Cinema Conversations
We all see a movie on our own. We then come together to discuss it, usually on the first Wednesday of the month. Movie selections are announced by email. To join the list, send your request to [email protected]
December 4 at 3 pm:
Conclave
It is described as "movie lover certified". Well, the Cinema Conversationalists are movie lovers. Let's see if we will certify this film.
The pope is dead. The church needs to elect a new pope. The Cardinals gather to accomplish the task. Did you ever wonder about the procedures that occur behind those locked doors? Before those white smoky fumes are released you will go behind the scenes and watch Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossallini as they wind their way through this thriller.
View the movie and then join us at 3 pm on Wednesday, December 4, in the Lexow Wing for a discussion with fellow movie lovers.
Synopsis from Rotten Tomatoes - The Tomatometer (Critics Reviews) is at 91% - "CONCLAVE" follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events -- selecting the new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake, secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church.
Playing at these local theaters:
Burns Court, Cinebistro Siesta Key, AMC Bradenton 20 and Lakewood Ranch Cinemas
The pope is dead. The church needs to elect a new pope. The Cardinals gather to accomplish the task. Did you ever wonder about the procedures that occur behind those locked doors? Before those white smoky fumes are released you will go behind the scenes and watch Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossallini as they wind their way through this thriller.
View the movie and then join us at 3 pm on Wednesday, December 4, in the Lexow Wing for a discussion with fellow movie lovers.
Synopsis from Rotten Tomatoes - The Tomatometer (Critics Reviews) is at 91% - "CONCLAVE" follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events -- selecting the new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Cardinal Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake, secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church.
Playing at these local theaters:
Burns Court, Cinebistro Siesta Key, AMC Bradenton 20 and Lakewood Ranch Cinemas
November:
Hi all
Hope you, your family and friends are managing well after that visit from "Milton"and of course his sisters Debby and Helene. Talk about unwanted guests !
We won't be meeting in November...We will all be spent after Election Tuesday. Vote early !!!! Vote with your heart !!!!
If you crave a movie that is prescient we suggest:
"A Face in the Crowd", "All The Presidents Men", "All The Kings Men", "Shirley"(About Shirley Chisolm), "LBJ"(2016), "Primary Colors", "The Candidate", "The Best Man"
Here is a website link that includes more "political films"
https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/best-political-movies-1235135286/a-face-in-the-crowd-1957-2-1235135321/
If you've already voted and have asked a zillion people to vote..if you are tired of political ads...or if you are just exhausted or anxious and need comfort then we suggest:
"Wild Mountain Thyme", "Falling For Figaro", "Return To Me", "The Sapphires", Hidden Figures", The Age of Adeline", "Midnight in Paris", ""Leap Year", "The Proposal", "Lilies of the Field", "The Birdcage", "The Hundred Foot Journey", "The Intouchables", "Invictus", "Sylvie's Love", "The Big Sick", The Face of Love" and "While You Were Sleeping".
If you crave SCARY for Halloween purposes..These are our favorites: "Daybreakers", "The Fly" (1986 version), "Rosemary's Baby", "The Shining", Most films by M. Night Shyamalan..especially "Signs", "The Village", "The Sixth Sense". Also worth checking... "Let The Right One In"(Swedish 2008), "The Devil's Advocate","Shutter Island"..and don't forget "Dracula" (1979 version starring a dreamy, sexy vampire-Frank Langella)
Boo-Bye
Angela
Hi all
Hope you, your family and friends are managing well after that visit from "Milton"and of course his sisters Debby and Helene. Talk about unwanted guests !
We won't be meeting in November...We will all be spent after Election Tuesday. Vote early !!!! Vote with your heart !!!!
If you crave a movie that is prescient we suggest:
"A Face in the Crowd", "All The Presidents Men", "All The Kings Men", "Shirley"(About Shirley Chisolm), "LBJ"(2016), "Primary Colors", "The Candidate", "The Best Man"
Here is a website link that includes more "political films"
https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/best-political-movies-1235135286/a-face-in-the-crowd-1957-2-1235135321/
If you've already voted and have asked a zillion people to vote..if you are tired of political ads...or if you are just exhausted or anxious and need comfort then we suggest:
"Wild Mountain Thyme", "Falling For Figaro", "Return To Me", "The Sapphires", Hidden Figures", The Age of Adeline", "Midnight in Paris", ""Leap Year", "The Proposal", "Lilies of the Field", "The Birdcage", "The Hundred Foot Journey", "The Intouchables", "Invictus", "Sylvie's Love", "The Big Sick", The Face of Love" and "While You Were Sleeping".
