Zanzibar Musical Club

Zanzibal Musical Club invites the audience to explore and enjoy the music from an ancient town at the crossroads of the spice route. Although it was decidedly less exuberant and blatantly "feel-good" than I was expecting, I very much enjoyed this film. The director has a great talent for people-watching and captures some moments of sublime loveliness. I am, however, a bit concerned about the authenticity of the documentation. For instance, after listening to an old man sing a traditional song on a street corner, he is teased by his friends to whom he confides he hasn't sung in over 30 years but he'd do anything for foreign money. While it created one of my favourite moments of the doco, it also made me wonder how much actual culture we were glimpsing, and how much foreign romanticism was being created for the camera. Despite the fact that this doco may not offer an actual, authentic glimpse into Zazibarian (?) life, I did enjoy it quite a lot.

In The Wake Of The Flood / Yesno

Yesno was a very short short, based on the poetry of Dennis Lee (whom I love). It's a mad, fanstastic visual romp through some great writing. I hope to see it again, cuz there's more to take in than I could process in that short time. For those who know the artist, it was a little like a Schertzer brought to kinetic life.

In The Wake Of The Flood was surprisingly fantastic. I say surprising only due to my own uncertain bias. I chose the movie because it happened to fit into my scheduling. I also tend to like Margaret Atwood, though would not count myself among her die-hard fans, not by a long shot. But I do love her sharp wit and soft style, and having seen her read twice now, I can assure you it's a treat. And I learned a few things about her which I'll admit, only made me like her a whole lot more. The film chronicles her latest book tour, in which she employed the talents of volunteer singers and actors to bring her story to life. Despite finding the music a bit staid, I absolutely enjoyed the energy behind it. This film was also an interesting departure for director Ron Mann so you know, hooray for him. As a bonus treat, the audience got to participate in a Skype q&a with Atwood and Mann which was a ton of fun. Viva technology!!

Snow White

Choreographer Angelin Preljocaj's Snow White is, quite simply, stunning. With costumes by one of my favouritest designers ever, Jean-Paul Gaultier, this sure ain't Disney. I also really liked the actual filming, which is pretty rare for me and dance flicks. While the choreography stayed a bit more classical than I tend to like, I was completely engaged from beginning to end. Among my favourite moments is the introduction of the dwarves - very clever and visually exciting. And had I been in a less cynical time of my life, I would surely have joined the snifflers who dotted the audience during the Prince's dance of despair/Snow White's reawakening. A very beautiful (and more than a little lascivious) way to start the day!

Transfer

On the surface, the German sci-fi Transfer is a pretty good movie. Slick and stylish, with an interesting premise that challenges some of our current ideologies. As such, upon exiting the film I told my colleague I liked it. But then I did what any self-respecting sci-fi fan would do: I tore the movie apart, bit by bit. And unfortunately, it did not stand up to even the gentlest probing. The plot was riddled with giant holes of ridiculous implausibility. Why would they do that? And really, how come that? And that??? Puh-lease!! But you know - on the surface, I really did enjoy it. The absurdly gorgeous lead couple didn't hurt, if you know what I mean.. All in all, I reckon this film would appeal to sci-fi dabblers who are content with imperfect writing, and sci-fi connoisseurs who love to tear mediocre attempts to shreds. (we all know you're out there!)

I Wish I Knew

I Wish I Knew explores the rich history of Shanghai in the early 20th century. I know - great topic, right? But unfortunately, I feel this Chinese doco did the lush subject much disservice. I Wish I Knew consisted entirely of anecdotes told by the few survivors of the era - which is great in concept, but not so much in reality. Perhaps the survivors aren't the ones with the best stories? And the complete lack of narrative thread made the film feel rambly and a bit incoherent. I will readily assume blame for some of this. I know very little (okay, nothing) about a Chinese history the filmmaker assumed I would know. Unfortunately, without this basic grasp, I was left floundering, trying to make sense of many of the stories being told. Also, I think I'm learning the Chinese storytelling style is quite different from the style in which I'm used to communicating - a style which to me feels a bit more loquacious than I like. But I absolutely recognize this is my cultural bias. And if learning to challenge, possibly overcome my ideology is the one thing that came out of seeing this film, well, that ain't bad, is it?

