Strictly Dynamite (1934) A pre-code theatrical farce, directed by Elliott Nugent to promote the “Mexican Spitfire,” Lupe Vélez, only to be upstaged by Jimmy Durante. Nick (Norman Foster), a poet of mediocre talent, agrees to write sophisticated jokes for malapropistic radio ham Moxie (Jimmy Durante). Money goes to the Nick’s head, and he winds up … More Strictly Dynamite (1934)
The Yellow Submarine (1968) The Beatles used their wealth and fame to create a children’s film that championed innovative and experimental animators, much like Walt Disney did with Fantasia. Full of songs and good cheer, the vibrant colors celebrate pop art’s mischievousness. George Dunning is credited with keeping the crew of crafty talent all on … More The Yellow Submarine (1968)
The King of Jazz (1929–30) Anything with syncopation was regarded at this time as jazz, and in racially segregated America, Paul Whiteman set out to make lively dance music acceptable to white audiences. He commissioned George Gershwin to write a crossover piece that integrated jazz into the classical tradition, and Rhapsody in Blue became the … More The King of Jazz (1929–30)
A Blade In the Dark (1983) Heavily indebted to Psycho, this Gallo abandons logic to flow through dreamscapes of horror, imagery that evokes the full trauma of gender, culminating in an unexpected knifeblade every time a woman appears. Originally intended for Italian television, its gore proved so disturbing that it was released as a … More A Blade In the Dark (1983)
Follow the Fleet (1936) Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance in this homage to the U. S. Navy, singing music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. Lucille Ball and Betty Grable appear in supporting roles, in an Art Deco set designed by Carrol Clark. “Id Rather Lead a Band” showcases Astaire’s theatrical ability to tap off … More Follow the Fleet (1936)
The Harder They Come (1972) Penny Henzell directs Jimmy Cliff in this reggae crime drama, which became a breakthrough sensation in Jamaica for shooting on location using the local Creole dialogue. Roger Ebert wrote, “the movie’s ending is an exercise in plot; its beginning and its music deserve better than that.” The film made a … More The Harder They Come (1972)
Stop Making Sense (1984) Jonathan Demme assembled the best footage from over three nights of The Talking Heads in live performances at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater during a tour to promote their new album “Speaking in Tongues.” Hits include “Psycho Killer,” “Heaven,” “Burning Down the House.” “Life During Wartime,” “Once in a Lifetime,” and “Crosseyed … More Stop Making Sense (1984)
What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015) Liz Garbus made this stunning documentary about Nina Simone. It exposes the effect of American racial violence on this uniquely talented artist. Contains revelatory interviews with husband Andrew Stroud and daughter Lisa Simone Kelly, but it’s the accompanying footage of live performances that allows Miss Simone to leap off the … More What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015 DOCUMENTARY)
The Threepenny Opera (1931) A master of German Expressionism, G. W. Pabst directed this Verfremdungseffekt musical, written by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weil during the Weimar Republic, emphasizing the dialectic more than the tunes. With Rudolf Forster as Mackie and Lotte Lenya as Pirate Jenny. “I find it hard to believe that … More The Threepenny Opera (1931)
HOMAGE TO STAN FREBERG (1961) A documentary about the American advertiser whose satirical take on American culture led to the famous Capitol Record Stan Freberg Presents the United States of America, still presciently relevant today. And if there weren’t a documentary like this, there ought to be. I would sell anything If I could … More HOMAGE TO STAN FREBERG (1961)