If you crave SCARY for Halloween purposes..These are our favorites: "Daybreakers", "The Fly" (1986 version), "Rosemary's Baby", "The Shining", Most films by M. Night Shyamalan..especially "Signs", "The Village", "The Sixth Sense". Also worth checking... "Let The Right One In"(Swedish 2008), "The Devil's Advocate","Shutter Island"..and don't forget "Dracula" (1979 version starring a dreamy, sexy vampire-Frank Langella)
Boo-Bye
Angela
Join us on Wednesday, October 2nd at 3pm
in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota as we discuss
The Manchurian Candidate.
As we enter our very crucial election period the citizens will choose between a Republican candidate and a Democratic candidate. Our cinema group will be talking about another candidate.
"The Manchurian Candidate" (1962). Found on many of the various "greatest-political-films-of-all-time" lists, this "original" Manchurian Candidate stars Frank Sinatra, Lawrence Harvey and Janet Leigh. (Also starring Angela Lansbury and James Gregory) Perhaps you've seen it before or perhaps you've seen the re-make with Denzel Washington. We get the chance to talk about the original film based on the novel by Richard Condon and directed by John Frankenheimer. Filmed in black and white, this classic film deals with lots of "what-ifs". What if an entire company of American soldiers was compromised? What if a foreign power interfered with the United States election? What if an adversarial nation managed to put agents on American soil in pursuit of political power.
Normally we wouldn't be discussing a 62 year old film, but hey - it's political and it is still prescient.
You can view this movie for free on Tubi with ads / Amazon for $3.89 / Apple Tv
Here's the original trailer. The full movie, free with ads, is below that.
in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota as we discuss
The Manchurian Candidate.
As we enter our very crucial election period the citizens will choose between a Republican candidate and a Democratic candidate. Our cinema group will be talking about another candidate.
"The Manchurian Candidate" (1962). Found on many of the various "greatest-political-films-of-all-time" lists, this "original" Manchurian Candidate stars Frank Sinatra, Lawrence Harvey and Janet Leigh. (Also starring Angela Lansbury and James Gregory) Perhaps you've seen it before or perhaps you've seen the re-make with Denzel Washington. We get the chance to talk about the original film based on the novel by Richard Condon and directed by John Frankenheimer. Filmed in black and white, this classic film deals with lots of "what-ifs". What if an entire company of American soldiers was compromised? What if a foreign power interfered with the United States election? What if an adversarial nation managed to put agents on American soil in pursuit of political power.
Normally we wouldn't be discussing a 62 year old film, but hey - it's political and it is still prescient.
You can view this movie for free on Tubi with ads / Amazon for $3.89 / Apple Tv
Here's the original trailer. The full movie, free with ads, is below that.
Wicked Little Letters to be reviewed September 4 at 3 pm in the Lexow Wing
Alright ? -Hello in Great Britain
As you know, our friends from the United Kingdom have a unique manner of speaking.....the English language. (After all the language was theirs first). It's really quite quaint when they use "Splendid" or "Brilliant" or "Smashing" in place of our meager "That's Great". It just sounds better doesn't it? When they say "Might I have a word?" instead of "I have to talk to you right now" it sounds gentler and more inviting. They even use the word "Cheers" three ways (For toasting, thanking and good-bye-ing). Don't you just love the words...mate (friend), right (and or well), holiday (vacation), not to mention ...rubbish, car park, nappies and of course..and here is the most important word for our next discussion.... "Post" for ... yes you got it.. mail...real mail.. not the electronic, voice or text types.
