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THE WORKING MAN, CHARLIE!
You Only Get Noted Once
Criteria: below ten titles, only counting films and TV films, and with less than two known works (that's why you won't be seeing Heather O'Rourke here, just an example).
Robert Bork
Died on their Birthday
Monalisa thief Vincenzo Peruggia (8 October 1881 – 8 October 1925); journalist William Monroe Trotter (April 7, 1872 - April 7, 1934); military Filinto Müller (11 July 1900 - 11 July 1973); painter Nair de Tefé (16 June, 1886 - June 16, 1981); sportswriter Martin Manley (15 August, 1953 – 15 August, 2013); terrorist Yakub Memon (30 July, 1962 – 30 July, 2015); criminal T. Eugene Thompson (August 7, 1927 - August 7, 2015); author Victor Thorn (August 1st, 1962 - August 1st, 2016) and Lula's mother-in-law Vani Terezinha Ferreira (October 28, 1940 - October 28, 2020).
Hottest actors
The Film Club
Reviews
Ver Ouvir (1967)
Curiously unusual
"Ver Ouvir" ("See Listen") presents three artists/painters from the Generation 60 (Rubens Gerchman, Roberto Magalhães, and Antonio Dias) sharing
their views on their art, and also talking a little about themselves - some of them are quite enigmatic, can't remember who but one of them appears
wearing a huge mask through the whole presentation.
A curious view and exercise in such presentation where their countless and amazing urban works are shown and they also blend with the crowd
and interact with people in Rio de Janeiro. It's okay, very different and unusual approach to get to know artists and their works - and they have plenty
of great things to show. But at times I find it a tedious experience. Compared with the previous effort made by the director Antonio Carlos da Fontoura,
the amazing short "Heitor dos Prazeres", this pale in comparison. While there we had a very humble, simple yet word effective artist with a more
substantial background, here we have three man who at times appear very full of themselves. Okay experience. 6/10.
Heitor dos Prazeres (1966)
A special moment with a genuine artist
I must admit that I don't know almost anything about this great artist that Heitor dos Prazeres were, both an acclaimed painter with more than 300
works on his resume, and also as a musician that he also was working on the samba genre and being a founder of a samba group. One thing I do know after
watching this short documentary is how eloquent, humble and magnificent he is when he talked about his art, why he loved doing what he did and why there
was an important in communicating to audiences through his art.
Usually when we think about the figure of artists as complex, talkative and giving such self-importance that they become a bore. Not Heitor. He could
express plenty with such simplicity and love that one feel curious about his works and try to see if everything he said in the film could be reflected.
And there's an even sad but truth moment when he reveals that sometimes he had to bow to certain conventions about his art in order to get money in order
to survive, meaning he had to keep repeating patterns or create paintings that didn't appeal to him but he got paid. You can feel the pain in his voice
when he mentions that, a feeling that all great artists, in some way or another has to go through in order to stay relevant or at least working with deadlines
or favoring fans and potential buyers.
The film is possibly one of the last times Heitor dos Prazeres was captured on film (if ever had before) since he'd die some time later that same
year. Along with his poetic way of presenting himself and why he makes art, there's also some sambas of his played along with several paintings of his.
So, here's a brilliant and unique way to meet the person behind the work. One feels easily inspired by his words, passion and commitment to the world of
arts, and that's something rare to see these days. I just wished this could on for a whole hour. 7/10.
Ritmo Alucinante (1975)
Worth seeing due to its important historical/musical register
In terms of remarkable and rare musical registers filmed in Brazil, "Ritmo Alucinante" is a quite interesting one just by hearing what it was
all about: a filmed register from the Hollywood Rock of 1975, where legendary names as Rita Lee and Tutti Frutti, Raul Seixas, Erasmo Carlos and Celly
Campello were joined along with the new sensations such as the prog rock groups Vímana and Peso, all in one spectacular evening. Those events were
quite rare back in the day so you can totally understand the audiences reactions - highly enthusiastic and vibrant though you won't be able to see
them, just hear.
The experience of
seeing isn't so exciting due to the low quality of the material (probably Canal Brasil has a better version) and some of the gigs are so-and-so. Yet
I have to recommend it base on the historical importance of having a rock festival that paved the way to similar and better ones made in the years to
come and that includes the epic 1985 Rock in Rio which was a spectacle to be seen (I wish I could be there). It's also important to note how
comprehensive this particular 1975 festival were in presenting the whole evolution of Brazilian rock n'roll, from its origins on late 1950's to the
most fresh new acts, back in a time where rock wasn't popular and suffered persecution by mass medias and the period costumes (militaries had something
to do with that as well).
