By Jeff Kubik
Juxtaposed surveillance camera footage; a 28-minute continuous shot of the Calgary tower’s revolving restaurant; a series of shots centering on the various incarnations of the first pre-fabricated house design–if it’s not independent cinema then Vin Diesel’s movies have become strangely unconventional. Viewmanship is a series of short, experimental films by filmmaker Patrick McLaughlin, the acclaimed… Continue reading Experimenting with Viewmanship…
By Adam Goetz
Structuralist film theory emphasizes how films convey meaning through the use of codes and conventions not dissimilar to the way languages are used to construct meaning in communication. Patrick Mclaughlin uses this theory explicitly in his experimental film composition Viewmanship. The exhibit is a selection of films and videos produced in Calgary between 1994 and… Continue reading …Cinema as Language
By Jeff Kubik
It is written, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” And shall I say unto the Lord, “Oh please, just one? You’ve got to give me at least one!”Oh Lord, give me the objectivity and humility to review 8 Mile, better known to your flock as “Eminem’s new movie.” Grant me the… Continue reading Eminem’s 8 Mile sermon
By Nicole Riva
Frida is a visually stunning film with a well crafted script that exudes the passion possessed by its characters. Salma Hayek stars as Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in this story about love, art and politics. Hayek is fantastic as the title character, embodying a woman who led a life that inspired some of the most… Continue reading Frida’s passion still alive
By Adam Goetz
Despite a seemingly trite premise, this highly stylized thriller hits the mark. Exceptional cinematography, eerie visuals and stand out acting performances all set the perfect mood for The Ring. This artistic thriller is a remake of the 1996 Japanese film Ringu, which boasted enormous success in Asia and plenty of praise from critics. In this… Continue reading Not as lame as a “video of death”
By Adam Goetz
“What if I came to your work and judged you on how you sent a fax,” Jerry Seinfeld says emphatically in his ‘bit’ about his job as an entertainer. “You would ask why would I have the right to do that. And I would say… I bought two drinks.” The film Comedian is a gritty… Continue reading Not just fun and games
By Nicole Kobie
Few films guarantee entertainment whether the audience hates or loves what they see. This is an art perfected by writer/director/leftist Michael Moore. Granted, his quasi-documentaries are about politics, but they are one of the best conversation/argument starters.Bowling for Columbine is but the latest piece in his activist work that includes books like Stupid White Men,… Continue reading Moore Bowling for pins on the right
By Kyle Young
To be perfectly honest, I’ve always had a soft spot for the character of Hannibal Lecter. The guy is polite, educated and courteous, yet constantly surrounded by rude and ignorant people. And when he finally decides to do something about it, they call him crazy and lock him up.[Ed Note: Because he ate people.]Seriously, Lecter… Continue reading Everyone needs their idols…
Not unlike the French Revolution upon which The Lady & The Duke is based, this movie will create a dichotomy amongst the citizens of the general movie-going population. The first crowd will consist of extremely satisfied French new wave fans and history connoisseurs. The second group, a herd of frustrated and disappointed hopefuls.The Lady and… Continue reading The Lady and the Duke is no revolution
By Nicole Kobie
The Four Feathers is a fantasy. Or, rather, it’s best when viewed with an imaginative eye. Set in a historical context, with beautifully realistic filming, it at times feels truthful. However, with a little creativity it not only becomes a swash-buckling, romantic adventure, but meaningful commentary too. Feathers is the tale of two soldier friends,… Continue reading Hollywood overshadows Four Feathers