Reviews

I was lucky enough to catch a one-off showing of this at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and it completely floored me. Although not for everyone (as with all Herzog films), he gives us a present day apocalyptic vision, infused with biblical and mythical power that ranks as highly as any of his feature film efforts. Herzog's lush visuals reach a new peak (in particular the aerial footage), as they are accompanied by incredibly fitting music and narration. This film is as close as cinema comes to painting. If you get a chance to see this, then do not hesitate. Prepare yourself for a rush.

Once again, Jim Jarmusch manages to pull together an unlikely cast of characters into a beautiful meandering narrative. His marriage of Eastern texts (actually onscreen), western animation (on televisions), lush visuals and trademark subtle wackiness, is a pleasure to watch from beginning to end. Forest Whitaker is unassumingly brilliant as the titular Ghost Dog, and the supporting cast are all extremely strong (with special mentions going to Isaach de Bankole as his french-speaking ice-cream vendor friend, and also young Camille Winbush who shines). The cinematography is never short of brilliant by regular Jarmusch collaborator (and longtime Wenders collaborator) Robby Muller and the atmospheric soundtrack by Wu-Tang's RZA adds to the eloquent eerie tone. Jim Jarmusch is one of the true maverick filmmakers still out there (one of my absolute favourites) and this film proves his ability to say a lot very simply. Highly recommended.

A short and humorous look at one (of many) director's travails of working with the difficult Klaus Kinski. Schmoeller speaks directly to camera about his experiences on the film Crawlspace and intercuts his commentary with clips of Kinski in full nutter mode. Being a huge Kinski fan myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this little portrait of his insanity. However, it should be enjoyable to most film fans as it is succinct, witty and, best of all, true.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable film from start to finish. There are enough comedic set-pieces to keep even the most hardened cynics happy. Detractors will of course level criticism at the simplistic plot and at some of the loosely sketched out characters, however as a piece of entertaining madness it totally delivers. Special praise has to be given to Sean McDonagh and Ian Hart who create between them one of the most realistic and hilarious drunken scenes ever seen on film. Recommended.

Wenders' ode to humanity is possibly the greatest film ever made. Combining his trademark stunning visuals with the beautiful poetic language of Peter Handke, he manages to compose a film so full and rich that it requires repeated viewings to fully soak in its simple but universal themes. It is the story of man and woman. Of perception. Of beauty. Of life. Of now. I urge you to see this and pass it on to your closest friends. Better still, pass it on to your enemies and let them learn.

A tight little gem from Wenders, as he and Handke discuss the merits of American music and its relevance in our culture. Typical langorous pans across cityscapes with a kicking soundtrack from the 3 American LP's of the title. A philosophical road journey that makes you think. Well worth viewing.