Fixation is an adorable film by Alex Trudeau Viriato about bike riding of a
certain kind. Fixed gear and track bikes are unique in the way they are made
and the way one rides them. First of all, these bikes don't have gears or brakes. So, not only does the rider determine how fast or slow the ride is, but leg strength is required for braking. The bike also never stop pedaling, and there is no coasting. Put simply, the rider and the bike become one.
Viriato's Fixation is a behind the scenes look of the love of this style of bike, its riders, and their love for the design. Many of the young people one sees doing bike tricks are using fixed bikes, sparking an entire movement that is centered around it. And it's not necessarily the style of the bike that's new, so much as it is the differences in attitude and concepts about being on the edge, and setting new standards. Filmed in the west coast, mainly San Francisco and L.A., viewers get more than just a peek at riders doing what they do on every level from bike clubs to
racing. There are also some very beautiful shots of those areas.
Fixation is a fun and lively
documentary, and Viriato has no doubt pleased bike enthusiasts with this great film.
In 1957, the Beat Hotel in Paris became a haven for artists like Allen Ginsberg, the now esteemed writer of the poem Howl, which was once considered obscene to some. In search of a respite from the strict censorship of America in the 1950's, Ginsberg found a small, cheap (and dirty) hotel, which is now famous for the refuge that it offered to its patrons. In Alan Govenar's exquisite film The Beat Hotel, viewers are treated to an amazing historical journey that captures the heart and purpose of a place that allowed the freedom of expression, which has resulted in some of the greatest works of our time. Amazingly, Ginsberg was an "occupant" at the Beat at the same time as other writers who were destined for fame like Peter
Orlovsky, Gregory Corso and William Seward Burroughs, who completed his work "Naked Lunch" there. The Beat not only offered them the luxury of sharing life and their art together, it also had an atmosphere of non-judgment that freed their minds to such a degree that they could become the great artists that we now respect them as being. The Beat was run by Madame Rachou, who thought that artists should be cared for, and who went out of her way to bring them together in tolerance and permissiveness, freeing them creatively. The Beat continued to be a haven for artists through the early 1960s, and has produced what are known as Beat artists and the Beat generation. It is fascinating to hear firsthand accounts from the artists themselves about the Beat and life inside of its walls. The documentary is insightful about many different art forms: poetry, writing, photography, and painting. There are brilliant glimpses of what made the Beat artists great, and the methods they used to come up with their various styles. This is a vividly exquisite display of important cultural history about
Beat generation art. It is very well done and highly entertaining, and includes shots from British photographer Harold Chapman who also lived there. The Beat Hotel is rich in history and may be the best documented film of our time on the subject. Govenar could not have done a more impeccable job.
Secret Things, is a Jean-Claude Brisseau film starring Sabrina Seyvecou and
Coralie Revel. It is a very seductive tale about power, sex, deception, manipulation, and the roles they play in the workplace. The film is presented in
a very exciting format that stimulates the senses and intrigues the mind.
These two actresses play their roles to perfection as the story unfolds with brilliant direction, and it's as if the viewer is right there in the room with them. That's just how much Secret Things draws you in.The acting is very good, the plot is thick, and the
ending is a big surprise, which is quite nice in today's world of movies where you can guess the ending about 20 minutes in.
Seyvecou and Revel act as teacher and student as they weave their way through problems, coming up with a fail proof plan. But everything is
not what it seems in this excellent production. This is a thoroughly entertaining piece of work that shows the way things often work when climbing up the ladder of success, using the art of seduction. Outclassing their prey by far. they are
relentless in their pursuits, but soon find an unexpected challenge in the son of the bank executive for whom they work. He takes their seduction to whole new level, resulting in wonderfully tense and suspenseful moments. This is cinema at its best, and I highly recommend the watch.
Pantagonia Rising, from filmmaker Brian Lilla, is a documentary about dams
and their effect on the earth. This particular story is set in Chile, near two of the world's purest rivers, the Baker and Pascua. Five hydroelectric dams are set to be built near the rivers, which would involve displacing the people who live around them, as their lands would be flooded and their ways of life would be forever changed. Some residents view the electricity that would be gained as progress, while others see it as a total annihilation of lifestyles that have existed for many generations.
At this very moment, dams are stopping rivers from reaching seas all over the world. The major rivers that are affected include the Nile, Murray-Darling, Colorado, Indus, Yellow, and Rhine rivers, which no longer reach oceans as they once did. Many animals and
species are extinct because of the damage caused by the interruption of the natural life and water cycles because of dams. In fact, the last century has seen the building of almost 50,000 dams globally, which have had an adverse effect on the environment. One fifth of all
fresh water fish are extinct or nearing extinction. Ecosystems are destroyed by
dams even though there is irrefutable scientific evidence that dams are harmful. There are 40% less plankton in the oceans, and organisms of all types are perishing. So why do the people who make these choices continue to destroy the
world in this way instead of finding alternatives like solar or wind energy? Good question.
The
Baker and the Pascua rivers in Patagonia will soon have dams built around them in a part of
the world that needs to be left alone because of their link to biodiversity in rainforests, estuaries, and marine ecosystems. Patagonia Rising, which is a compelling and intelligent film, lays out the details in a very interesting and passionate manner, with interviews from the residents of Chile. Viewers will gain an understanding of who is behind the decisions that are helping to destroy the only planet on which we can reside. While those who wish to build dams would point the finger at global warming for the disasters they cause, this documentary is clear about why we don't need to ignore the signs. Now is the time to
modernize and improve our methods for energy production.
Thought provoking and insightful, Patagonia Rising will both educate and entertain. It is imperative that we take action to stop things that, once set into motion, cannot be reversed. Man must learn from the past and present. The question is, will we? And if we do, will it be in time to save the earth and ourselves as well? These are questions that have yet to be answered.
