Year: 2017

Film Review: THE PASSIONATE THIEF (RISATE DI GIOIA) (Italy 1960) **** [The Films of Magnani]

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the_passionate_thief_poster.jpgDirector: Mario Monicelli

Stars: Anna Magnani, Totò, Ben Gazzara

Review by Gilbert Seah

This rarely seen Italian comedy gets a release after its recent 4K restoration.

THE PASSIONATE THIEF (RISATE DI GIOIA) marks the collaboration between dramatic actress Anna Magnani and famed comedian Toto. It is a perfect match as director Monicelli’s film is a perfect blend between drama and comedy. RISATE DI GIOIA literally translates to ‘laughter of Joy’, Joy also being the name of Magnani’s character.

The film follows two friends, Umberto and Gioia (Toto and Magnani) who live by their wits working as comedians and cabaret at Cinecittà (the famous cinema production studios centre in Rome), before being invited to friends’ parties or masked balls during New Year’s Eve in Rome. The two, however, even though they make people laugh all the time in public, live an inner conflict, namely that the two have always to be aware to give a smile to someone, but they can never be rich and happy because they are street artists and with a precarious wage. The meeting with another thief, the well-dressed Lello (Ben Gazzara who appears to speak perfect Italian) throws their relationship into peril. Lello is low-life, classy con-man, while Umberto tries to save Gioia from the wolf’s clutches.

Monicelli captures the plight of the poor. The segment where the trio enter a rich German party complete with ornaments emphasize the indifference of the rich. ‘The rich loves expensive ornaments that are useless,” says Gioia humorously.

Magnani is pure joy to watch – the perfect Italian drama queen. Wearing a gaudy evening dress complete with shiny spikes, her dress only underlines her loudness. The best scene has her screaming aloud when by accident, fireworks are thrown next to her during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The film is more drama than comedy. The audience can clearly sympathize with both the characters of Umberto and Gioia as they both grab at straws to escape the drowning from poverty. Gioia is hoping for love in the much younger Lello while Umberto finally goes clean in order to save Gioia from Lello.

The ending of the film is both sad and humorous. The audience sees the two after a major setback in their lives trying still to be happy and to enjoy the good life. They dance and laugh while hailing a taxi with comical results.

THE PASSIONATE THEIF looks like a simple film on the surface, but is deep in mood, atmosphere, feeling and life under deeper scrutiny.

The Passionate Thief screens on Sunday, January 29 at 2:45 p.m. as part of TIFF Cinematheque’s Volcano: The Films of Anna Magnani, running from January 27 to March 11. Curated by James Quandt, Senior Programmer, this deluxe series celebrates the ferocious Magnani, who was known as “La Magnani” or “La Lupa” (“The She-Wolf”) for her volatility and voraciousness. Equally at home in farce and tragedy, melodrama and comedy, she starred in films by some of the greatest auteurs of all time and won her country’s adoration for embodying characters that regular people could identify with, including fruit vendors, prostitutes, molls, convicts, stage mothers, film extras and (most frequently) long-suffering proletarian wives.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFwFYySSWS8

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Film Review: MALIGLUTIT (Canada 2016) ***

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maliglutitDirectors: Zacharias Kunuk, Natar Ungalaaq
Writers: Norman Cohn, Zacharias Kunuk
Stars: Benjamin Kunuk, Karen Ivalu, Jonah Qunaq

Review by Gilbert Seah

 If the English title of this movie sounds familiar, it is because the film is taken from the plot of John Ford’s classic John Wayne western THE SEARCHERS. The Inuk title translates literally to ‘followers’. The simple plot involves an Inuk man searching for his kidnapped wife and daughter.

The film begins with a quarrel as an Inuk man is upset that a man has been fooling around with his wife. The words ‘f***ing asshole’ and ‘***ker’ (in Inuk) are exchanged frequently. It is the omen of what is to occur. The Inuk man has his wife and daughter are later kidnapped by marauders. He and his son set out to find those responsible and rescue the wife and daughter. The revenge plot gives the film, at times the feel of an action flick like TAKEN.

The film is a bit confusing at the start. All the characters are heavily clothed and it is at first hard to tell who is who and which one is the villain. It does not help that the Inuk man and son as well as the maunders take out an expedition at the same time, so that one has to recall the faces to figure out what is going on, in terms of plot.

What is most fascinating about the film is the Inuk culture depicted. The daily routines like making tea, eating and sewing are on display. If one has never seen what he inside of an igloo looks like, the film offers plenty of opportunity to see both the insides and exterior, as well as the brief construction of one. The chopping of frozen food that makes the daily diet, as well as eating of the food frozen.

