Rob Christopher's Blog, page 99
September 12, 2020
3 things about Chris Marker’s SANS SOLEIL
Sans Soleil [1983]
1. An image of ultimate happiness separated from the rest of the film by a black screen.
2. January 15: Coming of Age Day.
3. Cape Verde described as the “staging ground” for the colonial power.
“Film Close-Ups” interview with Chandler Bennett.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Chandler Bennett at KALX 90.7FM Berkeley about the film. Check it out below! Reminder: Roy’s World screens Friday, September 18 at SF DocFest! (This presentation is geoblocked and may only be viewed in California; once purchased, the film will be accessible at any time on September 18. All ticketholders get access to the post-film Q & A featuring yours truly and Barry Gifford—the livestream starts at 8:00 PM.)
September 9, 2020
CFA Media Mixer on September 16
I had the honor of being asked to participate in Chicago Film Archive‘s annual Media Mixer, a really fun creative endeavor that pairs filmmmakers with musicians and sound artists in order to create a short film. (This is how I first came across the work of Marianna Milhorat, who edited Roy’s World.) I worked with David Boykin. Our creation, govt waste, is a very sarcastic political satire that I think you’ll really enjoy. I don’t want to spoil it too much but it includes flashing lights, various people drinking coffee, and a $49 breakfast.
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It’s a livestream, so you can watch it from anywhere. Be there or be square!
September 8, 2020
3 things about Zeke Kamm and Taylor Morden’s THE LAST BLOCKBUSTER
The Last Blockbuster [2020]
1. He smells the inside of the VHS case.
2. By eliminating late fees, the company lost $250 million at one stroke.
3. Obsolete POS computer system.
3 things about Ishiro Honda’s DESTROY ALL MONSTERS
Destroy All Monsters [1968]
1. “We will either be heroes or in body bags within the hour.”
2. Slithering back into solid rock form.
3. Mothra’s rather ineffective web.
September 7, 2020
3 things about Bill Gunn’s PERSONAL PROBLEMS
Personal Problems [1980]
1. “It’s not that I’m unhappy, I’m just not happy.”
2. Intake interviews that mirror one another, at the beginning of the film and at the hospital.
3. Sax on the riverbank.
September 6, 2020
3 things about Michal Bielawski’s THE WIND: A DOCUMENTARY THRILLER
The Wind: A Documentary Thriller [2019]
1. The medics calmly observe his uncontrollable shaking.
2. She puts her ear to its bark, trying to hear the tree’s secrets.
3. Vibrating tree roots.
September 4, 2020
My interview with Lili Taylor + 2 more chances.
Okay, folks, there are only two more chances to see Roy’s World: Barry Gifford’s Chicago this month! It will be livestreamed this Sunday, September 6 as part of Dances With Films LA, immediately followed by a Q&A featuring yours truly + Barry Gifford + Lili Taylor! On Friday, September 18, if you live in California you can catch the film at the virtual edition of SF DocFest. That presentation will also include a Q&A, featuring yours truly + Barry Gifford. I sure hope you can make it.
Speaking of Lili Taylor, this week I had the honor of doing an interview with her led by Leo Brady at amovieguy.com. Check it out below! And you can also read his 3 ½ star-review of the film.
August 30, 2020
3 things about Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s THE BITTER TEARS OF PETRA VON KANT
The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant [1972]
1. “When you have understanding, there’s no need for pity.”
2. Mannequin sex tableau.
3. White, deep shag carpet.
August 29, 2020
3 things about Colm McCarthy’s THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS
The Girl with All the Gifts [2016]
1. Glug-glug-glug of the canteens being filled.
2. Eating a cat. Eating a bird.
3. Teacher in a cage.
