by Sam Juliano
The warmer weather is becoming more regular in the transition month that is sure to expel the chill once and for all. The fourth month of the year often is rain-soaked while the allergy season is initiated. In just a bit over two weeks the Tribeca Film Festival will launch and Lucille and plan to attend many screenings. The annual school Washington D.C. trip will be staged only few days after Tribeca ends and moi will again be serving as a chaperone for the seventh year consecutively. Jim Clark’s latest in his ongoing Ingmar Bergman series will publish this week as will the most recent J.D. Lafrance film review. The Third Annual Allan Fish Online Film Festival will be held the second week of May, and once again Jamie Uhler will serve as chairman. We are taking a break this year from genre countdowns, so the AFOFF will be the only group project staged at the site.
We are wishing our dear friend John Grant a speedy recovery from a health issue that seems now to be mostly sorted out.
Two-time Caldecott Medal winner Sophie Blackall and two of this past year’s Caldecott honorees, Oge Mora and Grace Lin appear at Brooklyn’s Word Bookstore for Sunday presentation! Lucille, Jeremy and I have seen and met the great children’s literature author-artist Sophie Blackall (Hello Lighthouse) many times over the past years, but we were so honored to meet and chat with the young and fabulously talented Oge Mora and Grace Lin, who won Caldecott Honors this year for their sublime masterpieces, “Thank You Omu” and “A Big Mooncake For Little Star” at a noontime book presentation for kids and adults at the Word in Brooklyn as well. All three are not only stupendous talents, but they are humble, effervescent and lovely human beings! (All three winning books were reviewed in this past year’s Caldecott Medal Contender series at WONDERS IN THE DARK).
We watched the eerie space drama by French director Claire Denis at the Angelica on Saturday night. Filmed in English for the first time by Denis the film features human criminals with savage inclinations, despite the intellectual nature of the mission designed to harness energy from a black hole. The film is enveloping and sometimes disturbing but because of the brilliant clautrophobic camerawork and effective performance by Rob Pattinson, Juliette Binoche and others is largely effective.
High Life **** (Saturday night) Angelica Film Center
Fargo, Season 2 was superlative, perhaps even edging out the maiden season. Hope to have more to say i time.
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Sounds like a busy and intriguing time Sam for sure! We are also experiencing heavy rains at the moment but they are spring rains and will bring flowers and new grass and leaves to the trees.
Aye Terrill, April is the rain month, but as you note the building block for the Spring grass and flowers. Trust all is well out by you, and plan to see your exhibit this month in NYC. I must e mail you for further updates. Have a great week and thank you!
That would be great Sam! I have a post about it with address and instructions on the website but will take a moment in the morning to send you the link via email so it makes it easier for you. 🙂
I really would like to see High Life and am intrigued that Denis has filmed in English for the first time.
I think you made a good decision breaking for the genre countdown as you all need some time off.
I hear ya Ricky. Yes this was Denis’ maiden effort in English and methinks a successful one. Yes the break this year is needed for a number of reasons. Thanks!
Many thanks for the kind thoughts, Sam! Glad to hear that High Life is as good as it sounds to be!
John, by now I am thinking you are on the upswing my friend. I look forward to comparing notes with you on HIGH LIFE. Have a wonderful week.
My best wishes to John Grant on a speedy recovery.
You guys really make the rounds Sam!
Many thanks for the kind wishes, Karen. I’m up and about and reasonably cheery, and am finding getting by with just one eye far easier than I’d anticipated. The only trouble is that, thanks to being shaved for the carotid operation, I currently look disturbingly like Trump’s doctor.
The only trouble is that, thanks to being shaved for the carotid operation, I currently look disturbingly like Trump’s doctor.
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sending prayers out to John Grant. Wishing you a quick rebound.
Many thanks, Peter. Rebounding currently progressing at a good rate of bounce.