kilbey speak

the time being aka steve kilbey speaketh - 

we cannot realise the concept of that we call god

god is much more than our tiny minds can possibly dig

god (as we must call him tho i don't like this term)

communicates with each person in their own self

although he may not be heeded

the evidence of his existence is existence itself

this finely tuned and brilliant earth

god does not authorise persecution and killing in gods name

god authorises only mercy and compassion and knowledge

however this is an obstacle course to negotiate

we will come back time after time as we learn everything we need to know

eventually within eternity it will all become clear

it is gods grace to appear in a personalised form i imagine

as christ as krsna as buddha 

tho the universe that communicated with me

was just sudden warm thoughts as i stood in garudasana and tree pose

the idea of 2 warring deities using humans as pawns is preposterous 

not worthy of consideration

so too the idea of the accidental earth fallen together into perfection by itself

yeah my songs write themselves too

just like the birds singing outside in the rain got here by accident

there is something so wonderfully large and warm out there

we are not alone

throw away your scriptures they are misleading if interpreted literally

god is within us 

our world our humanity has slowly cut us off from feeling this warmth

our schools our wars our money

our hatred and anger screams so loud

it drowns out the warmth in our hearts

the warmth favours no country no man no era

like the sky it is above and beyond taking sides 

the words in books are mens words subject to all mens faults and lies

the warmth in the heart is ineffable 

it does not compose rules or impose punishments

that is a human thing to do 

not for god/warmth

karma exists as does maya as does gravity

all you can do is love and forgive and be honest and kind

look and you will see god everywhere if you want to

let it blow your mind

you are imperishable spirit dressed in temporary flesh

rejoice!

this is the truth as i felt it

this is my truth only

but this truth is the indisputable truth to me

originally posted on thetimebeing

calvary

it's a rare event when i see a film twice on the big screen
but after the first viewing of calvary i knew two would work
the missed dialogue due to broad irish accents the main excuse
a powerful first line - i first tasted semen when i was 7 years old
this to father james (brendan gleeson) in the confession booth
with then the unsighted confessor providing graphic details
brutally raped by a priest every other day for 5 long years
his decision now to seek revenge by killing a good priest
father james then given 7 days to 'put his house in order'
he is then seen meeting his troubled daughter off a train
fiona has attempted suicide after the death of her mother
she feeling abandoned more with her father now a priest
at the (small) town pub we meet some of the oddball locals
jack the butcher, aidan the doctor and brendan the proprietor
all with deadpan heavily-accented inappropriate comments
the film then starts to step through each day of the given week
father james going about his pastoral care work in the community
we are in a small town in county sligo on the rugged irish coast
the weather is dull and grey so well suiting the mood of the film
there's an elderly writer who has a special request for father james
wants a gun to end his life when he chooses  - the father consenting
he is then seen meeting the local policeman at his home to do the deal
clearly the cop is not only corrupt but also an unashamed sexual pervert
the gun obtained but also suggested father james has self-defense in mind
a visit to the butcher's estranged wife showing signs of a savage beating
then an unsettling scene surrounded by dead animals at jack's workplace
jack denying he responsible but her new lover the mechanic most likely
he - simon - from the ivory coast admitting cultural differences at work
and finally - michael fitzgerald - local rich man - has his own problems
blatantly arrogant and wondering why abandoned by his wife and kids
phew - a very strong set of characters (and actors) in the supporting cast
then as the week works through strange things start happening in town
the church burns to the ground and the father's dog is savagely killed
father james cries over this and then though an alcoholic hits the drink
this at the pub where the cast of troubled locals are all in attendance
father james is tormented by the doctor with a chilling tale of a small boy
an anaesthetist's mistake leaving him deaf, dumb, blind and fully paralyzed
imagine - being locked in your own body in the dark and quiet - forever
this tips father james over the edge and he explodes in a fit of rage
why the fook would you tell me that - he screams - several times
yet another incident in a long week where his faith has been tested
out comes the gun and shots are fired and his flock are threatened
this leads to his own beating and next day very hungover and sore
decides to leave town and heads to the airport to fly out to dublin
but something - not clearly stated - forces a change of his mind
the sight of a coffin being loaded a symbol of his death maybe
the impending sunday arrives and preparations are underway
he goes to the beach as instructed and the confessor also arrives
what follows is one of the most powerful scenes i have ever watched
a deeply troubled pedophile victim confronting an innocent good priest
the seriously good build-up to this scene surpassed by the delivery here
the climax - breath-taking and mind-blowing - expected but stunning
but then the final scene - the confessor in prison with a visitor
fiona with tears streaming and a hand pressed to the glass
the words about to be spoken and - cut - totally brilliant
troubled souls in a small coastal town - i.e. leviathan
every person in the theatre sitting in stunned silence
me for the second time - and i'd do it again...

venus in fur

a french film - roman polanski director - cannes selection
the film based on a popular play based on a famous book and author
the book - venus in furs (plural) and the author leopold von sacher-masoch
2 actors and 1 setting - sub-titled - hmmm - could be good (or otherwise)
a bit nervous pre-film - the trailer is shown- gulp - maybe in the wrong theatre?
not happy about that - eyes covered - not wanting to see the film summarised
but relief as the film proper starts - definitely a french flick about to be rolled
the opening shot heading up a tree-lined deserted path somewhere in paris
nobody to be seen, a storm overhead - then pushing through theatre doors
the h missing in the name of the theatre - noted - this is a run-down place
a brief shot of vanda (the gorgeous emmanuelle signier) removing her coat
then focus on thomas (equally familiar mathieu amalric) on his mobile
he has not seen vanda enter as he has a whinge to his partner 'honey'
seen over 40 actresses - no-one even close - all bimbos or whores
or so young they have no idea or intelligence to take on the part
he's wanting to bail for the day but vanda is on a mission it seems
she has come across town, hired a costume, is desperate for work
has the same first name as the role so that is a good omen n'est pas?
apart from her striking beauty she seems to thomas unsuited for the part
the tears flow at his rejection to which he weakens to allow an audition
but first she shows technical prowess and adjusts the stage lighting
thomas provides a quick synopsis of the play for vanda (and us too)
the book has themes of female dominance and sexual degradation
the author's name then used to coin the phrase of sado-masochism
thomas offers to read the male part so vanda can then do her audition
and of course she is spell-binding - and knows the words off by heart
with all the necessary nuances - and more - she is critical of the play
so very quickly their dialogue descends into play-reading and argument
and clearly their relationship is seemingly destined for the play's subject
the words coming very quickly and requiring some serious concentration
thankfully the sub-titles are there and quite cleverly shown in different fonts
plain text for thomas and vanda's discussion and italics for the actual play
grateful for that - and wondering how the french coped without sub-titles
vanda really embraces the part - including leathers, dog-collar and boots
thomas falls for her completely and insists on continuing with the reading
a role reversal suggested by vanda - he is now up for anything she wants
the final scenes see him with high heels, dog-collar, lipstick and tied up
vanda then appears  naked under the fur - a sensuous dance follows
and a torrent of abuse about his misoginystic play and she's gone
end of film - me checking the watch - yep - an hour and a half
a sure sign of a good film - completely lost track of time passing
credits rolling - music by alexander desplat - that also appreciated
wiki-checking solves the riddle of where the actors previously seen
the husband and wife in the diving bell and the butterfly - classic
she - emmanuelle signier - also married to roman polanski
he and she done good - very impressed with this film...

