Movie: The Artist
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Showtimes: Sunday, October 16th, 2011 @ 5:00pm - Sequoia Theatre, Mill Valley CA (Tickets)
The Artist is a silent film, and yet its heart beats louder than any conventional film I’ve seen in recent years. I hesitate to even call it a silent film, for the rich musical score manages to convey the film’s emotionality better than spoken words ever could. But it’s the film’s keen self-awareness that gives to it a cheeky postmodern twist. I loved this film, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys feeling their soul being uplifted.
Trailers for all films along with reviews for Pina and Piriah after the jump
Movie: Pina
Director: Wim Wenders
Showtimes: Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 @ 7:30 PM – Cinemark Larkspur Landing, Larkspur CA (Tickets)
Just as the real life choreographer Pina pushed the boundaries of dance, so does the documentary Pina push the boundaries of cinema. Shot in mind-blowing 3D, and using her own choreography to express her ideas of dance as language, the film puts the viewer at center stage, offering them an intimate glimpse into the mind of a truly original artist. I recommend this film to anyone who is a fan of art and of the human form, and how they can sometimes become one in the same.
Movie: Piriah
Director: Dee Rees
Showtimes: Mon. Oct 10th, 2011 @ 7:00 PM – Smith Rafael Film Center, San Rafael CA (Tickets)
On the surface, Piriah looks like every other inner city coming-of-age drama. It’s not. The teen-age protagonist’s parents are still married, nobody is on drugs or in a gang, and most of all, never once does a gun go off or a stabbing occur. This inner city drama is found in Alike’s (pronounced A-lee-kay) struggles with her own sexual liberation and the consequences she faces in coming out to her parents. Perhaps even more refreshing than the avoidance of the usual urban mainstay themes is the impressive acting chops displayed by Kim Wayans. Kim, who is mostly known for her comedic acting and as the sister of those funny brothers to which she shares a last name, turns in an outstanding dramatic performance, proving that she is capable of hanging with A-listers if given the chance. Lets hope, that after this film she is given just that chance. – Adam