Our film is set in the 1920s in a small English town. A town filled with prim and proper God-fearing ladies and gents is suddenly infiltrated by a lively, boisterous Irish woman, her child and boyfriend. Rose Gooding (Jesse Buckley) becomes a real thorn in the sides of her neighbors,clergy and ultimately the police department and the courts. Neighbors right next door who are particularly bothered are Edith Swan (Olivia Coleman) and her Father Edward Swan (Timothy Spall). The script is full of not-so-nice British epitaphs that might make you blush. We're adults however and we are familiar with vulgarity..but ***WARNING- This film is chock-filled with words that one wouldn't utter 10 yards from a chapel or a child !!! It is shockingly foul-mouthed, shockingly cheeky and shockingly fun ! Hope you enjoy this hilarious scandal and put on the closed captions..you won't want to miss a "bloody" word of "Wicked Little Letters" (2023) streaming free on Netflix and for rent on Amazon, Fandango and Apple TV.
Join us on Wednesday September 4th in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota to chat.. CHEERS !
Alright ? -Hello in Great Britain
As you know, our friends from the United Kingdom have a unique manner of speaking.....the English language. (After all the language was theirs first). It's really quite quaint when they use "Splendid" or "Brilliant" or "Smashing" in place of our meager "That's Great". It just sounds better doesn't it? When they say "Might I have a word?" instead of "I have to talk to you right now" it sounds gentler and more inviting. They even use the word "Cheers" three ways (For toasting, thanking and good-bye-ing). Don't you just love the words...mate (friend), right (and or well), holiday (vacation), not to mention ...rubbish, car park, nappies and of course..and here is the most important word for our next discussion.... "Post" for ... yes you got it.. mail...real mail.. not the electronic, voice or text types.
Our film is set in the 1920s in a small English town. A town filled with prim and proper God-fearing ladies and gents is suddenly infiltrated by a lively, boisterous Irish woman, her child and boyfriend. Rose Gooding (Jesse Buckley) becomes a real thorn in the sides of her neighbors,clergy and ultimately the police department and the courts. Neighbors right next door who are particularly bothered are Edith Swan (Olivia Coleman) and her Father Edward Swan (Timothy Spall). The script is full of not-so-nice British epitaphs that might make you blush. We're adults however and we are familiar with vulgarity..but ***WARNING- This film is chock-filled with words that one wouldn't utter 10 yards from a chapel or a child !!! It is shockingly foul-mouthed, shockingly cheeky and shockingly fun ! Hope you enjoy this hilarious scandal and put on the closed captions..you won't want to miss a "bloody" word of "Wicked Little Letters" (2023) streaming free on Netflix and for rent on Amazon, Fandango and Apple TV.
Join us on Wednesday September 4th in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota to chat.. CHEERS !
AUGUST 2024 - Our meeting this month is on Wednesday, August 7th at 3:00pm in the Lexow Wing.
The title of the film for discussion is "The Invisible Man" (2020). This Thriller/Sci Fi movie starring Elizabeth Moss has more twists than a neurotic pretzel. You might experience some jumps out of your seat so we advise that you refrain from holding any form of liquid while viewing this movie.
Where to watch? - Free on Amazon- Freevee with ads...For Rent on Xfinity on demand minus the ads $3.99.. Fandango at home...Apple TV on I Tunes (when you search make sure it's the 2020 version because there are many Invisible Men !)
JULY 2024 - Our meeting this month is on Wednesday, July 3rd at 3:00pm in the Lexow Wing.
We will be discussing the 2018 movie titled "The Last Suit" or El Ultimo Traje. Why would an 88 year old Argentinian man suddenly pack up ..leave his home of 50 years, his children and eight grandchildren and begin a journey to Lodz, Poland without telling a soul? We will follow the salty, determined Abraham Bursztein on his incredible ...sometimes funny ...sometimes sad... multi-stop trip north. The film tells a story that explores old age, generational differences, Judaism and the wounds that remain open from World War II.
Watch the trailer for "The Last Suit":https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uya0R6PmD_8
"The Last Suit" can be viewed on Tubi (free with Ads) ...UTube for rent 3.99...Apple + for rent 3.99 and Amazon has it for $9.99. Our Library System has one copy and you can request it to be delivered to the Library of your choice.
JUNE 2024 - There will be no meeting.
Check here for some movie suggestions to tide you over to our next meeting.
(Please note: we are planning to meet in July. Stay tuned!)