My favorite bits from this special comes from Peso and Vímana (with a very young Lulu Santos), and Raul Seixas moments with an improvised version
of "Como Vovó Dizia" where he made some changes in the lyrics and also "Sociedade Alternativa" where he slips some ideals of what could be such
alternative society, going way beyond the lyrics. And there's some cool interviews with some of the artists, interviews conducted by Scarlet Moon, who
later married Lulu Santos.
Sure, it's miles away from being an "Woodstock" of sorts or any famous great gig from some popular bands, but it deserves some special attention.
For the time being, it's the best that's available, unless if some other older register come to light, then we can discuss something else. 6/10.
Índios, Memória de uma CPI (2002)
Things haven't changed much
This short documentary presents a brief view on a congressional hearing works related with the situation of Brazilian indigenous people
right after the creation of an organization that protects their culture and territorial space, among other things, and one congressman who
was part of the meetings plus one anthropologist share their views on that report. Along with their 2002 interviews, we have audios from
the CPI and archive images from native leaderships sharing their experience while suffering severe cases of attacks, rapes and killings by
rural workers and farmers, and the whole situation faced by communities that kept disappearing over the decades.
While the presentation is somewhat boring, specially concerning those who were dealing with the topic most recently, the old films with
the indians are a rich and informative material that deserves some special attention. 21 years after the rememberances of such hearings and
how politicians were baffled to see the conditions faced by the natives, one must take new perspectives on the issue since then one can say
things haven't changed much, though there were some progresses, but most recently the Marco Temporal (Milestone Thesis) was approved which
dictates what can be considered as an indigenous territory or not, based on the 1988 Constitution, and that gave many breaches to landowners
to claim such territories in order to explore the land, destroy the environment among other things, and simply throw away native people who
lived their whole lives in the place.
A quite interesting picture for those who want to evaluate better some discussion on the forementioned themes, nothing mor. 7/10.
Tears for Fears: Woman in Chains (1989)
One of TFF's best
A true classic music video and song by Tears for Fears, "Woman in Chains" addresses the harsh reality of relationship/domestic abuse.
It presents the trouble relationship between a female dancer and a boxer, and while there are several elements of violence through the video,
it's not done in a graphic manner - but it's there in the heated arguements they have, the man's expressions and gestures tells everything,
and while we don't see him hit her, just the initial image of him hitting the punching bag is terrifying enough.
The composition of images (excellent black-and-white cinemaography), editing and the transition between both the couple's moments and their solo
activities are all very gripping and with some suspense I must say, even though the song and its protest message are there to assures us of
anything but terror.
Along with the storyline, there's also the group performing with Oleta Adams, a great performance all around. Fun fact: though you see
Chris Hughes behind the drums in the video the actual player of the track is none other than Phil Collins. One of the greatest tracks from
the underrated "The Seeds of Love". 10/10.
The Charlatans UK: The Only One I Know (1990)
Pretty great song, nice atmosphere
My favorite song from The Charlatans UK - and also their biggest here, as far as I know - "The Only One I Know" was a spectacular highly
catchy tune whose towering use of keyboards stays in your head for ages. I don't know what's about the video that intrigues and excites me in
great ways. Maybe the early 1990's aesthetics appeals to me, the cinematography that captures a great night atmosphere as the band performs the act, with
some teens in the background moving around. It's really hard to tell. All I know and all I care is that is freaking great song, and if there's
a video it's even better. 9/10.
Noite na Taverna (2014)
A creative adaptation from a classic story
For those about to watch this short film adaptation from Álvares de Azevedo novel expecting to get a full view of the story and/or are in
desperate need to cheat a literature exam, my advice is: read the book. The film by Yghor Boy only covers one of the many short stories told
by a group of friends at a tavern, and here even the famous author becomes part of the piece himself.
In it, Álvares (Victor Mendes) confides to a friend that he's finishing his writings and he needs some input on it. The story is the
segment Johann (played by Sergio Siviero), a man who duels with another one (Ricardo Merini) after some misunderstanding during a pool game.
One loses, one wins but as the night progresses a series of darker events will prove that winning sometimes isn't the best thing.
