— by BEV QUESTAD — At the outset, the viewer may misjudge or immediately disregard this film. But stick with it. By the end, you understand that the way it is presented reflects that it is honest, deeply insightful and groundbreaking — an outstanding example of cinéma vérité. Th[...]
Author Archive
Windsor Suffering Deserves Little Sympathy
— by BEV QUESTAD — The Academy Awards has chosen to nominate “The King’s Speech” in 12 categories, including Best Picture. The acting in “The King’s Speech” is outstanding. Colin Firth is to be congratulated for his Jan. 17 Golden Globe Best Actor Award. The sets, the music, [...]
Under Review: ‘Inspector Bellamy’
— by BEV QUESTAD — A haunting detective introspective, “Inspector Bellamy” is a French Hitchcockian tour de force. It probes the human psyche as it investigates both the crime and the detective. Was it coincidental that “Inspector Bellamy” was the last film of famed French direct[...]
Under Review: ‘Change of Plans’
— by BEV QUESTAD — A great way to bring in the New Year is by watching the quirky French film “A Change of Plans.” Now showing at the historic Hollywood Theater in Portland, Ore., this insightful and delightful slice of life is bookended, like “Zorba the Greek,” with dance as a[...]
Book vs. Movie: ‘The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest’
— by BEV QUESTAD — Let’s just make everyone uncomfortable and tell it like it is. The focus of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy is the subjugation, degradation and dehumanization of women by men through time, class, profession, education, sex and brute force … not a new concept a[...]
Trailer Talk: ‘Born to be Wild 3D’
— by BEV QUESTAD — This IMAX animal adventure documentary looks like a winner from the trailer, beginning with that big orangutan in the water who looks so human. Just Morgan Freeman’s wonderfully rich voice alone captivates. But what a fun, uplifting subject — helping orphaned[...]
Under Review: ‘Saint Misbehavin’: The Wavy Gravy Movie’
— by BEV QUESTAD — Remember the psychedelic rainbow happy flower children who dropped out of school, work, war and society? Smokin’ grass, droppin’ acid — dressin’ like gypsies — long hair, not much underwear — proud to be poor, mad about the war — listenin[...]
Short Film Theater: ‘Paddle Oregon 2010’
— by BEV QUESTAD — Sounds of Indian drumming and chants merge with lapping riverwater as a kayak drifts through delicate green filigreed forests and crystal clear water. Herons swoop low over water and beach, paddlers drum on congas, an expert kayaker gracefully turns his craft and blue [...]
Under Review: ‘Race Across the Sky 2010’
— by BEV QUESTAD — Okay IJM readers and staff, I challenge each of you to the most excessively exciting bike race on the planet. All you need is a sturdy bike, helmet, water supply, $290 (pending lottery success), transportation to Leadville, Colo., and guts. That’s it. For $290 and an[...]
Under Review: ‘Nothing Personal’
— by BEV QUESTAD — The ring comes off the finger. Stripped of lipstick, comb, home, relationships and name, the woman leaves her country and takes a plane to Ireland. A backpack with a tent is all she owns as she walks down the highway, slipping off during the nights to camp. Wet, windy,[...]
Under Review: ‘Me, Too’ (aka ‘Yo, También’)
— by BEV QUESTAD — Challenging, thoughtful, reflective — this is one of the best films on mentally challenged adults ever presented. Instead of a didactic documentary crammed with testimonials, archival footage and dry analysis, “Me, Too” challenges perspectives on a basic huma[...]
Under Review: ‘Out in the Silence’
— by BEV QUESTAD — “It’s all about being ourselves,” says the filmmaker, Joe Wilson. The Northwest Film Center series, “Voices in Action: Human Rights on Film,” has presented films this year on topics related to minority rights and how those rights affect the greater global goo[...]
Under Review: ‘Mugabe and the White African’
— by BEV QUESTAD — I am confused by this film’s contents and I’ll tell you why. Historically, Black Africans were disenfranchised and marginalized in their own countries for generations. Whites took their land, their government and their soul. White-run businesses transported fathers[...]
Under Review: ‘Last Best Chance’
— by BEV QUESTAD — It’s a wonder any laws get passed in this country. The Northwest Film Center in Portland, Ore., has been showcasing a series on Human Rights this fall. Playing Wednesday, Oct. 2, is a well-done documentary entitled “Last Best Chance.” It begins with John McCain[...]