the dark horse

the dark horse is the name given to maori man genesis potini
a bipolar sufferer who became a champion speed chess player
he died in 2011 after tirelessly helping maori children to a better life
an inspirational man who's life surely would make an equally great film
the film opens with him stumbling through the rain into a second hand shop
drawn to a ornate chess set, displays his obvious talent and promptly arrested
bailed by his imposing brother and taken to his home also a gang headquarters
his nephew mana then introduced and some argy-bargy about who sleeps where
some tension also in the air about mana's impending coming-of-age gang-joining ritual
his father pushing for it but son and son's uncle wary of the brutality of what that brings
not a happy domestic scene for genesis and he is constantly pill-popping his medication
on one outing he spots a poster promoting a junior chess tournament in auckland
leading to a middle-of-the-night visit to a cousin's place with excited plans
the timing not good but cousin and wife are soon on board with planning
the eastern knights chess club then formed for the local maori kids
a scene of one lesson inside a traditional meeting house very poignant
genesis manages to get mana along to a few lessons and to hang out
but his father is very disapproving and ugly violent scenes ensue
genesis is sent packing and he then becomes effectively homeless
sleeping under a makeshift shelter beside the town's war memorial
it's all very bleak - especially one scene of him sleeping in a downpour
a sense that he is only just hanging on - saved by the mission in his life
his new adoptive family of the chess club providing a sense of purpose
as they practice and raise funds for the big trip mana's life is unraveling
part of the gang initiation involves facial tattoos and a violent robbery
mana a reluctant and unhappy participant in both but with no choice
his father only knows the way of the vagrants - he the gang leader
as the knights leave town for the trip north genesis forces a detour
he rescues mana from the clutches of the gang to join the journey
much happiness as they drive into auckland early on a saturday
then into a 2 day tournament to find the nz junior chess champion
the contrast between the groups of participants quite striking
our maori, towny, earthly, unkempt club from down south
the pakeha, aloof and pristine players from the city opposing
an intentional contrast no doubt but handled quite realistically
the play starts and the tension for genesis (and us) builds up
thankfully (reality is good) most of the knights are eliminated
including mana who this audience member had tipped for fame
but one of the club comes good and eventually wins the big prize
elation abounds - at least until mana's father shows up unexpectedly
hauls him back to base - a sense of dread comes over all involved
sure enough - the final scenes very moving - he has been beaten
but genesis is now empowered and takes on the gang again
the father finally sees a glimmer of right and lets his son go
genesis and mana then seen driving off as close companions
whoa - what a stunning film - another nz film totally delivers
so real - sadly - e.g. the urban scenes of life in the 'burbs
a class of people pretty well left to their own devices
gangs, crime, drug and alcohol abuse the result
and so much more going on in this amazing tale
not the least being the true story of a great man
one who saw hope in the most unusual way
kids playing chess - finding companionship
and with that respect - yep - great film...

wild tales

closing night at the nziff - sniff - but out with a bang
this one purported as the most entertaining film at cannes
so the program advises about this film from argentina
six blackly comic tales depicting frustration and revenge
sounds good to me so settle in for some fun with this final film

part 1 - pre credits - a model checking in at an unnamed airport
then seen on flight being chatted up by the older gent across the aisle
seems they have someone in common - her first boyfriend but dumped
he also an early victim of this classical music critic - completely dissed him
more and more people on the flight then chiming in they know the ex boyfriend
but significantly each has mistreated him or otherwise caused him some grief
strange - then a realisation they are all on the flight because of a prize or a gift
the stewardess then in shock and announcing the boyfriend is on board also
faked is way on as a steward and has now locked himself in the cockpit
the plane then in a dive - last seen in a frozen frame meters from ground
hilarious start - the opening credits roll - they equally as impressive
still photos of animals in the wild - one per person being credited

part 2 - a waitress serving at a deserted cafe on a busy highway
a rude, insistent middle-aged man walks in and she recognises him
he the financier that forced foreclosure on the family home
leading to her fathers suicide - financier then tried to seduce mum
she tells this to the cook out the back - she seriously suggests rat poison
produces a can of it - has spent time in prison - there much easier than this shit
the waitress against the idea but before she knows it the infested food is served
financiers son joins his father and helps himself to the fried chips - then vomits
not dad though - so the cook takes to him with a large knife - hacks away
waitress last seen lying fainted in a large pool of blood - hilarious? - yep

part 3 - mr smooth driving his black audi at speed on an open road
comes up behind of a wreck of a car that won't yield and in fact blocks
audi eventually draws level - a tirade of abuse and a raised finger - and off
some time later the audi gets a flat tire next to a bridge - he fumbles it
and of course the expected happens - the jalopy appears and stops
he backs his car into the front of the audi to block any escape attempt
what follows is the most wickedly violent yet funny road rage ever seen
the breaking of wipers, pounding of windscreen, defecating and urinating
eventually the attacker backs off and gets back in the car to drive off
but audi-man snaps - fires up the audi and pushes the wreck into the river
while loading wheels, etc back into the car the jalopy driver clambers out
audi races off but spots the other man back on the bridge - and returns
tries to run him down repeatedly but messes up and also in the river
impaled on the other car - the 2 men then at it hammer and tongs
an explosive ending and a hilarious final scene with the local cops
trying to figure out how this accident happen - lovers tiff maybe?

part 4 - we are witness to a controlled explosion of a set of large silos
the main engineer then heading home and a mobile call from his wife
don't forget the cake and don't be late - daughter's birthday bash is on
he parks the car outside the cake shop - is rude when told the price
then finds his car has been towed away for being illegally parked
more rudeness at the haulers yard but eventually pays up and leaves
but now caught in heavy traffic so very late for the birthday party
wife is fuming - sick of his lack of priority for the family - warning
next day he queues up to argue his case at the appropriate department
demands a refund, compensation and an apology - but gets a laugh instead
throws a hissy fit, smashes windows, gets arrested and then finally bailed
told he has been fired as his employer does work for government departments
wife pushes for a divorce and then at a brief hearing returns to his car towed again
hmmm - slow learner or what - but enough for him now to plot the revenge
the final scene - loading the boot of his car then watching from a cafe
eventually towed away and then a controlled explosion at the yard...

