In Life, Animated—the new documentary from Academy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams—one image in particular stands out: a toddler standing in front of a TV, hand outstretched to the image before him. The image is Mickey Mouse donning the sorcerer’s hat … Continue reading LIFE, ANIMATED
French critic cum filmmaker Jacques Rivette asserted that “Every film is a documentary of its own making.” While this is true of all movies, it is especially true of early cinema. The films documented people, places, and cultures now gone, … Continue reading DAUGHTER OF DAWN
A fitting fable: Scorpion asked Frog if he would carry him across the river. Frog, afraid of being stung by Scorpion, hesitated. “Never fear,” Scorpion said. “For if I stung you, we would both drown.” This placated Frog, and Scorpion climbed … Continue reading WEINER
Our collective view of World War II has changed greatly since the liberation of Europe and the defeat of the Axis in 1945. Information has come to light, and disturbing discoveries have puckered our understanding of the last world war, … Continue reading THE SECRET OF SANTA VITTORIA
Ingmar Bergman said it best: “To shoot a film is to organize an entire universe.” And French writer/director Michel Gondry has been heeding this advice since the ’90s. With his start in music videos—Foo Fighters, “Everlong;” Björk, “Bachelorette;” Kylie Minogue, … Continue reading MICROBE AND GASOLINE
World War II was not kind to the sovereign nation of Poland. In September 1939, Poland was invaded on both sides—first by the Nazis on September 1 and then by the Soviets on the 17th—effectively tearing the country in half. … Continue reading THE INNOCENTS
Like it or not, artists change. Though we wish to preserve them in amber, those we hold near and dear grow into individuals that we may not necessarily want, but certainly may need. That was the case with Charlie Chaplin, … Continue reading THE KID
I do not know how the Third World War will be fought, but I can tell you what they will use in the Fourth—rocks! —Albert Einstein When Einstein provided that quote in 1949—to Alfred Werner for Liberal Judaism 16—he was most likely … Continue reading ZERO DAYS
Twenty-one years ago, Toy Story started a revolution. Not as a breakthrough in computer animation—though it was that as well—as a breakthrough in imagination. What went on when our backs were turned? Once we left the room and shut off the lights, … Continue reading THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS
Michael J. Cinema 
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