MAY 2024
Our meeting this month is on Wednesday, May 1st at 3:00pm in the Lexow Wing.
We will be discussing two biographic documentaries. Each of the following sheds light on two amazing individuals.
#1 "Struggle The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski". Who was Stanislav Szukalski and why would you care? By the end of this movie those questions will be answered.
#2 "It Ain't Over" - It is unnecessary to ask - Who was Yogi Berra? But this film fleshes out his story and offers many little known details.
Please note: if you are having a tough time finding our films on Netflix. You must go to your search button and type in either the title or the person's name. We found that if you just look for them in documentaries ..perhaps you will not find the right one. You must go to that Search button with the little magnifying glass next to it. This will be easier!
APRIL 2024
Our March Meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday, April 3rd at 3:00pm in the Lexow Wing. The movie American Fiction will be the topic.
It is time to talk about another movie. We chose one that has been nominated for multiple Oscars in the 96th Academy Awards. Still showing in local theaters and for purchase on TV for $19.99 (sure to go down in price closer to our meeting) The film received a 94% by the Critics and a 95% by the Audience on Rotten Tomatoes. Let's see if we agree with all the fuss about......
"AMERICAN FICTION" Cord Jefferson's hilarious directorial debut, which confronts our culture's obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotypes. Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a frustrated novelist who's fed up with the establishment profiting from "Black" entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish "Black" book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
Click below for the trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3BBvtk1ukM
Let's see why it was nominated in the following Five Academy Award categories:
The title of the film for discussion is "The Invisible Man" (2020). This Thriller/Sci Fi movie starring Elizabeth Moss has more twists than a neurotic pretzel. You might experience some jumps out of your seat so we advise that you refrain from holding any form of liquid while viewing this movie.
Where to watch? - Free on Amazon- Freevee with ads...For Rent on Xfinity on demand minus the ads $3.99.. Fandango at home...Apple TV on I Tunes (when you search make sure it's the 2020 version because there are many Invisible Men !)
JULY 2024 - Our meeting this month is on Wednesday, July 3rd at 3:00pm in the Lexow Wing.
We will be discussing the 2018 movie titled "The Last Suit" or El Ultimo Traje. Why would an 88 year old Argentinian man suddenly pack up ..leave his home of 50 years, his children and eight grandchildren and begin a journey to Lodz, Poland without telling a soul? We will follow the salty, determined Abraham Bursztein on his incredible ...sometimes funny ...sometimes sad... multi-stop trip north. The film tells a story that explores old age, generational differences, Judaism and the wounds that remain open from World War II.
Watch the trailer for "The Last Suit":https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uya0R6PmD_8
"The Last Suit" can be viewed on Tubi (free with Ads) ...UTube for rent 3.99...Apple + for rent 3.99 and Amazon has it for $9.99. Our Library System has one copy and you can request it to be delivered to the Library of your choice.
JUNE 2024 - There will be no meeting.
Check here for some movie suggestions to tide you over to our next meeting.
(Please note: we are planning to meet in July. Stay tuned!)
MAY 2024
Our meeting this month is on Wednesday, May 1st at 3:00pm in the Lexow Wing.
We will be discussing two biographic documentaries. Each of the following sheds light on two amazing individuals.
#1 "Struggle The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski". Who was Stanislav Szukalski and why would you care? By the end of this movie those questions will be answered.
#2 "It Ain't Over" - It is unnecessary to ask - Who was Yogi Berra? But this film fleshes out his story and offers many little known details.
Please note: if you are having a tough time finding our films on Netflix. You must go to your search button and type in either the title or the person's name. We found that if you just look for them in documentaries ..perhaps you will not find the right one. You must go to that Search button with the little magnifying glass next to it. This will be easier!
APRIL 2024
Our March Meeting was rescheduled to Wednesday, April 3rd at 3:00pm in the Lexow Wing. The movie American Fiction will be the topic.
It is time to talk about another movie. We chose one that has been nominated for multiple Oscars in the 96th Academy Awards. Still showing in local theaters and for purchase on TV for $19.99 (sure to go down in price closer to our meeting) The film received a 94% by the Critics and a 95% by the Audience on Rotten Tomatoes. Let's see if we agree with all the fuss about......