part 5 - a bmw roars up to the garage of an obviously expensive home
teenager jumps out and races inside to wake his parents and confess
he is the driver in a hit-and-run - the victim announced on the news
a heavily pregnant lady - her and child died on the way to the hospital
her husband then seen saying he will hunt down and kill the driver
father then calls in the family lawyer and hatch a cover-up plan
their gardener agreeing to take the fall for a half million payout
the cops and prosecutor arrive but he does not fall for the story
knows someone else in the family is responsible but then he is bought
agrees to go along with the story for 1 million dollars - corruption is rife
then a few more people try and get in on the deal and the father digs in
throws a fit and basically tells his son to go to hell - enough already spent
phew someone with some integrity at last - nope - a compromise is met
as the gardener is then covered and lead away the victims husband comes good

part 6 - a huge presumably traditional wedding reception in a large hall
everybody partying very happily - until new wife spots new husband
a quite innocent hands-on with one of his very attractive workmates
new wife then goes into meltdown when he confesses to a daliance
wifey rushes to the rooftop and it looks like a suicide is imminent
but in steps a cook up there for a ciggy break - he gives advice
gather your thoughts - get control - make him pay - live you life!
and then back to the reception she goes as a transformed woman
she was shy/timid/lovely - now - bold/aggressive/assured/stroppy
kickstarts the party again to everyones bemusement and lets rip
tells her new in-laws a few home truths and same for husband
then goes into a frenzied spin-dance with the one-time girlfriend
who accidently or intentionally crashes into a full length mirror
blood everywhere - red on white most effective - chaotic scenes
hubby grabs her - and - eyes locked - followed by arms then lips
ah the south american passion at it's best - and a happy ending

6 amazingly consistently funny and engaging tales of revenge
a splendid way to end an amazing film festival - over and out...

leviathan

i can't remember the last time i saw a russian film
possibly the ark one - the hermitage - extraordinary film/place
this one tempting purely for the promo photo - whale bones on a beach
and that in relation to the title - leviathan - large sea monster - or whale
the other attraction being that philip glass composed the soundtrack
in the opening scenes that is to the fore - his unmistakable motif
we're in northern russia where the days are long and quite dark
several scenes around a small seaside town but no action as yet
so me then thinking - hmmm - maybe there is no actual narrative
a car seen driving - arrives at the train station, a passenger picked up
returning to the house and then the men move inside and the talk starts
and the vodka starts flowing - a clear reminder of where we are located
seems kolya has a legal problem and has drafted in his lawyer brother dmitri
corrupt mayor vadim is trying to get a court decree to obtain kolya's house
the house built by kolya that he shares with wife lilya and only child roma
kolya is a respected mechanic and runs a car repair business downstairs
but being oceanside it seems vadim has plans to build a large hotel there
the court scene fairly clearly showing the level of corruption at play
a officer of the court rapidly reading the case and passed just as quickly
the vodka drowning the sorrows at home that night when vadim calls
he is feeling very cocky and hot-headed kolya ready to take him on
fortunately dmitri manages to hold him at bay as vadim departs
next day filing a likely futile appeal kolya is arrested and locked up
while behind bars dmitri and lilya get it on at the hotel he is staying
he is released and then family and friends are off on a shooting trip
target practice actually and an excuse to drink vodka and eat meat
a crude bar-b-que in a bleak seaside setting and guns to the fore
one of the party producing an ak47 to take down all the bottles
dmitri and lilya manage to sneak away but are busted by a child
pursued by kolya and all we hear is gunfire and loud shouting
dmitri then seen on a train high-tailing it out of town for good
lilya looking worse for wear and kolya clearly badly hungover
roma has been a witness to the infidelity and now hates his mum
it's a very sad situation for kolya - his life spinning out of control
a chance meeting with the town priest who spins the parable of job
god's justice in the face of human suffering - why do the righteous suffer?
a hint that if kolya was a regular church-goer he would not incur god's wrath
kolya not convinced of this argument though forgiveness is within him
he is seen making up to lilya for he does love his pretty wife deeply
but her guilt is over-powering her especially the rejection by her son
she is seen wandering off to the clifftops - observing a frolicking whale
a powerful message in itself - and that is the last we see of her alive
her body recovered several days later and of course kolya in despair
vodka again - hits the bottle bigtime and is on a very long bender
his son pleading with him to straighten up to which he briefly does
but vadim really has it in for him and next he is charged with murder
seems there were hammer blows on lilya's body and he the prime suspect
in a fit of jealous rage he had threatened to kill his brother and his wife
no chance in court of course and he is sent to prison for 15 years
final scenes and roma seen wandering around the beached whale
very powerful imagery of leviathan - the monster from the deep
come to pay a visit to this small town and this innocent man
but more than that - the russian way of life laid bare here
corruption - vodka - isolation - bleakness - desperation
this film reminded me of the hunt - the innocent victim
totally absorbing - russia well represented at the nziff

nga reo o te whanua - voices of the land

seen 3 amazing nz films so far at this years nziff
each presented with the director in the house - bonus
this one has special appeal - richard nunns is the man in focus
seen him live once and sell his large number of cds in our little shop
musician with a difference - specialist in traditional maori instruments
the film promising a journey with him around some of nz's best scenery
opening scene - the man and his musical foil horomona horo in a cave
then the singing starts - and so do the goosebumps - very moving
the detail in the imagery simply stunning and a soundtrack to match
this is going to one very special film - settle in and go on the journey
we are heading with nunns and horo along a riverbed - horo bends down
picks up an object, clears out the sand and grit - blows into it - and sound
nunns then joking that the first instrument to be found has to be given away
this setting the scene for the film - mateship, nature, and simple instruments
the man has an advanced case of parkinsons disease so moves quite slowly
usually with the assistance of horo when walking or pushed in a wheelchair
but no loss of his cognitive skills - speaks both passionately and articulately
he is pakeha of scandinavian descent but has a unique connection with maori
was a jazz musician in his early life which no doubt lead to his musicianship
partnered musically with maori language professor hirini melbourne until 2003
upon his death nunns continued to travel and gather expertise on maori music
including obtaining old instruments held in museums or private collections
learning the necessary skills to play them and with the required respect
in the film stating the instruments are like a cell phone to the divine
so giving some modern interpretation of their cultural significance
but it's not just the instrument - it's the use of to connect with nature
more footage then of the 2 of them making sounds in a natural setting
pulling on flax leaves, tapping rocks, blowing into a hole in a rock
and explaining the sound of the wind itself is a powerful instrument
nature needing sounds to live and their instruments closest to it
man mostly relating to music from the voice or from technology
maori music existing on a plane more temporal and spiritual
all very convincing really - and especially so with the visuals
each place of visit sub-titled and many of them recognised
birdlings flat, moeraki boulders, the catlins and many more
at each place a vocal chant, some music or respect paid
the finale saved for a visit to snow-covered fiordland
richard nunns high up with a stunning backdrop
saying how landscape has always inspired him
and the closing scene looking down onto a swirling ocean
the white surf moving diagonally across the width of the screen
me sitting there with goosebumps again hoping the entire screen fills
and it does - like a curtain being drawn - just the perfect closing
a stunned audience as the credits roll - and spontaneous applause
director paul wolframm is in the house and taking up the plaudits
a q&a session that provides more insight of his inspiring subject
wow - another amazing couple of hours in a darkened room
i hope many nz-ers and more besides get to see this film
so satisfying on so many levels - 5 stars from me...