It's a quite twisted story with some great use of dark humor elements, and there's even countless of convention breaks since the author
is part of the story. Another great thing about its presentation is that though the story takes place in the 19th Century, the real streets
of São Paulo from the historical center are presented as they are today, no art-direction used to go back in time; instead, the director
films on historical locations, late at night so you don't even notice the more recent constructions. It all feels very authentic.
I won't do much criticism about the story except that it's a very tense thing - I read the book way back in time and don't feel the need
to revisit. But from the summary I read it can be said the film follows exactly the series of events without altering much facts. Also worthy
of praise is the amazingly group of young actors gathered here, they're all great. Definitely one of the sweetest surprises I've seen this
year. 8/10.
'Til Tuesday: Voices Carry (1985)
A true great classic
The massive hit song "Voices Carry" by Til Tuesday got one of the most interesting music videos of all time, with a storyline that was
poignant then and even more poignant now. And unlike some videos with stories from the period, it has aged well and it's not corny or chessy
at all.
It tells us the
story of a rock/pop singer (Aimee Mann) who has to deal with the nuisance of her male-centric high-and-mighty boyfriend (Cully Holland) and his rejection
of everything she does, from her punk hairdo, her earrings and even her work which prevents them from having more time together.
A few cool points: we have some small dialogues in between the song, mostly from hateful boyfriend character (amazing performance by the
late Holland); the performance of the song is highly effective in some particular moments, of which I cannot describe here, don't wanna spoil the enjoyment; and
the whole video works perfect while addressing the themes of dominant males who think they own what their women must wear and look just so they
can be pleased.
It's a must-see and must-hear experience, a true pop from the 80's that never fails. That final long shot is one of the most perfect
images of all time and its meaning speaks louder than bombs. 9/10.
R.E.M.: Strange Currencies (1995)
Sad and beautiful
Another great music video directed by Mark Romanek, this one for "Strange Currencies" has an impecable quality on everything, from the
REM's appearance either performing the song or just riding their car, the sad black-and-white cinematography that perfectly suits the desolate
environment where loners and sad folks appear in between shots, and you really feel the mood of loneliness and of being incomprehended. And the
song is one of their finest, a little eclipsed for the fact it sounded a little like "Everybody Hurts" - and even the band thought so to the
point of almost not releasing it. Gladly, they changed their minds.
Unlike the classic videos for the forementioned song or "Imitation of Life", this one is barely known but in more recent years it got
rediscovered thanks to a brief appearance from a very young Norman Reedus, way before his stardom with "The Walking Dead". He appears in three
quick, slow-motion shots, running away from somewhere. Very good stuff. 8/10.
Bruce Springsteen: Tunnel of Love (1987)
A dark and artful view
This Springsteen video directed by Meiert Avis tries to match some of the boss lyrics while addressing the rocky ways of love through the
metaphors of circus attractions and the tunnel of love. It's a very obscure, dark video with many edgy effects that becomes spooky and weird
as the circus perform appear here and there, while the boss performs the song inside of an abandoned scenario. If compared with the video from
his previous album "Born in the USA" that had some great ideas more in tune with the songs with videos being directed by filmmakers Brian De
Palma and John Sayles, this one goes for a more artistic route. Don't find it much appealing, and I even think it scared audiences back in the
day wanting to see something more colorful or typical, and it might have hurt the album's success a little - it sold less than its predecessor.
Still, a highly unique experience that worths a view due to being of Springsteen's coolest hits, one of my favorite singles of his. 8/10.
Machine Gun Kelly: Papercuts (2021)
Peculiar, unusual, but pretty good
Insanely inventive, almost chaotic but pretty fun to watch, the video of "Papercuts" is one of those visual experiences you have to watch
multiple times to form some idea or try to figure why what's going on with everything as Machine Gun Kelly plays unusual and eccentric figures.
There's the skinhead type bicking around L. A., the gigantic legs guy with an equally gigantic guitar; or even the one where his face appears
on a wall being hit by paint as if being put to shame by something. A more rock inclined song, which I prefer, makes it all more interesting.
There might be some fine association with the images presented, don't know, except that it felt really surreal and unlike anything he ever done
before. Enjoyable. 8/10.
