British Film "71" The Year of Bloody Battles in Belfast

This intense historic drama is a harsh portrayal of the tumultuous & bloody fighting that ensued in N. Ireland in 1971. The animosity between Catholics & Protestants within a small radius sparked bombings & shootings that turned the country into a civil war zone.  The British sent their militia into the strained relations of a combustible city adding to the bloodbath.  Dir. Yann Demange is making an impressive directorial debut with "71."  It captures the look & tensions in Belfast '71 which makes the complex problems seem more baffling.  "We look after our own," was a refrain from all fractions pitting neighbors v. neighbors.  The violence is awash with omnipresent alcohol and guns sweeping everyone up in its wake.  A British soldier becomes separated from his unit.  He is hunted down like an animal through the ominous & abandoned streets.  The soldier's struggle to remain alive is terrifying.  The dark settings makes this an artsy, moody thriller.  There are moments of ultruistic humanity that juxtapose the senseless killings & brutalities. Demange's powerful historic imagery & storytelling evoke the horrors of being in the midst of a civil war.  He  received the BAFT Award for outstanding debut by a British director.  This debut portends a brilliant future in filmmaking with his look back to a very dark period in history.

Julliard Jazz Perf. with W. Marsalis & V. Goines/Ellington&Goodman Program

The Julliard Jazz performance last night was extraordinary.  The world renown composer, musician & jazz ambassador, Wynton Marsalis, was there to welcome a full house @ the Sharp Theater.  Mr. Marsalis gave an overview of the relevance of jazz in our country's history & its significant role in desegration. The evening's program comprised Duke Ellington compositions & prominent pieces of  Benny Goodman & his band.  Both legendary geniuses were among the first to break racial barriers by integrating their orchestras & broadening audiences.  Yesterday, marked the 50th annv. of the March from Selma to Montgomery.  Jazz, arguably more than any other musical style, has impacted people's lives by it's artistic excellence; contributing to a more harmonious world. Victor Goines, a member of Marsalis' Jazz Orch. is an accomplished clarinetist & saxophonist.  He performed on the clarinet along with the Julliard students to everyone's great delight.  Goines is an artist, educator & prolific composer.  He has performed with many noted musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie & Stevie Wonder. The students introduced the pieces.  They shared its' historic background & personal significance. The pianist, drummer & vibraphone player were remarkable in an orchestra of talented & delightful musicians.  Marsalis & Goines thanked the audience & the students for their dedication to keeping jazz vibrant.  Last night was an exceptional evening.  It was highly entertaining & inspiring.

Freedom Journey Photos by Somerstein-SELMA to MONTGOMERY, 50 Years Ago Today

Freedom Journey 1965 Photographs of the march from Selma to Montgomery are on view at the NY Historical Soc.  Somerstein, then a student & photo editor at NY's City College took it upon himself to go to AL, and has documented one of the most important events in the civil rights movement; the most significant epoch in the 20thC. The 5 day, 54 mile march started with 3,000 people and and culminated with over 25,000 gathering around the capitol in Montgomery to listen to Dr. King & civil rights leaders. The intent was to establish equitable voting rights for blacks in the south.  This was a galvanizing event for civil rights, the struggle to obliterate segregation & establish equal rights for blacks under the law.  The most omnipotent photo is shot from behind Dr. King.  Only his silhouette is seen giving you his vantage. The majority of photos are black/white. Other significant civil rights leaders were captured in both pensive & relaxed moments:  Rosa Parks, James Baldwin, Bayard Rustin, Andrew Young & John Lewis.  Lewis is the only survivor who spoke alongside Dr. King.  I was struck by a photo of a smiling Joan Baez, standing defiantly alone in front of a line of AL police & the photo of blacks solemningly watching the marchers while seated beneath a billboard of a smiling white woman in a Coke ad.  Other poignant photos are of the people walking along the route waving Amer. flags with onlookers in the background. The expressions are a mixture of pride, uncertainty, awe  & jubilation.  I followed a class of 10 yr. olds.  The curator asked the students what they notice in the largest photo of the assembly on the state's capitol.  "The confederate flag is on top," said one boy.  The curator played a recording of the speech Dr. King gave at this momentous rally.  Listen for what Dr. King keeps repeating she tells the students.  "How long?  How long?"  