maps to the stars

this one not originally on my schedule for nziff this year
but - a slot available - and it's on at saturday night prime-time
julianne moore also awarded best actress at cannes for her role
so maybe i've misread the writeup and there is something on offer
it opens with a girl on an overnight bus rolling into los angeles
has a sloppy joe with 'bad babysitter' emblazoned on it - noted
finds her chauffeur-driven limousine and all aboard to tinseltown
robert pattinson the driver and mia wasikowska playing agatha weiss
a detour to a property with the large hollywood sign not far behind
here she scours the remnants of a house obviously destroyed by fire
the scars on agatha's neck and full arm gloves suggesting there is a link
cut to fading star havana segrand (julianne moore) and a workout session
being administered brutally by self-help guru stafford weiss (john cusack)
then in a hospital and a young female patient is being visited by her idol
benjie weiss (evan bird) clearly channeling justin bieber in his role
he the star of a successful film franchise titled bad babysitter - ah
he incorrectly asks - how long you had aids - oops wrong disease
then in the carpark he admonishes his p.a. with a tirade of racial abuse
so a nasty piece of work - ah i get it - in real life stars are like that?
he is the son of the self-help guru and returned agatha is his sister
mum also then introduced - seems normal but not coping too well
son out of rehab, daughter back from a psychiatric ward - the talk!
in the meantime havana is intent on reprising a film starring her mother
she's into sex also  - seen in a threesome with full frontal nudity
a gold statue sitting proudly on display in her ostentatious home
she has driven most of her p.a.s away with her neurotic tendencies
so somehow agatha steps in to assume that role - a job is secured
and then the relationship with the chauffeur driver also develops
at least one person who seems to be leading a normal sort of life
over on the film set benjie has a hallucination in the wash-room
ends up strangling one of the younger boys also on the film
havana seen in a car with the chauffeur and then seduces him
in the driveway at her home - unaware agatha is looking on
havana then beaten to death by agatha with the gold statue
back at the weiss home mother performs self-immolation
final scene agatha and benjie (bro and sis) marry each other
using rings stolen from their parents - and the credits roll
thank god - what a shocker - david cronenberg - director
apparantly hates hollywood and everything false about it
so clearly has decided to make a film satirising the place
with then the perfect response to any bad criticism
'but it's meant to be bad - that's what it's really like'
trash place - trash movie - waste of time for me...

erewhon

erewhon - a large property in the heart of rural south island
but also the title of a book written by one samuel butler in 1872
and here the motivation for this film from director gavin hipkins
one of nz's most successful photographers now pushing the horizon
the writeup in the nziff program reading as a quite compelling film
based on a 'lively utopian satire' and the film a 'moving picture essay'
in brief butler had worked on an isolated south island sheep station
obviously he had a fertile imagination and a capacity as an author
he invented a race of people - 'erewhonians' that had certain ideals
connected to nature, vegetarian, eschewing any kind of machine
the opening scene of a bulldozer working a piece of cleared land
no voiceover, no music - just a wide shot of machine at work
an immediate impression that this is going to be a visual treat
then the voice of actor mia blake starts the read of the book
the first surprise - a female voice used for author samuel butler
setting the tone for the rest of the film - conventions are sidelined
so settling in for a real adventure with more wonderful nature footage
immediately bringing comparisons to other amazing travelogue films
baraka, samsara and godfrey reggio qaatsi series coming to mind
but here the point of difference being the narrative of the book
initially a tale of a journey up a river not previously discovered
then up the mountain range, across and descending to a paradise
clear imagery of the southern alps and the west coast filling our eyes
i'm hooked - every frame of every scene making for rivetting viewing
but it's not all nature, words and beauty - we jump into the unknown
some quite beguiling graphics and backing music at regular intervals
matching the mood of the reading of the book - butler a visionary
his fear of the effects of the industrial revolution a stark contrast
the film then giving some attention to rusted and derelict machinery
other throbbling machines also shown in the relentless energy plunder
director gavin hipkins drawing on butlers fears to provide modern visuals
but then another shift - footage of monkeys and scenery clearly not nz
suggesting that the world in butler's mind is not rooted to a physical place
and words from the book indicating the same of the erewhonelian people
final scenes of a scyscraper fronted beach on the gold coast of australia
matching the words from the book predicting constant future travel
what a stunning film - and not just a visual treat - narrative as well
i love the aforementioned travelogues but this has an added dimension
with the inspiration and the clear respect of the book uppermost
and a wonderful surprise after the film's credits have rolled
director gavin hipkins is in the house - q&a time
a small but appreciative audience lauding him
and an opportunity for me to thank him also
that's 3 extraordinary nz films in a row
and each with directors in attendance
happy, happy, happy...

housebound

another nz film premiering at nziff - this a horror/comedy film
the wimp in me avoids horror and the grump ditto avoids comedy
so heading into this one with a mix of trepidation and doubtfulness
a chance meeting/discussion with bill gosden had convinced me to attend
he the director of the whole nziff shebang so obviously knows his stuff
pre-film he introduces the audience to director gerard johnstone - nice
his words of advice taken on board - best idea is to laugh at the horror
no horror in the opening scenes but laughter pretty well from the start
a botched raid on an atm using hammers and dynamite by a man and lady
he knocked out and she jams the lowered toy-boy racer on a speed hump
kylie then seen in court and sentenced to home detention for 8 months
then seen standing outside her mother's house - the classic house of horrors
miriam lives there with her new husband graeme - but it's not a happy family
kylie is still in teenage angst mode and despises her mum and step-father
she overhears her mum on a radio talkback show saying her house is haunted
confronts her about this and then the fun begins - a few home truths revealed
the house a scene of a murder when kylie a child and then blissfully unaware
a young girl brutally stabbed multiple times and the killer never identified
implications that it is her ghost that is inhabiting the dank basement
more interesting characters are then introduced into the plickening thot
amos is the bumbling security guard assigned to monitor kyllie's homestay
dennis the counsellor who makes regular visits to assess her wellbeing
there's a creepy loner neighbour most likely to have murdered the girl
and a couple of over-officious police officers obsessed with paperwork
kylie buddies up with amos as they then try to solve the murder case
it turns out the house was once an asylum for mental illness patients
a folder found detailing the previous inhabitants - now murder suspects
a big clue is a denture plate also found in a wall cavity in the basement
so the pair mount a raid on the neighbour's house to extract his dentures
thinking if they match then that would prove his culpability - hmmm ok
but this leads instead to another unexpected discovery in their own house
turns out there's been a boy now man ex-patient living in a secret room

the film now descending into hilarious farce as the pace then picks up

plenty of genuine laugh-out-loud moments at the most unexpected times
mostly at the screams of other members of the audience at shock events
you know those are coming and surprisingly for me easy to deal with
thankfully the mood of the film now well established as comedy-horror
nothing to be taken at all seriously even with the amount of blood seen
spoiler alert - dennis the inept counsellor then identified as the girl-killer
now roaming the house with a large knife in hand and ready to kill again
one hilarious scene when he has a large plastic basket jammed on him
reference to a dalek - exterminate, exterminate quite clear - so well done
i honestly don't recall when i laughed so much at a film of any genre
particularly one billed as part horror - this film is an absolute hoot
of course it does contain the happy-ever-after kind of ending
but no problem with that at all - it and we kind of deserve it
a q&a with the director and lead actor rima te wiata follows
gerard johnstone clearly with a great dry sense of humour
the film taking 3 long years to complete on a small budget
but already obtaining high praise here and overseas
me - the next big thing i reckon - whale-rider-ish
completely different but still uniquely kiwi
brilliant - loved it - may it travel well...