Massacre na Lapa (2016)
A very informative report on an almost forgotten event during the military regime
A special and informative documentary about an almost forgotten moment of Brazil during the military dictatorship, the Lapa massacre,
where military forces of repression murdered three men and arrested and tortured a group of others, all members of the Communist Party, in
late 1976 in São Paulo. It's considered one of the last times the military acted out against civilians with brutality and force, after two
previous others where the media took notice and divulged, the "suicides" of journalist Vladimir Herzog and worker Manuel Fiel Filho, and with all
of those events combined, when they were talks of "opening" of Brazil's policy and regime to a possible return to democracy, the discussion got
heated up.
The Lapa massacre isn't much discussed around, and the makers of the film had involvement in it - the writer got arrested, and the other
interviewed people as well, and they're the ones sharing the details about what their group meeting was about, and how everything out turned
out for the worst.
It's mostly great interviews for audiences to understand the period, but there are a couple of photos of the massacre aftermath. Lawyer Greenhalg's retelling of his meeting with frightening police chief Fleury is one of the most daring and spookiest I ever heard.
It gets
a positive review from me for its historical importance and for having material to show, since this could disappear very easily. If I'm not
mistaken, the director has a written work on the case. 8/10.
Engenheiros do Hawaii: Toda Forma de Poder (Versão II) (1986)
Peréio steals the show in this version
This alternate music video version for the hit single "Toda Forma de Poder" by Engenehiros do Hawaii differs from the previous stage
performance in the scenery - a forest park - and the most random video apperances ever, the veteran actor Paulo César Peréio in two key
moments. The rest is pretty much the usual typical band performance, mostly lead singer Humberto Gessinger getting countless close-up shots.
It's alright as those videos go, nothing much to say and the main attraction coming from the song, a perfect moment in their early career, a
classic protest hit song that hasn't aged with its themes and speeches. It still lives on. 7/10.
Angela (2023)
Disappointing effort
Most disappointed with this one, a long-awaited project that is only seeing the light of day now since it's addressing a topic that's everywhere
in the media and the case of Angela Diniz murder on the hands of her boyfriend Doca Street, in 1976, was huge on the issue of feminicide (back
when such term didn't exist), and later on got the famous term "Quem Ama Não Mata" ("Who Loves does not Kill") coined.
The way for this to work would be a major exicision of the couple's relationship (played by Isis Valverde and Gabriel Braga Nunes), just
going for paradise times, troubled times but without the excesssive sex scenes, breaking up and returns, go to the actual case and head for a
long aftermath which is the trial and the debate generated on society. We'd have a better movie and a spetacular trial movie to shock audiences.
But nope. Instead, it focus on rich people's sadness (and I'm trying to not be insenstive). But it's like everybody's sad, all the characters.
Sure, one can learn a lot about relationship dynamics between men and women and how they cope at difficult times, and loving times, it's a so-and-so text
book on the matter, but the majority of time there's a small series of glamoured life of the 1970's Brazil with the majority of it all is sadness
and bitterness, nothing is complete.
The Diniz case set a huge blase on people, it's discussed ever since 1976 and today's audiences needed a more satisfying movie for audiences
to learn about it, see how society changed (little, must say) from them and the women's movement end up becoming a powerful force afterwards.
Too bad the film became a series of excessive drama, jumpy because it doesn't explain much about an incident from her past - the dialogues
were too criptic and I had to research about that incident; it's a repetitive film that just drags on with average performances - except for the
maid, she was pretty good.
Suggestion: if available, the Linha Direta episode or just listen to Youtube coments on the topic or podcasts elsewhere. 5/10.
O Caso Cláudia (1979)
A disservice for those curious in knowing about the actual case
"The Claudia Case" got a rewatch from me this year after almost 20 years later, mostly because a) it didn't get a review and b) a
current real-crime binge. It was a mess back then, it's still a mess later on but it got slightly better. But truth be told Miguel Borges
film was a major disservice to people curious in knowing about the murder of young 21-year-old Cláudia Lessin Rodrigues in 1977. At the end of it
all, it claims it was a fictional story, even though initially you feel like you're watching a re-enactment of events (it's slightly
factual though) and then changes to tell a fictional longer story about another girl (Kátia D'Angelo) who could fall for the same
entraptment that the real Cláudia went for. It was completely disrespectful to Cláudia's family and it was made way too soon.