Severn, The Voice Of Our Children

Severn, The Voice Of Our Children is a French doco (I know, you woulda thunk Canadian, eh?) which looks to Severn Suzuki, 18 years after her rousing plea to the world leaders at a UN meeting on the environment in 1992. It is, of course, a very important topic, and it is certainly contemplated soberly. But I found it a bit rambly at times, and even, on one or two occasions, downright confusing. And while there were elements of hope, I left the film feeling defeated, and more than a little bit cynical. I guess that's the challenge of a good environmental doco: you don't want to celebrate the successes to a point that could too-easily assuage a too-complacent world nation. But if you focus a bit too much on the fuck-ups, you risk depressing the too-complacent world nation. Or maybe the point is, most people won't do a goddamned thing anyway. Supid consumers.. Fucking sheeple!! sigh. But you know.. thankfully some people are doing something - and some of those people were directly impacted by that little girl's speech. So I guess... keep up the good work, Severn! I, and the Earth, thank you.

Surviving Life

Surviving Life was hilarious. Simply, hilarious. Pop psychology, pop art, pop goes your mind! Ideas both terrible and ridiculous are pulled wide open in this surreal shenanigan where superegos have halitosis and Freud suckerpunches Jung. Very funny, and more than a little disturbing too. If you don't mind freaky films, I strongly, strongly recommend this one.

Thomas Mao / 607

607 is a short film, preceding the feature, Thomas Mao. The best thing I can say about this one, is that it's short. What can I say - it was badly filmed bad performance art. And as with all my experiences with bad performance art, I sat there bored, hoping it really was quite insightful and interesting but maybe I just wasn't getting it. One can hope..

Thomas Mao was an excellent contrast to this opener in that there were certainly many aspects of this film I did not understand - but it always kept me engaged, often while laughing out loud. Employing a subtle, stylish surrealism, Thomas Mao explores borders in 4, possibly 5, likely many more different ways. But it's definitely "out there," and not for the classically-restricted. To wit, this conversation between two grey-haired, richly-clad asian women was overheard upon leaving the theatre: "The next film we're seeing is also Chinese, but much more traditional," met with the other woman's deep sigh of relief. ha!

Family Tree

I've always felt North Americans were a bit like adolescents, compared to our adult parents in Europe. Family Tree reinforces this belief. The genre is a North American favourite: family dysfunction and skeleton-filled closets. But this film felt a lot less voyeuristic than these kinds of films can sometimes seem (not unlike being unable to tear one's eyes away from a train wreck). It explored its tangled depths with sophistication, throwing in some important social issues to flesh it out. This was an excellently crafted drama. And fans of Wagner will love it all the more..

Rise, Ride, Roar

ok, this one was a bit of a gimme, given that it chronicles one of the best concerts i've ever been to. Rise, Ride, Roar is about David Byrne's most recent tour (the one i saw in new zealand). and there's frankly not much the documentarians could have done to make me *not* like it! ok sure, i might have made a few different editing choices. but the filming was fantastic and i really loved being able to see the show from so many new angles. and ok sure, i might have included more interviews/talk time with David Byrne, but that's only cuz i'm completely fascinated by him. same for Eno, for that matter. all in all, the film did an excellent job of capturing the gorgeous energy of the show, and i totally know what i'm asking santa to get me for xmas, so i can watch it again and again and again and again and again..

Philosophies of Life (shorts)

this will be the hardest review for me to write. partly because my momma always told me if i don't have anything nice to say, i shouldn't say anything at all. and also cuz i really, really like the programmer and i'm terrified he'll see this review and i would hate to upset/hurt him in any way. but.. yea. Philosophies of Life was not the best way to spend 2 hours of my life. it had its moments, to be sure, but they were sadly sparse. i really liked the first one (The Legend of El Limbo), a ridiculous little comedy. (although the sound was a horror show, being pumped out way too loudly for its capacity, and crackling through the speakers. this unfortunately happened with more than one of the shorts.) and i really loved Mathias, Mathias, a funky animated short from Hungary. overall though, let's just say i'm pretty sure most of these were made by students. who will probably grow up to be really fantastic. some day.

