Is there a thread about this film already? (I know it's been mentioned... but discussed?)

Whew. What a grueling, terrifying, inspiring 90 minutes!

If you get a chance to catch this documentary, don't hesitate. President Chavez of Venezuela is a wonder to behold. I don't feel like I understand enough about his politics, but man, what an example of leadership and charisma. After a few minutes of up-close-and-personal footage in this film, it's not hard to understand why people rally around this guy.

I know next to nothing about Venezuela, but this Irish documentary-making team had me on the edge of my seat with the suspense of watching the balance of power shifting back and forth while their cameras rolled. They give us intimate access to the core of Venezuelan power, but instead of merely making this a document about Venezuelan politics, they've given us a crucial example of the way way the media can mislead the rest of the world to disastrous results.

In fact, it's much more successful as a film about how television controls the world's impressions of reality than it is successful at giving us an understanding of Venezuela and the struggle for power there. I can't shake the feeling that the film needed to provide us with more information about the opposition to President Chavez; a sinister soundtrack plays far too manipulative a role in turning us against the coup leaders. And why does the film never mention that Chavez himself became President by leading a coup against a democratically elected leader?

Nevertheless, this is about as riveting as on-the-spot journalism gets.

It's amazing that a documentary team like this, or for that matter like the French brothers who made 9/11, seem to hang around and hang around until something just... happens. And when it does, the film they come up with goes from a show that would only air on PBS on a Tusday night to the big screen. Happenstance or providence?

Yes, i loved The Revolution Will Not be Televised. It made an honorable mention in my 2003
end-of-the-year wrap-up. I think i mentioned that it would make a great triple header with City of God and Bus 174. Films like these make me agree with (m), and wish for Alejandro González Iñárritu to go home and be a part of the film revolution that's happening south of the border.

-s.

So, this week Seattlites can go see Touching the Void, Bus 174, Au Hasard Balthazar, Kitchen Stories, My Artchitect, Osama, A Great Wonder, [i]and Monsieur Ibrahaim[/i] ... none of which have I seen. I'm already locked into a screening of Jersey Girl on Wednesday so I can talk with Kevin Smith on Thursday... Which of the rest of these should top my priority list?

I'm assuming Bus 174 or Au Hasard Balthazar will win out with this group. Am I right? (I'm leaning toward the Bresson.)

I saw 210 films last year and Bus 174 made # 8 on that list. Everyone will tell you to see
Au hasard Balthazar, i know i'm going to see it too, absolutely. But don't count out Bus 174. In terms of impact, it is The Revolution Will Not Be Televised times ten.

-s.

I saw Touching the Void, the adaptation of Joe Simpson's account of ascending Siula Grande successfully and descending in a manner only describable as nightmarish.

It's a 'recreation documentary'--as in, the events are all recreated as the participants in the actual tale are interviewed. I found it mesmerizing; the cinematography is astonishing, and the sound design and soundtrack spot-on.

There're only a couple of spots where effects were used that I said 'Yup, that was CGI' and one effect that I didn't feel they needed to use more than once...but other than that, I'd really recommend it.

Especially on the big screen.

I will agree with Jason that Touching The Void is another worthwhile endeavor. My review is here. I don't always like to list my reviews but i really liked the final paragraph of this one.

I also have a review of Bus 174 archived somewhere within the vast walls of The Matthews House Project.

-s.

QUOTE

So, this week Seattlites can go see Touching the Void, Bus 174, Au Hasard Balthazar, Kitchen Stories, My Artchitect, Osama, A Great Wonder, [i]and Monsieur Ibrahaim[/i]

Well, you need to see Balthazar on the big screen. If you can make it out to C-stone this summer, you can see Bus 174 there. Osama and My Architect have some nice moments in them, but I find them both to be overrated. And I don't care much for Ibrahim, but Darrell has already put it on the potential awards list. So you should probably grab that one, too.

Hmmm. Not much help I am.

J Robert

QUOTE

So, this week Seattlites can go see Touching the Void, Bus 174, Au Hasard Balthazar, Kitchen Stories, My Artchitect, Osama, A Great Wonder, [i]and Monsieur Ibrahaim[/i]

Well, you need to see Balthazar on the big screen. If you can make it out to C-stone this summer, you can see Bus 174 there. Osama and My Architect have some nice moments in them, but I find them both to be overrated. And I don't care much for Ibrahim, but Darrell has already put it on the potential awards list. So you should probably grab that one, too.

Hmmm. Not much help I am.

J Robert