David Lebrun's documentary "Proteus," is a brilliant piece of cinematography that was made over a 20 year period. The film is a stunning 19th century vision of the world of science, the sea, and new discoveries by the pioneer Ernst Haeckel.
Haeckel made many important discoveries about sea life that influenced the work of not just biologists, but Art Nouveau and Surrealism, Sigmund Freud, and even Thomas Edison. But more than that, he shaped the thoughts of the order of things in the scientific world. Haeckel was the first to find the radiolarian, a one celled organism that lives in the oceans around the world from
the shores to the deepest depths. As both an artist and scientist, he did not reject that which was unseen, and his life and research seemed to be on a path that was predestined, though he did give some thought to abandoning science once he discovered his artistic abilities. Fortunately, he did not, and both served him in his work classifying creatures of the sea. He alone discovered
and categorized more than 4000 species.
There are 5000 known species of Proteus
(or radiolarian) over 500 million years old, and they come in many different forms.
Haeakel made a picture of each one and in "Proteus," Haeckel's work is accessible to the viewer. This research is from a time when there was no equipment to
photograph these creatures, so he painted them using a microscope. His work is
astounding in detail and reveals the stunning beauty of nature. Haeckel's was a time of cell discovery, and the realization of the fact that the cell is the building block of life.
During Haeckel's time, the knowledge of the sea was like space is to us now, and
man had only gone down 100 feet. In an attempt to connect the continents, cable was laid from Britain to New Finland. When it was raised, simple living organisms were discovered. A scientific expedition
gathered the unseen samples from the bottom of the seas all over the
world, and Haeckel was commissioned to study them. His work is shown on this breathtaking and amazing DVD, which is full of beautiful art from both nature and man. This visual treat will send you to the far reaches of the solar system and mind. The life of this man and the people of his time are very intriguing. The way they
thought and looked at the world is quite interesting knowing what we now know. Viewers who like history and science or those who thirst for knowledge in general will love "Proteus." It is a well made, astounding film that documents history in an utterly impressive and visually stunning manner.
"Beyond Hatred," an Oliver Meyrou film, is a compelling and engrossing documentary about a family and their pain in the aftermath of
the murder of their son Fracois Chenu. The 29 year old Chenu, who was gay, was attacked and killed in 2002 by three neofascist skinheads in a pubic park in Rhine, France. His murderers were there looking for an Arab to attack, but found Chenu instead. When he refused to renounce his homosexuality, he was beaten unconscious and throw in a into a pond, where he drowned. "Beyond Hatred" takes a deep look at hate crimes and homophobia, and a family's struggle to forgive the unforgivable. The Chenu family was kind enough to let the
world in to the empty space left behind such an outrageous act. Questions are presented that are thought provoking and enlightening. Young people following
strange ideals and parents standing back as they do is part of the cause. The
inability of some to not accept others for whatever the reason is revealed in
this as insanity. The lessons found here are difficult, but important. Long after this heinous crime was committed, as the family tried to go through the healing process, the trial began and the unleashing of raw emotions and wounds began anew. Still, Chenu's family sought to take the path of forgiveness and civility, as much for their own survival and sanity as for anyone else. This well produced film is shot with simplicity to allow the subject matter and emotional content to tell the story. "Beyond Hatred" is a very moving and disturbing look at what some members of our society have become, in an effort to stop the progression of such evil. You will feel deeply for the victims, and even have some compassion for the murderers. But most of all you will come to know that society must change its mindset of intolerance for others who are different. This is a powerful story of pain and humanity. The documentary is in French with English subtitles. I highly recommend this film!!
Fidel Castro is known by many things to many people. To some he is a leader, and to others a dictator. Do Americans really know that truth about the man who reigned over a small island just 90 miles from U.S. shores? What he has really done for the his country, the people of Cuba, and the world? "Fidel," from filmmaker Estela Bravo exposes the Miami lobby against Cuba that keeps Fidel and his country from prospering because of the U.S. embargo that has gone on ever since his revolution. The U.S. has made peace with all of the countries that we once opposed in war. We have forgiven the Japanese, Koreans, Germans, Vietnamese, and we do business with communist China and the Soviet Union. So why does our powerful nation continue to hold the island of Cuba at bay? The truth is on this DVD and it is a must see film about a great world leader.
Loved by his people even now, Castro has kept his revolution alive and his country independent, not allowing it to be exploited by the interests of American big businesses. With live footage of Che Guevera, the young Fidel Castro, and renowned reporter Edward R. Murrow, you will be moved by the truth about this great man. Castro did things far ahead of his time like trying to form a union between the countries throughout Latin American in 1959. He sent troops to Angola when South Africa violated their borders, helping to defeat the South African Army and setting the stage for the end of Apartheid.
A charismatic personality and strong speaker, Fidel was easy to love and was warmly received in America, especially in Harlem. However, Nixon wrote in his report that he was a communist and needed to be overthrown. Since that time, the CIA has made numerous assassination attempts on his life and failed. But the true story about who Castro really is and how the American government has used wrongful and hateful policies and tactics to mislead its citizens about him and terrorize millions of Cuban people and their leader is now being told. This fascinating documentary reveals Castro's true identity and the propaganda that we have been told and believe. This is a must see documentary for anyone who really wants to know the truth.
The Entertainment Bank thanks you for your patience. We will be back with more reviews in the next couple of days, and will be adding all genres of movies to the body of work that we review.
Thank you for stopping by The Entertainment Bank, and please come back again in a couple of days to see more of what you love!! We'll be bigger and better than ever!!
Michele Wilson-Morris
Founder & CEO
The Entertainment Bank
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.
"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.
