November 2nd

Bohemian Rhapsody
Wildlife
Fahrenheit 11/9

Seven more films from Jewish International Film Festival

Bohemian Rhapsody has moved me to tears this week. Two other films reassure me that indie American film-making is alive and well, while the ongoing smorgasbord at JIFF makes it very hard to choose; they are all such strong films. 

Bohemian Rhapsody
Director: Bryan Singer
Length: 134 min

© Fox - what a performance in this
biopic of Queen and Freddie Mercury

The meteoric rise to fame of the band Queen and its lead singer Freddie Mercury is the subject of this biopic, which seems to have garnered a number of curmudgeonly critics. Sure, the film tells the story in a linear way, breaking no new ground, but for me it is thrilling, moving, uplifting, and 100% entertaining. Rami Malek plays Mercury, with all the mannerisms and flair, as if he's an incarnation of the singer. His flamboyant, magnificent performance is Oscar-worthy. On one level the film is about the music, and the creative process that bands go through, their closeness punctuated by creative and ego clashes. These are musicians who wanted to be innovative, and to involve the audience in their performances, creating legendary songs that are now cross-generational, beloved anthems. It is also the story of a boy - a disappointment to his stern father, insecure about his looks, desperately wanting love and approval, and struggling with his sexuality leading to a lifestyle that spirals out of control. The era is faithfully recreated, while the book-ending of the film with the 1985 Live Aid concert creates an unforgettable climax. The way the production combines the actual music with the actors' performances makes me believe I am seeing the real band. The big surprise however comes in the emotional wallop it packs for me, imparting the humanity and pain under the life of stardom of the man with the angel's voice.
4 - highly recommended! (5 for my enjoyment)

Wildlife

Director: Felix Van Groeningen
Length: 112 min
Exclusive to Cinema Nova

© Roadshow - powerhouse performances 
depict a disintegrating marriage as seen
through the eyes of the young son

Joe (Ed Oxenbould) is the 14-year-old son of Jeanette (Carey Mulligan) and Jerry (Jake Gyllenhaal, in 1960s Montana. When Jerry loses his job he decides to join a firefighting crew, leaving his family to fend for themselves. As Jeanette struggles with Jerry's absence, Joe is forced to grow up quickly, as he witnesses the prelude to a disintegrating marriage. Wildlife is understated, gentle and sad, marked by three truly outstanding performances. Aussie Oxenbould (from Paper Planes) is a revelation, in a thoughtful, emotional and compelling performance. Mulligan, in her capturing of a woman torn between expected roles of the day and her own needs, is riveting. The story feels authentic, and the director allows plenty of time and quiet moments (no overwhelming aggravating soundtrack) to appreciate the emotions of the characters. No-one is demonised - it's just life, and portrayed in the sort of American Indie film I really admire.
3.5 - well recommended!  

Fahrenheit 11/9
Director: Michael Moore
Length: 126 min

© Madman- Moore is on the rampage again,
this time with Trump and the entire system in 
his firing line. 

He's back!! Love him or hate him, crusading social critic Michael Moore takes on what he sees as the totally broken American system in a sprawling and disturbing documentary. Among the many issues he grapples with are the shock of Hilary Clinton losing the election even though she had more votes; the town of Flint, where the Governor switched the water supply so that thousands of children (poor and black) got lead poisoning; the ongoing school shootings, where kids are now taking gun protest into their own hands; but most of all the reprehensible history and nature of President Donald Trump, who foments hatred, and, according to Moore, has an uncanny parallel to Hitler, and a number of other tyrants. Even Obama is not spared in an incident seen as a total betrayal of the Flint people. Moore goes as far as to say the Democrats paved the way for Trump, and the only way to change is to totally overthrow the system. We'd expect nothing less from the uncompromising MM.
3.5 - well recommended!  

Jewish International Film Festival - more
Melbourne: Running in Melbourne until 21 Nov
Classic Elsternwick, Lido Hawthorn, Cameo Belgrave
For other states, times and ticketing see www.jiff.com.au

© JIFF - creative use of music

and animation

Seder Masochism: Fans of animation and music (especially disco) should enjoy this zany film, loosely based upon the Passover Seder. Animated pharaohs, Egyptians, Israelites, and big Moses all dance, sing and discuss the meaning of Passover, but underneath is a subtle questioning of religion, along with a not-so-subtle feminist criticism of "the Patriarchy" and its role in demolishing the Goddess cult. 
Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes: This will be a must for any jazz fans. Founded by Jewish refugees, Blue Note is the iconic pioneering record label that released some of the best jazz artists ever. As a history of the struggle for black music to be heard, and an insight into the music itself, this is a winner.  
Outdoors: A young couple are building a new home in the Galilee. Initial enthusiasm gradually gives way to conflict over practicalities. This however masks deeper issues in the relationship. The story is so universal that most people in a relationship will easily relate. Well scripted, understated, and thought-provoking. 
The Interpreter: This wonderful film opened the Festival. It's the story of an 80 year old interpreter Mr Ungar who goes in search of the camp commandant responsible for the death of his parents, When he finds the commandant's son, Georg, the two go on a road trip through Slovakia to explore their parents' pasts. Walking a fine line between comedy and tragedy, the film is a warm-hearted and insightful look at the sins of the father, guilt, revenge, and forgiveness. 
Redemption (Geula): Devoutly Orthodox Menachem has a little daughter Geula who is undergoing cancer therapy. When Menachem is offered to play with the rock band he was in before he became religious, he is torn between desire to earn much-needed money and integrity around his beliefs. This compassionate, award-winning film is a showcase for fabulous festive Jewish music given the rock treatment. 
Murer: Anatomy of a Trial: Winner of a major Austrian film award, this is an in-depth examination of the trial of Franz Murer, a concentration camp commandant known as The Butcher of Vilnius. Re-enactments of the testimonies of the many witnesses and victims is exacting and traumatic, but the machinations behind the scenes, involving government manipulations, are equally chilling. 
The Prince and the Dybbuk: Michal Waszynski directed the classic Yiddish film The Dybbuk in 1937. By the time of his death in 1965, he'd directed more than 50 films, and some people even  remembered him as an Italian prince. The truth of his origins in the Ukraine, and the reinventing of himself, are explored in this intriguing doco that questions whether one can ever break free from one's roots.