(Robert) Masseo Davis
Feb/ 15/ 2008
Born to be Wild: Leading Men of American Ballet Theater
Born to be Wild: Leading Men of American Ballet Theater,
Directed by Judy Kinberg.
Rating: 4/5
This film is a documentary short that follows Mark Morris a famous modern dance choreographer as he sets a new work on the four leading men of American Ballet theater. The film stars along with Mark Morris acclaimed ballet dancers, Jose Manuel Carreno, Angle Corella, Vladimir Malakhov, and Ethan Stiefel.
The film is nice because even people who don’t know anything about dance can enjoy it. Not only does the film document the new work being created by Mark Morris but also it gives little vignette type biographies about each of the performers in the film as well as talk about the dance world in general.
It’s a fun, simple, fast, watch with a total running time of 54mins. The film concludes with the performance of Mark Morris’s new work for the men who normally would rarely ever perform together because each of them are to busy taking on leading roles in separate ballet pieces. In a sense this ballet is a rare sight because it not only is the coming together of the Titians of ballet but it is a filming of male dancing. While the dance women, to watch a film that pays tribute to the men is a treasure, consume world’s population.
Monday, February 18, 2008
White Nights
(Robert) Masseo Davis
Feb/ 12/ 2008
“White Nights”
White Nights, Directed By Taylor Hackford.
Rating 3/5
This film is the story of a famous ballet dancer who defects from his home country of Russia to dance in America. “White Nights” staring Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Gregory Hines tells the tale of two great performers who against their will are forced to endure the hardships imposed on them, and along their journey they form a powerful friendship. The film also stands as a cultural indicator in regards to an entire generation.
The films narrative follows, Nikolai “Kolya” Rodchenkov played by Mikhail Baryshnikov a Russian ballet dancer that comes to America seeking asylum. The sad thing about this film is that it is one of the few films that demonstrate the talents of Mikhail Baryshnikov. It has been said that Baryshnikov is good at two things, first being a phenomenal dancer, and second playing himself, which is a phenomenal dancer; however today’s generation in many cases is very unaware of his talents, we recognize him as “the dude” from “Sex in the City”. The fact of the matter is that Mr. Baryshnikov changed the face of ballet on an international scale, many of the circus like feats performed on stage during a performance didn’t exist until he did them. As a performer he was the type of man that inspired an entire era of choreographers because he illustrated that what was thought of, as impossible movements in fact were possible.
The same could be said about the films other leading man Gregory Hines who played an African- American tap dancer Raymond Greenwood, who while at war also defected in Russia and stayed for he too was seeking asylum. The disappointing thing is that very few people know either of these two names “Gregory Hines” or “Mikhail Baryshnikov”, and if they do know the names even fewer people can put name to face, regardless of the fact that both of these men are in a sense revolutionaries.
“White Nights”, on it’s own however is a decent film at best, for it is highly predictable. The ending is too illogically happy and the film could be argued as entirely an example of anti- communist Russia propaganda. It paints a picture of how badly the Russians treat their people, and how America in the end comes to save the day.
Feb/ 12/ 2008
“White Nights”
White Nights, Directed By Taylor Hackford.
Rating 3/5
This film is the story of a famous ballet dancer who defects from his home country of Russia to dance in America. “White Nights” staring Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Gregory Hines tells the tale of two great performers who against their will are forced to endure the hardships imposed on them, and along their journey they form a powerful friendship. The film also stands as a cultural indicator in regards to an entire generation.
The films narrative follows, Nikolai “Kolya” Rodchenkov played by Mikhail Baryshnikov a Russian ballet dancer that comes to America seeking asylum. The sad thing about this film is that it is one of the few films that demonstrate the talents of Mikhail Baryshnikov. It has been said that Baryshnikov is good at two things, first being a phenomenal dancer, and second playing himself, which is a phenomenal dancer; however today’s generation in many cases is very unaware of his talents, we recognize him as “the dude” from “Sex in the City”. The fact of the matter is that Mr. Baryshnikov changed the face of ballet on an international scale, many of the circus like feats performed on stage during a performance didn’t exist until he did them. As a performer he was the type of man that inspired an entire era of choreographers because he illustrated that what was thought of, as impossible movements in fact were possible.
