criminal.) What will be the deathbed experience of such notables as Cardinal Law (“The Church of the Holy Pedophile”) or Henry the Swinger ?

Not a pretty picture!

2007, Documentary, True Story, Violent, War

Last Stand of the 300 (2007)

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From NetFlix:

With factual heft and epic zeal, this informative History Channel documentary chronicles the true story of some 300 Spartan soldiers who held their ground against an onslaught of Persian adversaries — an event that inspired director Zach Snyder’s sleeper hit 300. Digital animation combines with vivid, live-action footage to produce a stirring account of a pivotal battle that would change the course of the Western world

What a difference between this History Channel presentation and the Hollywood version “300” ! Truth is stranger (or better) than fiction. Somehow the History Channel version really comes alive using not only expert historians but also well-drawn maps and troop movement diagrams.

Several things stand out in my mind:

  • Spartan culture was more dehumanized than I realized. There was neither family nor individual. Everything was done for the benefit of the city-state. At birth male babies were inspected and the slightest imperfection doomed them to be left outdoors unprotected until they died. Young boys were forcibly removed from their homes for training. Trainees were taught steal, fight, and kill. They were not considered men until they had secretly killed a slave. Boys were flogged at pillars in a contest to see who flinched.
  • No one really knows how the Persians discovered the rear path to the position in the pass of the Greeks led by Leonidas. Hollywood invented a traitor.
  • I had not appreciated the important role played by the Athenian navy under Themistocles.

Well done!

2008, Biographical, Documentary, Fashion, Gay theme, Italian, Love Story, True Story, Unusual

Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008)

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From NetFlix:

Tracing Valentino’s life from his 70th birthday to his final couture show, this fashionable documentary captures the spirit of the legendary designer’s influence on the style and substance of the way we look. Highlights include an intimate, behind-the-scenes peek at his relationship with longtime business partner and lover Giancarlo Giammetti, as well as an up-close and personal look at the designer’s creative process.

"Tony, I want to see 'Valentino: The Last Emperor"
"Kathy, you mean that fashion film ?"   "Yes"
"Why would anyone want to watch an hour and a half about a fashion designer ?"
"You get all those NetFlix DVDs that I don't even care about, and I really want to see this one"
"Ooooooookay, if you insist"

Had this fashion documentary not been made, we would have lost some notable moments in a part of the world’s culture that I certainly did not know even existed. It’s a bit like a tour of Machu Picchu or seeing the exquisite terracotta army of the first Qin Dynasty ruler Shihuangdi. Who knew ?

One of the dominant themes of this documentary is the 50 year relation between Valentino and his life partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Kathy’s comment is “Giancarlo must be some kind of saint”. It was fun watching the two bicker about trivia, as in “you have applied too much tan today”. But what came through loud and clear was that they truly love and need one another. Valentino is the impractical dreamer, the creative force, but without Giancarlo’s gentle guiding hand, Valentino would have gone nowhere.

In fact the minutiae involved with fashion must be daunting. There are an awful lot of unsung heroes. In a certain sense everything depends on the skill of the seamstresses. It’s a lot like computer programming: omit a semi-colon and the program stops working. Today it would be impossibly costly to sew by hand thousands of sequins on a gown. I buy my clothes at Target (pronounced “Tar-jay”).

Every now and then I see a fashion photo of some female model. Quite often they are made to look like freaks. Not so with Valentino. Of course, all his beautiful models are stick thin (dare I say anorexic ?). But his trademark was long flowing gowns that really made the models beautiful.

I copied the following paragraph from the internet:

Produced and directed by Matt Tyrnauer, Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, Valentino: The Last Emperor provides a first-time glimpse into Valentino’s world of bygone glamour. Filmed from June 2005 to July 2007, the crew shot over 250 hours of footage with exclusive, unprecedented access to Valentino and his entourage. The resulting non-fiction film is a portrait of an extraordinary partnership, the longest running in fashion, and a dramatic story about a master confronting the final act of his celebrated career.

Indeed the film leads up to Valentino’s sensational farewell celebratory show and party in Rome. It’s fun seeing how many celebrities you can recognize (Princess Di, etc). But the circumstances are not entirely happy. Valentino’s company is purchased by a giant corporation in which only the bottom line is important (sound familiar ?). His world has changed so much that Valentino retires. Little by little his former group of loyal workers are replaced.

And don’t miss his five pugs!

2004, Ballet, Biographical, Documentary, Feel Good For All

Born to be Wild (2004)

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From NetFlix:

Fans of the American Ballet Theatre will delight in this documentary about the renowned company’s four lead male dancers: Angel Corella, Vladimir Malakov, Hose Manuel Carreno and Ethan Steifel. Find out how each dancer got started in classical ballet, learn about their individual approach to the discipline, their backgrounds and their strengths onstage, and view clips of their best performances from the beginning to the apex of their careers.

It’s hard to believe that human bodies can do what these 4 men can do. The climax of this documentary will be all 4 men dancing together to the finale of Robert Schuman’s 4th piano quartet in a dance choreographed by Mark Morris. But interspersed with the rehearsals are biographical interviews with the dancers. Who knew that ballet was alive and well in Castro’s Cuba ?

1001BeforeDie, 2001, Could Be Hard To Watch, Documentary, Not Feel Good, Unusual

Kandahar (2001)

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From NetFlix:

Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf lenses this haunting drama that was shot during the Taliban era. The movie follows an Afghani-Canadian woman as she attempts to enter Afghanistan in search of her depressed sister. Since it’s illegal for a woman to travel alone in Afghanistan, she must rely on the kindness of strangers, including a scrappy boy and a mysterious American doctor.

I resisted seeing Kandahar (recommended in “1001 Films To See Before You Die”) for a long time because I felt it might be uncomfortable watching. I was correct. If you can just accept what you see as a cultural travelog and try not to grimace or squirm you might get through this remarkable film. I attached the category “Documentary” because among other things, that what this film can sometimes seem to be. For information on the city see Wikipedia. As that article explains there are several languages, especially Pashto and Persian. I have no idea which languages are being spoken, but there are subtitles for those non-English languages. For some reason, however, the principal language is English, probably because the female lead sister is coming from Canada to prevent her sister from committing suicide.

And what difficult things might there be to see in this film ? Remember that the Taliban were in power during the filming. Consider:

  • You watch young children rocking back and forth while chanting the Koran only to be interrupted by the teacher who asks a question such as “What is the use for a Kalashnikov rifle” and expects a word-perfect description of how to destroy the infidel (that’s us, folks!).
  • You see lines of men on crutches because their legs have been blown off by land mines. You see these men badgering or lying to the Red Cross to get more pairs of legs (i.e. feet on poles) for their wives who have also lost legs to land mines.
  • You wonder how the Canadian sister will ever find her way across a non-ending desert while being sometimes helped by not terribly honest men.
  • And the list goes on.

I do not regret seeing this independed film. Warning: it ends so abruptly it took my breath away. I almost cannot believe the ending. Comments are welcome if you ever get to the end of this fascinating adventure.