Argentina's Oscar Nom. Film WILD TALES-Take You on a WILD Ride

Argentinian dir./screenwriter, Damian Szifron, has a movie that is sizzling, outrageous and feral.  Szifron's film received an Oscar nom. for Best Foreign film.  This S. American tale is so ferocious it makes every Amer. film this year seem tame.  This is a non-stop roller coaster ride from the opening scene where a passenger plane is commandeered by a guy bent on revenge at all costs to the film's final moments.  The credits appear atop shots of wild animals.   Basically, the humans in this film behave like savages, bent on destruction & self-combustion.  The Cohen brothers' movies seem like PG in comparison.   The conceit is people behaving badly; vicious & vindictive in 5 separate scenarios.  The  crime & punishment theme takes provacation & retribution into the stratosphere.  How barbaric can a person become when pushed to their limit?  Where does the line get drawn in the sand?  The recent road rage shooting in NV demonstrates how insane & deadly people react.  Depravity reaches an all time low that grabs the viewer & won't let go.  There's no turning back from this fierce & farcical film that has you wondering, who you are rooting for and why?  Why do I recommend WILD TALES?  Because it is a cosmic phenomena unlike any movie I have ever seen.  And one I will never forget.  Take a chance on WILD TALES.

THE KINGSMAN with Colin Firth Not Worth a Crown-Thumbs Down

THE KINGSMAN is mire pax of James Bond genres, stirred (not shaken) with STAR WARS, AUSTIN POWERS, BATMAN, BOURNE IDENTITY & King Arthur with dreadful results.  The film needs magic to make it watchable.  There are some exceptional ingredients in this potpourri: Colin Firth, Michael Caine. and an appealing young Brit, Teron Egerton.  Still this potpourri reeked.  To be fair, the first 45 minutes was very entertaining.  Harry Hart (Firth) is a British undercover agent that could outdo James Bond.  Eggsy (Egerton) is a bright, underachiever from a rough neighborhood who finds himself in trouble with the law after an original & hilarious car chase.  Eggsy uses his 1 call to the number Harry had given him on a medal 17 years earlier.  Eggsy father was a secret agent who saved Harry's life in a heroic sacrifice.  Hart convinces Eggsy to apply for a position as an agent by handedly beating the pub bullies to a pulp with the aid of his hi-tech umbrella.  The training/competition for the coveted elite spot with the British agents "The Kingsman" is also appealing.  Eggsy does not have the upper crust breeding of the others but his fast thinking & courageous unconventional actions earn him the job (along with hi-tech perks.)  The movie takes a nosedive after Hart, is killed by the villainous Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson with a silly lisp.)  The evil plot to "save the world" destroys the movie.  Don't get shagged.  "This sort of thing ain't my bag, baby." (A. Powers)

THE IMITATION GAME-Serious Secret Govt. Work WII- A World Class Film

THE IMITATION GAME is nominated for this year's Oscar race in all the major categories, including best picture, directing, leading actor Benedict Cumberbatch (Alan Turing) & leading actress Keira Knightley (Joan Clarke.)  For those who have yet to see this indomitable contender for Best Picture, race out to see it.  The unbelievably remarkable story is based on the life of Alan Turing, posthumously honored & renowned for creating the 1st "computer" used to decrypt the Nazi radio code known as "Enigma." Solving Enigma enabled allied forced to strategize their attacks, saving millions of lives & expediting the cessation of WWII.  Turing was recruited in 1939 by British Intelligence M16.  There were several other brilliant mathematicians assisting with the cryptanalysis of the Nazi's  code.  In addition to Knightley as Ms. Clarke, some of the other brilliant minds were portrayed by Matthew Goode (The Good Wife) and Allan Leech (Downton Abbey.)  Turing's nemesis was played by the villainous Charles Dance (Game of Thrones.)  Despite Turing's heroic, miraculous & altruistic contributions, he was persecuted by the British Govt. for being homosexual.  Equally fascinating, although terribly disturbing, was the British Criminal Law Amendment (1885-1967) criminalizing homosexual behavior.  Oscar Wilde & Alan Turing, were only 2 of the multitudes arrested and demonized.  Turing was sentenced to probation in 1952 which required hormonal treatments intended to limit the libido of depraved individuals.  Turing was quoted often times in the movie saying "violence is found satisfying."  Although I don't agree with his sentiment, THE IMITATION GAME is highly rewarding; a must see film.  It's a strong contender for Best Picture at this year's Oscars.