The same could be said about the films other leading man Gregory Hines who played an African- American tap dancer Raymond Greenwood, who while at war also defected in Russia and stayed for he too was seeking asylum. The disappointing thing is that very few people know either of these two names “Gregory Hines” or “Mikhail Baryshnikov”, and if they do know the names even fewer people can put name to face, regardless of the fact that both of these men are in a sense revolutionaries.
“White Nights”, on it’s own however is a decent film at best, for it is highly predictable. The ending is too illogically happy and the film could be argued as entirely an example of anti- communist Russia propaganda. It paints a picture of how badly the Russians treat their people, and how America in the end comes to save the day.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Dave Chappelle's Block Party
(Robert) Masseo Davis
Feb/ 08/ 2008
Dave Chappelle’s Block Party
Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, Directed by Michel Gondry.
Rating: 4.5/5
Michel Gondry director of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” & “The Science of Sleep” takes the directors seat again to head of this incredible concert film, starring David Chappelle. To being with this is one of the few films in history where the narrative and creative force behind the production of the film is not recognized as the director. In other words the normative social standings behind the film is that this is Dave Chappelle’s film; and the people who have seen this film don’t know who Michel Gondry is, or don’t realize that he directed this film. The film is a humbling experience that illustrates to its viewers the diversity behind Chappelle’s genius; as well as entertains.
The film is centered around a Block Party that occurs in Brooklyn, New York, that features artists such as Kanye West, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Common, Jill Scott, The Fugees, and others. The narrative however is essentially a montage of events that cycle through performances at the block party, and following Dave Chappelle, around New York City and his hometown in Ohio as he recruits people to go and see the show. The films construction allows for Dave to play ringmaster in this whole experience as well as express his feelings toward contemporary social issues. Many of Dave’s comic sketches from his hit T.V. series “Chappelle Show” are very politically and socially charged. The impact these episodes are over written many times because of their extremely overbearing hilarity, as well as Dave’s incorporation to the occasional “shit joke”.
This Film is the one of those works of art that is almost Shakespearian in that it seems to transcend genre. The audience can claim things like it is a comedy or even a “dramady” for a lack of a better term. And of course the films packaging and commercial accoutrements inform us that the film is funny, well that’s why Dave Chappelle is famous, and that is part of what makes this film amazing it’s a marketing tool. The fact that Dave manages to express intelligence as well as being comedic ally stimulating is really nice and almost even tender. It could be said that it is the contribution of Michel Gondry the director of this movie for it could be said that is movie too ascend any particular genre. Many of Michel’s films including “Block Party” seem to be informative, emotionally pleasing and sincere.
In conclusion, I recommend this film to any film watcher who is in search of honesty.
Feb/ 08/ 2008
Dave Chappelle’s Block Party
Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, Directed by Michel Gondry.
Rating: 4.5/5
Michel Gondry director of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” & “The Science of Sleep” takes the directors seat again to head of this incredible concert film, starring David Chappelle. To being with this is one of the few films in history where the narrative and creative force behind the production of the film is not recognized as the director. In other words the normative social standings behind the film is that this is Dave Chappelle’s film; and the people who have seen this film don’t know who Michel Gondry is, or don’t realize that he directed this film. The film is a humbling experience that illustrates to its viewers the diversity behind Chappelle’s genius; as well as entertains.
The film is centered around a Block Party that occurs in Brooklyn, New York, that features artists such as Kanye West, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Common, Jill Scott, The Fugees, and others. The narrative however is essentially a montage of events that cycle through performances at the block party, and following Dave Chappelle, around New York City and his hometown in Ohio as he recruits people to go and see the show. The films construction allows for Dave to play ringmaster in this whole experience as well as express his feelings toward contemporary social issues. Many of Dave’s comic sketches from his hit T.V. series “Chappelle Show” are very politically and socially charged. The impact these episodes are over written many times because of their extremely overbearing hilarity, as well as Dave’s incorporation to the occasional “shit joke”.