The cinematography of the real ‘great white North’ is nothing short of stunning. Like David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia where a lone figure stands in the vast spaces of sand, lone figures are seen in the mountains of snow and ice with no other signs of civilization. One wonders how the filmmakers managed to get all the filming equipment way up to the Arctic.

The film is necessarily violent from the kidnapping to the revenge scenes. The latter is satisfying, seeing how director Kunk has primed his audience for anger and a thirst for revenge. The tracking of the kidnappers, Inuk-style is like nothing anyone has seen before. Suspense is also heightened as the Inuk man has only one bullet left at the end, so that he has to kill two men with one bullet.

Inuk filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk broke into the film scene 15 years ago when his film, the excellent ATANARJUAT: THE FAST RUNNER won the prestigious Caméra d’or for Best First Feature at Cannes. SEARCHERS can nowhere can be compared to ATANARUAT, but the film is still definitely worth a look. The film has also been selected as Canada’s top 10 films of 2016.

Trailer: http://www.isuma.tv/Maliglutit/Teaser

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Interview with Festival Director Jonatan Petré Brixel (Berlin Experimental Film Festival)

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Berlin Experimental Film Festival focuses solely on Experimental films of all kind from all around the world. The Festival takes place at Kino Moviemento, the oldest Cinema in Germany, founded in 1907 located in Kreuzberg in the middle of Berlin. Regardless if its a quiet sensitive film about personal pain, an angry roar against society, a light hearted documentary about a grandmother, a visual portrayal of sound itself or an insecure attempt to wander into an unknown sexuality – the Experimental Film making as such is what the curated program is be built upon.

Visit the website for more information.

Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Jonatan Petré Brixel: We’ve had it once and we aimed at having quality fundamentals – paid accomodation for filmmakers, properly present and advertise the films and film screenings and to invite Film organizations that work with distribution, screening and promotion of experimental films. We succeeded which was real nice, we had full house on the Festival.

MT: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

JPB: A festival much like the first but with more films, more attending film makers and more attending film organizations. We’re looking at screening around 70-80 films in our 2nd edition, while still having a proper presentation and promotion for the films.

MT: What are the qualifications for teh selected films?

JPB: The foundation for the Festival and the guideline for film makers submitting and for us who curate the program is the experimental method as such and the personal approach of the filmmaker, regardless of who made it or what it is about. We then have different sections for Narratives, Non narratives, Documentaries and Berlin Originals but all of them builds on the same core principle – a lust to experiment using film and the personal approach of the film maker.

MT: Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

JPB: I think many established festivals tend to push their own ideological agenda and then choose films that fit and that irritates me but hey, it’s not like they owe me to promote my film.

All these festivals and other forms of film promotion places popping up – ours included – basically fill a need that has been growing and I think as a film maker it is more important to seek out the people you think promote your sort of film instead of complaining that the ones you know doesn’t. And if you cannot find any – do it yourself. That’s what we did, and funnily enough we discovered we were far from alone there were lots of people and organizations out there doing amazing things. Ever since we started working with the festival we’ve come in contact with alot of
people doing some really great things.

MT: What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

JPB: It is really great promoting other people’s work and making things happen. Organizing an event seeing all the impulses you sent out coming together is real fun even though it’s is a enormous amount of work and involves both monotomous grinding as well as stressfull sudden changes.

MT: How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

JPB: Excellent, they have a superb platform they keep improving all the time. Easy to work with too.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

JPB: We’re working on several things, hopefully some of them will see reality even at the next edition 2017.

MT: What film have you seen the most times in your life?

JPB: Escape from New York followed by Big Troubble in Little China, I had them on a 4 hour VHS tape that i kept watching over and over.

MT: In one sentence, what makes a great film?

JPB: If I feel that they went for it may it be in the script writing, acting, directing or post production or of course at best all of them – it’s a great film. Sometimes it’s young kids unknowingly reinacting all hollywood movies they ever seen, sometimes it’s the life work of someone with a long career behind them, sometimes a manic up and comer, and sometimes it’s a failure and others a success for whatever reason but to go for it is the absolute essence of any great film in my opinion.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

JPB: All over the place. Berlin has both the established Institutions as well as a gigantic amount of people doing their own thing with or without money. And of course all sorts of scenarios and collaborations in between.
berlin_experimental_2.jpg

*******

Organizers:
Festival Director, Jonatan Petre Brixel (b. 1984 Sweden) has a background in Philosophy and started making films 2007, first Film titled “Pig Man gets a Visit”. He has since made several short films and is currently filming his first Feature Film “Sven Harald’s Adventures”.

