By
Michele Wilson-Morris
Architecture is power, and civilizations have used it over the centuries to express who and what they are. Norman Foster does the same thing in modern times with extravagance, luxury, and new technology and materials mixed with good old fashioned common sense and a certain decorum. He is "the world's architect," and in the dazzling presentation "How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?," from filmmakers Lopez Amada and Carlos Carcas, viewers are treated to some of most spectacular and elegant marvels known to man, all built by one man -- Norman Foster.
Foster, who grew up on the working class side of the tracks in Manchester, England, has devoted his entire life to the quest of being the premiere architect of our time, which is a title that he has succeeded in attaining. He is the master creator of things that, prior to his efforts, have only been imagined, including London's Swiss Re Tower, New York's Hearst Building, Berlin's Reichstag, Beijing Airport's International Terminal and the breathtaking Millau Viaduct, over the Gorges du Tarn in France.
Building from a spiritual sense like the ancients, Foster considers the environment, beauty, and functionality, even lending his expertise to the way airports and bridges are constructed. He changes function into art, conserving steel in his constructions while making them stronger with less material. This wonderful story of one man's dedication, perseverance, and achievement is utterly amazing and insightful. Shot after glorious shot, viewers will be amazed at his story and work. Where does his genius come from? How has it developed over time? How did he get to be "the world's architect?" This documentary holds the answers to all of these questions and more as you learn about the man behind both the biggest building in the world and the most expensive building in the world.
Brilliant cinematography and excellent producing were critical to ensuring that a film with such a subject was done successfully, and neither aspect is missing. "How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?" is definitely worth viewing.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Film Review: A Matter Of Taste
By
Charles A. Smith
"A Matter Of Taste," from filmmaker Sally Rowe, opens the door to the life of the immensely talented and driven young chef, Paul Liebrandt. The culinary artist, who at age 24, was awarded 3 stars by the New York Times for his uniquely original works. The documentary, which is both fascinating and informative, tells of his journey as an innovator and artist in the hard and competitive field of preparing top haute cuisine in New York restaurants. Witness first hand the creative genius that is Chef Liebrandt, and a lifestyle where you get one and only one opportunity to entice and win over the buyer. That's the restaurant business, where only the best, most passionate, strongest, disciplined, and exceptional individuals ever make it to the top. For Liebrandt, the ride to success has been both grueling and delicious.
Treats of all kinds from the inventive super Chef who, after years of harsh words from critics, is finally being recognized for his genius and ability to please even the most discriminating palates with his masterful creations and the perfection with which he so carefully creates them.
Anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant kitchen knows that teacher, motivator, big brother, disciplinarian, critic, and dad are all roles that the Chef must play, and with "A Matter Of Taste," viewers have an extraordinary glimpse into the story of the man who did it like Frank Sinatra -- "his way." Most Chefs don't actually work in the kitchen, as once they've obtained notoriety, they simply supervise and become executives of a sort. But Liebrandt is different than most, and is still in the trenches with his troops/cooks, training his staff with military precision to produce what he wants the way he wants it. Dealing with management, menu choices, rejection, staff, and opportunity are just some of the difficulties of the profession, and though the road to success isn't always as easy as most of us would like to be, Chef Liebrandt isn't afraid of allowing his difficult moments and obstacles he faced to be shown to viewers during his ten years of becoming one of the most renowned Chefs in New York City. Reinventing the wheel and trying square tires at times makes him either loved or hated by critics, but one thing he isn't and that's easily forgotten. His customers are completely loyal to him, and critics now rave about the man whose name they once used to smear -- all in the line of duty of course.
"A Matter Of Taste" is a highly recommended watch for those who like to cook, aspiring chefs, food lovers, and anyone who wants to be entertained.
Charles A. Smith
"A Matter Of Taste," from filmmaker Sally Rowe, opens the door to the life of the immensely talented and driven young chef, Paul Liebrandt. The culinary artist, who at age 24, was awarded 3 stars by the New York Times for his uniquely original works. The documentary, which is both fascinating and informative, tells of his journey as an innovator and artist in the hard and competitive field of preparing top haute cuisine in New York restaurants. Witness first hand the creative genius that is Chef Liebrandt, and a lifestyle where you get one and only one opportunity to entice and win over the buyer. That's the restaurant business, where only the best, most passionate, strongest, disciplined, and exceptional individuals ever make it to the top. For Liebrandt, the ride to success has been both grueling and delicious.