Single Man

Single Man is exactly what it bills itself as: a bawdy sex romp. it's good, dirty fun for the whole family. it's silly, it's crude, and it features one of my favourite film fest quirks: the occasional really badly translated subtitle. at times, it was obviously a mistranslation. at other times, however, i suspect the bad grammar was an attempt to convey the character's poor grammar in the original language. maybe i'm being too generous, i don't know. what i do know is that this was just good, light-hearted fun, and everyone left the theatre with a sly smile.

An Ecology of Mind / A Simple Rhythm

another case where i really, really loved one of the two medium-length-features in a double bill, but not so much the other one..

A Simple Rhythm was a slow and satisfying journey through some interesting ideas of interconnectedness. but most striking was the imagery. the filmmaker, Tess Girard, has an incredible eye for light and manipulates it with gentle genius. at times, the images were so striking, i found it challenging to follow the words. this is definitely one i will have to try to see again. and again.

An Ecology of Mind was fascinating in many ways, and tackled a subject i very much look forward to sinking my teeth into. and i suspect many people will love this documentary. it has a slick stylishness that will appeal to.. i'm not sure who, actually. watchers of W channel maybe? people who like norah-jones-esque muzak? it was just a bit too polished and.. struggling with words here.. a bit too common-denominator for my tastes, i guess. maybe i'm turning into a doco snob. who knew!

Get Out of The Car / Indian Boundary Line

this was a double feature of medium-length films. i'll reiterate: i'm no film buff, so i can't say what the "official" name of this genre is. i'm going to call it "moving photography," where there is a high emphasis on cinematography, with lingering shots that offer an experience not unlike looking at a photograph. only, it moves a little, and is accompanied by text or music.

the first film (Indian Boundary Line) was not my most favouritest movie ever. it felt a little like an over-worked, somewhat tedious student project, complete with ridiculous and painful over-pronunciation of read materials. there were definitely moments of real interest, though.

Get Out Of The Car, however, was brilliant. it was executed far more stylishly than the first, and with a superb sense of humour. i'd even watch it again, and i definitely recommend it.

Fortune Teller

Fortune Teller is a very real, very gritty Chinese doco. when a colleague asked what i thought immediately after the film, i exhaled a hearty sigh of "fuuuck." it's not the kind of film one likes or doesn't like. i'm not even sure it's a film that does, or doesn't need to be seen. maybe that means it does, but it's so uncomfortable, i'm unable to admit it.

it's one year translated into 3 hours in the life of an aged, physically disabled, homeless fortune teller, and his developmentally challenged wife. (and for a while, until she disappears, a prostitute for whom he foresees a life of loneliness.) this is definitely not a feel-good movie, although i did leave feeling remarkably grateful for being a healthy, able-bodied Canadian living in a nice warm home in gorgeous, clean Vancouver...

The Red Chapel

The Red Chapel was *fantastic* and my pick of the day. it starts as a seemingly straightforward, completely irreverent romp, billed as "Denmark punks North Korea." but the path of evil becomes increasingly difficult to trace, with the Danish director seeming to employ purportedly North Korean-esque tactics of deceit and manipulation in order to unmask their deceit and manipulation. all in all, it was a serious examination of a challenging topic, punctuated by moments of brilliant (truly, brilliant) hilarity. i very much recommend this film.

oopsies! i just realized the last screening for this has already passed, including the additional screening that was already added. sorry. well, keep your ears to the ground, in case it hits the commercial circuit. hopefully Fifth Ave will pick it up..

Of Love and Other Demons

Gabriel Garcia Marquez brought to luxurious life. Of Love and Other Demons is a delicate film, full of the usual Marquez suspects: passion, possession, catholics, colonialists, and a gorgeous young marquise with three feet of fiery curls (which oh! made me miss my recently-cut hair so much!!) a slow, sumptuous, chick-flick-fable. i loved it.