"AMERICAN FICTION" Cord Jefferson's hilarious directorial debut, which confronts our culture's obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotypes. Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a frustrated novelist who's fed up with the establishment profiting from "Black" entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish "Black" book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
Click below for the trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3BBvtk1ukM
Let's see why it was nominated in the following Five Academy Award categories:
- 2024 Nominee Oscar Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score)
- 2024 Nominee Oscar Best Motion Picture of the Year
- 2024 Nominee Oscar Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role - Jeffrey Wright
- 2024 Nominee Oscar Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role- Sterling K. Brow
- 2024 Nominee Oscar Best Adapted Screenplay
FEBRUARY 2024
Wednesday, February 7th at 3:00pm in the Lexow Wing.
Need a break from the world news? Are you politic-ed out? Are you tired of watching films dealing with family dysfunction? Basically - have you seen enough films that have caused you to be anxious or sad? If the answer is yes to any of these questions we have the solution and we can all "space out" for a while.
Let's begin February with a different type of "Double-Header" and cover 2 different genres - one documentary and one animated film. (These two films have something in common)
Our first film: "Good Night Oppy" (2022) streaming on Amazon -free- The inspirational true story of Opportunity and Spirit, rovers that were sent to Mars for a 90-day mission but ended up surviving for 15 years. Follow their groundbreaking journey on Mars and the remarkable bond forged between robots and their humans millions of miles away. This extraordinary documentary combines actual archival footage with Pixar-like images that capture the viewer's attention and keeps you riveted to the screen. Because of this unique cinematic technique you, the viewer, may also form some bonds. Sound crazy? See for yourself here is the link to the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4t58Yruhds
Our second film is animated and it is titled "Wall E" (2008) streaming on Amazon(rent), Disney and Apple TV. "WALL-E", short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth, is the last robot left on Earth. He spends his days tidying up the planet, one piece of garbage at a time. But during the 700 years, WALL-E has developed a personality, and he's more than a little lonely. Then he spots EVE, a sleek and shapely probe sent back to Earth on a scanning mission. Smitten WALL-E embarks on his greatest adventure yet when he follows EVE across the galaxy. Here is the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alIq_wG9FNk
We will also be discussing the Oscars. The 96th Oscar Award Show will air on ABC on March 10th in a new "earlier" time slot 7:00pm Eastern Time. Jimmy Kimmel will host the event
Below are the nominees.
Best picture
Wednesday, February 7th at 3:00pm in the Lexow Wing.
Need a break from the world news? Are you politic-ed out? Are you tired of watching films dealing with family dysfunction? Basically - have you seen enough films that have caused you to be anxious or sad? If the answer is yes to any of these questions we have the solution and we can all "space out" for a while.
Let's begin February with a different type of "Double-Header" and cover 2 different genres - one documentary and one animated film. (These two films have something in common)
Our first film: "Good Night Oppy" (2022) streaming on Amazon -free- The inspirational true story of Opportunity and Spirit, rovers that were sent to Mars for a 90-day mission but ended up surviving for 15 years. Follow their groundbreaking journey on Mars and the remarkable bond forged between robots and their humans millions of miles away. This extraordinary documentary combines actual archival footage with Pixar-like images that capture the viewer's attention and keeps you riveted to the screen. Because of this unique cinematic technique you, the viewer, may also form some bonds. Sound crazy? See for yourself here is the link to the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4t58Yruhds
Our second film is animated and it is titled "Wall E" (2008) streaming on Amazon(rent), Disney and Apple TV. "WALL-E", short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth, is the last robot left on Earth. He spends his days tidying up the planet, one piece of garbage at a time. But during the 700 years, WALL-E has developed a personality, and he's more than a little lonely. Then he spots EVE, a sleek and shapely probe sent back to Earth on a scanning mission. Smitten WALL-E embarks on his greatest adventure yet when he follows EVE across the galaxy. Here is the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alIq_wG9FNk
We will also be discussing the Oscars. The 96th Oscar Award Show will air on ABC on March 10th in a new "earlier" time slot 7:00pm Eastern Time. Jimmy Kimmel will host the event
Below are the nominees.