This Film is the one of those works of art that is almost Shakespearian in that it seems to transcend genre. The audience can claim things like it is a comedy or even a “dramady” for a lack of a better term. And of course the films packaging and commercial accoutrements inform us that the film is funny, well that’s why Dave Chappelle is famous, and that is part of what makes this film amazing it’s a marketing tool. The fact that Dave manages to express intelligence as well as being comedic ally stimulating is really nice and almost even tender. It could be said that it is the contribution of Michel Gondry the director of this movie for it could be said that is movie too ascend any particular genre. Many of Michel’s films including “Block Party” seem to be informative, emotionally pleasing and sincere.
In conclusion, I recommend this film to any film watcher who is in search of honesty.
Friday, February 8, 2008
"Barton Fink"
(Robert) Masseo Davis
Feb/ 03/ 2008
Barton Fink
Barton Fink, Directed by The Coen Brothers.
Rating: 3.7/5
I figured that starting this site of with this film would be suitable because, it would allow me to pay homage to both the Coen Brothers, and this years upcoming Academy Awards. The Coen Brothers that also made “No Country For Old Men” directed Barton Fink”. I feel that it is safe to say that if you are the type of movie watcher that doesn’t like films that make you think then this is not a film for you.
Barton Fink is an example of what could be called contemporary or modern surrealism, influenced by both the normative standards of Hollywood normative filmmaking tactics as well as referential and old surrealist films.
John Turturro and John Goodman, star in the Coen Brothers feature film titled,
“Barton Fink”. The film is the story about a writer named Barton Fink (Tuturro) whose motives are based on the notion of making art for the people. Honest true and realistic works that illustrate the lives of reality yet never are portrayed in classical Hollywood narratives. Over the course of the film we the audience begin to see that Tuturro’s character Barton, doesn’t listen, and almost imposes his views on others such as Goodman’s character. This aspect of the film alone will be the guild that will lead a viewer to the films moral that one must listen if they truly wish to speak for the people.
If you’re the type of person who likes films like the player than I would suggest you see this film because it is a completely different way to discuss the creative process; In specific context of the Hollywood industry. It is a little hard for those who know little about old Hollywood norms of production, and the reality of how movies were almost literally manufactured as apposed to created.
The film is what could be argued as a modern/ contemporary version of Surrealism, it utilizes completely peculiar images such as Extreme Close Ups, and bizzar imagery that is rarely explained, like the painting on the wall in Barton’s Hotel room, which later doubles as the setting for the last shot of the film.
In conclusion, this film is a grand illustrative piece of work that while stands as what could be called contemporary surrealism manages to hold a statement. That one must listen first to be apart of the collective minds that speak for the people.
Feb/ 03/ 2008
Barton Fink
Barton Fink, Directed by The Coen Brothers.
Rating: 3.7/5
I figured that starting this site of with this film would be suitable because, it would allow me to pay homage to both the Coen Brothers, and this years upcoming Academy Awards. The Coen Brothers that also made “No Country For Old Men” directed Barton Fink”. I feel that it is safe to say that if you are the type of movie watcher that doesn’t like films that make you think then this is not a film for you.
Barton Fink is an example of what could be called contemporary or modern surrealism, influenced by both the normative standards of Hollywood normative filmmaking tactics as well as referential and old surrealist films.
John Turturro and John Goodman, star in the Coen Brothers feature film titled,
“Barton Fink”. The film is the story about a writer named Barton Fink (Tuturro) whose motives are based on the notion of making art for the people. Honest true and realistic works that illustrate the lives of reality yet never are portrayed in classical Hollywood narratives. Over the course of the film we the audience begin to see that Tuturro’s character Barton, doesn’t listen, and almost imposes his views on others such as Goodman’s character. This aspect of the film alone will be the guild that will lead a viewer to the films moral that one must listen if they truly wish to speak for the people.
If you’re the type of person who likes films like the player than I would suggest you see this film because it is a completely different way to discuss the creative process; In specific context of the Hollywood industry. It is a little hard for those who know little about old Hollywood norms of production, and the reality of how movies were almost literally manufactured as apposed to created.
The film is what could be argued as a modern/ contemporary version of Surrealism, it utilizes completely peculiar images such as Extreme Close Ups, and bizzar imagery that is rarely explained, like the painting on the wall in Barton’s Hotel room, which later doubles as the setting for the last shot of the film.
In conclusion, this film is a grand illustrative piece of work that while stands as what could be called contemporary surrealism manages to hold a statement. That one must listen first to be apart of the collective minds that speak for the people.
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