Treats of all kinds from the inventive super Chef who, after years of harsh words from critics, is finally being recognized for his genius and ability to please even the most discriminating palates with his masterful creations and the perfection with which he so carefully creates them.
Anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant kitchen knows that teacher, motivator, big brother, disciplinarian, critic, and dad are all roles that the Chef must play, and with "A Matter Of Taste," viewers have an extraordinary glimpse into the story of the man who did it like Frank Sinatra -- "his way." Most Chefs don't actually work in the kitchen, as once they've obtained notoriety, they simply supervise and become executives of a sort. But Liebrandt is different than most, and is still in the trenches with his troops/cooks, training his staff with military precision to produce what he wants the way he wants it. Dealing with management, menu choices, rejection, staff, and opportunity are just some of the difficulties of the profession, and though the road to success isn't always as easy as most of us would like to be, Chef Liebrandt isn't afraid of allowing his difficult moments and obstacles he faced to be shown to viewers during his ten years of becoming one of the most renowned Chefs in New York City. Reinventing the wheel and trying square tires at times makes him either loved or hated by critics, but one thing he isn't and that's easily forgotten. His customers are completely loyal to him, and critics now rave about the man whose name they once used to smear -- all in the line of duty of course.
"A Matter Of Taste" is a highly recommended watch for those who like to cook, aspiring chefs, food lovers, and anyone who wants to be entertained.
Film Review: The Take
By
Michele Wilson-Morris
All across the globe, economic policies are being implemented by governments that sometimes have near catastrophic consequences. Economic globalization is failing, disproportionately impacting the middle and lower classes. Nowhere is this sad truth more evident that in Argentina where over half of the population lives below the poverty line. Just fifty years ago, Argentina was seen as the crown jewel of Latin America. Now, after decades of bad policy making, the Argentine government has declared bankruptcy, and by doing so, has become the country with the largest sovereign debt in world history. "The Take," an extraordinary film by Avi Lewis and Naomi Klein, takes you on an adventure to a place where even the poor and disenfranchised have become fed up and are fighting back in ways the government never expected.
On the eve of what would become a day of disbelief, the rich and powerful withdrew their money from unregulated banks. The following day, these financial institutions closed their doors, leading to a spectacular economic collapse and massive unemployment, with the people of Buenos Aires demanding justice and getting none. With their jobs gone because of factory and shop closings, the less than wealthy were left to fend for themselves, but with very few choices and growing support for the anti globalization movement, they took matters into their own hands in a very bold and ingenious way. It's called expropriation, and it's working so well, in fact, that many other nations might just decide to take their example and run with it.
Thirty brave unemployed auto parts workers decided to occupy, resist, and continue to produce in the same factories that were closed by the government, reopening them and taking over operations. In this eye opening documentary and gripping story of finding hope where there seemingly was none, viewers are shown how the workers resisted police with sling shots and the support of the Argentine people. "The Take" is an inspirational depiction of how good things can happen in the aftermath of tragedy, when people stand together as one and refuse to be silenced. This story should be told to everyone, and is a must see for anyone who needs to know that change for the better can come from just a few. I highly recommend "The Take."
Michele Wilson-Morris
All across the globe, economic policies are being implemented by governments that sometimes have near catastrophic consequences. Economic globalization is failing, disproportionately impacting the middle and lower classes. Nowhere is this sad truth more evident that in Argentina where over half of the population lives below the poverty line. Just fifty years ago, Argentina was seen as the crown jewel of Latin America. Now, after decades of bad policy making, the Argentine government has declared bankruptcy, and by doing so, has become the country with the largest sovereign debt in world history. "The Take," an extraordinary film by Avi Lewis and Naomi Klein, takes you on an adventure to a place where even the poor and disenfranchised have become fed up and are fighting back in ways the government never expected.