Julliard Drama Presents METAMORPHOSES-A Hideous Mutation

The audience is forewarned: the running time of the play is 2 hrs. 10 minutes without an intermission.  There will be no re-entry upon leaving.  I left after 20 minutes not wanting to re-enter, regretting the time spent.  Perhaps it's unfair to review a production when I couldn't bear to stay- but, what does that say?  The students were adapting Ovid's mythological tales of love, transformation & loss.  The play was a total loss.  This was both surprising & disappointing.  The Broadway play was nominated for 3 Tony Awards, including best play in 2002.  The Julliard Drama students are culled from the finest acting students; future stars of tomorrow.  The lead in B'wy's Curious Incident is a Julliard graduate ('14) & has received a Tony nom. for his current role.  Last year's production of Vera Stark was outstanding.  This year's production of METAMORPHOSES did not show any promise of budding talent.  It was a silly mess.  It look like the students would do a fun exercise with one another.  It wasn't fun to watch.  I can only imagine a few stragglers remaining in the theater for the final curtain call.

Modern Photographs 1909-49 Collection@MoMA

The MoMA has been a major showcase for phography as a strong mainstay in the artworld.  Perhaps, Amer. photographers have been given the lion's share of exhibitions @ the MoMA.  This exhibit, "Modern Photographs from the Thomas Walther Collection, 1909-1949," is fascinating for the experimentation that was being made with photography & the plethora of photos by artists from Central Europe, Hungary, Germany, Russia & Japan.  Still a relatively new artform at the time, it is with dawning insights & glee many of the artists were brandishing their cameras in groundbreaking methods with astounding results.  I suspect the results delighted the artists as well as the public.  The special-effects in some of the works are beguiling, even today.  The artists also experimented with lighting & composition.  German photojournalist, Willi Ruge took photography to new heights by skydiving with his camera strapped on with startling & daring results.  I was drawn to the dreamlike aesthetic photos, in particular, those by French surrealist Tabard, and architectural images that appear abstract.  I recommend taking a fresh look at this collection.  Despite works from the early 20th C, there is a timeless & prescient sensibility.

Kasmin Gallery in Chelsea Travels Back to NY Painting & Sculpture 1940-70

Looking for an exciting art experience in NYC?  Stop in at the Kasmin Gallery in Chelsea.  They've  assembled a number of major works from the Henry Geldzahler curated show at the MET "NY Paiting & Sculpture 1940-1970."   The groundbreaking exhibit that was 1st held at the MET in 1970 assembled some of the most significant American works produced in those 3 decades.  The collection contains paintings from Louis, Frankenthaler, Albers & Kelly to name but a few.  I was particularily taken with Hoffman's oil painting & a Warhol shoe painting. The sculptures & collages include works by Judd, Rauschenberg, Calder.  The simple, illuminated Flavin sculpture was a highlight. The trend at the time was towards simplicity.  This exhibit is simply, a treasure.  Geldzahler wrote "NY must provide an opportunity to see recent art in much the same way that Cubism & Surrealism are visible at the MoMA. Rather than devoting an inordinate amount of time to an accelerated schedule of theme shows & retrospectives, museum directors & their staffs… might do better to expend their greatest efforts on providing gallery after gallery of important recent works by major artists so that our students, foreign & our of town visitors, NY's own passionate audience for art…"  Take advantage of this assembled collection of master works that are now on view in a relaxed & accessible setting to appreciate & consider.

