Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Pithy Reviews (12)

Docs of the Year 2012...

The Imposter (Bart Layton, 2012)
An Errol Morris-style documentary about a 23-year-old Frenchman who pretended to be a missing 16-year-old Texan boy. Narrated through interviews with the people who took part in the story, "The Imposter" creates a much more compelling drama than most thrillers we see these days. However, in the last act, it brings certain allegations against the family of the young boy that it simply cannot prove and I think it was a mistake to go in that direction.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Samsara (Ron Fricke, 2011)
This movie is probably meant to be seen on the big screen projected in 70mm (not available in my region...) A wonderful collection of images from all over the globe, focusing on natural wonders, poverty & exploitation and - in contrast - our dependance on technology. Still, this doesn't really go any further than Fricke went with his most celebrated film, "Baraka" and it's a long way from the masterpiece of the genre, Godfrey Reggio's "Koyaanisqatsi" (for which Ron Fricke was cinematographer).
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Searching for Sugar Man (Malik Bendjelloul, 2012)
An incredible tale of a forgotten musician and the millions of fans he didn't know about in another part of the world. First-time director Malik Bendjelloul gives enough room in his film to the music of Rodriguez and, in the end, I responded most to the music as opposed to the film-making. A mediocre film, but a great showcase for an artist who deserves more recognition.
Rating: 3 out of 5


1 comment:

Twinsen said...

Mama Illegal e fantastic, rar se intampla sa vezi o intreaga sala in lacrimi, cum s-a intamplat la Astra Fest. Cand mai erau 5 minute pana la sfarsit s-a produs o defectiune tehnica si organizatorii au anuntat ca nu se poate continua proiectia. Publicul insa a continuat sa ceara sa vada finalul, asa ca pana la urma regizorul a furnizat o alta copie, care din pacate n-a mers nici ea. Trebuia sa inceapa o alta proiectie si se depasise mult timpul alocat, dar oamenii tot nu au renuntat sa ceara sa vada finalul, asa ca pana la urma s-a pus o copie fara traducere care a functionat.

Din pacate n-am gasit decat un trailer pe youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFwdc6xIWCc