Frances Ha

At my age, stories of twenty-somethings are wearing a little thin. For all the critical acclaim, I was skeptical going into Frances Ha. When an older gentleman tore my ticket at IFC Center he said, "The great Frances Ha is in Cinema 1." I thought, if he liked it, maybe I would too. What unfolded when the lights went down was a story of facing reality, finding self, survival and maturity. In stunning black and white, the story of Frances is realistic and satisfying. I'm glad I went.

Behind the Candelabra

Liberace was the original showman. He was a gifted pianist who took his art to another level of performance with theatrical staging and costumes. In Behind the Candelabra we see an unblinking look into his world from the time he meets a a very young Scott Thorson to his death. The performances are amazing and the portrayals of these men are a bit brutal at times. Well done.

The Stories We Tell

When actor/film maker Sarah Polley learns a family secret, involving her mother who died when she was 11 years old, she decides to gather family and friends to share their memories of the woman. In Stories We Tell, the story unfolds from her script and the memories of others. The stories come together to give us a view of a vibrant woman. There is a reveal that is handled with love, compassion and little drama. This film is beautifully structured and tells quite a story. Worth a look.

Before Midnight

In Before Midnight we catch up with Celine and Jesse 18 years after they first met. They are on vacation in Greece with their children as the guests of one of Jesse's colleagues. We follow them for a day as they discuss life, work, relationships, children and aging. The dialogue flows and has very realistic moments. They reminisce, they flirt, they fight, they kiss, they make up, they let us in on what's been going on with them. It is mesmerizing and heartfelt. I liked that you did not have to have seen the films Before Sunrise or Before Sunset to enjoy this film. I think it is the best of the three.

Stand Up Guys

In Stand Up Guys, three career criminals work on what it means to be a stand up guy. After getting out of jail, Val deals with friends, family and old enemies. He and his friends must deal with the fact that they are not young men any more. Mortality is at their door and knocking in more than one way. Dialogue driven, I liked this film. "Chew gum or kick ass? I'm all out of gum."

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby has been interpreted in film several times. Baz Luhrmann's latest interpretation is flashy, passionate and stylish. I was surprised that hip hop worked in the sound track. It added edge and pizazz. The visual effects in this film are stunning. Color and light create mood and tone. Though a bit long, I liked this much more than I expected to.

Star Trek Into Darkness

I was 10 years old when Star Trek hit TV in the 60s. It was a wonder. My brothers and I were fast fans. There was adventure, humor, the future and I developed a quick crush on Captain Kirk. It was followed by movies and series reboots in the 80s that were OK, but when JJ Abrams grabbed the reins a few years ago, new life was breathed into that universe. In 2009 Star Trek won over legions of fans, and it looks like Star Trek Into Darkness has done the same. A very simple battle with a terrorist, for very simple reasons, is all we need for story. There is action, there are fights, chases, quips and yes, love. The audience I saw this with was full of fans, and at one point, when an explosion was imminent someone yelled, "get out!" The next line from the screen? "We'd better get out of here!" It was awesome. This film was a fun ride and a new actor interprets a familiar character masterfully. I really enjoyed this movie.

The Loved One

When Johnathan Winters passed away, the film The Loved One was recommended to me. A satire from the 60s, this black and white gem pokes fun at the funeral business at the expense of Hollywood. The script is brilliant as is the cast Winter, Robert Morse, John Gielgud, Milton Berle, James Coburn, Paul Williams, Liberace, Roddy McDowall, Rod Steiger.... Their goal was to offend everyone. Mission accomplished with a lot of laughs. Fantastic!

Iron Man 3

The third film in the Iron Man franchise explores a much more vulnerable Toby Stark than we have seen thus far. It plays well as entertainment and humor, but I think superhero fans will be disappointed in an insecure, vulnerable Iron Man. Iron Man 3 finds Tony Stark, a bit traumatized post-Avengers fighting off monsters in NYC. He is working out his anxieties by making an army of suits and amping up the technology as therapy. When The Mandrin post a terrorist threat, Stark challenges the villain and a new battle begins. I liked how it played out. There are a few surprises and twists that I liked. So glad I sat through the credits for a scene that made me laugh. Fun start to the summer movie season.

The Angels' Share

When distilling whiskey, the percent that evaporates is called The Angels' Share. Take that information with you when you see this film. In The Angels' Share a band of misfit criminals enjoy the benefit of a probation officer's love and appreciation of whiskey. All are looking for a way out of their lives of crime, but they choose to commit a crime to achieve the goal. A bit of a disconnect, but the entertainment value is high. Lovely film.

Mud

Beautifully shot, well acted and a story that moves, Mud was a nice surprise today. Motivated by his belief in true love, a young boy aids a man who is dangerous and undeserving of his efforts. Well done.

