Monterey the rock festival still stands in the shadows of the unruly and iconic Woodstock, but "Monterey Pop" the film has no rival as a time capsule of late-'60s rock. D.A. Pennebaker's documentary was smarter, hipper and more musical than other rock films of the era. Yes, that includes the endlessly celebrated "Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & … [Read more...]
‘Throne of Blood’: Of madness and ‘Macbeth’
Shakespearean hearts of darkness pump the lifeblood into "Throne of Blood," one of Akira Kurosawa's greatest films. Loosely based on "Macbeth," the movie is a blood-soaked tragedy set in feudal Japan of the 16th century. "Throne of Blood" is widely regarded as one of the most successful film adaptations of a Bard play. Kurosawa dares to edit … [Read more...]
‘Kagemusha’: Kurosawa’s shadow world
Akira Kurosawa's suicide attempt was almost a decade behind him. He hadn't made a film in almost five years, and Japan's major studios had rejected his latest project, an epic tale of warlords clashing in the 16th century. "I thought another script of mine would vanish into the void," the aging director recalled years later. This time, … [Read more...]
‘Sling Blade’ a work of ‘hillbilly zen’
The indie classic "Sling Blade" hasn't aged a day since 1996 -- it remains heartfelt, compelling and wise. Billy Bob Thornton's breakthrough film has just been released in the Blu-ray format by Disney/Miramax. It returns in the original theatrical version. Thornton has acted in about 70 films -- including "Friday Night Lights," "Monster's … [Read more...]
‘Do the Right Thing’ sizzles on Blu-ray
The title sequence of Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" ranks as one of the great openings in film history. Certainly it's among the most explosive. First, the rap group Public Enemy bum rushes the soundtrack, spitting out the movie's propulsive theme song, "Fight the Power." Then actress Rosie Perez appears front and center, dancing with … [Read more...]
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