The first half covers the murder of a girl named Cláudia and it follows the facts quite accurately, with an investigative reporter
(Carlos Eduardo Dolabella) and a police investigator (Roberto Bonfim) joining forces to track down the killers. Then there's the rich kids
(Jonas Bloch and Luiz Armando Queiroz) trying to dodge things as it becomes clear they had something to do with the murder. Bloch's character
was inspired by Otto Frank and you could research about what happened to him.
Then comes the other half where another girl becomes acquainted with a fake-rich type (Nuno Leal Maia) who seduces her and that's where
the film breaks down, moving a litte away from the investigation and following those two. And it's so weird because this guy is connected to
other folks whose main goal are to seduce and drug girls, yet they never meet the other rich kids. And it gets to such a down point with pointless
scenes which includes one of hers with a tough guy inside of a refrigeration truck packed with meet.
Basically, it worked well for the first 30-40 minutes, and when it got back to the investigative parts, it also works, but the whole other
part of the story of showing predatory characters and dark scenes, the movie doesn't succeed. What's telling us? What's the urgency? And the
ultimate message that killing "clients" is good for business just makes me no sense.
The actual case taught us many things about how young women and girls were treated, and there's so little that could be done to keep them
from harm. It didn't change much, but the debate continues.
As for the movie, two thumbs down means no redemption (it's joined by two other films as of now). I'm not watching this again. 3/10.
By His Wounds We Are Healed: The Making of 'The Passion of the Christ' (2007)
An epic making of. One of the best of its kind
I know that there's another making of "The Passion of the Christ" that was made for TV and it got plenty of reviews (mostly what's been
discussed there are religion rather than the film particularly. But I wonder if
viewers managed to see this one which is one of the most accomplished of its kind, 2-hour long and covering in spectacular and epic detail
the whole making from Mel Gibson's acclaimed movie.
It goes from its conception, the whole technical crew and their amazing work being done,
also the many painful ordeals lead actor Jim Caviezel had to go through - you can read on the movie's trivia page, but to actually see it how it all went
down it's astonishing. It covers everything, and it has plenty of Gibson being a funny clown on the set.
I don't recall quite exactly when it was the last time I saw something so complete, so detailed and so informative when it comes to
those making of specials. Those are my kind, rather than the typical 5-10-20 minutes things where everybody's happy but you don't get to
actually see and learn the movie-making process. It was a miracle indeed that it got made, and I can only give lots of praise to it. 9/10.
Wes Craven: A New Kind of Thriller (2006)
Craven makes a thriller
A ridiculously yet fun bonus material made for "Red Eye", this one focus on how horror master and director Wes Craven would also
get the title as a thriller director after making his first in this film. Besides the typical behind-the-scenes clips with fun moments
between cast and crew, lead actors Rachel McAdams ("Spotlight") and Cillian Murphy ("Oppenheimer") pinpoint the qualities of Craven to conduct a fine good thriller
for the first time. Craven also addresses that since it was a big step for him and a quite enjoyable after decades in the horror genre.
A quite fine making of special. 8/10.
Radiohead: Fitter Happier (2007)
The pressures of life
It's an official video for "Fitter Happier" but it's also not. For reasons unknown, while the record company for Radiohead requested a
music video for the single, it never got an actual release from them and they dismissed it. But director James Engwell kept the film, and released it - you can see
a full interview of his about the whole creative process and talks with the company on the Internet Archive.
If there's one song in "Ok Computer" that truly deserved a video is one for this crazed song where a Thom Yorke's computer voice provides
a Stephen Hawking-sound-like telling about all the things we should do in life to accomplish a balance and some sense - though it keeps telling
some weird and depressive warnings as well.
Mr. Engwell's concept fits this ideas though it doesn't actually stay there. It's a screen split on three sets of three with countless
faces, actions, animals that keeps interchaning between themselves through effects and variations, disappearing and reapparing, getting more
and more blurry as the song keeps getting darker by the minute. And if the lyrics begin while (staying) fitter, happing, not drinking too much
and on and on, then later making some dark turns, those characters are not becoming as the go through life. It's a constant sense of anxiety
and depression as if the world is going to explode, or we may not reach all of the so-called positive goals and advices we are constantly
given on televisions, internet and social medias.
Yet this was done before the internet becoming a huge boom but it really tells us so much about the world we would become with the
constant bombards we face every single day, a painful rush to get things done. The visual and virtual insanity reality made by the director
certainly works for the song and Radiohead would be proud of such work. The ammount of work and effort done is insane and must be seen. 9/10.