Tribeca Film Festival 2013 Day Four

I woke up to another beautiful sunrise on my last day in NYC. First order of the day was taking the dogs for a walk. After a quick lunch I headed to the subway only to learn that there was no F train. Got on an A and made a few wrong turns on the streets and had to hustle to the theater. A Single Shot was my final film of the festival. A taught thriller I enjoyed, and the film maker and it's star were in attendance. After an up close and personal encounter with Rockwell and Rosenthal I ducked into Heartland Brewery for a beer to settle my jangled  nerves. I navigated the subway better on my return to Brooklyn and swung by Smorgasberg to pick up some jerky for the kids. On the way home, I bought a box of Brooklyn Cupcakes for my house sitter and brought a lasagna back to the apartment for dinner. Packing up while the pups watched, was kind of sad. The ride home was uneventful, though I was puzzled by road work in CT late on a Sunday night. Arriving home, I had the after vacation feeling of bliss. It has been an amazing week with a lot of fun people and wonderful film. Thanks NYC. Thanks Tribeca Film Festival. Thanks Liza & Ryan. Thanks to all the friends who joined me. What a blast! Can't wait for Tribeca Film Festival 2014!!

A Single Shot

A strong cast led me to check out A Single Shot on my final day at Tribeca Film Festival. A closed subway and a few missteps had me arriving at the theater sweaty and out of breath. Fortunately, there was an empty seat in the center of the sixth row. Perfect. The film is a thriller that complicates a man's life after a single shot of his rifle. The film is intense and tight with wonderful performances. After the film they brought out the director, David Rosenthal, who introduced the writer of the novel and screenplay, Matthew Jones and the star, Sam Rockwell. It was a thrill and the third time I've seen Rockwell live. The Q&A was interesting and people surrounded the men as the discussion ended. After checking the messages on my phone, I started to walk out of the theater. Two men were walking beside me. Looking to my left, I realized that one was Sam Rockwell. I blubbered an awkward "I love your work." He was sweet and we chatted for a moment. Walking away from him, as I passed the other exit of the theater, David Rosenthal almost bumped into me. We did the obligatory "excuse me", and I complimented his work as well ( loved Janie Jones). As I was walking down the street to find the subway, I realized I was shaking. My encounter with these wonderful film makers had rattled me. It was very cool that they were so nice. An Irish red ale at Heartland Brewery settled my nerves and I was so grateful for this run in. My last film at Tribeca Film Festival was wonderful.

Tribeca Film Festival 2013 Day Three

On Saturday I wake to another beautiful sunrise and the promise of a beautiful spring day in NYC. A nice walk around the hood with the pups and I'm on an A Train heading into Tribeca. With a half hour to kill before I meet a friend for lunch I head up Greenwich Street, navigating the Tribeca Film Festival Family Street Fair. Clowns, bands, games, food, beverage, Broadway music, you name it, both kids and adults were were enjoying this event. At the Moroccan restaurant Salya, I met a friend for a nice lunch. Panini and a Bloody Mary hit the spot. Back at the red carpet at BMCC I met another friend to get in line for Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story. 45 minutes before the film and the line was already down the block and around the corner onto Chambers Street. Having been in this theater the night before, I knew exactly where to sit. Front row, back section center. A perfect unobstructed view of the stage. The film was good. A love letter to Eastwood, his work and his directorial style from collaborators and friends. When the film ended the man took the stage with Darren Aronofsky and spent 40 minutes talking about his craft. He was genuine, funny, generous and SO Clint Eastwood. I left the theater with a spring in my step and a deep gratitude to Tribeca Film Festival for this event. A roundabout walk found us at the Tribeca Grand for a cocktail. A beautiful hotel, with a beautiful bar, serving beautiful cocktails. Mine was a cosmo. Cucina de Vino was our choice for dinner before I got back on the subway to return to the pups. I arrived back in Brooklyn tired and incredibly satisfied. The sadness of leaving tomorrow is starting to set in. Glad it was such a great day!

Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story

On Saturday of Tribeca Film Festival I headed out to BMCC to see the documentary Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story. it was to be followed by a talk with Clint Eastwood and Darren Aronofsky. I am a huge fan of Eastwood's work both on the screen and behind the camera. The opportunity to see the man in person was too good to pass up.

The film was a lot of people Estwood has worked with giving their views on working with the man. Clips from his films and behind the scenes stills and footage was interspersed. It was an interesting film.

