Have spent the past couple of days loading up on FilmStruck documentaries in the run-up to its November 29 end date. Here are some capsule reviews and photos. I will miss this service like hell. Fortunately the Criterion Channel has promised it will reopen as a stand-alone site in Spring. In the meantime, here is an international website that can help with locating movies on line: https://www.justwatch.com
Harlan: In the Shadow of Jew Süss (2008)
Directed by Felix Moeller
Veit Harlan made the most notoriously anti-Semetic film of the Third Reich – Jew Suss – as well as a number of propaganda-laced melodramas starring his beautiful Swedish wife Kristina Söderbaum. Like Leni Reifenstahl, he was completely unrepentent and in total denial. Unlike Reifenstahl, genius does not redeem any portion of his films. This documentary explores his life as well as the impact of his notoriety on his children and grandchildren.
Derek (2008)
Directed by Isaac Julien
A documentary about the life and work of the British director and gay activist Derek Jarman lovingly narrated by his friend and collaborator Tilda Swinton. Unfortunately, the clips did not leave me with a burning desire to see Jarman’s films but he was one fascinating and brave man.
Scene from Jarman’s CaravaggioFestival (1967)
Directed by Murray Lerner
This is a documentary featuring classic performances at the Newport Folk Festival from 1963 to 1966. Wonderful music and a glimpse at how folk music evolved into protest music and folk rock. The folk who made blues, gospel, and bluegrass are included, Too many great artists to list. If you have any interest in pop music history, I would rate this a must see.
Joan Baez patiently signing autographs as Bob Dylan waits in the car.Paris Was a Woman (1996)
Directed by Greta Schiller
A feature-length documentary about the women who sought independence in the heady atmosphere of pre- and post-WWI Paris. It’s a rather dry “talking heads” style documentary but the subject matter was interesting and I enjoyed it for that.
Power couple Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas with their dog Basket.Along the Coast (Du côte de la côte) (1958)
Directed by Agnes Varda
A short, sunny travelogue and valentine to the French Riviera.
Uncle Yanco (Oncle Yanco) (1967)
Directed by Agnes Varda
While Agnes Varda was in the San Francisco Bay Area promoting a film, she discovered her long lost relative Yanco Varda living with the hippies on a houseboat in Sausalito. He’s another artist natch and this film is full of color and love. Highly recommended.
Mur murs (1981)
Directed by Agnes Varda
A full-length documentary about murals in Los Angeles. The art is just fantastic and Varda films it in the most delicious way. What I wouldn’t give to have her eye!