Nicolae & Elena (1991)
The thin line between fact and fiction, but done way before the internet
This is one of the most fascinating and amazing experiences I ever watched during the year and it's incredible that it isn't even
discussed today since it deals with the exact same issues we are facing on the internet and its contents around the world when it comes to
trust the facts or discover they're a hoax. "Nicolae e Elena" was made in 1991, with a great techincal aspects that makes viewers to debate
if a real known fact was actually truth or not.
On 1989 Christmas morning, the world got to witness the execution of former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceascescu and his wife Elena,
ending with the Communist regime in the country, an "event" that broadcast on TV. But did we honestly saw that?
Director Richard Vetterli challenges the viewers in knowing if Ceasescu's deaths were real or not, and he and his creative team of
actors, editors, cinematography and cameraman are able to distort facts in such a powerful and believable manner that for a moment you could
actually think he got an exclusive footage, two years after the fact, and shook the whole world. And in a time fake news is the most common
think, with fact-checkers coming from all sources (it used to be a just journalism thing), this is the kind of video that people and history
fans will be looking over and discussing for days on end.
This went completely unnoticed back in 1991, except for an award it received, but internet is getting to know it little better these
days, and Mr. Vetterli techniques and editing skills are impecable while mixing the fact with fiction - but you miss a keen-eye for detail to
tell each thing apart.
In a way it's a little dangerous movie because it can easily distort what we know as facts and become a wildfire of controversy with
people trusting its full content. Yet I'd love it exactly because of that, because we play with our minds a little and keep imagining on
alternative stories (that goes nowhere, really), and I could keep on guessing/spotting what's real and what's fabricated. The movie allows
such good interaction and I was blown by its quality. 9/10.
Nonnie & Alex (1995)
Chidlhood lessons and how they help other in difficult times
In this early short film by Todd Field ("In the Bedroom", "Tár"), he and writer Serena Rathbun tells us the cute yet dark themed story
about a boy (Travis Martin) who is helped by his best friend (Heather Ramsey) trying to cope with his mother's passing. He doesn't understand
much about death and seems to wait for his mother to reappear, but the girl finds ways to distract from the issue and try to enjoy Halloween
night along with their other friends.
It's a little sentimental at times, but it's mostly told in a straightfoward, serious manner, only lighting up a bit when the group of
friends distract themselves at the beach, or when they finally go for "trick or treat" time with the girl picking up a most unusual Halloween
costume. There's humor, drama and a little bit of thrills that aren't worth mentioning yet it's quite a big surprise. But no problem, kids
should watch this film as a form of reflection on serious issues and how adults and children can find ways to express themselves while
talking death, loss and recovery. Strange as it is, when it ended I didn't put much thought about it; writing about it now it almost me tear
up and watch again.
A highly effective by Mr. Field and one little treasure to sought. 8/10.
Bandeira Opus 0 (1984)
Painful and dreadful in so many ways
One of the most excruciatingly and painful "artistic" experiences I ever had to see. The most pretentious, long ramblings and unusual
musical moments and even though it's just 35 minutes it feels like it goes forever. My description on the plot comes from a somewhat viewed
presentation that could be satisfactory the page; I won't say it is the actual "film".
This tribute to Manoel Bandeira, echoing four of his poetic works, has a mix of dance, music numbers and the poems of his, performed
by four creepy characters: a vampire-like dude, an unknown other man (couldn't figure out what kind of mystical element he represents; a really
creepy slow old-lady; and a female witch type. It drags on and on inside the beautiful theatre, and I'll be forever trauamtized whenever I see
a performance of "Estrela da Manhã" poem if I ever hear it again.
B-movie style, as most of Jomard Muniz projects are shown in a amateur kind of way (not complaining since he had better things). Badly
lit, badly staged, highly ordinary use of angles but outside of technique it's incoherent to understand why such setting was creating for
great works as Bandeira did - though I'm not a poet enthusiast, though I love "Vou-me Embora pra Pasagarda" which is amazingly lovely yet it's
not performed here (they prefer "Recife" instead, which makes total sense because of the group of actors and location.
I really wanted to be dead as I was watching it, in all honesty, and it's a very hard feeling for me to say. Of recent years, it's a
huge waste of my time....except for a brief bit where "Far From Over" by Frank Stallone was randomly played and that was back when "Staying Alive"
was released (or very close to it). Just love that song. 1/10.
