July 26th

RBG
Whitney

More films have released this week than I've managed to preview, so today only two, but again two worthy offerings! Interestingly, both are documentaries. Meantime Melbourne is gearing up for the film frenzy that is MIFF, and I'm desperately trying to get together a couple of recommendations for you. 

RBG 
Director: Ol Parker
Length: 114 min

© Icon - Notorious RGB doesn't show signs of 
slowing down, even at the age of 85!

In an era where the voices of women are (hopefully) becoming stronger, the contribution of Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the cause is nothing short of phenomenal. In this exhilarating and inspiring biopic we meet one of the currently serving justices of the US Supreme Court, one of only four women ever elevated to the position. The film traces her life's journey, interspersing old footage with present day interviews and opinion.With luminaries like Bill Clinton and Gloria Steinem adding to the talking heads, along with Ruth herself front and centre, this is an eye-opener into a world where a seemingly shy woman has used her brain and perseverance to get to the top and influence many judicial matters to do with equality. When she speaks, her measured but forceful manner, especially in contrast to her diminutive physicality, is magnetic. She has almost become a pop-icon with young thinking people dubbing her "Notorious RBG", and whenever she has a dissenting opinion in the Supreme Court, social media is ablaze with chatter. There are the odd humorous moments in which some of her friends express their total awe of her. The film sure leaves me in awe.    
4 - highly recommended!

Whitney
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Length: 120 min

© Transmission - an in-depth wonderful biopic
of a talented woman with a tragic end

Most people know the name Whitney Houston, the number one female recording artist ever, with seven No. 1 consecutive hits and 200 million record sales. We know she died at the too-young age of 48 from drug-related causes. This in-depth doco reveals much more, tracking her young life, the arc of her success, her controversial marriage to Bobby Brown, and her ultimate self-destruct. The story is told through frank and revealing interviews with friends, family and professional colleagues. At time the stories are contradictory and smacking of hidden secrets. McDonald and his production team have made brilliant use of  extraordinary archival footage, both public and intimate. Some of it quite damning, revealing the highs and tragic lows of the super-star's life, but at all times maintaining a compassionate stance. Sometimes the chronology gets a trifle confusing, jumping around in time, but throughout her phenomenal voice and beauty are showcased. Even if you were never a major fan, this is an excellent doco that is both a treat for music lovers, and a revelation of a life scarred by trauma and possibly the pressure of too much fame.
4 - highly recommended!