On the eve of what would become a day of disbelief, the rich and powerful withdrew their money from unregulated banks. The following day, these financial institutions closed their doors, leading to a spectacular economic collapse and massive unemployment, with the people of Buenos Aires demanding justice and getting none. With their jobs gone because of factory and shop closings, the less than wealthy were left to fend for themselves, but with very few choices and growing support for the anti globalization movement, they took matters into their own hands in a very bold and ingenious way. It's called expropriation, and it's working so well, in fact, that many other nations might just decide to take their example and run with it.
Thirty brave unemployed auto parts workers decided to occupy, resist, and continue to produce in the same factories that were closed by the government, reopening them and taking over operations. In this eye opening documentary and gripping story of finding hope where there seemingly was none, viewers are shown how the workers resisted police with sling shots and the support of the Argentine people. "The Take" is an inspirational depiction of how good things can happen in the aftermath of tragedy, when people stand together as one and refuse to be silenced. This story should be told to everyone, and is a must see for anyone who needs to know that change for the better can come from just a few. I highly recommend "The Take."
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Film Review: Pianomania
By
Charles A. Smith
Charles A. Smith
"Pianomania," a film by Robert Cibis and Lilian Frank, is the surprisingly compelling story of Stefan Knupfer, Steinway & Sons' chief technician and Master Tuner in Vienna, who tunes pianos for
the best players in the world. What he
is able to hear is simply amazing! Only he and the very best can hear the pitch perfect sounds and infinitesimally small imperfections. He is the top ranked piano technician in the world, which requires a very precise skill set. More than that, he is the personal assistant to every master virtuoso he works
with when it comes to the piano and its sound, taking care of every detail from making sure the pianists have just
the right seat they want to finding the right sound in the middle of a tone. There he remains with enough patience and understanding to put most monks to shame.
Knupfer travels the world making sure that every piano bearing the name Steinway & Sons is perfect for world renowned master pianists who become one with its keys, allowing for the best performances in the world. This magnificently enticing DVD takes you behind the scene to
witness firsthand the intricate preparations that are made to tune the Grand Pianos of the world's best players. The music in this video is beyond extraordinary and breathtaking. An extra treat provided by the DVD is watching the artists playing
to perfection with the help of the mighty Stefen Knupfer.
"Pianomania" is absolutely phenomenal, both because of the level of mastery that is shown here by the virtuoso pianists, and the job the Knupfer does with a surgeon's precision. It is an enlightening and delightfully entertaining documentary, as viewers get a rare glimpse into the preparations made for a performance by virtuosos who are at the peak of their craft. Those who understand the piano's technical side say, "The modern piano is a
fascinating music machine, a machine that is so aggressive that I can't
even draw the string that makes it sing without bloodying myself. It is a thing that requires
three people to be transported." But Stefan Knupfer has tamed this beast and is the best at
what he does.
"Pianomania" allows the viewer to see Knupfer in action and enjoy some of the most beautiful music known to man and the picturesque scenery of Vienna. It has English subtitles, but that's not a problem as the beauty of the music and the magic of the men behind it will grab your attention and not let go until the very end. Anyone who appreciates the art of perfection will be enthusiastic about this cinematic triumph.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Film Review: Crude
By
Charles A. Smith
"Crude," from filmmaker Joe Berlington (Brother's Keeper, Paradise Lost, Metallica, Some Kind of Monster), is a riveting and absolutely superb documentary that delves into the value of oil versus that of human lives. Yes, we all complain at the gas pump, but there are people for whom the cost is much higher and the stakes are much greater. Their lives, lands, and cultures are being disrupted and demolished by the intrusion of oil companies whose only concern is their bottom line.
Anyone viewing "Crude" will find themselves asking, "What penalty should be imposed for taking a culture and way of life away from people? And what price should be paid for the human death toll and suffering because of displacement caused by pollution?" The amount being requested by the people of Ecuador is $27 billion dollars to clean their homeland and pay restitution to its citizens. The question at hand is, who should pay for this? We are all too familiar with the lack of moral foresight or hindsight by large corporations when damage is done to others, and as the fingers of blame are pointed and excuses made, people continue to suffer.