Best picture
- "American Fiction"
- "Anatomy of a Fall"
- "Barbie"
- "The Holdovers"
- "Killers of the Flower Moon"
- "Maestro"
- "Oppenheimer"
- "Past Lives"
- "Poor Things"
- "The Zone of Interest"
- Bradley Cooper, "Maestro"
- Colman Domingo, "Rustin"
- Paul Giamatti, "The Holdovers"
- Cillian Murphy, "Oppenheimer"
- Jeffrey Wright, "American Fiction"
- Annette Bening, "Nyad"
- Lily Gladstone, "Killers of the Flower Moon"
- Sandra Hüller, "Anatomy of a Fall"
- Carey Mulligan, "Maestro"
- Emma Stone, "Poor Things"
- Sterling K. Brown, "American Fiction"
- Robert De Niro, "Killers of the Flower Moon"
- Robert Downey Jr., "Oppenheimer"
- Ryan Gosling, "Barbie"
- Mark Ruffalo, "Poor Things"
- Emily Blunt, "Oppenheimer"
- Danielle Brooks, "The Color Purple"
- America Ferrera, "Barbie"
- Jodie Foster, "Nyad"
- Da'Vine Joy Randolph, "The Holdovers"
- Jonathan Glazer, "The Zone of Interest"
- Yorgos Lanthimos, "Poor Things"
- Christopher Nolan, "Oppenheimer"
- Martin Scorsese, "Killers of the Flower Moon"
- Justine Triet, "Anatomy of a Fall"
- "Io Capitano," Italy
- "Perfect Days," Japan
- "Society of the Snow," Spain
- "The Teachers' Lounge," Germany
- "The Zone of Interest," United Kingdom
- "The Boy and the Heron"
- "Elemental"
- "Nimona"
- "Robot Dreams"
- "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse"
- "American Fiction"
- "Barbie"
- "Oppenheimer"
- "Poor Things"
- "The Zone of Interest"
- "Anatomy of a Fall"
- "The Holdovers"
- "Maestro"
- "May December"
- "Past Lives"
- "The Creator"
- "Godzilla Minus One"
- "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"
- "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One"
- "Napoleon"
- "American Fiction"
- "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny"
- "Killers of the Flower Moon"
- "Oppenheimer"
- "Poor Things"
- "It Never Went Away" from "American Symphony"
- "I'm Just Ken" from "Barbie"
- "What Was I Made For?" from "Barbie"
- "The Fire Inside" from "Flamin' Hot"
- "Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)" from "Killers of the Flower Moon"
- "20 Days in Mariupol"
- "Bobi Wine: The People's President"
- "The Eternal Memory"
- "Four Daughters"
- "To Kill a Tiger"
- "El Conde"
- "Killers of the Flower Moon"
- "Maestro"
- "Oppenheimer"
- "Poor Things"
- "Barbie"
- "Killers of the Flower Moon"
- "Napoleon"
- "Oppenheimer"
- "Poor Things"
- "Letter to a Pig"
- "Ninety-Five Senses"
- "Our Uniform"
- "Pachyderme"
- "War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko"
- "The After"
- "Invincible"
- "Knight of Fortune"
- "Red, White and Blue"
- "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar"
- "The ABCs of Book Banning"
- "The Barber of Little Rock"
- "Island in Between"
- "The Last Repair Shop"
- "Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó"
- "Anatomy of a Fall"
- "The Holdovers"
- "Killers of the Flower Moon"
- "Oppenheimer"
- "Poor Things"
- "The Creator"
- "Maestro"
- "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One"
- "Oppenheimer"
- "The Zone of Interest"
- "Barbie"
- "Killers of the Flower Moon"
- "Napoleon"
- "Oppenheimer"
- "Poor Things"
- "Golda"
- "Maestro"
- "Oppenheimer"
- "Poor Things"
- "Society of the Snow"
JANUARY 2024
Cinema Conversation January Meeting List of films discussed:
Oppenheimer - 5 Golden Globes
Barbie - 3 Golden Globes
Poor Things -2 Golden Globes
The Holdovers - 2 Golden Globes
Anatomy of a Fall -2 Golden Globes
Cinema Conversation January Meeting List of films discussed:
Oppenheimer - 5 Golden Globes
Barbie - 3 Golden Globes
Poor Things -2 Golden Globes
The Holdovers - 2 Golden Globes
Anatomy of a Fall -2 Golden Globes
DECEMBER 2023
We will NOT be meeting in December..However - If your weather is too warm and humid to venture out or if conditions are snowy and stormy in your town...we have some films we'd like to suggest to brighten your day or calm your night. Some of them are independent films, some were overlooked. Some are real gems. Hope these lighten your heart even if you shed a tear or two. Let us know ..we love the feedback. Besides watching the standard holiday movies like "Love Actually", "Planes Trains and Automobiles", "Elf" and "Fred Claus" (perhaps you haven't heard of that last one..It is a zany comedy worth every minute). We would like to remind you of the following films. Most can be found on a streaming service ...some are at the library..Hope you like our holiday and non-holiday picks of the month!
