Category Archives: Recommendations

Coming to theatres today, Friday, September 10:
THE CAPOTE TAPES

Director:
Ebs Burnough

World Premiere:
Toronto 2019

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Hamptons, Rio, Provincetown, Docs Against Gravity, RiverRun

About:
Using audio recordings, animation, and new on-camera interviews with people who knew him, the film explores the impact of Truman Capote’s explosive final, unfinished novel.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Truman Capote was a singular figure in the 20th century. He presented himself unapologetically on television at a time when most gay men took pains to avoid scrutiny. His books Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood were bestsellers and critical darlings.

Now Ebs Burnough’s film delivers a fresh portrait that reinvigorates our understanding of this vital writer. Among the film’s revelations are newly discovered tapes of interviews that The Paris Review co-founder George Plimpton conducted with Capote’s friends after his death.

The film dwells strongly on Capote’s final uncompleted novel, Answered Prayers, which set out to expose Manhattan’s social aristocracy after he befriended them. Plimpton’s tapes shed new light on what happened. They are interwoven with Capote’s notorious television appearances and insightful interviews with the likes of Dick Cavett and Jay McInerney. One unexpected interview is with Capote’s assistant, Kate Harrington, who he treated like an adopted daughter.

Filmmaker Ebs Burnough brings an understanding of elite cultural circles from his own distinguished career, which includes a stint in Obama’s White House. He navigates the complexities of Capote’s life with great skill. The film doesn’t shy away from Capote’s darker side, but it gloriously celebrates his towering achievements.

Coming to VOD today, Friday, September 3:
MOMENTS LIKE THIS NEVER LAST

Director:
Cheryl Dunn

World Premiere:
DOC NYC 2020

Select Festivals:
Docaviv, Melbourne

About:
A compelling, immersive portrait of the late artist Dash Snow.

I previously wrote about the doc here.

Coming to VOD tomorrow, Friday, September 3:
LOS ULTIMOS FRIKIS

Director:
Nicholas Brennan

World Premiere:
DOC NYC 2019

Select Festivals:
Miami, DOK.Fest Munich, Havana

About:
A Cuban heavy metal band explores their past and their nation’s changing future.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Despite restrictions beginning under the regime of Fidel Castro, heavy metal band Zeus became icons of the Cuban music scene. Over the decades, the band and their front man, Diony Arce, have challenged the status quo under threat of government suppression. As the bandmates approach their 30th anniversary together in a shifting political and social climate, they embark on a national tour while contemplating the cultural influence of metal as a genre and music as their life’s purpose.

Coming to theatres and to VOD tomorrow, Friday, September 3:
THE BIG SCARY “S” WORD

Director:
Yael Bridge

World Premiere:
Mill Valley 2020

Select Festivals:
DOC NYC, Hot Docs, AFI Fest, Big Sky Doc, Cleveland, Wisconsin, Mountainfilm, DOXA, Thessaloniki Doc, Melbourne Doc

About:
A comprehensive exploration of the ideology of socialism, increasingly attracting both supporters and detractors in a polarized America.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
With debates on income inequality and healthcare becoming increasingly prevalent, and figures like Senator Bernie Sanders rising to prominence, socialism has found a new relevance. As Americans confront 21st century issues, the allure of the economic system attracts politicians and everyday citizens alike to its cause. Through a comprehensive history and expert interviews, Yael Bridge’s film unravels the decades-long debate around this misunderstood ideology.

New to DVD this week:
LYDIA LUNCH: THE WAR IS NEVER OVER

Director:
Beth B

World Premiere:
DOC NYC 2019

Select Festivals:
SXSW, Rotterdam, Jihlava, Doclisboa, Melbourne, Ashland, Revelation Perth

About:
A career-spanning exploration of the notable cultural figure.

The film screened as part of DOC NYC, for which our program notes read:
Turning trauma into precise and angry feminist rock, American singer, writer, and actress Lydia Lunch helped birth the No Wave music scene in the late 1970s and early ’80s—and she’s still killing it today. Fellow No Wave pioneer Beth B constructs a lively portrait of this innovative performer, whose confrontational artistry resonates loudly in today’s feminist landscape. Critics, filmmakers, musicians, and friends discuss the relevance of Lydia’s brilliantly vitriolic world.