INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Web exclusive: IIFF film reviews

 

This is a sampling of Indianapolis International Film Festival films we were able to screen. The reviews are by Paula Granger (PG) and Julia Nathan (JN).

“An Unlikely Weapon”
4 stars
The old adage “a picture’s worth a thousand words” is exemplified by Eddie Adams’ history changing photo of the execution of a Vietcong guerilla by General Nygoc. “An Unlikely Weapon” chronicles the career of Pulitzer Prize-winner photographer Adams who was always in search of the “perfect” photograph, hoping it would give him happiness. After filming 13 wars armed with a camera and, at times, an unloaded gun, Adams’ perspective changed completely in the face of American apathy towards the war and the extreme human suffering he witnessed. —PG

“Bending Space”
2.5 stars
Georges Rousse uses techniques in architecture, painting and photography to create a unique form of post-modern art. This documentary about a French artist working in the town of Durham, N.C., displays the act of bending space. Using buildings under renovation, Rousse creates two-dimensional geometric forms within a 3D space. Although the subject is interesting, the hour-long documentary would be more compelling as a 30-minute television special. Many of the scenes are repetitive and some of the interviews do not add value to the film. —JN

“Beyond Belief”
3 stars
An inspirational documentary about two pregnant Sept. 11 widows, Susan Retik and Patti Quigley, who meet months after the attack. Eventually, the two channel their pain and grief into a project helping poverty-stricken women half-way across the world in Afghanistan. The money they raise helps educate the Afghani women on how to live independently, something especially dangerous and difficult in a land indifferent to the needs of husbandless women. Setting out to change perspectives at home, the women also point out that even though America went to war with Afghanistan, none of the 911 attackers were Afghani. —PG

“Burn the Bridges”
2.5 stars
Burn the Bridges follows the story of teenage siblings, Helena and Sebastian, coping with the sickness, and then death, of their formerly famous mother. This feature touches on many tense social issues, including Sebastian’s emerging homoerotic feelings toward a schoolmate, the incestuous intentions of his sister and the “natural” assuming of gendered tasks after mom dies. The characters are refreshingly honest in tackling these complex emotions and situations and — though edgy and at times troubling — something like optimism triumphs. But be prepared for moments of cringing awkwardness and inaccurate subtitles. —PG

“Cubanos”
3.5 stars
Cubanos gives a raw look into Cuban life under Fidel Castro's rule. Canadian filmmakers go undercover as musicians filming a music video in order to film Cubans discussing defective social policy. They also travel to Florida to examine the situation of immigrants. The documentary uses unusual filming angles and techniques in order to maintain the anonymity of its subjects while also providing insight into their difficult lives. The amateur editing style is very rough between scenes, which makes the finished product choppy. Regardless of its aesthetics, this is a film worth watching. —JN

“Dans la ville de Sylvia”
2 stars
Taking place in the French city of Strasbourg, the film focuses on the voyeuristic view of a young artist in his search for a woman he once met there. Overall, the story line is weak, becoming clear only after an awkward conversation at the end of the movie. More a tour through Strasbourg, the long scenes sometimes seem as if a tourist left their camera running. This movie does give one a taste for the local culture, portraying a variety of interesting characters. —JN

“Iron Ladies of Liberia”
4 stars
For the first time in Liberia’s history, a female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has been elected to office. “Iron Ladies of Liberia” is a documentary that follows the first year of Madame Sirleaf's term after she was handed a country in a state of poverty and despair. After 14 years of war and a 90 percent unemployment rate, Madame Sirleaf attempts to rebuild and stabilize a country with a rag-tag army and a police force without any guns or even handcuffs. With wit, iron will and honesty, Madame Sirleaf designates other iron women to inspire and promote change. —PG

“It’s better if Gabriela doesn’t die”
3 stars
Television writer Miguel is forced to reveal the ending of “Destino de amor” when stopped by a police officer, an obsessed fan, in exchange for overlooking his expired license. But when the leading lady quits the show, changing the direction of the plot, the police officer becomes a laughing stock to all those he had bragged to about inside information. The plot intensifies as Miquel tries to convince the actress to return under intense pressure and murderous threats. This film’s categorization as “comedy” is misleading, since there are few funny parts. —PG

“Magazine Gap Road”
2 stars
A dramatic story of a woman who escapes high-class prostitution. Her new life, with a career as a museum curator and a promising love interest, appears ideal when a phone call from an old friend threatens to destroy it all. Events are presented out of sequence, which, coupled with subtitles, makes the story difficult to follow. And even though the plot promises more than it ultimately delivers, the film itself is well-made, making the most of modern design, vivid colors and beautiful people. —PG

“Mr. Dial Has Something to Say”
4.5 stars
Filmed in the “black-belt” of Alabama, this lively documentary highlights the racism prevalent in the art world yet still barely recognized by mainstream society. Mr. Thornton Dial is a 79-year-old African-American artist and an icon for a world of unacknowledged artists. Chronicling the ups and downs of Dial’s attempts to get true recognition for his work, this feature's honesty about the classist and racist nature of the art business is refreshing — and disturbing. —PG

“Munyurangbo”
2 stars
Filmed in post-genocide Rwanda, “Munyurangabo” follows the journey of Ngabo and Sangwas, teenagers of opposing tribes who intend to exact revenge on those who murdered Ngabo’s father. Very slow-paced and presented in mock documentary style, this feature succeeds in pushing the viewer into the characters' dilemma. The slow pace, though, strains the interest of the viewer. —PG

“Operation Filmmaker”
4 stars
This “Real World”-style film follows an aspiring Iraqi film student through an opportunity to escape his tumultuous home. In the wake of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Muthana Mohmed is brought to Prague to work as an intern on the American film “Everything is Illuminated.” With a surprising build-up of tension, the film exposes Muthana's fiery character through his interactions with people trying to help him prolong his immigrant status. The scenes are edited in a very provocative and intriguing manner. It's hard to take your eyes off of Muthana, and deciding whether to be sympathetic or disgusted with his persona is even harder. —JN

“Souvenirs”
3 Stars
A true tale of a son's journey through his father's past. Starting in his hometown of Jerusalem, Shahar Cohen travels with his father, tracing his service in World War II with the Jewish Brigade. They end up in Amsterdam, where Sleiman Cohen had possibly left a human "souvenir" with his Dutch girlfriend in 1945. Their voyage reveals a deep generational gap. This documentary film succeeds in evoking the character of Jewish/Israeli culture while also portraying universal themes of family, love and loss. —JN

“Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story”
4.5 stars
“Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story” follows the career of sensationalist William Castle, avant-garde horror filmmaker who revolutionized movie-going with radical gimmicks incorporating audience participation. Marketing ploys such as floating skeletons, ghost glasses and buzzing seats were hallmarks of Castle's career. With clever commentary from film notables such as John Waters, the William Castle story is very entertaining. —PG

“The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo”
4.5 stars
Prepare yourself for a disturbing yet provocative film. This documentary gives voice to thousands by recalling their chilling accounts of rape, mutilation and torture in a war-torn Congo. The filmmaker, Lisa F. Jackson, was brutally gang-raped and decided to interview not only other victims but the rapists as well. Aiming to banish the shame and uncover the secrets, the stories are overwhelming, too gruesome and shocking to comprehend. But despite the astounding darkness, this film is real, enlightening and ultimately one of hope — a testament to the resilience of women and a must-see. —PG