When I was a film student in college, I had to endure hours and hours of silent cinema screenings in order to “understand” film history. These were the classics, my professors urged. If you ever have to sit through Birth of a Nation, you’ll soon realize the price you have to pay to be “cultural.”
I was taught to analyze film from a “critical perspective,” which is probably why I look at E.T.’s finger and immediately think “OMG, phallic symbol, HELLO.” Okay, so I admit there may be too much over-analysis and Freudian symbolism in film theory, but I did gain a deeper appreciation for cinema quality, something that is lacking in modern Hollywood cinema.
What the hell happened to this great American film culture? How come all the current over-budgeted, million-dollar Hollywood movies have poor, predictable plot lines, bad actors, special affects in favor of good writing, and fast MTV style editing? Hollywood movies are suppose to be entertaining..but they are just..so..generic. Have we traded in The Godfather for Adam Sandler’s Jack and Jill?
I’m craving films that are deep, intellectual and entertaining, which is why the Cinematheque channel on Redux is a breath of fresh air. Cinematheque, curated by Kira, is one of my favorite channels on the site because it shows us rare, undiscovered and obscure short films from indie and mainstream directors. And, film buffs also get to see special “behind-the-scenes” and “making of the film” documentaries. Here are a few of my favorites:
Besides getting to see a full view of Natalie Portman’s nude behind (no joke!), this film is filled with a bunch of surprises. Right away, you know it’s going to be quirky because it’s directed by Wes Anderson (of the Royal Tenenbaums). This short is classy and elegant, but I really like how it deconstructs our idealization of love and romance.
I love dark comedies. I’ve been a fan of the genre ever since I first saw “Pulp Fiction,” but I’ve never heard of director Doug Karr before seeing this film. Though, the director is relatively unknown in mainstream America, he’s pretty big in the festival circuit, and this little film has made it all the way to Sundance. Imagine a detective film, thriller, and black comedy all rolled into one, and you’ll discover the story of a dead grandpa whose been involved in some very, very dirty business.
Raiding the Lost Ark: A Filmumentary
When I was a little kid, I wanted to be Indiana Jones. Hell, I’m still obsessed with Indy. It’s one of those classic Hollywood films, and this fan-made documentary gives us a look behind-the-scenes of one of the greatest movies of all time.
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