te awa tupua - voices from the river

the first new zealand film seen by me at this years nziff
documentary - political - cultural - historical - even controversial
the film inspired by the 79 day protest held in whanganui back in 1995
iwi of the area deciding to hold a peaceful gathering in moutau gardens
another part of a long-running dispute over ownership of whanganui river
i don't recall any media coverage of the event at the time - not much it seems
so most of the footage used in the film supplied by channel 9 from australia
this consists of scenes of people arriving in the gardens at dawn one morning
the sense of the importance of this protest for all maoris everywhere realised
with iwi from other parts of the country travelling to support the local iwi
many whanau consisting of people of all ages making up the large numbers
a total of over 600 people involved in the near 3 month period occupation
the film providing a good account of their quiet determination and commitment
interviews with various iwi elders, speeches, hakas and the eventual leaving
a decision to do so peacefully after a high court ruling went against them
a calm withdrawl to maintain their dignity - mana - of upmost importance
then to provide the necessary persepctive the film then travels the river
footage of a snow-capped rongatiro where the snows melt and descend
feeding into streams and waterfalls that eventually lead to the large river
then some stunning aerial shots from a helicopter of the flowing river
an explanation then of the cultural and spiritual significance to all iwi
impressively done - this pakeha sitting in a theatre then totally gets it
there's enough still photos of historical significance to provide depth
this is not just a modern-day issue - has been going on for centuries
cut to modern day and interviews with a number of unnamed people
talking not only of the river but also of the want to maintain their culture
expected of course from elders but here impressively from young people
2 teenage girls in particular speaking with confidence of their love and respect
same with a quite hardened looking man speaking like an elite intellectual
there is a steely resolve in all their eyes and a sense of utmost integrity
the later part of the film is based around a canoe race on the river
again iwi coming from near and far to take part in the large event
some pre-race interviews suggesting being there is the main thing
nothing too serious with craft of all various shapes mostly fibreglass
some footage of the race itself and the enjoyment of participation
then a clear statement that the river is important socially also
cutting away from the big event the film then starts to wind up
more amazing scenery footage and still shots of the area
mixed up with some quite haunting but beautiful music
and a voiceover explaining how the proposal will work
the river will become a separate entity in its own right
not owned by the crown or persons or organisation
one iwi representative and one crown representative
to meet as required to oversee activity requests, etc
such a disconnection of land/resources quite unique
a first for nz and only the second time in the world
we are in for a special treat at this film showing
the director - paora te oti takarangi joseph is with us
he was a student attending the original protest back in 1995
now carving out a career as a film-maker and this a big step
his first feature-length documentary and rightly proud of it
coming across in the q&a session at the conclusion
me - well informed now - will recommend it
a film for every new zealander (and more)...

pulp - a film about life, death and supermarkets

never a big fan of pulp or jarvis cocker so - convince me
i go into this film with that attitude - let's see what i have missed
the opening scenes a brief look at a large farewell show in sheffield
big venue, big crowd, big show - the adoring masses of their hometown
then wind back from that and we start meeting the band and fans
jarvis cocker up first - seen clumsily changing a wheel on a car
an obvious setup and i presume trying to prove his normality
he almost looks embarrassed at being filmed - not his idea?
then we are in the heart of sheffield and looking very tired
a toothless, rotund newspaper seller declaring his love of pulp
ditto quite an elderly lady sitting at a bus stop - jarvis is the man
a trans-sexual musician also a fan of pulp but also of sheffield
tried to live in london for a while but got tired of being mugged
at least in sheffield you know who is mugging you - said seriously
a scene at the market and the butcher where jarvis used to work
dispelling any thoughts he could be a pacifist/vegetarian/hippy dude
the heavily tattooed interview-ee there with an indeciperable accent
not a fan of pulp or cocker it seems and happy to take the piss
cut to a scene of older women in an acapella group warming up
blue and silver glittery uniform and performing common people
ah - i get it - pulp's biggest hit and we're seeing the inspiration
next off to a football pitch and a young ladies team practicing
the word pulp proudly emblazoned on their red satin tops
on the sidelines one of the fathers explains - he the drummer
nick banks - apparantly the lads were up for a bit of sponsorship
though he says when his daughter is asked to explain the branding
'oh that - pulp - that's the crap band that my father drums for'
laugh - typical english self-deprecation coming to the fore now
other members of the band past and present also interviewed
most impressive being candida doyle - keyboards player
she talks quite candidly (oops) about her arthritis condition
which makes playing very difficult - but she pushed on through
richard hawley (yay) also makes a talking head appearance
speaking fondly about the hardcore album - he most proud
and in all honesty he is the main interest for me in pulp the band
(pulp being the launching pad for his own successful solo career)
on the day of the big final show there's interviews with fans
many waiting for hours outside and some coming from a-far
mostly gushing young girls - i just l-o-v-e jarvis so much
shots of the truckloads of gear being hauled in and set up
the band walking backstage and the grand entrance
lights down, the crowd roars and the band fires up
finally some footage of the band in action - good
their hometown fans going nuts with delight
lots of (pasty-faced) whitey boys and girls
so the film ends on a big high
...kind of saved it really...

eastern boys

eastern boys - immigrants from ukraine, russia, romania, etc
this film opens with views down onto gare du nord station in paris
there's a gang of them hovering, jostling, teasing, moving around
we are like voyeurs on the scene - expecting to see some crime
but nothing obvious - then daniel - kevin spacey lookalike enters
he catches the eye of one of the boys - follows him and then talks
this the first bit of dialogue in the film - 15 minutes in - bonjour
marek promptly offers he will do anything - 50 euros - your place?
address handed over - crikey - is this guy stupid - or maybe desperate
next day at the agreed time there's a knock at the door but not marek
another of the gang enters, then another and then all of them are inside
make themselves comfortable, loud music, dancing and then stripping
of all his possessions - they are one by one taken to a waiting van
this under instruction of 'the boss' who presents as a bit of a tough guy
very lean, tattooed, fit and border psycho - seen laying into one of his own
daniel realises there is no point calling the police and basically rolls over
next day another knock at the door - this time marek - the deal is on
daniel then proceeds to seduce marek - he takes the money and bolts
the pattern repeats itself and emotions start to make an appearance
we are well entrenched in a film that seems to want to challenge us
but gay sex was done is a much more open way in shortbus way back
here it just drags on rather tiresomely before the next act kicks in
daniel wants to 'adopt' marek but his papers are locked up at his hotel
it is an el-cheapo with a floor rented by the govt to house immigrants
the action relocates to the hotel where the gang and family are living
marek shows up there first and manages to steal keys from 'the boss'
those keys to the safe (locker) where his precious papers are held
but caught in the act so he is beaten, bound, gagged and locked up
but daniel to the rescue - checks into the hotel in an adjoining room
but he's known by the gang so has to be very discreet with movements
and so it goes - all a bit cloak and dagger-ish - and not very enthralling
in the end (phew) the gang gets busted - daniel goes to court with marek
the outcome not stated but they are seen walking off into the sunset
well at least a metaphorical one - the proverbial happy ending it is
the film heading towards 3 hours long and a mixed message
maybe illegal immigrants - eastern boys - are bad news
or - older man / young boy in love is normal and ok
whatever - it's a pretty average film at best - pass