Festival Manager, Andrija Jovanovic (b. 1982 Serbia) made his first film the moment he laid his hands on a digital photo camera. His first stop motion project “The big bad bag” was broadcasted on a Swiss SRF2 in 2012. Since then he made several short films and is currently working on his first feature project “Ana”. He has a background in literature and painting.

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held at least twice a month in Toronto & Los Angeles. Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Interview with Festival Director Loren W. Lepre (Freedom Shorts)

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Now entering it’s 5th year, the film industry of Philadelphia has come together to make this city an active spot for short films from around the world to be screened and celebrated. Average Superstar films has stepped up and lead the way for this massive event. This event truly gives both local and international filmmakers their due over a 3 day weekend! It is held at the world famous Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia. With a $60,000 sound system, and a FULL screen, the theater seats up to 600 movie-goers.

Go to the website for more information.

 Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Giving filmmakers from around the world a major stage to shine on. Philadelphia is one of the biggest cities in the U.S. and our main stage The Trocadero is an amazing place to have an event. PhilaMOCA is another great place to have a screening and is active weekly with screenings. This event really makes the filmmakers shine and our venues are a great place to showcase their films.

MT: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

Expect the best short films from around the world! Our team selects the best of the best and the event keeps growing and growing. Freedom Shorts is FUN! The Audience always seems to walk out with a smile with the entertainment that comes along with our events!

MT: Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

I can only say that when a film is submitted to our event. It’s fully watched by our team no matter how good or bad if somebody took the time to submit to us we got the time to watch. We only run short films and charge low punk rock prices to submit. It’s only “a short film” I think it’s gross seeing the fees at some of these festivals. The price they’re charging to watch a short flick! I see some charging $40-$60 at some these things! IT’S A SHORT FILM! How can you ask a price like that? The higher the price to submit at a fest I wonder if everybody is getting a fair shake or not. I will say that The Trocadero Theatre can match or come pretty damn close to any of the heavyweight festivals in the world. I don’t think that gives me the right to charge the filmmakers out the ass.

MT: What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

I’m an actor and director myself and I can tell you that I LOVE watching all the films from around the world that are submitted. It makes me want to be better actor . It allows me to see as a director where I need to go. Where the bar is set. The watching process is the most enjoyable part. I did ALL of this myself for the first 2 years. Than help came strong help Brenden Hubbard (Curfew 2013) he is part of the Curfew Team. He has seen it all and was a great help with upgrading Freedom Shorts. Steven Carino (The Unsung Hero) of the event. This guy has endless thanks for what he brought to the table. The rest of my Average Superstar T.V. team helped take this event to the next level.

MT: How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

I can tell you that FilmFreeway was the spark that opened the doors to the world for Freedom Shorts. They really have been great.

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We hope “A Must Stop” for a filmmaker and the torch of Philadelphia as far as Film Festivals go.

MT: What film have you seen the most times in your life?

Red Dawn (1984) Lost Boys, Young Guns, Porkys 1,2,and 3.

MT: In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Taking your time with pre production, filming and editing.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

Philadelphia has a sea of problems that won’t be fixed anytime soon. I try to be a good help desk where I can. Philadelphia is well mislead on how to make a film as far as independent films go. Most films made here are by actors that have been in a few films and than decide it’s time to direct. The problem with that is most of the films that they’re in had NO LIGHTING, NO SOUND, NO SHOT LIST, NO STORYBOARD, NO funding for an editor, NO funding to shoot, NO funding for marketing. When these films finally surface and are screened in front of family and friends they get praise. This leads to the virus growing and growing. Philadelphia needs cleansing the ACTORS should be outing these people. The ACTORS should also hold DIRECTORS accountable on completing a GOOD project. Philadelphia has a awful sea of directors that start and don’t finish the film or shelf it and move onto the next one. This boils my blood. Whats about all that time that actors gave you? What does that do for him or her? You wasted the actors time! This person believed in you and got NOTHING out of it. These directors should be dragged out in the street and beaten with hammers. The city is filled with directors that cast and than roll the dice with Indie Go Go and this is NOT how you fund a film. Philadelphia is filled with false directors that are more about the praise on social media than putting out the work itself. I would like the see the actors show stronger backbone and put these directors in check or stomp them out. 90% of the independent actors CAN’T direct family and friends to anything to watch due to poor leadership. To put all that time and effort into something and yet you can show off your skills by showing it to anybody is NOT helping The Philly actors advance. 90% of the actors work full time jobs and act on the weekends for free hoping this can be the one that launches them to the next level. It’s a shame because Philly is filled with good actors that deserve a shot at the dance.
freedom_shorts_2