Follow Pablo Fajardo, the plaintiffs' lawyer, as he sues oil giant Chevron, seeking justice for those who cannot find it for themselves, as well as the best corporate lawyers that big money can buy in the largest and most controversial legal case ever in an epic David vs Goliath battle of wills. Hear the story firsthand from the people of the Ecuadorean Amazon, also known as "The Lungs Of The World." "Crude" engages viewers in the Ecuadorean people's plight to survive in their own homes (Secoyo Village) while their children and family members perish from cancer and their animals become sick from the tainted water and environment, all of which are a result of drilling for crude oil. They have been stripped of their once simple existence and ritualistic way of life, living free and sheltered from the corporate world in a land of beauty and natural resources.
Trudie Foster and her husband Sting from the group The Police are lending efforts to bringing this and other injustices to nature to the world stage through the Rain Forest Foundation, whose mission is to preserve rain forests and the indigenous people who live in them. "Crude" is a brilliantly directed film that is beyond excellent in every aspect, and one that will touch the hearts and minds of viewers. This is a must see documentary for everyone who is concerned about the world, its people, and the environment which is quickly being ravaged. Find out why Chevron feels they are not the problem, and decide for yourself who is right. This is a gripping and fascinating view of environmental history in the making, and the outcome will impact us all.
"Crude" is the winner of 19 international awards, and has been met with critical acclaim.
Charles A. Smith
"Crude," from filmmaker Joe Berlington (Brother's Keeper, Paradise Lost, Metallica, Some Kind of Monster), is a riveting and absolutely superb documentary that delves into the value of oil versus that of human lives. Yes, we all complain at the gas pump, but there are people for whom the cost is much higher and the stakes are much greater. Their lives, lands, and cultures are being disrupted and demolished by the intrusion of oil companies whose only concern is their bottom line.
Anyone viewing "Crude" will find themselves asking, "What penalty should be imposed for taking a culture and way of life away from people? And what price should be paid for the human death toll and suffering because of displacement caused by pollution?" The amount being requested by the people of Ecuador is $27 billion dollars to clean their homeland and pay restitution to its citizens. The question at hand is, who should pay for this? We are all too familiar with the lack of moral foresight or hindsight by large corporations when damage is done to others, and as the fingers of blame are pointed and excuses made, people continue to suffer.
Follow Pablo Fajardo, the plaintiffs' lawyer, as he sues oil giant Chevron, seeking justice for those who cannot find it for themselves, as well as the best corporate lawyers that big money can buy in the largest and most controversial legal case ever in an epic David vs Goliath battle of wills. Hear the story firsthand from the people of the Ecuadorean Amazon, also known as "The Lungs Of The World." "Crude" engages viewers in the Ecuadorean people's plight to survive in their own homes (Secoyo Village) while their children and family members perish from cancer and their animals become sick from the tainted water and environment, all of which are a result of drilling for crude oil. They have been stripped of their once simple existence and ritualistic way of life, living free and sheltered from the corporate world in a land of beauty and natural resources.
Trudie Foster and her husband Sting from the group The Police are lending efforts to bringing this and other injustices to nature to the world stage through the Rain Forest Foundation, whose mission is to preserve rain forests and the indigenous people who live in them. "Crude" is a brilliantly directed film that is beyond excellent in every aspect, and one that will touch the hearts and minds of viewers. This is a must see documentary for everyone who is concerned about the world, its people, and the environment which is quickly being ravaged. Find out why Chevron feels they are not the problem, and decide for yourself who is right. This is a gripping and fascinating view of environmental history in the making, and the outcome will impact us all.
"Crude" is the winner of 19 international awards, and has been met with critical acclaim.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Film Review: When The Drum Is Beating
By
Charles A. Smith
"When The Drum Is Beating," from filmmaker Whitney Dow, is a documentary about the life of an extraordinary people, country, and band. The country is Haiti, the people are Haitians, and the band is Septentrional, known fondly in Haiti as Septen. For 60 years, this 20 member band has filled the hearts of the Haitian people with joy and their remarkable sound. The country has certainly seen its share of hardships since its inception, but the people of Haiti, who are resilient and proud, have always had their music. Even slaves in chains prior to the revolution in 1804 danced and sang, illustrating the points that there is always hope as long as the heart endures and also, that freedom is a state of mind.