white god

the best thing about a film festival is the broad range on offer
the write-up for this one enticing - disney-ish / horror / apocolyptic vision
and based in hungary with a few actors and about 250 dogs - i'll take it
opening scene shows a young girl biking in slow motion across a bridge
an abandoned car, empty streets, wide shot then close-up of the pedals
looking very good from the opening frame - cinematography especially
then a pack of dogs appear around a corner and catch up to her
cut to the same girl playing fetch with a large healthy looking dog
we know we've gone back in time but thankfully not spelt out
the director not stating the obvious and letting us work it out
i like that too - let the audience do some work in the film
lili is 13 - lives with mum and has hagen the dog as a pet
but mum off to a conference so she has to stay with her dad
he works as a meat inspector at the city abbatoir - we meet him there
confronting scenes of a large cow being skinned, gutted and dismembered
animal lovers in the audience will be squirming - me thinking vegetarianism - good
he's actually not a very nice person - cold to his daughter and hates dogs / animals
after one restless night he decides the dog has to go so is dumped in the suburbs
more so after the council comes knocking and hitting him up for the new dog tax
highest for cross-breeds, minimal for pure-breeds and zilch for hungarian dogs
so inversely proportional to the likely wealth of owners - a right-wing measure
this single move apparantly the inspiration for the writing/making of this film
hagen is abandoned and lili is disconsolate - she then spends days in search
amazing scenes then of hagen in survival mode in a very hostile environment
things go from bad to worse as he is sold down the line into dog-fighting
despairing scenes of him being injected, beaten and aggressively trained
tranquilizers used to knock him out so his teeth can be razor-sharpened
leading to a dog-fight scene we really don't want to see - but some relief
throughout the film i have sat in wonder at the clear personality of hagen
wondering how they did it - fortunately the fight-scene is done in close-up
indicating the dog-fight was well staged and filmed - despite the blood
hagen makes his escape but eventually is caught and then impounded
from there a mass breakout sees a gang of dogs running the streets
and then back to the opening scene - and now fully explained
they run riot and revenge is taken - we're in horror mode now
lili is close behind and eventually she and hagen confront
it could go either way but thankfully it's a happy ending
not necessarily what is expected but still good to see
what an amazing film - disney / horror / apocolyptic?
all of those and totally unique with it - superb

jimi - all is by my side

music and film - a combination hard to ignore at the nziff
pretty average reviews for this one but it's my era so in we go
full house - no surprise there really - a very accessible subject
it's a known that the man's estate refused permission to use his music
which would have to be a bit of a challenge when that is kind of central
not too worried about that here myself and more curious about the result
also - not generally a fan of musician biopics when a lookalike actor is used
usually just too much earnest effort and not enough similarity to take seriously
so a good way to go into this (any) film - low expectations - only way is up
opening scene is at a seedy club in new york where the man is a hired gun
a few flashes of his potential brilliance but the small audience is oblivious
except for one young lady - linda keith - girlfriend of one keith richards
she befriends jimi and then slowly builds his confidence and connections
it is her that brings in chas chandler to manage him and get him to london
andre benjamin (outkast) plays the lead role - playing homage to his hero
the few reviews read prior indicated that he absolutely nails the role
no argument from me - all i can judge is physical presence - spot on
others also well represented - clapton, richards, chandler and the band
mitch mitchell and noel redding looking believable especially on stage
not much of that though for obvious reasons - it's mostly downtime
so pretty well every scene imvolves hendrix interacting with someone
after getting set up by linda keith he has a new girlfriend kathy etchingham
working class girl and suggested by a few that over-played in the film
and more so a scene where hendrix lays into her with a telephone
a decision by the director to emphasise a jealous streak in hendrix
disquitening really - his gentle softly spoken pacifist nature undone
and falsely it seems - etchington herself critical of that scene in the film
saying it did not happen or at least violently - a shame it was there
but thankfully it's isolated - he seems sweet and articulate otherwise
one other scene seen dealing with typical london police - bobbies
they harrassing him for his dress sense, hair - and white girlfriend
maybe overstated but we are in the english 60s so quite believable
he also hangs out with michael x - civil rights activist based in london
hendrix's pacifist and inclusive attitudes challenged but well defended
'it's the music man - it doesn't matter what's the colour of your skin'
of course scenes of alcohol and drug abuse have to be included
that which lead to his eventual demise so an essential element
enough to suggest that they were present but not dominating
the film is very well paced and heads to a big, exciting climax
he has already blown clapton off stage in a small london club
so the word is out - a large crowd gather at the saville theatre
including brian epstein, george harrison and paul mccartney
the opening tune - a rousing rendition of just released sgt pepper
tore the house down - a defining moment in his career and this film
a clever way around the music ban - by now all but forgotten
another blues acoustic number played as the credits roll
yes - very impressive - one of the better biopics
the serious fans and critics may pull it apart
but for me - good thanks - enjoyed it...

reaching for the moon

there's a couple of things appealing about this film set in brazil
well that for one but also starring australian actress miranda otto
she playing the lead role in this true story of american poet elizabeth bishop
it's post war boomtime 1950's - opens in new york alongside central park
elizabeth decides it's time for a break and she has an old friend living near rio
so off she goes - met at the airport by her friend mary and her girlfriend lota
into the prsistine white xk120 jaguar and a picturesque drive up into the hills
roll up to the stunning hilltop estate owned and built on by architect lota
she is rightly very proud of her creation - elizabeth is more into the cat
things bristle from the start but some pillow talk (lota/mary) sorts it
then before we know it there's a bit of a re-shuffle happening
mary gets the heave-ho and elizabeth is now number one
so in love is lota she blasts a clearing to build a studio
elizabeth then set up in that to continue her writing
mary comes back and is promised the child she craves
a deal done with a local native and everything is all very cosy
3 ladies and a baby in residence and getting along just fine
parties, dinners and a happy social scene - lots of alcohol too
lota is friends with politicians in high places and influence is wielded
she is awarded the job of designing and building a famous rio landmark
flamengo park - complete with huge columns and large mounted lights
lota's idea to simulate the moon - romance, etc - and the film's title
some historical context there both politically and historically
this film is pretty light on but good to get some perspective
elizabeth gets an offer to teach poetry back in new york
and off she goes - leaving behind a heartbroken lota
she spirals into depression and is hospitalised in rio
a bit of to-ing and fro-ing between rio and new york
leading to the death of lota from an overdose - sad
phew - quite a drama really and no problem with that
good to see rio in a historical context and hear some poetry
elizabeth wins pullitzer prizes (true) and is up there historically
i would rather be in the top 16 of all poets than the top 4 female
this quote from elizabeth bishop rolls in the credits with other information
quite enjoyable really - and miranda otto - wow - come of age
she is another australian actor making it big internationally
not sure this film will be oscar material or the like
...very pleasant, very easy - old time drama-ish