"Away We Go"(2009) - A couple sets off on a journey to find the right place to settle..meeting their kooky relatives along the way.
"Best In Show" (2000) - Dog lovers and non dog lovers will enjoy this "mockumentary" about dog shows.
"Change Up" (2011) - Justin Bateman and Ryan Reynolds magically change places. One man is a family man the other is definitely not! Warning - a tad raunchy.
"Chef" (2014) - John Favreaux plays a chef who is fired from a top restaurant and decides to operate a food truck.
"Chocolat"(2000) - Juliett Binoche, Alfred Molina and Johnny Depp star in a heartwarming tale about a french village that takes life too seriously. A new shop in town changes everything.
"City Island" (2009) - Andy Garcia is the head of a dysfunctional family living on City Island in the Bronx. Their reunion and disunion is the major theme.
"Happy Go Lucky" (2008) - British Comedy about a happy, funny, kind optimist dealing with some grouches...including the man who is teaching her to drive.
"It Ain't Over" (2022) - Biographical Documentary about the famous baseball star Yogi Berra.
"Joyeux Noël (2005) - War drama film based on the Christmas truce of December 1914, depicted through the eyes of French, British, and German soldiers. Warning - Disturbing at times.
"Last Christmas" (2019) - Emma Thompson and Emilia Clarke (Downton Abby) star in this British film about a gal who is down on her luck. A stranger appears and shows her the way up.
"Lily Topples The World" (2021) - Documentary about a Lily Hevesh..an artist and role model who is a "Domino" toppler. Sound crazy? It is ....but it is also fun and truly amazing !
"My Octopus Teacher" (2020) - Documentary .Filmed in South Africa . An accomplished diver and oceanographer befriends a special octopus. We get to see how a beautiful relationship ensues.
"Quiz Lady" (2023) - You Jeopardy fans will get a kick out of Awkafina and her sister's antics. Awkafina (comedian who starred in The Farewell) tries to qualify for a famous game show.
"Spy" (2015) - You don't have to be a Melissa McCarthy fan to enjoy this clever Secret Agent Romp. It is also a fun way to see Paris, Budapest, Rome and other European locations.
"Sunshine Cleaning" (2008) - Amy Adams and Emily Blunt star as sisters who create a crime scene clean-up company..and of course, things get pretty "messy"!
"The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Society" (2018) - Historic Rom - Com set in 1946. A London-based writer who exchanges letters with a resident on the island of Guernsey which had been under German occupation during World War ll
"The Storied life of A.J. Fickery" (2022) - A widower/bookstore owner's life changes when a mysterious bundle shows up at his door. Romantic story with many twists..Based on the novel.
"This Beautiful Fantastic" (2016) - A curmudgeonly widower and garden expert (Tom Wilkinson) meets his neighbor- a female renter/writer who is clueless about plants. Their "budding" relationship is the theme.
That's all Folks !
We will NOT be meeting in December..However - If your weather is too warm and humid to venture out or if conditions are snowy and stormy in your town...we have some films we'd like to suggest to brighten your day or calm your night. Some of them are independent films, some were overlooked. Some are real gems. Hope these lighten your heart even if you shed a tear or two. Let us know ..we love the feedback. Besides watching the standard holiday movies like "Love Actually", "Planes Trains and Automobiles", "Elf" and "Fred Claus" (perhaps you haven't heard of that last one..It is a zany comedy worth every minute). We would like to remind you of the following films. Most can be found on a streaming service ...some are at the library..Hope you like our holiday and non-holiday picks of the month!