This sensational and highly uplifting film gives insights into the history of a great people, their traditions, and the culture of Haiti. The breathtaking cinematography shows Haiti as it was, is, and provides a look at what it could become. The light that is shed on the lives of the Septen musicians and their struggles is candid and revealing, giving the viewer one of the most factual and touching first hand look at the magic in the midst of chaos. Though Septentrional is clearly talented, they too suffer to create the music that so many love and can find solace in. I really loved Septen's music, which is played throughout the documentary, which is in French with subtitles, giving it an authentic feel. My heart really goes out to these people who have gone through so much, but continue to remain true to their traditions, relying on music to feed their souls during dark and perilous times.
I don't believe that anyone can watch this gripping and heart warming film and just turn the television off and forget about these people, this country, or this band. This is one film that becomes a part of you, claiming a place in your heart and mind. There are so many different emotions evoked by "When The Drum Is Beating," that you will wonder how Dow was able to make you feel them all in such a short amount of time, but this is a fine piece of work that deserves to be heralded at the highest levels.
Charles A. Smith
"When The Drum Is Beating," from filmmaker Whitney Dow, is a documentary about the life of an extraordinary people, country, and band. The country is Haiti, the people are Haitians, and the band is Septentrional, known fondly in Haiti as Septen. For 60 years, this 20 member band has filled the hearts of the Haitian people with joy and their remarkable sound. The country has certainly seen its share of hardships since its inception, but the people of Haiti, who are resilient and proud, have always had their music. Even slaves in chains prior to the revolution in 1804 danced and sang, illustrating the points that there is always hope as long as the heart endures and also, that freedom is a state of mind.
This sensational and highly uplifting film gives insights into the history of a great people, their traditions, and the culture of Haiti. The breathtaking cinematography shows Haiti as it was, is, and provides a look at what it could become. The light that is shed on the lives of the Septen musicians and their struggles is candid and revealing, giving the viewer one of the most factual and touching first hand look at the magic in the midst of chaos. Though Septentrional is clearly talented, they too suffer to create the music that so many love and can find solace in. I really loved Septen's music, which is played throughout the documentary, which is in French with subtitles, giving it an authentic feel. My heart really goes out to these people who have gone through so much, but continue to remain true to their traditions, relying on music to feed their souls during dark and perilous times.
I don't believe that anyone can watch this gripping and heart warming film and just turn the television off and forget about these people, this country, or this band. This is one film that becomes a part of you, claiming a place in your heart and mind. There are so many different emotions evoked by "When The Drum Is Beating," that you will wonder how Dow was able to make you feel them all in such a short amount of time, but this is a fine piece of work that deserves to be heralded at the highest levels.
Film Review: The Most Dangerous Man in America
By
Charles A. Smith
In the early years of the Vietnam war, Dr. Daniel Ellsberg was a strategist, reporting to top officials of the U.S. Government, including then presidents Johnson and Nixon. Some of the information from his earliest missions was falsified and embellished to justify what eventually led to the first attacks by the U.S. Navy against Vietnam. The young Ellsberg watched helplessly as those he reported the truth to lied to the public, fueling the fires of a war that he advised America could not win. Though he disagreed with his superiors behind closed doors, a battle between patriotism and guilt raged within him, but at the time, he took no further measures to unveil the truth to the American people. Ellsberg did his job like so many before and after him, caught between a sense of duty to his country and his own conscience. That duty encompassed keeping secrets, regardless of how they were misused or distorted to accomplish the goals of less than honorable men who sought the accomplishment of their goals despite the cost to the U.S. and others.
