By Jeff Kubik
Everyone deals with grief in his or her own way. Some people cry, others simply block it out, and still others leave the corpse on the floor for days, steal the deceased’s manuscript and vacation in Spain. To each their own. When we first meet Morvern Callar (Samantha Morton), she is lying on the floor… Continue reading Suicidal Scots
By Jeff Kubik
The Hermitage in St. Petersburg is a historical treasure, with important works of Russian art spanning centuries. From imposing architecture to elegant oil paintings, the building is considered by many to exemplify Russia’s rich cultural heritage. Lauded as a ground breaking technical achievement, director Aleksandr Sokurov’s Russian Ark is a single, fluid shot of the… Continue reading Reminiscing Russians
By Jeff Kubik
For those unfamiliar with the lost art of “math,” the Gauntlet’s Entertainment section offers a quick lesson. Take a 1994 blockbuster comedy and subtract its writers/directors and the stars that made it a hit. Now add the rights to the movie’s trademarks, a couple of unknown actors and a director whose credits mainly include TV… Continue reading Getting Dumber, and Dumber…
By Andrew Ross
Before I even stepped into the theatre, I was sure 2 Fast 2 Furious was going to suck. The warning signs were all there. It’s a sequel to a big-budget film that didn’t leave any unanswered questions. Only one of the guys from the original is back for the sequel (not the famous guy, the… Continue reading Way 2 amazed
By Adam Goetz
A dirty little girl seeks out a “magical cleaning liquid” to rid herself of her unsightly soiled clothing and hopeless transient life. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? When in fact this short plays out like a Javex endorsement by mother goose. All that came to my mind after watching this was “what the fuck,” closely followed… Continue reading How Beatrice Came Clean
By Adam Goetz
A family reunion at a lakeside cottage is the backdrop for Kevin’s (Drew Roby) thoughtful contemplation over telling his parents that he is gay. Director Andrew Hull uses tranquil music and picturesque shots to personify his process of introspection while keeping a hint of apprehension. Although this was the longest short that I viewed, clocking… Continue reading That Thing We Do
By James Keller
It’s a familiar narrative. The social issues, with people around judging and defining. The family issues, with the denial, rejection and disappointment. The intimacy issues, trying to find and maintain a romantic relationship. The personal issues, the inner struggles and conflicts. Solo, the documentary directed by and following the life of Atif Siddiqi, a gay… Continue reading Going it alone
This film documents the struggle for acceptance and self-worth between the gay community and the outside world. Gabriel shows his lover Tracy “all the possibilities,” weaving ominous flashes from past birthdays up to his current birthday party. From wearing his mother’s lipstick to his first sexual encounter, this stimulating film ends with a graphic shot… Continue reading The Moment After
Set in a smoky bar complete with neon lights, Bar Talk is a miniature version of Blind Date. Panning around the room capturing gestures, eye contact and body language the camera encounters an attractive brunette. Without using words, she strolls to the bar and picks up another girl. The scene is played again, this time… Continue reading Bar Talk
By Вen Li
A young woman reconsiders her ambiguous relationship with her best friend and neighbor when an old flame threatens to move back into town. Jennifer Markowitz’s A Bit of You could have done well with a bit more content and insight into relationship management or the human experience. The straightforward story includes some subtle (or distracting)… Continue reading A Bit of You