Movie Reviews

Chronicle

February 3, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Found-footage movies have been a mixed bag since they burst on the scene about a decade ago, with few having the conviction to follow through on their concept. The next title on the list is Chronicle, a stylish low-budget science fiction effort that skillfully mixes genres yet lacks a sufficient payoff for its intriguing premise. As with many such films, which present a faux-documentary feel by ostensibly creating a scenario by which the characters can film themselves or be filmed by cameras in real-life situations, it’s best to know little about the plot beforehand. The basic setup starts with... [Read the full story]

DVD Reviews

The week’s DVDs begin in South Texas:

January 31, 2012 · Leave a Comment

DVDs for Jan. 31 by Boo Allen This week we begin in South Texas: Texas Killing Fields (***) This dark authentic drama shows how catching murderers is probably much nastier than the way it is usually portrayed on television. Don Ferrarone wrote the script, allegedly based on true events, and Ami Canaan Mann directs. But the gritty work sometimes seems to have pieces missing, as it takes place in and around Texas City, Texas, a place so forlorn, as one character puts it, “even God don’t come here.” Its deserted, swampy marshland serves as a perfect place to dump dead... [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]