CineBlog

The boneman (Knochenmann)

The Boneman is a pressing German drama where in a swirling mass of blatant intrigue, we wonder who's the good guy/bad guy. Josef Hader plays an ex-cop (Brenner) who reposesses lease cars. His last assignment has him wandering around a country inn looking for a driver of a repo so he can serve papers and take possession, but it seems he's disappeared. Poof. As Brenner talks with folk who might know the missing driver, he gets into a deeper mess more than he bargained for. The film is filled with twists and turns and everyone appears one thing but may be another. But by staying with Brenner we avoid the confusion and clearly see the plot prgoress. The character development is fine - though I would have liked a bit more background into Brenner's life. The filming is nice, scenes of the cold country side adding to the story flow. Not to giving anything away; the film turns out to be a wild, and oddly satisfying, ride. Subtitles - easy to follow.

Animated Shorts

The Animated Shorts is the best set of titles I've seen in 8 years. Simply a delight. The group covers hope and sadness, the surreal and sublime, the joy of entertainment, and the fun of silliness. Animated Shorts plays again March 5, Friday.

The Exploding Girl

I'll keep this one simple: "Exploding Girl" is a sleeper/snore. Script was empty and the overall presentation more than a tad slow. The story was boring. I give it a must-pass.

Raspberry Magic

Raspberry Magic is a delightful little soufflé set in the simple world of an 11-year old. Monica (Lily Javaherpour) plays a young lady intent on proving a horticultural premise; a raspberry plant will thrive if it receives touch-therapy. Her need to succeed is compounded when her father, just laid off and constantly fighting with his wife, leaves to reestablish himself. She feels the success of her project would expedite her father's return. The plot isn't complicated, the filming gentle, the acting very nice. Javaherpour presents a pleasing character we can bond with, hurt with, and hope with. the supporting cast does a fine job helping to bring the tale to light. Not to be trite, but this is a nice charming film.

Applause

Applause is a film of angst and despair. From start to end, the film places you on scene as voyeur, watching the dysfunctional world of Thea (Paprika Steen) crumble. That's the plot. That's it. Nothing else. What makes this film watchable is Steen. She embraces and breathes energy and life into her desperation. Steen overcomes a no-plot story and gives us reason to spend time in theater seats. We feel her sadness, we feel her hope and want, and that's what I seek in a film - to feel. Entertainment is heightened when I feel the turmoil and emotions of the main character. Steen leaves nothing on the cutting room floor, she gives it all. Applause is a dark, black film with a definite Indie feel. If you want a plot, go elsewhere. If you want to see an engaged character, Steen's performance is a must-see.

Cooking History

This documentary lives at two levels. The first are the stories, a telling and touching group where the culinary envirnoments are engaged and, whether in triumph and tragedy, we learn of our humanity and history through food. The central theme is simple. We need to eat. In war, in peace, in crisis, survival begins with sustenance. The stories told bring history to life.

The second level, however, is the video. An unsettling showing of a bovine, pig, chicken, and an unarmed tent dweller being dispatched in stark brutality. This was unexpected. This was unwanted. This didn't sit well with my sensibilities. As good as the stories were, the film expired with the cow. Maybe if you watched Cooking History with the video off, listening to the gift of chat. But then, it wouldn't be a film.

Cummings Farm

Remaining Screenings: 3/5, 1:30 PM (Cam 12)

How hard can it be to host an orgy? Harder than you'd think, especially if the people involved are half a dozen neurotic thirtysomethings. "Cummings Farm" is ostensibly a comedy, but most of its humor derives from awkwardness. If situations in which the tension would be resolved if people just communicated with each other is not your idea of entertainment, steer clear. If, however, you like watching self-involved people behave badly, don't miss it.

FrICTION

Remaining Screenings: 3/2 9:00 PM (Cam 12)

Documentary director Cullen Hoback returns to Cinequest (past offerings included the fantastic "Monster Camp") with a film that blurs the lines between truth and fiction so completely that it's hard to tell what really happened and what didn't. "Friction" is ostensibly a documentary about Hoback's attempt to shoot a fictional film at a local summer camp, basing his story on the people he had available -- a pair of married teachers and the small group of high school age students at the camp. But the story he's trying to shoot (in which a student comes between a pair of married teachers) starts to bleed into real life, with the real relationship quickly becoming as strained as the fictional one.

It's hard to tell whether "Friction" is what it says it is, or is a convincing meta-film. Either way, it's thought-provoking and complicated, and sure to leave you eager to mull it over with a friend or two. Be sure to bring them to the show with you so you can share your ideas about what really happened.

