October 15th
Totally Under Control#Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump
The King
If you can stomach any more of Trump and his reprehensible goings on, this doco helmed by award-winning director Gibney (Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) is vital viewing. Even though we've all been living the history since the start of this year, there is something incredibly chilling about seeing all the facts laid out, step by step, point by point, as they happened. From the moment the virus was discovered and scientists and experts readied themselves for battle, the Trump administration blocked them at every turn. In this doco, many leading scientific players put their careers on the line to speak out about the debacle that has been the American government's response to this virus. The film was made in secret and is so current, the recent positive virus diagnosis for DT is even included before the film's credits roll. Gibney is a meticulous doco maker, packing as much info as possible into all his films, and obviously conducting painstaking research. The film should stand as a vital historical testament to the pandemic that has so far led to more than 216,000 American deaths and has showcased monumental governmental incompetence at every level. Some of the facts that emerge are so infuriating and distressing, you may wish to protect your viewing screen with a shatterproof cover, to stop you throwing heavy objects through it!
We all know that many leaders have narcissistic traits. It often goes with the territory. But in this disturbing and eye-opening film, Trump is described as having malignant narcissism, characterised also by paranoia, antisocial behaviour and sadism. Many leading mental health professionals go on the record in this incredible doco, to explain the disorder, how Trump fits the diagnosis, and how many other deranged leaders in history, such as Hitler and Mussolini also fit the profile. Naturally, the fitness of the man to lead is under question, but the doco also ties in the themes of populism and the rise of "strongman" leadership styles that threaten democracy today. Unmissable watching.
The Goddess of Fortune
A top pick and my high recommendation for the festival is this wonderful award-winning film from director Ferzan Ozpetek (I adored his 2003 film Facing Windows). Boasting a stellar cast of Italy's top actors, it is the story of long-term partners Arturo (Stefano Accorsi) and Alessandro (Eduardo Leo), whose lives are disrupted when old friend Annamaria (Jasmine Trinca) reappears in their lives. Jealousies, disruptions, infidelities, diverse views of parenthood, along with dark family secrets abound in this warm, witty delightful film that features terrific perfs from all, including the kids. There is a real humanity to many of the characters, and a sense of inclusiveness, where friendship can help smooth the path through life's challenges.
Garnering two nominations at this year's Berlin FF, Ordinary Justice is an unusual courtroom drama on many levels. The case being tried is ethically ambiguous, in that the owner of a petrol shed has shot and killed a thief who robbed him. The other thief has been caught and is in the courtroom. Prosecuting and defending counsels' arguments are interesting grist for moral debate. More fascinating though is what happens in the corridor outside the courtroom. The teenage daughter of the accused sits and waits for hours, while the little daughter of the other thief is also left to sit and wait while her neglectful mother flits in and out of the courtroom. How the two girls begin to relate to each other is a slow-burn and intriguing journey.
You've probably seen this award-winning film, but I've only just discovered it. Tyrannical King Henry IV (Ben Mendelsohn) dies and the throne goes to his drunken wayward son Hal (Timothee Chalamet). As King Henry V, the young man quickly mends his ways, becoming a respected leader, navigating court politics, and waging war on France. Notable is an audacious siege, followed by the Battle of Agincourt, in which the military strategy of Hal's only friend Falstaff (Joel Edgerton), is critical. I'm no great fan of history films, but this one is a winner, with a rare feeling of authenticity, in both character arcs and settings. Chalamet as the young king gives a brilliant central performance, with Edgerton winning an AACTA award for his empathetic and measured turn as Falstaff. Robert Pattinson as the Dauphin is also notable. Recreation of the era is fabulous, and the mud-mired battle scenes visceral and mesmerising. It's no surprise that the film also won awards for cinematography and costume design. Although not a strictly accurate retelling of history, with its basis in a Shakespeare trilogy of plays, this is fine viewing.
If you loved Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara in Christopher Guest's films Best In Show, Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind, you'll probably be a fan of the dry yet whacky humour that abounds in this series. The Rose family lose all their wealth and end up living in a crappy motel in a town that they actually bought, years back, for a joke. How they adjust is the hilarious subject matter of the ongoing series. Under all the hilarity, it also flies the flag for inclusivity and kindness. I love it as a little circuit breaker in my day.
Logan Roy (Brian Cox) heads up a media empire, akin to certain similar empires in real life. He and his four children negotiate, tyrannize, lie, betray, wheel-and-deal - do all the things that super-powerful and ultra-rich people can do if they lack morality, and a conscience. Casting is uniformly superb, with Aussie Sarah Snook a stand-out. I'm finding the plot, with its double dealings and venomous relationships, absolutely rivetting.
Italian FF goes online in Melbourne
Plus 2 small (but fine) mentions
Trump is in the firing line this week, with two amazing docos underscoring his unsuitability (what an understatement!) for his position. With Melbourne still on the couch, the Italian Film Festival and Palace Cinemas bring a pleasant surprise to our homes, and I discover some watching that you have probably all been onto long ago, but I reckon is worth a mention.
Totally Under Control
Dir: Alex Gibney, Ophelia Harutyunyan & Suzanne Hillinger
Dir: Alex Gibney, Ophelia Harutyunyan & Suzanne Hillinger
Length: 123 mins
Out now on Apple itunes
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| © Neon - a cataclysm in the unfolding - step by painstaking step |
#Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump
Dir: Dan Partland
Dir: Dan Partland
Length: 83 mins
Releasing on 19th October on DOCPlay
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| © DocPlay - mental health professionals give their verdict on POTUS. |
St. Ali Italian FF goes online for Melburnians
15-21 October, tickets on sale NOW
Yes, I know I gave you the good oil on this a couple of weeks back, but the news is that, thanks to Palace Home Cinema, Melburnians can now enjoy a specially curated online festival, IFF Piccolo, launching on Thursday 15th October with the live-action version of Pinocchio. As well as rerunning my review of The Goddess of Fortune, which I loved, I'm looking at a strong legal drama that's worth a peek.
For more info on the selection of comedy, drama and family features: www.italianfilmfestival.com.au
The Goddess of Fortune
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| © Italian FF - love, kids, friendships - all in turmoil |
Ordinary Justice
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| © Italian FF - children whose parents are on the wrong side of the law |
The King
Dir: David Michod
Length: 140 mins
Streaming on Netflix
Dir: David Michod
Length: 140 mins
Streaming on Netflix
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| © Netflix - history comes to life |
And another thing . . .
Well, two things actually. After the recent Emmy awards, I promised myself to check out why certain TV series have won their awards. I've been suitably rewarded with one great comedy (remembering comedy enjoyment is VERY subjective), and one powerful drama.
Schitts Creek
Length: 6 series - 13 episodes x 20 minutes each
Streaming on Netflix
Length: 6 series - 13 episodes x 20 minutes each
Streaming on Netflix
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| © Netflix - laugh out loud |
Succession
Length: 2 series - 10 episodes x 1 hr (approx) each
Streaming on Foxtel on Demand
Length: 2 series - 10 episodes x 1 hr (approx) each
Streaming on Foxtel on Demand
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| © Foxtel - a very nasty family |
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