THE BOOKS HE DIDN'T BURN plays January 15
This film follow historian Timothy W Ryback as he explores the roots of antisemitism and it's growth today by looking at the books that Adolph Hitler had in his own library.
This is an interesting look at how what one reads can influence how one sees the world. It is a bracing look at how ideas are formed and transmitted. This is one of the meatiest films playing the New York Jewish Film Festival and is a must see. Expect a longer review when I can see the film a second time and not have to limit my thoughts to a capsule review.
THE KLEZMER PROJECT plays January 23
Documentary/narrative/something special is the story of the filmmakers making a film about filmmakers making a film about klezmer music that blends all sorts of styles and genres to create a look at the music that has far reaching influences beyond the expected.
While I'm not certain some of the stylistic choices work completely, there is no doubting that by the time the film ends you will want to get up and dance in the theater with the people on the screen.
SPINOZA: SIX REASONS FOR THE EXCOMMUNICATION OF THE PHILOSOPHER plays January 17
David Ofek's film about Spinoza begins with the reading of a letter from the same Synagogue that excommunicated and cursed Spinoza in 1656 telling the filmmaker he is persona non grata for wanting to make a film about the philosopher they long ago ex-communicated and cursed for all eternity. From there the film becomes a wonderful exploration of Spinoza and how he shook the pillars of heaven and changed the world.
One of the best films playing this years NYJFF is a breezy exploration of the man,his ideas and the world. Running a spry 56 minutes it could easily be twice that since it contains some of the best discussions of of philosophy and religion that I've ever run across. What makes it all shine is its explained in such a way that it informs us and makes us want to know more. This is just great filmmaking on a great subject
REMEMBERING GENE WILDER plays January 24 (Closing Night film)
One of the best Hollywood documentaries is a must see for anyone who even so much as likes any of the man's films. Filled with love and affection the film is very much a love letter to the man, and while that may not be enough for some people, especially those who want to see the darkness in humanity, for rest of us this is going pure joy.
Highly recommended.
No comments:
Post a Comment