Day three of the 2016 Cinetopia International Film
Festival and MCB spent it at the Detroit Film Theatre.
Here's what was viewed on DAY THREE...
De Palma
What THEY say:
Filmmaker Brian De Palma tells his own story, in his own words, about his
journey to becoming one of the most revered filmmakers of the 20th century over
a career that spans five decades. Seated in front of a fireplace, De Palma’s
voice is the only one you will hear – no talking heads, no filler. Co-directors
Jake Paltrow and Noah Baumbach weave together a life of filmmaking and
storytelling to tell a tale as complex and layered as one of De Palma’s own
films. From his depictions of women to the trappings of the studio system and
the glory of low budget cinema, no subject is taboo. Featuring behind-the-scenes
glimpses and insights into De Palma’s oeuvre, the filmmakers trace the history
of film itself.
What MCB Says:
I'm a fan of film (needless to say I know) and Brian De Palma has made some
mighty fine films in his career. Scarface, Carrie, The Untouchables,
and Body Double rank as some of my favorites of his. I was looking
forward to this documentary as it would bring me closer to the workings of his
artistic mind. And it did just that. De Palma traces his career and films
chronologically in this documentary as well as dipping into his personal life.
Brian De Palma was in a league of great talent coming up and his
friends in film include George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, and
Steven Spielberg. It was a special time in history and it's great to hear De
Palma share his stories. He shares a fun story about Sean
Penn messing with Michael J. Fox on set that had the entire audience
laughing. My favorite scene from the film involved De Palma saying disparaging
remarks about the Carrie remakes and sequels. He calls out the films
and specific scenes that were done wrong in them. This was the Michigan
premiere of De Palma and was only shown on this one occasion
at the Detroit Film Theater. Be sure to check it out when it receives a wider
release.
Uncle Howard
What THEY say:
What begins as a tense mystery – following the trail to unearth missing film archives of WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS not seen for decades – becomes a candid look at its filmmaker, HOWARD BROOKNER. A look at Burroughs’ invaluable part within New York City and the evolution of the Beat Generation morphs into a current-day look back at the art and film movement of the late 1970s and 1980s, told by the likes of JIM JARMUSCH and HISAMI KUROIWA. The film focuses on Howard, who was taken from his family and the industry too soon, showcased lovingly in this work from his nephew, Aaron Brookner. An overlay of existing home video and never-before-seen footage – including appearances by SPIKE LEE, PATTI SMITH, ALLEN GINSBERG and MADONNA – offers candid interviews from the past and the present day. Uncle Howard does the near impossible: introducing someone while making their work and impact feel timeless and familiar.
What begins as a tense mystery – following the trail to unearth missing film archives of WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS not seen for decades – becomes a candid look at its filmmaker, HOWARD BROOKNER. A look at Burroughs’ invaluable part within New York City and the evolution of the Beat Generation morphs into a current-day look back at the art and film movement of the late 1970s and 1980s, told by the likes of JIM JARMUSCH and HISAMI KUROIWA. The film focuses on Howard, who was taken from his family and the industry too soon, showcased lovingly in this work from his nephew, Aaron Brookner. An overlay of existing home video and never-before-seen footage – including appearances by SPIKE LEE, PATTI SMITH, ALLEN GINSBERG and MADONNA – offers candid interviews from the past and the present day. Uncle Howard does the near impossible: introducing someone while making their work and impact feel timeless and familiar.
What MCB Says:
The Documentary is my favorite film genre and I'm always game to discover a
new one with a subject that I'm at least a tad bit interested in. Uncle
Howard caught by interest for a couple reasons. The first would have to be
William Burroughs as well as the fact that long lost film footage from
a filmmaker was discovered. This filmmaker would be Howard
Brookner who directed the Burroughs: The Movie that was released in
1983. I had seen this film, but never knew anything about the director or the
story surrounding it. With the help of director Jim Jarmusch and Howard's
nephew Aaron we get a glimpse into into the making of this film through Howard's
long lost footage. We are taken inside William Burroughs Bowery apartment
called "The Bunker" in modern day times, but also transported to it in the
past through Burroughs: The Movie footage. Don't expect much in regards
to the films appearances of Spike Lee and Patti Smith as mentioned above. There
are only some quick shots of them. John Waters is a name I would include though
just due to the pictures of him and Howard at a gay strip bar post film
festival back in the early 80's. Howard Brookner directed one more documentary
and that footage is also tracked down in the most unusual place in this
documentary. Howard also did one film for a major studio which was the musical
Bloodhounds of Broadway. Lot's of behind the scenes footage of Madonna
during this segment of the film. Aaron Brookner also covers his Uncle
Howard's personal life in detail and has home movie footage that let's us take a
look. Howard's life may have been cut short, but his
existence has found a new life in Uncle Howard.
