Welcome to the 823rd edition of my series. I am 1-1 in fantasy football right now and hope to get me another win. We are getting closer to CLUE at the Marion Civic Theater where I play Colonel Mustard so see the photo at the bottom if you are in or around the area and interested. I don't have much else to say right now so I will just get on with my selections.
13th (2016): I start the week out with this documentary which was directed by Ava Duverney. This takes a look at the state of racial inequality in the United States tying it into the prison system. In addition, it takes a look at slavery, D.W. Griffith's controversial film A BIRTH OF A NATION, as well as political acts through the years that have contributed to where we are today. This is a very eye-opening and detailed documentary that resonates very well for the times of Black Lives Matter. This is available to watch on Netflix.
Bears (2014): This is my Disneynature documentary for the week which was directed by Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey, and Adam Chapman. This takes a look at a bear family which is from Alaska and not Chicago. This is narrated by John C. Reilly of a mother bear trying to bring up her two young cubs where a story is created out of the bear footage. There is some bear conflict but a movie that the family can enjoy together. This is available to watch on Disney Plus and could maybe have a double feature with the underrated Disney animated film BROTHER BEAR.
Locke (2013): Steven Knight wrote and directed this film that stars Tom Hardy as the only person in the movie along with people who provide their voice. Hardy stars as Ivan Locke who bears quite a secret as he must make a long drive while having to inform his wife, children, boss, and co-workers to what is going on. Olivia Colman, Ruth Wilson, Andrew Scott, Ben Daniels, Tom Holland, Bill Milner, Danny Webb, Alice Lowe, Silas Carson, Lee Ross, and Kirsty Dillon all provide the voice to people Locke talk to on his phone. This entire movie is Tom Hardy driving to where he needs to be and trying to come to terms with what is going on in his life. He manages to carry it very well to keep us engaged. This is available to watch on Hoopla Digital.
Day of Freedom (1935): This is my documentary short for the week which was directed by propaganda director Leni Riefenstahl. She is most know for her Nazi propaganda documentary TRIUMPH OF THE WILL which is very disturbing to watch but is also very well done no matter how we see it. Complaints from generals came feeling the documentary lacked the army which resulted in this being made. This is a very good look at the German Army from this era and would be a good watch for historical purposes along with the mentioned feature documentary. This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel.
Putney Swope (1969): Robert Downey Sr. wrote and directed this satire on race. An ad agency must elect a new chairman and accidentally elect the token black man Putney Swope, played by Arnold Johnson. Putney renames the business "Truth and Soul, Inc"and makes it a militant group. Soon after coming into power, it takes its toll on Putney. Allen Garfield, Robert Staats, Mel Brooks, Antonio Fargas, George Morgan, Allan Abrus, Shelley Plimpton, and many others co-star or have cameos in this film. This is a very dark satire that is not for everyone. This is still a relatively unknown film and was worth a look. This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel.
The Rocket from Calabuch (1956): This is my Spanish comedy for the week which was directed by Luis Garcia Berlanga. Edmund Gwenn stars as atomic bomb specialist Jorge Serra Hamilton who is on the run from the authorities and flees to the small Spanish village of Calabuch. While there, he bonds with the villagers and finding a happiness he has been craving. Valentina Cortese, Juan Calvo, Franco Fabrizi, Felix Hernandez, Nicolas Perchicot, Mario Berriatua, and many others co-star in this film. Gwenn is likely most known as Kris Kringle from the holiday classic MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET and has his very last movie with this one. This was an interesting swan song of a movie to go out on and has a very underrated performance in this one. This is available to watch on Criterion Channel.
Hanna (2011): Joe Wright directed this action film which was written by Seth Lochhead and David Farr. Saoirse Ronan stars as the teenage assassin Hanna who has been raised and trained by her ex-CIA father Erik, played by Eric Bana, in the wilds of Finland. She is sent on a mission and is dispatched by the ruthless intelligence operative Marissa Wiegler, played by Cate Blanchett. Vicky Krieps, John MacMillan, Tim Beckmann, Jamie Beamish, Michelle Dockery, Jessica Barden, Aldo Maland, Olivia Williams, Jason Flemyng, Tom Hollander, and many others co-star in this action film. This has some really good action scenes and is quite the breakthrough performances for Ronan who trained very hard physically and does some of her own stunts. This also spawned a tv series on Amazon Prime. This is available to watch on Peacock.
Night Moves (1975): Arthur Penn directed this neo-noir film. Gene Hackman stars as Los Angeles private investigator Harry Moseby who is hired by former Hollywood actress Arlene, played by Janet Ward, to find her daughter Delly, played by a young Melanie Griffith. When he finds her, he finds there something more sinister going on in his investigation. Jennifer Warren, Edward Binns, Harris Yulin, Kenneth Mars, James Woods, Anthony Costello, John Crawford, and many others co-star in this film. This is a rather dark homage to the world of Hollywood. Griffith makes her film debut in this movie, at least her first credited appearance in a rather risque role for a 16 year old. I had not heard of this movie before I came across it but was a pretty compelling film. This could be a good double feature to go along with CHINATOWN. This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel.
The Garment Jungle (1957): Vincent Sherman directed this film noir which was a statement towards working conditions. Lee J. Cobb stars as Walter Mitchell who owns a garment industry with the help of the mob to keep from going to the union. Kerwin Matthews co-stars as Walter's son Alan who finally joins the family business but does not like what he sees and must convince his father that the mob rule is not the way to go. Gia Scala, Richard Boone, Valerie French, Robert Loggia, Joseph Wiseman, Harold Stone, Adam Williams, Wesley Addy, Joanna Barnes, and many others co-star in this film noir. I remember years ago when my dad got this for me in a group of dvds for Christmas one year and this one really stood out. I have always enjoyed watching this every so often. It is very dark and gritty, especially in this era. This is a very good look at a sweat shop and is available to watch on the Criterion Channel.
Fit Model (2019): I end the week with this short film that was directed by Myna Joseph while she co-wrote with Lucy Owen who also stars in this film. Owen plays Lu who is overwhelmed having to deal with multiple jobs and trying to make it as a model. Gideon Glick, Anh Duong, Sherin Shetty, Haley Rawson, and Elijah Guo co-star in this short film. This is a pretty decent character study where just about all of us can relate with the struggle of the main character. This also available to watch on the Criterion Channel.
Well, that is it for this week. Tell me what you like and dislike and tell me what you like and dislike and stay tuned for next week which includes Adrienne Barbeau, Orson Welles, Fay Wray, Karen Gillan, Angela Lansbury, Piper Laurie, Jack Nicholson, Catherine O'Hara, and many others co-star in this film. Also, stay tuned for next week where I bring a my new October segment "My Own Madness".
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