Doc. Film-Ballet 422, Peck's Creates a Ballet for NYCBallet in 2 Months

This fascinating doc. film follows NYC Ballet (NYCB) resident choreographer, Justin Peck, in a  privileged inside look at the mystifying, multi-complex process of creating a work for the world renown dance company.  (422 refers to the number the ballet will become in the NYCB's repetoire.) Peck at 25 became the youngest resident choreographer for a leading ballet company.  Currently, Peck is also a soloist in the company; wearing both a dancer & choreographer chapeaux.  The cunning filming steers the camera around Peck without having him acknowledge the lens or explain his methodolgies.  It is fascinating being a fly within the halls of NYCB.  Perhaps, it's too heavy handed placing intermittent signs counting down the 2 months allotted time to the final curtain call.  Regardless, it is intoxicating to be amongst Peck & his fellow dancers as they work together to achieve Peck's vision. Clearly, Peck is a driven artist on a mission which sheds him in a solitary, melancholy light.  However, it is not a solo trek but a collaborative & burgeoning creative operation with multi-moving parts essential to les meiux melanger.  Peck has plenty on his plate from choreographing & rehearsing to overseeing the costuming, the lighting, and without overstepping the maestro's baton, the music.  Every facet is interlocked within the whole. Dancers give feedback to Peck. Peck in turn revised the steps or advised the dancers.  There are times when advice given is incorporated and there are artistic decisions where Peck remains adamant.  Still, this is a lovely, congenial process.  There's a cohesive feeling to achieving Peck's ballet, "Paz de la Jolla."  At 26, Peck is young and still dancing.  After his bow following the premier of "Paz de la Jolla," he quickly changes into costume for the 3rd piece on the program where we he leaves us, onstage ready to dance.    

GREAT LAKES@MTC is a Colassal Mistake

The full title of this laborious & annoying play is 'A Beautiful Day in November on the the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes."  A run-on title that is much too long for this 1 hr. 15 min. play that is an hour too long.  The premise is promising; a midwestern family preparing for the Thanksgiving gathering.  Two commentators from a press booth above the set call out the action in preparing for the  meal stuffed way out of bounds with sporting analogies.  Yes, there is hilarity to be found in family dysfunction as it plays out like a battlefield around the Thanksgiving Day table.  In fact, this would probably make a clever SNL sketch.  However, as a long drawn out play, it's as flat as Brady's balls in the Patriots v. Indiana game.  Ouch!  From setting up the table to lying on the couch - this comedy outruns the clock, making everyone a loser.  An audible should have been called for another play, any other play.  It would have to be better cuz it couldn't get worse.

Breaking Bad Blues? "Better Call Caul" Prequel Sundays "Saul & Mik" @ 92ndY

 I was late to catching onto BREAKING BAD (BB); the greatest series EVER! But I'm so ready for the prequel BETTER CALL SAUL (BCS.) Saul's character always added a level of sly humor & good advice (if only heeded) and Mike was the enforcer we all grew to love besides his granddaughter.  I'm extremely excited to watch the upcoming AMC series,  BCS which reprises Saul's character played by Emmy Award winning comedy writer & actor Bob Odenkirk.  The series has already been picked up for a 2nd season.  Mike's character will be introduced, played by 2 time Emmy nominee Jonathan Banks.  We'll meet Saul's brother played by Michael McKean (who recently starred on B'wy with Bryan Cranston in "All the Way.")  All 3 brilliant dramatic & comedic actors were in a 92Y talk moderated by Cynthing Littleton, managing editor, TV, at "Variety."  She managed to do little, which was just as well.  Odenkirk, a very sexy Banks and McKean were able to hold the audience enthralled with their good natured ruckus & candid discussion of acting; specifically in regards to their roles in BB & BCS.  Odenkirk,  a former writer for SNL & Emmy winning writer for "The Ben Stiller Show," when asked if he ad-libbed for his role said, "No, I learn the character by doing what is written." He said the biggest surprise about his character is "How soft-hearted he is. He's {Saul} multi-dimensional & close to his brother."  The banter about the show - without giving anything away, "every episode will be completely different, nothing is formulaic."  When asked if they'd like Aaron Paul (Jessie) on the show, Banks replied, "Aaron's a brilliant actor but he can't play an 11 yr. old."  Banks also said he's going out for a beer.  If only he'd have asked…

Malian film TIMBUKTU-Scorchingly Beautiful, Searingly Brutal Life Under Islamic Rule