watchers of the sky

another documentary at the nziff - this one quite sobering
the motive for the film is to pay homage to polish man raphael lemkin
born in 1900 - son of a jewish couple who perished at the hands of the nazis
ironically before that he had been horrified by the turkish slaughter of armenians
as a young lawyer decided to dedicate his life to ensuring that was not repeated
he actually coined the word 'genocide' and wanted it to become international law
but at a big conference in 1934 it was deemed a good idea but not necessary
not something that would be required as law in civilised europe - ah - oops
he then parked himself in new york and badgered the u.n. in his cause
there does not seem to be much footage of lemkin so the film fills out
lots of scenes featuring voice over animated/cartoonish nature drawings
quite well done though possibly over-done with a lot of screentime used
there are 4 other people interviewed and seen often throughout the film
samantha power dominates the time spent as  talking head / expert
she the usa ambassador to the un - very dry - and quite realistic
so much time spent listening to her ramble on like it's her story
which apparantly it is - the film based on her recent book
a problem from hell - america and the age of genocide
strikingly though america's problem is the lack of punishment
they being one of many countries slow to punish perpetrators
another of the talking heads is ben ferencz - another lawyer
to his credit was one of the prosecuting attornies at nuremberg
some footage from there as a very young man taking on the nazis
he talks about the fact that only a few were punished - dock sizes
they could only fit 22 in the dock so that was all that got charged
these days he continues to bug the u.n. about punishing others

ditto international criminal court prosecutor luis moreno-ocampo

argentinian who has spent his life writing, talking, negotiating
so lots of talking from these people and their organisations
thankfully the film has another person to provide some interest
emmanuel umurukundu is a senior member of the u.n. based in chad
he a direct victim of genocide having seen his own family hacked to death
parents, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles - all tutsis - killed by the hutus
a modern day genocide on a massive scale - over 1 million killed in 100 days
and the 'mastermind' as they call him - the president of sudan - omar al-bashir
strangely he is still president of sudan - despite an arrest warrant for genocide
his country and many others not recognising the warrant issued by the icc
the film suggesting economics (read oil) at work again - but of course
all in all quite a frustrating film - and probably intentionally so i think
we do lots of hand-wringing and posturing but not much else
produce films with clever graphics and lots of talking heads
but in the end money wins and common people lose
glad i saw it but nothing much gained from it
except names and faces of the ineffectual
oh and the purported reason for the film
raphael lemkin - died of sheer frustration?

the internet's own boy

had not originally intended seeing this film at the nziff
but addiction has set in and there was a gap that needed filling
not that familiar with the background story of aaron swartz
another young internet startup entrepreneur zillionaire? - wrong
startup yes - reddit amongst others - but riches - no thanks
early scenes of family life with 2 brothers open the film
they plus mom and dad talking affectionately about aaron
could read at the age of 3 - fun-loving and very giving also
quickly and very early on masters computer programming
has developed a collaborative website well before wikipedia
by the time he is 15 he is guest-speaking at national conventions
has developed the backbone for rss feeds and creative commons
the literal whizz kid - but with a social conscience to match
known and respected by many including tim berners-lee
an idol of aarons and inventor of www with similar ideals
aaron's real concern is not about fame and fortune but freedom
mainly of the guts of the internet and is horrified by corporate greed
he also speaks out about companies that control public information
jstor being one such company - they housing court/law documents
and then charging extortionately for access to such public information
aaron hacks into jstor via mit - massachusetts institute of technology
starts downloading onto a laptop their entire database of documents
he believes it belongs to the public anyway - but is caught and charged
it is suggested the fbi want to have a showcase trial of a computer hacker
aaron though still very young is a big fish in the internet community
his blog contains an article titled the guerilla open source manifesto
seems this document alone about freedom of information has riled
even while the authorities work up a case against him he continues
along the way becoming a folk hero and national commentator
seen on tv shows giving opinions on all matters technological
he has no fear - speaks his mind openly - sopa hits the news
the stop-online-piracy-act - supported by copyright owners
sopa gives the power to shutdown complete sites on demand
if there is any hint of any copyright infringement on any scale
this is huge - aaron goes into overdrive - organises the blackout
many sites including google for one-day using black backgrounds
or blacking out selected articles to demonstrate what could happen
very effective - sopa support is reversed - from the white house down
but revenge it seems is sought - someone, somewhere goes in hard
using an outdated law an extra 13 charges are piled on to aaron
the pressure becomes unbearable - he faces 35 years in prison
what has not been revealed to this point is his depressive nature
which presumably leads to his suicide on january 11 2013 - aged 26
an understandable outpouring of grief - a lot of it shown on screen
one stating an early detection for pancreatic cancer has been found
this by a 15 year old who accessed the downloaded jstor database
very, very sad - i had no idea of the impact of this amazing man
cut short in a promising life - he had sincere political aspirations
his a very simple philosophy - to make the world a better place
martin luther king, john f kennedy, john lennon, aaron swartz
big call but of his generation he is likely much more relevant
tim berners-lee spoke these beautiful words about his prodigy
aaron dead 
world wanderers, we have lost a wise elder 
hackers for right, we are one down
parents all, we have lost a child
let us weep

charlie's country

this year's nziff has been low on audience numbers
at least at the screenings or films i have selected
so not much hope for a film about an australian aborigine
wrong - queues at the ticket office on arrival - surprising
david gulpilil is an actor of repute - cannes award winner
the film opens with him as charlie sitting on his bed
donning very stylish orange framed glasses and staring
in his hand a crumpled piece of paper we are not shown
then he's off for his morning wander - jesting all round
how you going you white bastard - to the local policeman
not bad - how about you - you black bastard comes back
gets his handout and promptly hands it out - money - pass
his mate rolls up in his wreck of a truck - let's go hunting
this involves jumping out of the truck and shooting a buffalo
driving back into town with the beast as trophy on the bonnet
but confiscated by the police due to the use of unlicenced weapons
charlie decides it's time to go bush and sets off with a backpack
things start out ok - berries, nuts and a barramundi consumed
charlie leaping for joy at the 'supermarket' in his own back yard
but then the rains set in - his makeshift shelter quite inadequate
the piece of paper revealed again - he leading traditional dancers
at the opening of the sydney opera house with qe2 in attendance
a walkabout in the cold and wet leads to the onset of sickness
he is severely weakened - not stated but looks like pneumonia
his mate tracks him down and gets him to town and a doctor
then air-lifted to darwin hospital for an iv drip and recovery
the intent of the film now clear - it's the intervention at work
he feels/wants to be traditional - but needs white man's world
frustrated he discharges himself and hangs out with the locals
city-based aborigines less about hunting and more about drinking
eventually the uneasy tensions with the police sees charlie arrested
no sympathy in court despite his remorse and off to prison he goes
a clever set of scenes portraying the monotony of life behind bars
repeated scenes of work in the laundry and meal-time servings
pie with green slop, pasta with red slop, rice with brown slop
upon release he slopes back to his own community - full circle
is asked to teach some kids about traditional aboriginal dance
initially refuses but then upon reflection changes his mind
is then seen excitedly telling the kids about his big day
and the presence of the queen there (not sure about that)
then into the dance - charlie has found himself it seems
nice ending, nice film - good humour, good story
and the (large) audience - clapped - woo-hoo

