Sept 2
ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas (streaming on Netflix)
Keith Richards: Under the Influence (streaming on Netflix)
What Happened Miss Simone (streaming on Netflix)
Streamline
Under the Volcano
The Bowraville Murders
I feel so sorry for the film publicists trying to keep on top of what is releasing where and when. Some of the films reviewed today are showing in states that are not in lockdown, with Vic and NSW to come - but who knows when? So, for my sanity, I'll run the reviews as I preview them in line with releases (somewhere in Australia and the world!), and when they release in the two largest states I'll probably run them again. Meantime I've gone music mad, for those who want to catch some fine music docos on Netflix. And, glad tidings - the Indian FF continues FREE online until September 27th. Everything this week is of highly recommendable status.
ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas
Dir: Sam Dunn
Length: 91 mins
Streaming on Netflix
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/350861999  |
| © Netflix - gotta love the beards - and the music! |
The band ZZ Top formed in 1969 in Houston Texas. For 52 years they have had exactly the same line-up of three musicians, lead guitarist, bass guitarist and a drummer, the longest continuous line-up in rock history. With a blues foundation, they toured Texas in the 70s, then rode the new wave of MTV music video, rocketing to fame with songs such as Legs, with a racy film clip with leggy girls and a distinctive red hot rod. Their musical style constantly changed, incorporating punk, new wave and dance rock, but always in later years those signature beards became their trademark. This is such a fun doco with driving music, fascinating commentary, terrific film clips, and the basic awe-inspiring fact that three guys can manage to still enjoy playing music with each other after all this time.4 - highly recommended
Keith Richards: Under the Influence
Dir: Morgan Neville
Length: 81 mins
Streaming on Netflix
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvj24PTQa7Q  |
| © Netflix - the picture says it all |
The film's title is a bit of a hoot, as we tend to associate Keith with a life of drug influences, but actually this engaging doco is more about his lifelong musical influences, especially his obsession with the blues. There is minimal chronological info about his life events - it is more like spending a pleasant 90 mins with this cheerful, enthusiastic and very eccentric character, who always laughs and chain smokes as he expounds upon his love of music. There is terrific archival footage of the Stones, and other musical get-togethers where Keith was over the moon to play with his idols like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry. All in all, not to be missed by fans of KR.4 - highly recommended
What Happened Miss Simone
Dir: Liz Garbus
Length: 101 mins
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7jIOawq8y8
 |
| © Netflix - a major talent - a sad life |
Nina Simone has a readily recognisable and brilliant voice, but her life was one of ups and downs, and great mental anguish. Wanting to be the first ever black classical pianist, she was not accepted to the college of her choice, and ended up singing, initially to steadily growing acclaim. But as she became more involved in Black Rights activism, promoters were reluctant to hire her, lest she only sings songs for "the cause". Her marriage to her manager, a violent ex-policeman, was tragic, and at times after leaving him she almost hit rock bottom. This is a terrific biopic of the troubled woman, a great showcase for her music, and yet another of those sad tales of a major talent beset by personal issues. Her daughter has many interesting insights to add to the excellent archival footage.
4 - highly recommended
Dir: Tyson Wade Johnston
Length: 88 mins
Releasing Tas, Qld, WA, NT with lockdown states TBA.
Stan streaming on 16th Sept
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqxGEU5kczg  |
© Umbrella - Ian Thorpe inspired this
tale of swimming and dysfunctional family |
Fifteen-year-old Benjamin (Levi Miller) has a great talent for swimming and is training for a spot in the Olympic Games. That is, until his father Rob (Jason Isaacs) is released from jail and turns his son's life upside down. Inspired by executive producer Ian Thorpe's life story, this is a powerful film that is not your standard sporting drama, but a disturbing look at family violence and toxic masculinity, both in the current spotlight. Rob has brutalised his three sons and wife Kim (Laura Gordon), and Ben's older brothers now live in the a marginalised world, perpetuating the no-hoper cycle. Ben's coach (Robert Morgan) is typical of the aggressive goal-driven male who rides the teen too hard, while supportiveness and tenderness comes from Ben's girlfriend Patti (Tasia Zalar). All round the film is beautifully shot, finely acted and well scripted. 4 - highly recommended
Under the Volcano
Dir: Gracie Otto
Length: 96 mins
Available on Digital Download on various platforms (Amazon Prime, iTunes, GooglePlay)
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWf7_eXZ-bo  |
© Universal - recognize Sting, then
with The Police? |
"Music is the liquid architecture of our emotions." I love that line from this thoroughly rewarding and inspirational film about legendary record producer George Martin, who set up a recording studio on the remote Caribbean island of Monserrat in 1979. The place was as expertly equipped as its London counterpart, and rock music's royalty flocked there to record and chill out. This is the story of those 10 golden years, and the artists who performed there, recording more than 70 albums. Regular readers know I'm a sucker for a great music doco, and this one has swept me off my feet. There's brilliant archival footage of the likes of The Police, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Duran Duran, Dire Straits, Jimmy Buffett and more. All this is augmented with contemporary interviews with Mark Knopfler, Elton, Buffett, Sting and so many others reminiscing on making some of the best recordings in their careers. The local also feature large, which is a refreshing change from stargazing, as they helped the performers feel at home on the island. And of the course the soundtrack is to be relished - a stunning nostalgia trip.4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended
The Bowraville Murders
Dir: Allan Clarke
Length: 90 mins
Releasing SA, WA and Qld with other states TBA
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWvRFKy_ois  |
© Mint Pictures/Jumping Dog - a tragedy with
issues that never go away |
Imagine battling to get justice for more than 30 years. This is the plight of three Aboriginal families whose kids disappeared over 1990-91 in Bowraville, a northern NSW town. The remains of 16-year-old Speedy and 4-year-old Evelyn were found, proving they had been murdered, but 16-year-old Colleen has never been found. One suspect (white) was tried for the murders but acquitted. All the evidence points to him and the families are still fighting for a retrial with years of determined help from Detective Gary Jubelin. This is such a timely documentary in the era of #blacklivesmatter. However it is heartbreaking, as so much of the story exposes the entrenched racial prejudice that has marred the years of ongoing investigation and is still alive and well in almost every legal case concerning our Aboriginal people. Excellent archival footage is employed, the research journalism is exemplary, and the dogged determination of the extended families is inspiring. 4 - highly recommended
Indian Film Festival
Extended FREE online until September 27th
I've been writing about this wonderful free festival and now the good news is that the organisers have extended it. So yet again I encourage you to check out the program and make the most of it while lockdown drags on and on.
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