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josephelderman
Reviews
Witnessing Headlines (2008)
re: more than meets the eye
I caught this absorbing documentary under the title "The Trials Of Michael Jackson" which I can only assume was changed from it's original title "Witnessing Headlines" to make the marketing more commercial. It's ironic because I don't think either title accurately represents what the movie is conclusively about - thematically speaking, that is.
The filmmakers commence this documentary by taping footage of the fans who were persistent in their support for Michael Jackson and omnipresent at the courthouse during Michael Jackson's notoriously infamous trial in 2005.
Then as the trial progressed, the filmmakers turned their cameras on to the media and journalists who were covering the trial - and the fans - in a purportedly unbiased manner.
And this is where the fun begins, as one might say. You can also add, this is where the depth and the truth of how the media actually deals with issues of celebrity in a very maligned and one-sided approach. In other words, the media is meant to uncover the facts without judgment and biased observation and report those "facts" to the public in that exact same fashion. But this is where the film becomes a great observer of the shameful practices of contemporary media.
As the filmmakers begin turning their camera on the broadcasters who are covering this trial, the fascinating and revealing footage the filmmakers assemble bring to light the hypocrisies and the twisted techniques of journalism. Words can't exactly convey the actions of these broadcasters, to experience the slanted duplicity of these journalists it has to be seen to believe. It's a very sad state of affairs and all in the name of money-making headlines.
This documentary is both funny and uncomfortable at times, but overall enlightening and continuously fascinating. Seek it out no matter what title it falls under.
Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven (2007)
Mangi!
Extremely candid and entertaining documentary that's not only for the hardcore gastronome's of the world, but for those who are vainly curious as to what it's like opening a distinctive restaurant in New York City from an insiders point of view.
Andrew Rossi does an exemplary job piecing together straightforward footage of a seemingly tight knit family, who's well known matriarch still comes off as an underdog with a pressing entrepreneurial dilemma.
There's wit, drama and oodles of amazing food, all to salivate over equally.
Watch it! (but have a plate of delicious pasta nearby)
Falling Up (2009)
Not what you're expecting...
First off, the trailer didn't convey what ultimately was produced for the final production. From the trailer, the movie seemed more goofy, perhaps even corny. And although there ultimately was in fact two scenes with this tonal issue, one with a too clichéd and stereotypical same sex couple (easy cheap jokes - dignity filmmakers, dignity) and another scene with two prostitutes and a very young kid (though believe it or not, this sequence was handled a little bit better), the overall feel to the film is an upscale romantic drama comedy. An independent film that has cross over potential, similar to 2002's "Roger Dodger". The film has strong cinematography, and is acted very well by the whole cast: Joseph Cross (very likable and charming), Sarah Roemer (strong presence and you care for her), Rachael Leigh Cook (fantastic support), Joe Pantoliano (always gives a committed performance), Mimi Rogers (made a snob totally believable), Jim Piddock (funny), Snoop Dogg! (played the reality very well) and Annette O'Toole (has a superb moment toward the end of the film). The production also has some cool alternative rock song tracks leaving you in a good mood.
The only other nit picky criticism in my opinion is perhaps the repeat of too many shots establishing locations (though I love to see New York on film), and an unnecessary epilogue during the final credit sequence.
But I think this simply told story has a sweet and realistic approach to an issue that one might think doesn't seem relevant in these times, but shows and reminds you that in fact - though this movie has a preferred ending - still retains it's importance in this day and age, giving the film a sympathetic struggle and a deeper conflict.
Great job, I recommend it!
In the Shadow of the Stars (1991)
The "Shadow" Shines
I caught this finely crafted and insightful documentary on cable today.
Though the title "In The Shadow of The Stars" is appropriately worded and after the viewing has a wonderful depth to it's meaning, you would never expect such access and candidness in the final content of the film. When you think of opera - at least when I do - there seems to be a mystery behind all the productions. And most might call it a vain curiosity. Who are these singers? How do the stage companies manage elaborate productions? And to be honest, although I appreciate and recognize the talent and dedication involved, I couldn't exactly call myself a devoted follower of that particular form of entertainment. In fact, I was even hesitant about viewing a documentary on the subject. But after watching this amazingly put together - and deservedly Academy Award winning documentary - I'm almost sure to reevaluate all that I enjoyed (or not enjoyed) about the opera initially and look deeper and more thoroughly at this theatrical form of entertainment.
You have making of docs for movies, and of course reality television is rife with behind the scene programs that let you into the workings of a multitude of everyday businesses and corporations. But this film allows you to almost feel a part of a that operatic world without having experiencing it first hand.
It's humorous the types of folks - from all walks of life - who are (secretly?) opera singers. It's as though you found out your high school principal was moonlighting as a stripper. Not that I'm comparing these two forms of performing, but the eye opening reveal of who is a part of these productions, is still there. An example of someone you would most likely never suspect of being an opera singer who's profiled in this film: a truck driver!
If you enjoyed "Every Little Step" - the documentary on the recent Broadway production of A Chorus Line, then you'll be delighted, enthralled and emotional about this raw and fantastic film. "In The Shadow of The Stars" brings humanity and excitement to a world that is rarely revealed.