Howard's nephew/Uncle Howard director Aaron Brookner took part in a informative Q&A
after the screening. Topics during the Q&A included Aaron first meeting Jim Jarmusch, the future release of Howard's second film "Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars", the filming of the documentary, and more.
Uncle Howard still has a Cinetopia screening ahead and that takes
place on Saturday, June 11 at The Michigan Theater auditorium in Ann
Arbor. Aaron Brookner will take part in a Q&A via Skype following this
screening.
Iggy Pop Live in Basel 2015
What THEY say:
There’s a reason why many consider Iggy Pop the godfather of punk – every single punk band of the past and present has either knowingly or unknowingly borrowed a thing or two from Pop and his late ’60-early ’70 band, the Stooges. Iggy Pop, an outstanding artist known for his outrageous and unpredictable stage antics, sings at the Baloise Session in Basel, Switzerland, where he was honored with a 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. This fantastic performance features many of Iggy Pop’s top hits, including “I Wanna be Your Dog”, “The Passenger”, “Lust for Life” and many more. –Rising Alternative
There’s a reason why many consider Iggy Pop the godfather of punk – every single punk band of the past and present has either knowingly or unknowingly borrowed a thing or two from Pop and his late ’60-early ’70 band, the Stooges. Iggy Pop, an outstanding artist known for his outrageous and unpredictable stage antics, sings at the Baloise Session in Basel, Switzerland, where he was honored with a 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. This fantastic performance features many of Iggy Pop’s top hits, including “I Wanna be Your Dog”, “The Passenger”, “Lust for Life” and many more. –Rising Alternative
What MCB Says:
Iggy Pop is one of my favorite musicians of all time. It would take two
hands to count how many times I have seen him over the years. I have even
been fortunate to grace the same stage with him on several occasions. He's one
of a kind so this live concert film was surely going to be on my viewing list during the
festival.
The 18-song set included the classics as mentioned above as well as songs
not performed live as much nowadays including "Five Foot One" and newer Iggy
material such as "Skull Ring". Iggy's band for the show includes guitarist Kevin
Armstrong (David Bowie, Morrissey), bassist Ben Ellis (The Catherine Wheel),
drummer Matt Hector (Thomas Dolby) and keyboardist Seamus Beaghen (Madness, Paul
Weller).
Seeing Iggy on such a large screen was a real treat. It was a spectacular
visual and the theatre turned up the volume after the first song to really bring
the live show feel to the screening. The theatre's audience was getting into it
and at times sang along loud enough for me to hear. I even witnessed an audience
member breaking the festival rules by taking out his phone to snap a picture or video of what he was
witnessing on the screen. Iggy Pop is a phenomenal live performer and this
concert film captures what a Iggy Pop show is truly about. Pure energy runs
through Iggy's veins. The audience participation during the set is great to
watch as well. At one point during the show a couple ladies jump on stage and
wrap their arms around Iggy and plant some kisses on his cheek. Even the
cell phones of audience members recording and snapping pictures are recording by
the film crew and offer a different view of the performance. Editing of the
show, though not flawless, is quick and keeps the live concert film far more
interesting than any live bootleg material out there. The audio from the
show is superb with both Iggy and the band giving the songs their best.
Iggy Pop Live in Basel 2015 is receiving a wider national
theatrical release for just two days next week (June 16 and 18), but the film
still has a Cinetopia screening ahead which is taking place on Sunday, June 12
at the Michigan Theater auditorium in Ann Arbor.
The Cinetopia International Film Festival is running now till Sunday, June
12.
Visit cinetopiafestival.org for full film
descriptions, trailers and dates/times/locations of all screenings and
events.