A Construção da Liberdade (1985)
City of São Paulo and its developments
It only gets some notoriety these days since a veteran filmmaker was the one conducting this piece, plus it's an amazing presentation on celluloid
with a such high quality for the 1980's that it puts to shame many feature films made at the time. A "propaganda" in a way but manageable to see. It
shows the numbers from mayor Mário Covas when it comes to show his investments on schools, hospitals, infrastructure, building bus terminals, new streets and
creating more cultural spaces which all greatly improved the quality of life from the general population. Many administration present those things at the end of the year or whatever they want, but this looked so
interestingly beautiful, and since I know many of the place featured we can know that the city of São Paulo was lacking in many things and conquered
a great lot at the period, the transition from military regime to democracy. Compared to similar advertising pieces made in future years this
looks pretty impressive, a little larger than life and the poetic narration makes it all more compelling. Too bad that some bits from the
conclusion are missing, not sure if there's a full version available. 8/10.
Danae (2004)
Lifeless, pretentious
Nearly zero emotions to this experimental short film where a woman faces different times and relationships until reaching out to a loving one, all transitioned through brief time
passages at a park. Brief moments of dialogue are thrown here and there, being the most interesting one and plot twist-like revealing is when she's kissed by another woman who reveals
to have a male's name - I'll see it as in order to understand the exact touch and feelings she was reminded of a good guy she had but end up leaving. Wow, a magic touch. Rating's only
up because of reasons "unknown". Otherwise, where's the words for it defending it? Just felt nothing except wasting some night hours. Boring technique, enigmatic transitions and I
couldn't figure where the Greek legend of the title fits such "narrative". 3/10.
The Tree (1993)
Time passages and its changes
In this early experiment by Todd Field ("In the Bedroom", "Little Children" and "Tár" fame), he presents the evolution faced by a young boy growing
up to be a man, and evolving along with nature, in this case represented by a tree from his backyard, and time made them change in drastic manners. From swinging
on it, getting the apples that from it, then seeing the fallen leaves, the boy matures, falls in love, goes to war and returns to wife and a kid, yet the tree
was always there with some changes.
It's a beautiful and silent look about the ever changing variations of life and our presence as living being who witness how times and things change,
people grow and die, and nature sometimes survives through it all dealing against technology, nature disaster or the greed of men for needing more space to live.
Not much a so original view but it was great for a reflection. Sure, Field was just starting out (he was an actor back then) and didn't have much resources to
actually get a real scenario to it, which can distract the more attentive viewers who'll notice the fake grass and the matte painting in the background. Small
distractions, but the message is the one that speaks volumes and they're the ones that makes us remember this short film with a nostalgic look to similar special
places we had in our lives and were present for a long time, or places we can revisit and see how much it changed, if they even exist. 7/10.
U.S. Marshals: Anatomy of the Plane Crash (1998)
Breaking down a memorable scene from "U.S. Marshals"
Of the couple of bonus material from the "U. S. Marshals" DVD this one is a quite alright view making of detailing the conception and filming
of the famous plane crash where Wesley Snipes character escapes from authorities and leads Tommy Lee Jones' Sam Gerard character on another manhunt
after the success of "The Fugitive". Director Stuart Baird, producer Arnold Kopelson, production designer Maher Ahmad and others from the technical crew
show the storyboards, the real plane used where the actors escape from drowning in that memorable sequence and also the model planes used along with
special effects to conceive a most disastrous plane crash as possible.
It's pretty cool to see those moments and the comparison with the actual filmed sequences, and it's fun to watch the special effects crew
enthusiasm while building the whole things. Just didn't like the excessive fade-out cuts each certain segment was ending and moving to one another. One
can make those projects without those cuts, since it felt like each fade-out came the documentary was at the end when it wasn't.
As said earlier, of the
bonus materials this one is fine; the other two are a very informative special on the history of the real U. S. Marshals as enforcement agents; and the
audio commentary by director Baird, which was the most disappointing commentary I've ever heard since for the 2 hour movie duration he only talked about
the action sequences and how they were shot, rather than telling behind the scenes stories and collaboration with actors. It was so damn boring that
Warner edited his talks with warnings telling you to jump to the particular chapter/scene to be discussed. Not only he didn't had much to say, it wasn't
much a compelling teller. 7/10.