The New World (2005)
Once discovered, it was changed forever.
Filmmaker(s): Terrence Malick
A drama about explorer John Smith and the clash between Native Americans and English settlers in the 17th century.
Ararat (2002)
Filmmaker(s): Atom Egoyan
Interrogated by a customs officer, a young man recounts how his life was changed during the making of a film about the Armenian genocide.
01 May Ararat (2002)
Denied I think Egoyan is one of our best living filmmakers. He layers his stories in ways that some layers generate or reinterpret others. Usually, this is apparent to the viewer. In this case, the viewer is fooled into thinking that this is film reminding...
Inside Deep Throat (2005)
It was filmed in 6 days for 25 thousand dollars. The government didn't want you to see it. It was banned in 23 states. It has grossed over 600 million dollars. And it is the most profitable film in motion picture history.
Filmmaker(s): Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato
In 1972, a seemingly typical shoestring budget pornographic film was made in a Florida hotel: "Deep Throat," starring Linda Lovelace. This film would surpass the wildest expectation of everyone involved to become one of the most successful independent films of all time. It caught the public imagination which met the spirit of the times, even as the self-appointed guardians of public morality struggled to suppress it, and created, for a brief moment, a possible future where sexuality in film had a bold artistic potential. This film covers the story of the making of this controversial film, its stunning success, its hysterical opposition along with its dark side of mob influence and allegations of the on set mistreatment of the film's star.
13 Mar Inside Deep Throat (2005)
Momentus “Deep Throat“ is an incompetent movie that had a phenomenal effect. So I guess it is appropriate that a documentary on some of those effects be less than competent as well. Here’s the interesting thing. No one should live without understanding a few basic...
King Arthur (2004)
Rule Your Fate.
Filmmaker(s): Antoine Fuqua
The story of the Arthurian legend, based on the 'Sarmatian hypothesis' which contends that the legend has a historical nucleus in the Sarmatian heavy cavalry troops stationed in Britain, and that the Roman-British military commander, Lucius Artorius Castus is the historical person behind the legend.
07 Mar King Arthur (2004)
Blue Woman With these simple constructions, its easy to see where they decided the hook would be. I imagine the pitch was that this would be “Braveheart” meets “Gladiator” but with a fighten’ gal. I’m sure they took a model and put her in blue...
04 Mar Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
A Trip to Holy Ground Ridley Scott is the current and all time master of the big budget long form film, no question. Most big budget productions are really collections of episodes. Few filmmakers have the control to manage the hoards of creative talent that...
Monuments Men (2014)
It was the greatest art heist in history
Filmmaker(s): George Clooney
Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on seven over-the-hill, out-of-shape museum directors, artists, architects, curators, and art historians who went to the front lines of WWII to rescue the world’s artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return them to their rightful owners. With the art hidden behind enemy lines, how could these guys hope to succeed?
24 Feb Monuments Men (2014)
The Diary I am thankful that Clooney is working. I’ve heard him speak as himself; he is a good man, interested in good things. I forgive him his lack of range as an actor, because the characters he plays are so engaging. And he made...
King Richard (2021)
Venus, Serena and a plan for greatness.
Filmmaker(s): Reinaldo Marcus Green
The story of how Richard Williams served as a coach to his daughters Venus and Serena, who will soon become two of the most legendary tennis players in history.
09 Jan King Richard (2021)
The Cosby Curse One of the effects of a rich society is the luxury of spending time watching sports, engaging with the intricacies of statistical pockets, and the supposed drama of its celebrities. Only film and its media feeders can similarly create such icons, so...
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes. Anything But Elementary.
Filmmaker(s): Billy Wilder
Holmes and Dr. Watson take on the case of a beautiful woman whose husband has vanished. The investigation proves strange indeed, involving six missing midgets, villainous monks, a Scottish castle, the Loch Ness monster, and covert naval experiments.
12 Dec The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)
Tamer Wilder I like the fantasy of a superartist, someone who knows what they are doing, someone who knows where the levers to my soul are. But I know that’s extremely rare, that most art that I see as art is the result of someone...
Joan of Arc (1948)
Greatest of all spectacles!
Filmmaker(s): Victor Fleming
In the 15th Century, France is a defeated and ruined nation after the One Hundred Years War against England. The fourteen-year-old farm girl Joan of Arc claims to hear voices from Heaven asking her to lead God's Army against Orleans and crowning the weak Dauphin Charles VII as King of France. Joan gathers the people with her faith, forms an army, and conquers Orleans.
01 Dec Joan of Arc (1948)
Burned Alive I wonder if there is anyone who can view this film with any sort of fondness today. Everything about it is false, with no element one can point to for relief. Yes it has Ingrid, but as wooden as a pike. Yes it...
Alexander (2004)
The greatest legend of all was real
Filmmaker(s): Oliver Stone
Alexander, the King of Macedonia, leads his legions against the giant Persian Empire. After defeating the Persians, he leads his army across the then known world, venturing farther than any westerner had ever gone, all the way to India.
