Tag Archives: documentaries

Sag Harbor, New York City, Portland!

Roy’s World: Barry Gifford’s Chicago is playing in a whole bunch of theaters real soon! June 12, 2022: Sag Harbor Cinema, Sag Harbor, NY Yours truly in person June 19, 2022: Museum of the Moving Image, Astoria, Queens, NY Yours … Continue reading

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3 things about Isaac Halasima’s WATERMAN

Waterman [2021] 1. When Duke Paoa Kahanamoku arrived in Australia, he didn’t have a board with him. So he carved a new one himself. 2. He was the best … until Johnny Weissmuller came along. 3. Taking a nap under … Continue reading

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3 things about Amy Poehler’s LUCY AND DESI

Lucy and Desi [2022] 1. No retakes. 2. He practices sit-ups with the children. 3. Buster Keaton taught her the importance of props.

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New trailer, new screenings

Roy’s World: Barry Gifford’s Chicago is returning to theaters! April 30: The Wilmette Theatre, Wilmette, IL Yours truly in person; Q&A with Lee Shoquist (ChicagoFilm.com) May 6 – 7: The Broad Theater, New Orleans, LA [tickets on sale soon—stay tuned] … Continue reading

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3 things about Questlove’s SUMMER OF SOUL

Summer of Soul [2021] 1. The stage was built facing west to achieve the best lighting for the cameras. 2. “It smelled like Afro Sheen and chicken.” 3. Awe-inspiring duet between Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples. Kudos to Questlove for … Continue reading

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3 things about Michael Apted’s INCIDENT AT OGLALA

Incident at Oglala [1992] 1. The dowdy woman smiled at him while entering the courtroom, and that’s how he knew that things might swing their way. 2. False affidavits used for extradition. 3. Pickup or van? Red or red-and-white?

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My first screening of 2022

Roy’s World: Barry Gifford’s Chicago, that is. When someone requests an encore, I don’t say no. So, after being named Best Illinois Film in 2021, we’re returning to the Beloit International Film Festival—but this time we’ll be there IN PERSON! … Continue reading

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3 things about Anthony Powell’s ANTARCTICA: A YEAR ON ICE

Antarctica: A Year on Ice [2013] 1. T3 Syndrome. 2. Mummified seal. 3. He shows us the bunkhouse, spumes of frozen air piled everywhere.

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3 things about Arthur Dong’s HOLLYWOOD CHINESE

Hollywood Chinese [2007] 1. Christopher Lee explains eye makeup and prosthetics. 2. Notes on Anna May Wong’s screen test for The Good Earth: “disappointing.” 3. Roger Ebert defending Better Luck Tomorrow at Sundance.

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3 things about Arthur Dong’s COMING OUT UNDER FIRE

Coming Out Under Fire [1994] 1. Incompatible. 2. Using the word “darling” in a letter was a giveaway. 3. Mimeographed bulletin, “The Myrtle Bitch Beach.” Invaluable.

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