This just in:
Science fiction writer Octavia Butler dies
Last Updated Mon, 27 Feb 2006 11:38:48 EST
CBC Arts
Octavia Butler, a pioneer of black female science-fiction writing, has died after a fall outside her home in the Seattle, Wash., area. (for full story click above)
Monday, February 27, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Walerian Borowczyk, animator, film director, sculptor and photographer, born September 2 1923; died February 3 2006
Obituary in the Guardian UK
Walerian Borowczyk
Surrealist whose films blurred the lines between erotic art and exploitation.
Innovative, highly talented filmmaker.
Walerian Borowczyk
Surrealist whose films blurred the lines between erotic art and exploitation.
Innovative, highly talented filmmaker.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Making Progress here
Busy days have kept me away from this blog. However, I am pleased to announce that my drafts of various music/film reviews are nearly ready to post. The only regrettable piece of information I have to announce is that I won't be on the air until Friday, February 17, 2006. The day that kicks off the three-day weekend here.
Have a good early Valentine's weekend.
Have a good early Valentine's weekend.
Friday, February 03, 2006
songs about love
Tonight on the "Off the Cuff" show. Songs on the topic of love.
Its a warm, (for this time of year) rainy day in Boston. Perfect for this evening's return to form on WZBC.
Stay tuned - 7-10pm EST
George.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Recent European Films
The films I saw at the HFA series of New European film were:
Les Amants Reguliers (Regular Lovers), directed by Philippe Garrel. This film, shot it somewhat grainy black and white, returns to the events of May 68 as experienced by a young poet (played by the director's son). The first half of the film is of the riots themselves, while the second part is largely about their aftermath. It is the second half that some critics have seen as connecting with Jean Eustache's "the Mother and the Whore". Garrel's film certainly deals with a lot of the same issues as Eustache's film, namely: now that the battle is over, has the revolution failed? Can we rescuscitate the jubiliant spirit before the revolution (note: also a title of a Bernardo Bertolucci film, which is explicitly referenced in Les Amants Reguliers.)? What will become of us in the aftermath of a true revolutionary act? and so on... Life never returns to normal for those who participate in the riots. The poet has an affair with a female sculptor, who later leaves him to pursue her career. Finally, the poet is unable to adjust and takes the only possible course left to him.
The Death of Mr. Lazarescu, Directed by Cristi Puiu. This is a new Romanian film about the last hours of an alcoholic engineer who phones an ambulance complaining of head and stomach trouble. This begins the saga of his experience from hospital to hospital attempting to get aid. The only person who advocates his position, as he drifts further and further out of consciousness is a paramedic, who pleads with doctors and technicians to help him. The whole film is shot in color at night with a handheld camera, it allows the audience to become intimately involved with the whole process as he is transported to four hospitals in one night before finally coming to his resting place. What is amazing about this film is how accurately it critiques the modern medical establishment. Under the circumstances presented in the film, it could have taken place in any industrialized city centre. It is a very grim journey that should be seen by as many people as possible in order to acquaint them with the daily struggles of medical institutions.
Les Amants Reguliers (Regular Lovers), directed by Philippe Garrel. This film, shot it somewhat grainy black and white, returns to the events of May 68 as experienced by a young poet (played by the director's son). The first half of the film is of the riots themselves, while the second part is largely about their aftermath. It is the second half that some critics have seen as connecting with Jean Eustache's "the Mother and the Whore". Garrel's film certainly deals with a lot of the same issues as Eustache's film, namely: now that the battle is over, has the revolution failed? Can we rescuscitate the jubiliant spirit before the revolution (note: also a title of a Bernardo Bertolucci film, which is explicitly referenced in Les Amants Reguliers.)? What will become of us in the aftermath of a true revolutionary act? and so on... Life never returns to normal for those who participate in the riots. The poet has an affair with a female sculptor, who later leaves him to pursue her career. Finally, the poet is unable to adjust and takes the only possible course left to him.The Death of Mr. Lazarescu, Directed by Cristi Puiu. This is a new Romanian film about the last hours of an alcoholic engineer who phones an ambulance complaining of head and stomach trouble. This begins the saga of his experience from hospital to hospital attempting to get aid. The only person who advocates his position, as he drifts further and further out of consciousness is a paramedic, who pleads with doctors and technicians to help him. The whole film is shot in color at night with a handheld camera, it allows the audience to become intimately involved with the whole process as he is transported to four hospitals in one night before finally coming to his resting place. What is amazing about this film is how accurately it critiques the modern medical establishment. Under the circumstances presented in the film, it could have taken place in any industrialized city centre. It is a very grim journey that should be seen by as many people as possible in order to acquaint them with the daily struggles of medical institutions.
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