*******

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held at least twice a month in Toronto & Los Angeles. Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Film Review: 20th CENTURY WOMEN (USA 2016)

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20th_century_women_poster.jpgDirector: Mike Mills
Writer: Mike Mills
Stars: Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Greta Gerwig

Review by Gilbert Seah

Mike Mills hit it big with his coming out movie BEGINNERS based on his father who came out of the closet at the age of 75. Mills continues his personal films with 20th CENTURY WOMEN based on his upbringing by both his mother and her sister. The film has clout since, it is based on his life. This is a heartfelt feature.

The story is set in 1979, Santa Barbara, California. Single mother, Dorothea (Annette Benning) seeks the help of Abbie (Greta Gerwig) and Julie (Elle Fanning) to raise her son, Jamie (Lucas Jade Zumann). Abbie and Julie rent the rooms upstairs of Dorothea’s house.

Despite the film title, 20the CENTURY WOMEN is not solely about women. It is also about a boy being brought up by three women, only because the mother deems she needs help in his upbringing. So, the film should cater to a male audience though the ads and trailer do not make this point known. It is quite clear where the film is leading. Not only is the boy learning from the women, but the women are slowly influenced by the boy – by the boy’s reactions and deeds.

Mills demonstrates that minimal dialogue can also be used to highlight the drama in a confrontation scene. This is evident in the one where the boys argues with his mother after she chastises him on the ‘choking stinge’. The boy just walks away. The tactic of not using lengthy flowery arguments or screaming matches heighten the credibility of the story.
Mill’s film emphasizes details the characters indulge in that help the audience understand them. Dorothea smokes like a chimney – because it is stylish. But she smokes Salem menthols believing the harm is reduced. Julie sleeps with Jamie, sneaking into this room each night, but there do not indulge in sex.

A lot of effort seems to be put into the hairdo of the characters. Jamie and his mother have very curly hair while Abbie and daughter Julie noticeably straight hair. Abbie’s red hair symbolizes her desire to be different as she is.

The film is put into perspective by titles as well as Jamie’s voiceover. Still, one wonders where the film is leading to, and whether there is some hidden message.

Annette Bening shines in her role as the unsure mother. I am not really a Bening fan as she usually undertakes roles of unlikeable women like in AMERICAN BEAUTY and RUNNING WITH SCISSORS. But this sympathetic role suits her. Elle Fanning has been taking roles of and doing well with weird characters lately (LIVE BY NIGHT and THE NEON DEMON) and her role in this film will add to the list.

It would be interesting to see what kind of film Mills will be involved with next – after he has used up all the stories in his family and personal life.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JnFaltqnAY

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Film Review: BOTTICELLI – INFERNO (Germany/Italy 2016)

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botticelli_inferno_posterDirected by Ralph Loop

Up next in Event Cinema’s In the Gallery series is Botticelli – Inferno. The documentary takes audiences on a journey to discover the secrets behind Botticelli’s iconic “Map of Hell” painting.

The hidden stories behind some works of art are the most exciting, fascinating and engaging, so much so that they can even surpass any world-renowned, best-selling thriller. When one merges the style of one of the undisputed masters of the Renaissance, Sandro Botticelli, with the dark circles of Hell in Dante’s Inferno, the result is an intriguing plot made up of deadly sins, detailed investigations, inaccessible vaults, and seemingly unsolvable enigmas. Even after many centuries Botticelli’s works continue to engage and excite. Every year his most famous paintings draw thousands upon thousands of visitors to museums and exhibitions all over the world. However one of his most intimate and mysterious drawings – perhaps one of the most significant if we are to achieve a deeper understanding of him – lay locked up for years in the climate-controlled vaults of the Vatican. This is the drawing that Botticelli dedicated to Dante’s Inferno , and which has now taken the leading role in an original, exciting documentary film.

Everyone is intrigued by the unknown. And if the unknown is scary, interest will be picquet even more. So, Botticelli’s painting of hell has fascinated admirers from the past to the present. The recent Ron Howard thriller INFERNO with Tom hanks is an example of Hollywood banking on Botticelli’s Inferno.

But it is Dante’s Inferno. The Renaissance master Botticelli spent over a decade painting and drawing hell as the poet Dante (his vision of the Underworld) described it. The film takes us on a journey through hell with fascinating and exciting insights into Botticelli’s art and its hidden details.

The film is shot all around Europe in exclusive locations such as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Vatican Library and more.

