documentary

Lucy Lawless Reimagines the Myth of Icarus in Margaret Moth Film

Lucy Lawless Reimagines the Myth of Icarus in Margaret Moth Film

Lucy Lawless’ debut documentary about combat journalist and trailblazing camerawoman Margaret Moth, Never Look Away, reimagines the Myth of Icarus.

‘Frida’ Documentary Explores Honest Expression Versus the Institutionalization of Art

‘Frida’ Documentary Explores Honest Expression Versus the Institutionalization of Art

Frida Kahlo speaks from beyond her grave about the institutionalization of art and culture and the dangers posed by intellectuals warming their precious asses. 

‘Skywalkers: A Love Story’ Dances on the Edge of Love

‘Skywalkers: A Love Story’ Dances on the Edge of Love

Skywalkers: A Love Story will endure because it’s not trapped in the moment of a daring acrobatic stunt; it’s rooted in the timeless human experience. 

‘Scala!!!’ Is an Enjoyable and Oft-Hilarious Tribute to Alt-Cinephiles’ Elysium

‘Scala!!!’ Is an Enjoyable and Oft-Hilarious Tribute to Alt-Cinephiles’ Elysium

Alternative film theater and music venue Scala’s contribution to British culture was urgent and necessary to counter the government’s regressive social policies.

John le Carré Gives No Truth, Only Betrayal in ‘The Pigeon Tunnel’

John le Carré Gives No Truth, Only Betrayal in ‘The Pigeon Tunnel’

Errol Morris’ The Pigeon Tunnel follows a wily, cynical, yet chipper John le Carré down a rabbit hole of Cold War moral ambiguity.

In Music Doc ‘Born in Chicago’ Chicago Blues Cross Color Line

In Music Doc ‘Born in Chicago’ Chicago Blues Cross Color Line

Music documentary Born in Chicago captures the white musicians who bristled at 1950s American conformity and turned to Chicago blues for a whole new world.

The Returned Gaze of the Past: Patricio Guzmán’s ‘The First Year’

The Returned Gaze of the Past: Patricio Guzmán’s ‘The First Year’

Films like The First Year play a crucial role in how nations negotiate and re-negotiate their self-image, and its reemergence is yet another step forward for post-Pinochet Chile.

Ken Burns on the Heartbreak and Hope of ‘The American Buffalo’

Ken Burns on the Heartbreak and Hope of ‘The American Buffalo’

Ken Burns talks about his forthcoming PBS documentary The American Buffalo, the near extinction of the majestic beasts, and their respectful return to their rightful homeland.

How Much Money Do You Need? Tell ‘Dear Mr. Brody’

How Much Money Do You Need? Tell ‘Dear Mr. Brody’

Among many topics raised in Dear Mr. Brody, the story of a man who gave away his ill-gotten money for need, not greed, is how media and money blur our already imperfect perception of mental illness.

The Excellent ‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’ Captures Just About Everything

The Excellent ‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’ Captures Just About Everything

Little Richard brought a sheer exhilaration that was sexual, spiritual, and joyous and put it to music like no other. Lisa Cortés excellent documentary does the man justice.

Director Ana Sofia Fonseca on Her Tribute to Cape Verdean Singer Cesária Évora

Director Ana Sofia Fonseca on Her Tribute to Cape Verdean Singer Cesária Évora

Singing the Cape Verde blues known as “morna”, the world-renowned Cesária Évora sang in local Creole to a slow tempo reflecting a melancholy state of mind. Her gentle, lulling timbre recounts some of the darkest moments of the volcanic island.

The Awe-Inspiring ‘Film: The Living Record of Our Memory’

The Awe-Inspiring ‘Film: The Living Record of Our Memory’

Film: The Living Record of Our Memory provides an awe-inspiring, expedited survey of film preservation and the urgency of capturing humankind’s visual memories lest we let these precious histories disintegrate.