The Most Dangerous Man In America, from filmmakers Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith, is a thoroughly entertaining documentary that is both chilling and powerful. It pinpoints that struggle between right and wrong that rages within each of us, but in Ellsberg's case, the battle within was compounded by carrying the weight and fate of the country on his shoulders, affecting him on a deeply personal and moral level. The film shines the light quite brightly on little known facts that are very difficult to face about the U.S. government. Ellsberg's morality eventually led him to expose the very people he had kept quiet to protect, and many lives were spared because of the great personal risk he took to do so. After more than 2 million Vietnamese and 58,000 American lives were lost, wasted on a war that was fought under false pretenses, Ellsberg dropped a bomb of his own on the U.S. government in 1971, confessing what he knew to be true and causing a ripple effect which reverberated on through Watergate, the impeachment of President Richard Nixon, and the U.S. Supreme Court's decision regarding the First Amendment rights of the New York Times and the Washington Post.
Interesting and enlightening from the first second of the documentary to the last, The Most Dangerous Man In America is a must-see film for all Americans and certainly those who believe that our government is beyond reproach. On this Memorial Day, I honor our veterans, but know now also that many of them died for the wrong reasons. I salute their families, share their pain, and hope as many others do, that one day we can learn to settle our differences like gentlemen instead of warriors -- on the chess board instead of the battlefield. And I'm thankful for those who have the courage to make such films and expose us to the harsh reality that power can be a very dangerous thing in the wrong hands and a beacon of hope in the right ones. This film is superb at pointing this out, and nothing could be added or taken away that could make it better than it is. Job well done!
Charles A. Smith
In the early years of the Vietnam war, Dr. Daniel Ellsberg was a strategist, reporting to top officials of the U.S. Government, including then presidents Johnson and Nixon. Some of the information from his earliest missions was falsified and embellished to justify what eventually led to the first attacks by the U.S. Navy against Vietnam. The young Ellsberg watched helplessly as those he reported the truth to lied to the public, fueling the fires of a war that he advised America could not win. Though he disagreed with his superiors behind closed doors, a battle between patriotism and guilt raged within him, but at the time, he took no further measures to unveil the truth to the American people. Ellsberg did his job like so many before and after him, caught between a sense of duty to his country and his own conscience. That duty encompassed keeping secrets, regardless of how they were misused or distorted to accomplish the goals of less than honorable men who sought the accomplishment of their goals despite the cost to the U.S. and others.
The Most Dangerous Man In America, from filmmakers Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith, is a thoroughly entertaining documentary that is both chilling and powerful. It pinpoints that struggle between right and wrong that rages within each of us, but in Ellsberg's case, the battle within was compounded by carrying the weight and fate of the country on his shoulders, affecting him on a deeply personal and moral level. The film shines the light quite brightly on little known facts that are very difficult to face about the U.S. government. Ellsberg's morality eventually led him to expose the very people he had kept quiet to protect, and many lives were spared because of the great personal risk he took to do so. After more than 2 million Vietnamese and 58,000 American lives were lost, wasted on a war that was fought under false pretenses, Ellsberg dropped a bomb of his own on the U.S. government in 1971, confessing what he knew to be true and causing a ripple effect which reverberated on through Watergate, the impeachment of President Richard Nixon, and the U.S. Supreme Court's decision regarding the First Amendment rights of the New York Times and the Washington Post.
Interesting and enlightening from the first second of the documentary to the last, The Most Dangerous Man In America is a must-see film for all Americans and certainly those who believe that our government is beyond reproach. On this Memorial Day, I honor our veterans, but know now also that many of them died for the wrong reasons. I salute their families, share their pain, and hope as many others do, that one day we can learn to settle our differences like gentlemen instead of warriors -- on the chess board instead of the battlefield. And I'm thankful for those who have the courage to make such films and expose us to the harsh reality that power can be a very dangerous thing in the wrong hands and a beacon of hope in the right ones. This film is superb at pointing this out, and nothing could be added or taken away that could make it better than it is. Job well done!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Film Review: Garbo: The Spy
By
Charles A. Smith
When you hear the name Garbo, it usually invokes images of beauty, as in the glamorous international movie icon Greta Garbo. There was an actor who also bore that name, however, his craft was not conducted on the stage or screen, but in the shadows of high espionage. Garbo: The Spy, from Director/Writer/Producer Edmon Roch, is a fascinating and exhilarating true account of the exploits of Juan Pujol Garcia (code name Garbo) and the role of double agent that he so adeptly played during World War II.
