Every year, the Australian-based online quarterly, Senses of Cinema, invites writers from all over the globe to submit their selections for the best movies of the year—including those seen for the first time regardless of the year of release. As I … Continue reading SENSES OF CINEMA: 2021 World Cinema Poll
Great movies don’t require a signature shot, but it helps when they have one. What would Vertigo be without that dizzying dolly zoom? The Godfather without the door closing on Kay? The Graduate without Benjamin Braddock trapped in the crook of Mrs. Robinson’s leg? They are … Continue reading THE ASCENT
Made in 1967, Homeland of Electricity is the second of three 30-minute segments commissioned by the government to celebrate the October Revolution’s 50th anniversary. But when Larisa Shepitko and her comrades turned in their work, authorities rejected them for not being patriotic … Continue reading HOMELAND OF ELECTRICITY
Not every great movie needs a signature shot, but it helps when you have one: In The Ascent, a 1977 Russian World War II drama newly restored and released from The Criterion Collection, director Larisa Shepitko gives us her signature shot … Continue reading This week in Film — THE ASCENT
It’s going to be virtual (not a surprise), but it’s going to be longer and cheaper (surprise). It’s the 43rd Denver Film Festival and it kicks off Oct. 22: This year’s heavy hitters: Minari, the story of a Korean-American family searching … Continue reading This week in Film — DFF43 and HOMELAND OF ELECTRICITY
Dovzhenko tried to teach us to see the world. Most of all he warned us against acquiring only the technical skills of the craft. He did not like “followers” who just tried to ape his approach. He urged us to … Continue reading Born On This Day — January 6, 1938
Michael J. Cinema 