The Robbers (Wode Tangchao Xiongdi)

Remaining Screenings: 3/4, 12:00 PM (Cam 12)

"The Robbers" Is a pitch-black comedy from China. It veers from near-slapstick comedy to grim violence and back again as it tells the story of a pair of brothers and the village they inadvertently turn upside-down. The brothers roam the countryside robbing people, but when they wander into a small village and inadvertently wind up killing a bunch of Imperial soldiers, they decide to stay until they can restore peace. One brother finds the tranquil life of a farmer (and one of the lovely village ladies) very appealing; the other dreams of riches.

This is a strange film and one which has a very different feel from your standard American black comedy.

The Good Heart (Opening Night film)

An irascible curmudgeon, Jacques (Brian Cox/Bourne Identity), owns a rather unique bar, a dusty hole in the wall that he created as a male sanctuary. No women, no walk-ins, no frills. If you're not invited, you're not welcome. Seems he's dying and, after his fifth heart-attack, he seeks someone to whom he can give the bar, someone to replace him. He finds a malleable spirit in Lucas (Paul Dano/Little Miss Sunshine), a man who was recovering from a recent suicide, and the journey begins.

Cox was believably brilliant as the chain-smoking, foul mouth soul, desperately in need of humanity, but so determined not to show it. Bouncing off that granite personae was Dano, the gentle, though confused young Lucas who is seeking a reason to live. Gradually he emerges from his own emotional caverns and energizes those around him, much to the frustration of Jacques.

The film was dark, with bits of humor here and there. Many can relate to the characters having Jacques or two in our lives. The film was oddly satisfying, the ebb and flow of characters and dialogue were appealing. Some events were obvious, some were not, but overall, it was a good ride.

Kill the Habit

Kill the Habit is a film I found difficult to care about. It carried an interesting idea but didn't get off the ground.

Galia (Lili Mirojnick) wants drugs. She visits her source at an apartment, and in an argument, bashes him in the head. Trying to leave she ends up selling white powder before she can escape. She cons two other gals, including the dude's wife, to help hide the body. And it sort of remains down hill from there.

I never came to care about the characters, their plight, the situations they found themselves, nor the outcome. This is a film I could miss from the beginning.

The Tijuana Project

The Tijuana Project is a must see film. It is a documentary that embraces hope in the hopeless, extracts destiny from the destitute, and allows us, the viewers, to feel, feel to the very depths of our souls for the plight of others. A little over selling? No.

The Tijuana Project is about a group of children who help their families make a living by foraging through mountains of trash for discards that recycle. We see the world, stark and real, through their eyes. We also the hope, the humor, and the humanity.

When working the dump pays more than working in the factory, there is little choice. But what about the future? The human spirit is limited only by self limitations. The greatest motivation comes from inside, with a little help. These young people meet with folk dedicated to helping with an education of mind and spirit. They are encouraged to dream, and with each dream, to achieve.

Director John Sheedy brings us out of our comfort zone to experience unqualified joy. Says the caretaker/mother of three of the children, "We have nothing, but we are happy!" I walked away from The Tijuana Project saddened by the existence of such squalor. I was encouraged by those who who help, I was uplifted by the children, who while living in desperation by any standards, found joy, happiness, and hope.

Cinequest Nears Its Close

Cinequest, San Jose's annual independent film festival, is nearing its closing date of Saturday, March 6, but there are still several action-packed days of events and films left. Check www.cinequest.org for details and ticket sales.

Halfdan Hussey on the Selection of Deepak Chopra for a Life of a Maverick Award

This year, as part of its twentieth anniversary festivities, Cinequest will be bestowing one of its rare Life of a Maverick Awards on Deepak Chopra. Cinequest Director and Co-Founder Halfdan Hussey sat down to explain a little of the process behind choosing Chopra.

Professor

Screenings: 3/3, 6:45 PM (Cam 12); 3/5, 4:00 PM (Cam 12); 3/6, 4:00 PM (Cam 12)

Jay Holstein is a Jewish studies professor at the University of Iowa, an ordained rabbi, a gun enthusiast, and one of the most brilliant, charismatic people on either side of the lectern. He captures his students with a blend of self-effacing humor and drill-sergeant antagonism, and expounds to them on both the subject at hand and on life in general. This documentary gives us a look at Holstein both in and out of the classroom, and in his roles as professor, rabbi, and husband. He's a compelling, complicated figure, and this is a film not to be missed.