Feeding false information to the Nazis, with the help of his incredibly creative mind, he fabricated a network of agents who "reported" to him and supplied the Germans with false intel in most cases or disseminated more factual information that was timed in such a way that rendered it virtually useless. During this entire time, he developed relationships with both the Nazis and allies that made him a star player for both sides. Garbo received both the Iron Cross and Royal rights in England, making him the only man in history to receive the highest honor possible from opposing sides in a war. Has anyone surpassed his accomplishments? Well, of course, we'll never know that, but somehow, it seems highly unlikely.
Garbo's clever web of fictitious agents were sheer genius, as he played the role of multiple agents on the German side at one time, and did it alone. His astute ability at deceiving the Germans helped the Allied troops land at Normandy while the enemy awaited their arrival in vain at Calais. Hitler himself was even fooled by Garbo's false reports, and fell victim to the master spy's trickery.
The outtakes of real footage from the 1940's and black and white movies made about those times are extremely interesting, giving the viewer more than a glimpse of the past, transporting one back to those times. This is one of the finest, most significant and extraordinary documentaries ever made. The historical value and intrigue are priceless. I could not possibly praise this film enough. This is a two thumbs up, must see documentary, made by a true visionary.
Charles A. Smith
When you hear the name Garbo, it usually invokes images of beauty, as in the glamorous international movie icon Greta Garbo. There was an actor who also bore that name, however, his craft was not conducted on the stage or screen, but in the shadows of high espionage. Garbo: The Spy, from Director/Writer/Producer Edmon Roch, is a fascinating and exhilarating true account of the exploits of Juan Pujol Garcia (code name Garbo) and the role of double agent that he so adeptly played during World War II.
Feeding false information to the Nazis, with the help of his incredibly creative mind, he fabricated a network of agents who "reported" to him and supplied the Germans with false intel in most cases or disseminated more factual information that was timed in such a way that rendered it virtually useless. During this entire time, he developed relationships with both the Nazis and allies that made him a star player for both sides. Garbo received both the Iron Cross and Royal rights in England, making him the only man in history to receive the highest honor possible from opposing sides in a war. Has anyone surpassed his accomplishments? Well, of course, we'll never know that, but somehow, it seems highly unlikely.
Garbo's clever web of fictitious agents were sheer genius, as he played the role of multiple agents on the German side at one time, and did it alone. His astute ability at deceiving the Germans helped the Allied troops land at Normandy while the enemy awaited their arrival in vain at Calais. Hitler himself was even fooled by Garbo's false reports, and fell victim to the master spy's trickery.
The outtakes of real footage from the 1940's and black and white movies made about those times are extremely interesting, giving the viewer more than a glimpse of the past, transporting one back to those times. This is one of the finest, most significant and extraordinary documentaries ever made. The historical value and intrigue are priceless. I could not possibly praise this film enough. This is a two thumbs up, must see documentary, made by a true visionary.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Film Review: Man On A Mission
By
Charles A. Smith
"Man On A Mission," directed by Mike Woolf, is a fascinating peek into the life of Richard Garriott, who made his fortune in computer as one of the founding fathers of MMORG (Massive Multiplayer Oline Role Playing Games), detailing his chronicle to be on the first commercial civilian flight to outer space, with a hefty price tag of $30 million/seat. The son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, Richard always dreamed of following in his father's footsteps but was unable to because of nearsightedness. In "Man On A Mission," Garriott share his dreams, plights, and training to obtain a space on the Russian rocket that will inevitably provide him with his life's greatest aspiration. The film is very well made and viewers will find it to be exhilirating, funny, scary, but most of all, entertaining. This is an excellent documentary which includes bonus features as well, answering the questions that most would want to ask. I found it to be well worth the watch and consider it a "must see!"
