Life is indeed a game of inches, Krzysztof Kieslowski appears to be telling us in "Blind Chance." The film, perhaps more descriptively titled "The Hand of Fate," explores three possible outcomes of a young traveler's attempts to catch a fast-moving train. Paranoia runs deep in this, among the most political of Kieslowski's films. Made in … [Read more...]
Archives for 2015
‘My Dinner With Andre’ a feast for the ears
Three and a half decades on, "My Dinner With Andre" remains a succulent piece of filmmaking. The ultimate talkie has lost none of the charm, mystery and wisdom that turned it into an indie hit back in 1981. Somehow, the film about two intellectuals talking in a Manhattan restaurant became a cultural sensation -- this in the time of "The … [Read more...]
‘Limelight’: Chaplin’s melancholy dance
"The cycle is complete," the not-so-great Calvaro says in Charles Chaplin's "Limelight." It was more than a line from a self-pitying clown. Chaplin's 1952 film completes the circuit between the pure joyous comedy of his youth and the time-weary art of his advanced years. Chaplin, fully expecting "Limelight" to be his last film, made it his last … [Read more...]
‘The Other One’: Bob Weir docu shines
"I've led kind of an unusual life," says Bob Weir, in a moment of understatement. "I've seen stuff that no one has seen," the guitarist adds, bringing to mind that "Blade Runner" replicant in the rain. And yes, Weir says, quoting himself: "It's been a long strange trip." The rhythm guitarist for the Grateful Dead steps out of the long … [Read more...]
‘Fellini Satyricon’ sets sail on Criterion Blu-ray
"Satyricon" is advanced Fellini, a film seemingly made with little regard for its audience -- going so far as to end mid-sentence to stress its fragmented nature. The idea was to "upset viewers," says one expert on the film. Fellini, of course, succeeds at upending the cinema as few filmmakers could. Difficult and frustrating as "Satyricon" … [Read more...]