The voiceover is in the first person, as Botticelli, talking about his paintings and of his life in Florence. Director Loop also enlists an expert, an Italian historian who knows the city of Florence in the Rainnasance era to narrate part of the film. It helps that he is an extremely spirited (and knowledgable) person, who brings some humour and spirit to the film. As a result, the film would cater was well to the interest many who have limited knowledge of Bottlicelli. The film is also brought into the present with its restoration. The shots of the digital image scanning that reveals the detail of Botticelli’s details are remarkable – the benefits of modern technology.

The most interesting segment of the film is the illustration of modern drawings in contrast to what were done in the age of Botticelli. Now paintings are created using virtual ink on virtual materials using computer software. The film sidetracks too on the Scots influence. The Duke of Hamilton acquired a substantial amount of Botticelli’s manuscripts.

The film will run in participating Cineplex theatres January 18 and 29, 2017. For theatres and showtimes, please visit
cineplex.com/Gallery

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lobp5HK-TmA&feature=youtu.be

 

 

 

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Died Today (January 14th): Alan Rickman (1946–2016)

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alanrickman.jpgAlan Rickman (1946–2016)

Born: February 21, 1946 in Hammersmith, London, England, UK
Died: January 14, 2016 (age 69) in London, England, UK

(On his role in Die Hard (1988)) “As far as I’m concerned, I’m not playing ‘the villain.’ I’m just playing somebody who wants certain things in life, has made certain choices, and goes after them.”

I love America because whenever I go home — there’s something about England and coming from England — but as soon as you walk down the steps of the plane you shrink. And you have to start saying “sorry” and being polite and curtsying and things like that… America just lets me be the klutz I really am.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
2001
dir. Chris Columbus
Starring
Richard Harris		Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
2002
dir. Chris Columbus
starring
Daniel Radcliffe
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
2004

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Died Today (January 14th): Donna Reed (1921–1986)

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donnareedDonna Reed (1921–1986)

Born: January 27, 1921 in Denison, Iowa, USA
Died: January 14, 1986 (age 64) in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA

Forty pictures I was in, and all I remember is ‘What kind of bra will you be wearing today, honey?’ That was always the area of big decision – from the neck to the navel.

I’ve been involved with blood donation since the 1980s because there is a critical need.

If nuclear power plants are safe, let the commercial insurance industry insure them. Until these most expert judges of risk are willing to gamble with their money, I’m not willing to gamble with the health and safety of my family.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
1946
dir. Frank Capra
Stars:
James Stewart
Donna Reed

FROM HERE TO ETERNITYFrom Here to Eternity
1953
dir. Fred Zinnemann
Cast
Burt Lancaster
Montgomery Clift

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Died Today (January 14th): Humphrey Bogart (1899–1957)

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humphreybogart.jpgHumphrey Bogart (1899–1957)

Born: December 25, 1899 in New York City, New York, USA
Died: January 14, 1957 (age 57) in Los Angeles, California, USA

Married to: Lauren Bacall (21 May 1945 – 14 January 1957) (his death) (2 children)
Mayo Methot (21 August 1938 – 10 May 1945) (divorced)
Mary Philips (3 April 1928 – 11 August 1938) (divorced)
Helen Menken (20 May 1926 – 18 November 1927) (divorced)

Became a father for the 1st time at age 49 when his 4th wife Lauren Bacall gave birth to their son Stephen H. Bogart on January 6, 1949.

Became a father for the 2nd time at age 52 when his 4th wife Lauren Bacall gave birth to their daughter Leslie Bogart on August 23, 1952.

The first actor to form his own production company.

Usually smoked 40 cigarettes a day.

The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse
1938
dir. Anatole Litvak
starring
Edward…

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Died Today (January 14th): Shelley Winters (1920–2006)

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shelleywinters.jpgShelley Winters (1920–2006)

Born: August 18, 1920 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Died: January 14, 2006 (age 85) in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA

[on Norman Mailer] Norman’s not capable of sleeping with a starlet and using her and then just saying “That was great, kid. Goodbye.” Unlike most men in Hollywood, he’s actually a feminist. He sees women as people, not just sex objects. He reveres women. He feels there’s kind of respect they must have.

[In a 1980 interview] Jean Arthur was ALWAYS my favorite actress when I was a kid. And I love Bette Davis for a very peculiar reason. Bette Davis is not afraid to stink! There are these careful actresses who look pretty, and they’re never bad, they’re never great. But Bette Davis goes; she’ll take chances. I love to watch her on the set. Sometimes it’s awful, but sometimes it’s FANTASTIC!

Winchester 73

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