Movie Reviews

The Dictator

May 16, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Nothing is sacred in The Dictator, which isn’t surprising in the latest effort from big-screen provocateur Sacha Baron Cohen. However, the creator of Borat (2006) and Bruno (2009) isn’t just bordering on bad taste with what amounts to his slickest and most straightforward narrative film to date. He also manages to be quite funny. Following on the heels of his other films, it’s a hit-and-miss satire that aims to be provocative in spots and just disgusting in others. But as usual, Cohen deserves credit for his audacity. He refuses to compromise and is willing to risk offending large segments... [Read the full story]

DVD Reviews

The week’s DVDs begin in Dublin:

May 15, 2012 · Leave a Comment

DVDs for May 15 by Boo Allen This week, we begin in Dublin: Albert Nobbs (**1/2) Rodrigo Garcia directed this dual character study based on a George Moore novella set in turn of 20th century Dublin. Glenn Close, Gabriella Prekop and novelist John Banville wrote the screenplay, with Close starring as the title character, a repressed woman passing for a man working in a shabby hotel. While carrying on her daily duties, Albert Nobbs lives in fear that her secret will be revealed. Life seems to improve when Albert meets Hubert (Janet McTeer), another woman with the same secret.... [Read the full story]

Interviews

Harmony Korine: Trash Humpers

April 10, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Dressed all in white and with a smile, Harmony upon meeting me asked if I’d ever added an “I – A” to my last name. Thus began our what was actually a pretty normal conversation for two filmmakers to have. Cinemalogue: What time did you come in? Harmony Korine: Well I’ve been filming rum ads in Central American, so I didn’t get in until late. C: Wait, you were doing rum ads? HK: Yeah. C: What company? HK: The company’s called Havana Rum. I don’t think they sell it here. Oh no, sorry! It’s called Havana Club. C: They wouldn’t if it’s Cuban, I guess. HK: Well it’s a French-Cuban... [Read the full story]

Editorials

The Loudness Wars -or- Death Magnet: How I Learned to Stop Hearing Anything

December 4, 2010 · Leave a Comment

The following are Parts I & II of a video editorial on the so-called Loudness Wars—an escalating practice of pumping amplitude levels in sound recordings to the limits of digital media in such a way that induces distortion. Wikipedia’s entry on the subject may give you some useful background on the subject prior to viewing this material. Part I: Part II: Read More →

Retrospectives

Tales From The Future

November 27, 2009 · Leave a Comment

In 1972, while studying film at University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, Robert Zemeckis (a classmate of George Lucas and John Milius) filmed an eight-minute short, titled “The Lift.” Filmed at the iconic Bradbury in Los Angeles, the project required Zemeckis to use angles, lighting and music to heighten the tension with no dialogue. In the process, the young prodigy brought an inanimate, mundane object to life. The talented Mr. Zemeckis went on to direct his first feature, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, in 1978, starring Nancy Allen (Robocop), Marc McClure and... [Read the full story]

News

THE SOCIAL NETWORK Dominates CFCA Awards

December 20, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Today, Peter Sobczynski of the Chicago Film Critics Association announced that THE SOCIAL NETWORK won for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin). Nominations were announced Friday, alongside the Dallas-Ft. Worth Film Critics Association’s award winners. It was followed by two wins for INCEPTION in the categories of Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography (Wally Pfister), and BLACK SWAN which garnered a Best Actress award for Natalie Portman and Best Original Score for Clint Mansell. Not to be shut out, Colin Firth won Best Actor for the late release,... [Read the full story]