Charles A. Smith
"Man On A Mission," directed by Mike Woolf, is a fascinating peek into the life of Richard Garriott, who made his fortune in computer as one of the founding fathers of MMORG (Massive Multiplayer Oline Role Playing Games), detailing his chronicle to be on the first commercial civilian flight to outer space, with a hefty price tag of $30 million/seat. The son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, Richard always dreamed of following in his father's footsteps but was unable to because of nearsightedness. In "Man On A Mission," Garriott share his dreams, plights, and training to obtain a space on the Russian rocket that will inevitably provide him with his life's greatest aspiration. The film is very well made and viewers will find it to be exhilirating, funny, scary, but most of all, entertaining. This is an excellent documentary which includes bonus features as well, answering the questions that most would want to ask. I found it to be well worth the watch and consider it a "must see!"
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Film Review: American Teacher
By
Michele Wilson-Morris
American Teacher, produced and directed by Vanessa Roth, is a documentary that provides a fascinating view and reality check about the teaching profession in America, addressing the issues of teachers who are exceptional, and why they either struggle to remain in the profession, or choose to move on to greener pastures. The fact is, the teaching profession is not viewed with as much respect in America as it is in other countries, and teachers, their families, and school children suffer as a result. In Finland, Singapore, and South Korea, where teachers are revered and there is a cultural respect for the profession, only the best graduating students are recruited by the government for teaching positions, and it is considered an honor to be selected. These teachers receive 2 1/2 times what U.S. teachers do for classroom materials, and they are much more highly compensated, with better benefits. Consequently, these countries hold the top 3 spots in the world in terms of student achievement. Also, very few teachers leave the profession in these countries or experience the "burnout" that most American teachers do.
American Teacher delves into many topics that affect U.S. teachers, and shows that they don't have the easy jobs with great hours that most Americans think they do. In fact, many of them have second jobs just to make ends meet, and work weekends as well just to be able to keep up with classroom work. Yes, there are teachers out there who shouldn't be in the profession, and those teachers should be dealt with. But the majority of teachers are in the profession because it is their passion, and they bring creativity, love, and a desire to excel and nurture their students into the best and most confident young people they can be, and they should be rewarded and held in high esteem for doing so. This film is another that I highly recommend as a "must see" for everyone, as it's a problem that affects everyone, whether we wish to believe so or not.
Whatever your opinion of teachers is, American Teacher will almost certainly provide new insights and make you reevaluate your position. It is a highly enjoyable, but reflective piece that hits home on many levels.
Michele Wilson-Morris
American Teacher, produced and directed by Vanessa Roth, is a documentary that provides a fascinating view and reality check about the teaching profession in America, addressing the issues of teachers who are exceptional, and why they either struggle to remain in the profession, or choose to move on to greener pastures. The fact is, the teaching profession is not viewed with as much respect in America as it is in other countries, and teachers, their families, and school children suffer as a result. In Finland, Singapore, and South Korea, where teachers are revered and there is a cultural respect for the profession, only the best graduating students are recruited by the government for teaching positions, and it is considered an honor to be selected. These teachers receive 2 1/2 times what U.S. teachers do for classroom materials, and they are much more highly compensated, with better benefits. Consequently, these countries hold the top 3 spots in the world in terms of student achievement. Also, very few teachers leave the profession in these countries or experience the "burnout" that most American teachers do.
American Teacher delves into many topics that affect U.S. teachers, and shows that they don't have the easy jobs with great hours that most Americans think they do. In fact, many of them have second jobs just to make ends meet, and work weekends as well just to be able to keep up with classroom work. Yes, there are teachers out there who shouldn't be in the profession, and those teachers should be dealt with. But the majority of teachers are in the profession because it is their passion, and they bring creativity, love, and a desire to excel and nurture their students into the best and most confident young people they can be, and they should be rewarded and held in high esteem for doing so. This film is another that I highly recommend as a "must see" for everyone, as it's a problem that affects everyone, whether we wish to believe so or not.
Whatever your opinion of teachers is, American Teacher will almost certainly provide new insights and make you reevaluate your position. It is a highly enjoyable, but reflective piece that hits home on many levels.
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