Dir./screenwriter Abderrahmane Sissako's (b. Mauritania) stunningly beautiful film TIMBUKTU is shot amongst the sand dunes of W. Africa & city built of blood-red clay structures.  It is a French-Mauritanian drama filmed near TIMBUKTU in W. Africa.  It has been nominated for this year's Oscar for Best Foreign Film.  The nomadic & city dwellers serenic lives become Hell under the newly arrived Islamic forces (2012.)  The armed Jihadists continuously add & enforce new regulations on every aspect of the locals lives: no music, no soccer, no smoking, no sitting outside their homes, women's bodies must be totally covered at all times.  The Jihadists justify their barbaric actions all in the name of Allah.  Women are forced to wed their fighters.  There are lashings for singing and stonings for supposed adultery.  Their laws need not amongst themselves. Their misrepresentation of justice is swift & barbaric.  The stoning of a couple buried in sand up to their heads is horrific.  The whipping of a woman for her beautiful singing is painful to behold.  She sings during her beating which is both heartbreaking & inspiring.  A scene of a group of young men playing soccer with an imaginary ball is majestic & mesmerizing. The local Imam speaks out against their oppressors to no avail.  Every freedom & joy is stripped away; robbing life of any meaning.  The film begins & ends with a beautiful gazelle fleeing from Jihadists firing from their jeep.  Their goal," not to kill the animal but to wear her out."  The dazzling appeal of this remarkably film intensifies its harshness.  It is a powerful & admirable work.  It is also a very difficult film to view.

The WORLD of EXTREME HAPPINESS@ MTC A Misery to Watch

The WORLD of EXTREME HAPPINESS is an ambitious play with an intent to educate us of the numerous plights faced by the Chinese since the Cultural Revolution.  Playwright, Frances Cowhig, is Amer. born & educated.  She was also raised in Okinawa, Taipin & Beijing.  The span of the play is an extreme bulk of pain & misery in 1 act & 90 min. running time.  Perhaps, as in China with many of its problems stemming from over-population, massive developments & repression, the play suffers from being over programmed & intent misplaced.  It's unclear whether it wants to entertain, educate or sermonize.  The choppy, frenetic juxtaposition of past & present, with actors  fullfilling multiple roles is too chaotic to allow for the characters & their plights to resonate with impact.  Still, the sparse staging & acting by Jennifer Lim as Sunny; the unwanted girl baby left to die in a pig slop bucket was admirable.  Unfortunately, the ensemble cast was erratic, due largely in part to the writing.  Cowhig has been awarded the Yale Drama Series Award & Keene Prize for Lit.  I was not keen for this play and extremely distressed to sit through this mess.  

Belgium Film TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT stars Marion Cotillard

TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT's plot can be summarized succinctly.  Sandra (Oscar winner Marion Cotillard) a wife/mother of 2 children after a short battle with depression, is fighting to regain her job.  Her brutish, manipulative boss has condescended to reinstate her if she is able to convince the majority of her 16 co-workers to save her job by forfeiting their 1000 euros bonus.  Sandra's despondency is palpable.  She is lethargic & detached; dependent on poppping Xanax.  "I'm nothing-I don't exist," she tells her husband.  Her husband tells her she does exist, for him & their children.  She also has a strong ally from her friend at work.  Both encourage her to fight for her job by appealing to the other co-workers in person. Sandra (in an unforgettable performance by Cotillard) persists with the demeaning task of beseeching others to save her job although this would cost them financial loss.  Furthermore, some fear repercussions at work.  The straight forward plot is a myriad of human behavior.  Some respond with hostility & violence.  Some are sheepish, wanting to know where others stand.  And, some are incredibly noble and altruistic; willing to risk the consequences in order to insure Sandra her rightful place at work & much needed income.  In her quest, Sandra displays dignity & understanding.  In turn, she is met with compassion & empathy by most when meeting face to face.  This extraordinary film by Belgian Rongione brothers was sorely overlooked by the Oscar Nom. Com.  Not only should this inspiring cosmos of humanity have been nominated, it should be taking home the Oscar for Best Foreign Film.