Kawasaki's Rose

(note, the film may call itself Kawasaki Rose, but the Guide has it listed as Kawasaki's Rose)

Kawasaki's Rose is a suspenseful Czech family drama rooted in the relatively recent national political drama. some plots seemed a bit arbitrary - introduced and left to float off into the ether, never again to be seen. but that also contributed to the realistic flow of the film; life is, after all, full of unresolved randomness.. my major complaint however is that the film was quite verbose, turning into a speed-reading exercise on many occasions. as a result, i feel that i "saw" very little of the film. also, the actual film breaking during a critical reveal was a bit of a drag.. but it gave us all a moment to catch our breaths, which was kinda nice too!

overheard (during this impromptu break), a girlfriend talking to her date: "they're using such big words!! are you sure you're getting everything?" (heh)

Nénette

Nénette is a lovely French (as in France) doco about a 40 year-old orangutan who has lived in captivity since her capture at age 3. it may not be for everyone, but some of you may remember that i studied primatology; this was, of course, right up my alley. i appreciated the slow and quiet development of the film, though at times even i found it hard to separate my eyelids. but overall i loved the gentleness of the film, and the opportunity to just watch, watch, watch this magnificent orangutan. i'm still not sure how i feel about animals in captivity, and while raising "those kinds of questions" does not appear to have been a central focus of this film, it is unavoidable, and i think broached masterfully. if you like great apes, you'll love this film.

it also screens with a short i was very, very interested in seeing: Los Maravillistas. alas, the screening times don't work with my schedule, and they did not play the short as part of the advance screening. le sigh..

The Desert of Forgotten Art

The Desert of Forgotten Art is a documentary about a really fascinating story! a man in 20th century Russia salvages a ton of folk and otherwise censored art and establishes a truly incredible museum in Uzbekistan. however, i was a bit bored by the actual documentary. i feel it just didn't do the topic justice. and i was frustrated by the footage of the art - i found it too rushed. granted, i do really like to take my time looking at art, really drinking in all the delicious details. and man, there was some really incredible art. i never would have thought "go to a museum in Uzbekistan" would become one of my "things to do before i die.."

The White Meadows

The White Meadows is an Iranian fable about a man who travels around collecting tears. 2 days after seeing it, i still feel at a bit of a loss. i can say for certain and beyond any doubt that it was beautiful. absolutely stunning cinematography. the challenge is that the film offers some startling and deeply upsetting scenarios, with little to no resolution. while i appreciated the absence of any judgment in how these stories were told, it did mean that i was left, at the end, wondering what to do with the tumultuous emotions inspired by this quiet, beautiful movie. i don't think that's a bad thing, but i'm also not sure it's a good thing either?

12 Angry Lebanese

the festival runs September 30 - October 15. i've already got a few to post, because i took in some of the advance screenings (for media, pass holders and volunteers).

12 Angry Lebanese is a documentary about a drama therapy project in a Lebanese prison in which a total of 45 men participate in mounting a theatrical production of "12 Angry Men." i was interested in seeing this because i have a very real interest in drama therapy. that said, i was not prepared to be as profoundly affected as i was. this was a truly inspirational and deeply moving film that left me sobbing at the end. (in a really good way.)

hi!

we are in the throes of the Vancouver International Film Festival and i'm delighted to have a pass! i've dreamed of having a pass to a film fest forever, so you can bet i'm gonna make good use of this, baby!!

on that note, i know people will be curious about what i saw, and what i thought about what i saw.. so rather than trying to answer the queries individually, i'm going to update this note whenever i get the chance, with mini reviews of the films i saw. some reviews may be posted after the last screening, making it little more than an exercise in frustration for you, and i'm sorry for that. more importantly, i don't claim to be an expert film critic or even connoisseur. not by a long shot. i just know what i like, and will do my best to tell you why.

hope you enjoy!