After the film Eastwood and Aronofsky took the stage for a conversation. When Eastwood directed the standing crowd to sit, they did. Immediately. All I could think was, when Eastwood directs, people listen. Aronofsky admitted to being nervous in the presence of the man. Eastwood chuckled and set the man at ease by saying, "what a thrill." For the next 40 minutes the men talked a little about Eastwood's career and the influence of Sergio Leone on his work, but for the most part they talked about his process. Eastwood said, "just tell the story." He also spoke to putting the actors and crew in a place where you get the most out of them. He compared it to having a "criminal mentality, be sneaky." He feels that making a film is collaborative, it works as an ensemble. Within the process, Eastwood talked about having realistic expectations.  He said, "if something doesn't work, just try it again." When asked if there was a benefit to being the director and actor on a film, he replied that he thought that actors like to work for an actor. On getting a specific performance out of an actor he said that sometimes you have to be an amateur psychiatrist. He gave examples of appealing to an actor's ego and keeping things calm to get that great scene. It was interesting to learn that he doesn't use the words "action" or "cut" very much, especially with kids and horses. Makes them nervous. He also likes to leave the camera rolling when the actors think the scene is over, "that's where you get more natural performances." When he was asked which of his films were his favorites, I was surprised to hear him say two of his most recent, Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby. As for the future? He said he is often looking at this next project while working on the current one. As to how long he'll make movies, he replied "Wouldn't it be great to be 105 and still making films?" It sure would.

Thanks to Tribeca Film Festival for this event and to Mr. Eastwood for his generosity and candor. What an amazing afternoon!

Tribeca Film Festival 2013 Day Two

Waking up to a crisp, clear morning in Brooklyn, I decided that the pups needed a little exercise. We walked the waterfront and around the neighborhood. A little lunch at the apartment and then I'm off the the East Village. Giving myself time for a little desert at The Smith, I head to the AMC Village 7 for a screening of The Director. This documentary is the story of the creative director at Gucci, Frida Gianinni. With no q&A I have just enough time to hop on the subway and make my way to Tribeca. Passing City Hall there is a protest going on and construction has made a mess of Chambers Street. As I go into the theater at BMCC I realize it is 2 years since I was last here. It feels good to be back. Julianne Moore gave a quick introduction to The English Teacher, a comedy I enjoyed. Back in the subway I return to Brooklyn, feed the pups and realize that I have time to cross the street to reRun and catch the film Trash Dance. The Q&A with director Andrew Garrison and two of the men in the film turns into a friendly conversation. Nice people, great film. After the film I walked down the street to where they are filming Animal Rescue. I see lights, trucks and equipment, but no star sightings. Time for bed and the satisfaction of a wonderful day.

Trash Dance

The documentary Trash Dance started out with the vision for a piece by choreographer Allison Orr. In the end, it became a story of people and their work, their lives, their families and accomplishment. The Austin Sanitation Department are asked to participate in a dance performance involving the workers, their equipment and their talents. As they get to know the choreographer, and she them, it becomes a story of people working to their strengths. I saw this film at reRun in Brooklyn. The film maker Andrew Garrison, and two of the men in the film conducted a Q&A that became a lovely conversation. I loved this film, see it if you can.

The English Teacher

In The English Teacher a past student comes back to his home town after failing as a playwright in NYC. He lets his old English teacher read one of his plays and she sweeps him into producing the play at the high school. There are laughs, there is drama there is scandal. A strong cast brings a performance level that makes the characters interesting and funny. There is a narration that is used very well, and at the end, is used for excellent comedic effect. This was a World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival and I was a little surprised that there was no Q&A after the film.

The Director

Drama in the fashion world is evident in The Director: An Evolution in Three Acts. This is a behind the scenes look at Frida Gianni and her work at Gucci. A smart woman who shares her vision. For me, this film was about collaboration and how to get results. The way she works with other designers, producers and models was interesting. Beautifully filmed and edited, I liked this documentary.

Tribeca Film Festival 2013 Day One

After a lovely visit with my daughter and grandsons in NJ, I headed to Brooklyn to stay with my grand-dogs while the kids are on vacation. Since their vacation coincided with Tribeca Film Festival, this is a happy state of affairs. The pups were happy to see me, and after wrangling my car out, then back in to the parking garage (so frustrating). I took the F train to the East Village. I arrived in front of the AMC Village 7 at the same time as my friend, and were quickly seated for Stand Clear of the Closing Doors. The film about a teen with autism wandering off and spending a week in the subway system of NYC with his mother  desperately looking for him, told many stories. The director, Sam Flieschner conducted an interesting Q&A after the film. Coming out of the theater into the sunshine, we went across the street to the Penny Farthing for a bite to eat, a little wine and discussion of the film. Getting back on the subway to return to Brooklyn, NYPD was set up to inspect bags, a welcome sight considering all that went on in Boston last week.
Back in DUMBO, I realized that I had time to get my car out of the parking garage (street parking is preferred) , play with the dogs and walk across the street to see the film Gut Renovation at rerun. That's right, I'm staying across the street from a movie theater! Pretty cool. The film was an interesting history of the city's actions to change Williamsburg from a working neighborhood, to residential. Kind of sad in a way. The plan has no balance and long-time residents are being forced out. It's all about the money. Film maker Su Friederich conducted an informative and passionate Q&A after the film. After a little walk around the neighborhood, I returned to the pups and felt good about my first day at film festival.