salt of the earth

a film about a photographer - now that should be good
filmmaker/photographer wim wenders at the helm of this one
subject matter - renowned brazilian photographer sebastiao salgado
the opening still shots setting the style and content for the whole film
black and white images of humans like ants in a large open cut gold mine
clambering up fragile ladders lugging sacks of earth - hopefully gold also
running back down into the pit - the only way to do it - walk = fall
the voiceover of salgado providing the insight to the stunning images
but they are not slaves/workers - normal people trying to strike it rich
still shots then of a young salgado and his wife lelia heading to paris
he studying economics - she - architecture - back in the sixties
she obtains a camera for her studies which he then commandeers
bravely she pushes him to switch careers to photography
this requires him to travel abroad alone for extended periods
his voiceover advises he is known as a 'social' photographer
i.e. societal - of and about people - affected by events / war
no shortage of material there then and countless photos taken
many years in some cases spent gathering material for each book
his time in africa during drought, war and genocide heartbreaking
a lot of b&w images of desperate, dying and deceased people
strangely compelling though - his voiceover quite calming
time also spent in what was yugoslavia with the balkan war
he expressing his dismay at the time and place of that event
a shift of focus away from victims and then on to workers
he is leftist by nature and decides to document common people
salt of the earth as salgado announces - hence the film's title
then a complete shift from social photography to nature
live footage then of him and his son tracking walrus bulls
funny scenes as they themselves are tracked by a polar bear
photos and stories of time spent with the largest of beasts
whales, monitor lizards, gorillas all superbly photographed
but once again it is the voiceover that provides the real interest
after decades spent travelling the world salgado returns to brazil
his parents needing some support and so does the land they live on
where salgado was raised - rainforest also razed - now parched land
a decision by salgado's wife lelia to return the land to it's former glory
1 million trees later and it is coming back - and more - a new mission
the area now a nature reserve and inspiration for people everywhere
salgado openly stating he believes man's destruction can be reversed
and he has proof of that - end of film - mind-blowing really
i sat there stunned watching every last credit roll by
need to take more photos - and plant more trees...
on a hillside property once covered in them...
a truly inspirational man and film

boyhood

now here's another film with a difference - filmed over 12 years
centered around mason (ellar coltrane) from a boy of 6 to young adult of 18
it reads in the nziff program kind of like the 7-up series but much more linear
director richard linklater assembling the cast once a year over the 12 years
an ambitious project with huge foresight and serious commitment for all
mason and older sister samantha live with their separated mother
he's a cute little boy and sister also cute but quite manipulative
normal kid stuff then - and so it is with everything else - normal
mom decides she needs to move the family back to houston
she needs to advance her education and her mom can babysit
once there ex-hubby makes an appearance after a long absence
things a bit tense between mom and dad but nothing too serious

she is struggling to make ends meet and he's living the good life
fortunately a lecturer at her college is on her case and dating ensues
then the first leap forward by a year - mason's hairstyle the clue
mom and her new man are now married and his kids are on board
so a nice domestic arrangement of 2 adults, 2 boys and 2 girls
quite a cosy time for the fresh family in this year - looking good
another leap forward and things are deteriorating - new dad a drunk
forces a buzz-cut on his stepson leading to teasing, etc at his school
domestic violence at home - more than 2 young children should endure
so mom packs them up again and moves in with a friend - more anguish
all this would make for an interesting film in itself but this one is special
the very natural ageing process for all involved makes it quite riveting
before long both kids are teenagers with all that brings to the picture
another new man for mom - this time an returned soldier ex iraq
politics hover around in the background and root the film in time
bush is mentioned - then the hope and excitement of obama
me thinking how exciting for a director to be able to do that
toss in contemporary issues knowing by film's end it is history
teenagers mason and samantha continue to grow and evolve
literally before our very eyes - the changing hairstyles continue
great scenes of camping with dad and hanging out with friends
mason is a sensitive boy but smart with it - he is liked by everyone
despite or because of mom's men issues he is a very good male
loves his mom, stands up to bullies, remains close to his sister
before we know it he is graduating from high school - college beckons
the nest is empty - and a realisation that we have seen mom transform also
she from a young struggling mother to a university lecturer with 2 great kids
tellingly it is her (the woman) that has had to typically cope with immature men
dad - he has also grown up and finally pays her dues at the graduation party
but as the title suggests this film is focused on mason - our now young adult
a great final scene when he eschews partying at college and heads for the hills
his new roommate, girlfriend and her friend instead have a cookie and go hiking
beautiful scenery, great new friendships and some slightly trippy talking
you know what they say about seizing the moment - it's the opposite
the moment seizes you - i think we are having one those moments
she agrees - this in a beautiful sunset in a beautiful place
me - reckon that scene is going to be a landmark one
this film - ditto - staggeringly good - nziff highlight
one for all ages and genders - 5 stars from me
will be watching for other reactions...

alive inside

had a few people recommending this one is worth a look
documentary - america - people with alzheimers and now ipods
the revelation that music somehow makes sufferers more contented
sounds interesting - off we go on a sunday morning - the theatre packed
wondering then what is the attraction - possilbly an aged welfare concern
dan cohen is the man - ex i.t. professional and now working in welfare
the opening scene showing dan handing an ipod to 94 year old brian
african american largely incoherent until he hears louis armstrong
when the saints go marching in - takes him back to his childhood
great scene actually as we see his face and eyes light up big time
a real feel-good moment as the sweet old man starts jigging
not been that way for years so proof it has to be the music
and so it goes from there - no shortage of people to cheer up
some very sad cases of people in institutions needing a lift
not just alzheimer sufferers - ms and schizophrenia also
dan the man seen visiting patients and donating ipods
without fail there's an immediate change in mood
i'm a bit staggered by it all really - such a simple joy
where have the family and friends been all these years
surely if it is known a person is/was into music then deliver
crikey - if (when) that is me - mandatory equipment day one
the film then spends some time trying to account for the lack of ipods
one hospital-based practitioner saying he can dispense endless drugs
sometimes costing thousands of dollars a hit - but a $40 ipod - nope
he cynically suggesting there is no money in that - that would be it
experts are consulted and some impressive footage to back the case
e.g. multiplying cells have a beat in tune with the beat of music
so humans are hard-wired from conception to be rhythmical
bobby mcferrin seen at a conference demonstrating the groove
footage of a masai tribe in africa doing their jump dance thing
and then an african in a hospital playing a 10 string mini kora
point being - ancient cultures are wired for music so why not us?
me thinking - it's like white america has only just discovered music
another 'expert' saying he has spent 30 years coming up with therapies
all replaced in an instant when music was played to alzheimer patients
hello - you must be joking - it's a no-brainer (oops) surely isn't it?
but it's not all the carers fault - one very lucid ms sufferer also
bed-ridden for 10 years - always had a huge music collection
8 years after diagnosis and he finally gets some musical relief
again - did he not ask - did no-one offer - i don't get it at all
the cynicysm sensor now starting to register some action
seems dan is president and owner of musicformemory.org
they set about lobbying the goverment for some serious funding
an ambitious plan to get ipods into america's aged care network
some minor success - though statistically speaking 0.16%
the money it is not a-flowing - but - there's another way
footage of brian at the start of the film goes viral on youtube
millions of hits and then dan scanning messages of gratitude
seems people have got the idea and impressed with the results
though not in the controlled manner dan was gunning for
a happy ending though to this interesting documentary
check out dan's website - www.musicformemory.org
or just do it yourself - benevolence starts at home...