Alexander Sokurov’s Russian Ark was filmed as one continuous 96-minute take, with absolutely no cuts whatsoever. As a cinematic experiment, this is one of the most breathtaking films that I have ever seen. As a cinematic experience, it is definitely one of the most ethereal and challenging films in recent memory. Throughout Russian Ark, we […]
The disarmingly quiet opening of Stranger by the Lake sets the tone for everything that comes afterwards. A young man named Franck arrives at the lake to sunbathe, swim, and take part in the gay cruising scene in the nearby forest. Some men lie on towels as they work on their tan and look for […]
Justin Cole’s The Upper Footage is a small masterpiece. It is one of the best films of 2013 – and it just so happens to be a “found footage” film. Yes, it’s one of those. Before all of the haters chime in, know that The Upper Footage is one of the most effective films of its […]
“You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes…” ~ James 4:14 I recently sat down to experience Godfrey Reggio’s latest collaboration with Philip Glass, entitled Visitors. It is a documentary, but not in the traditional sense of the word. It is an abstract collage composed of 74 slow-moving shots of […]
Paul Thomas Anderson is an undeniably powerful voice in American cinema. With his sophomore feature, Boogie Nights, he crafted a story which centered on actors in the porn industry and revolved the narrative around the people themselves, rather than their controversial profession. Like the best directors, Anderson refuses to judge his characters. We see them […]
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