"Away We Go"(2009) - A couple sets off on a journey to find the right place to settle..meeting their kooky relatives along the way.
"Best In Show" (2000) - Dog lovers and non dog lovers will enjoy this "mockumentary" about dog shows.
"Change Up" (2011) - Justin Bateman and Ryan Reynolds magically change places. One man is a family man the other is definitely not! Warning - a tad raunchy.
"Chef" (2014) - John Favreaux plays a chef who is fired from a top restaurant and decides to operate a food truck.
"Chocolat"(2000) - Juliett Binoche, Alfred Molina and Johnny Depp star in a heartwarming tale about a french village that takes life too seriously. A new shop in town changes everything.
"City Island" (2009) - Andy Garcia is the head of a dysfunctional family living on City Island in the Bronx. Their reunion and disunion is the major theme.
"Happy Go Lucky" (2008) - British Comedy about a happy, funny, kind optimist dealing with some grouches...including the man who is teaching her to drive.
"It Ain't Over" (2022) - Biographical Documentary about the famous baseball star Yogi Berra.
"Joyeux Noël (2005) - War drama film based on the Christmas truce of December 1914, depicted through the eyes of French, British, and German soldiers. Warning - Disturbing at times.
"Last Christmas" (2019) - Emma Thompson and Emilia Clarke (Downton Abby) star in this British film about a gal who is down on her luck. A stranger appears and shows her the way up.
"Lily Topples The World" (2021) - Documentary about a Lily Hevesh..an artist and role model who is a "Domino" toppler. Sound crazy? It is ....but it is also fun and truly amazing !
"My Octopus Teacher" (2020) - Documentary .Filmed in South Africa . An accomplished diver and oceanographer befriends a special octopus. We get to see how a beautiful relationship ensues.
"Quiz Lady" (2023) - You Jeopardy fans will get a kick out of Awkafina and her sister's antics. Awkafina (comedian who starred in The Farewell) tries to qualify for a famous game show.
"Spy" (2015) - You don't have to be a Melissa McCarthy fan to enjoy this clever Secret Agent Romp. It is also a fun way to see Paris, Budapest, Rome and other European locations.
"Sunshine Cleaning" (2008) - Amy Adams and Emily Blunt star as sisters who create a crime scene clean-up company..and of course, things get pretty "messy"!
"The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Society" (2018) - Historic Rom - Com set in 1946. A London-based writer who exchanges letters with a resident on the island of Guernsey which had been under German occupation during World War ll
"The Storied life of A.J. Fickery" (2022) - A widower/bookstore owner's life changes when a mysterious bundle shows up at his door. Romantic story with many twists..Based on the novel.
"This Beautiful Fantastic" (2016) - A curmudgeonly widower and garden expert (Tom Wilkinson) meets his neighbor- a female renter/writer who is clueless about plants. Their "budding" relationship is the theme.
That's all Folks !
Bon Jour Mon Ami
Let's all get serious - about a comedy.
Oui ...I mean "we" discovered a film that's Fun, French, Fast-Paced, Filled with historic Facts and Free on Amazon. Fantastique !!!
Our next Cinema Group meeting is Wednesday, May 3rd at 3pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
Oh yes ..You need the name of the movie..
"Flashback" (2021) found on Amazon FREE *****See Red Note below
Here is the synopsis:
Charlie is a high-ranking, cynical female lawyer who believes in nothing but herself. After another winning plea, she meets with an unconventional driver, Hubert. Driving her back in time from the French revolution, to the Glorious Thirties and the First World War, he will confront Charlie with a lot of historical characters she would have never been able to meet (Marie Curie, Jeanne d’Arc, Gisèle Halimi), witnessing the biggest milestones in women rights achieved and fought for in order to experience freedom in the 20th century
Would you like un petit taste - Voila - link for trailer :
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14371426/
Alert -There are 3 films with the same title Flashback on Amazon..Be careful when you select ...the ad shows simply the photo of a single blond woman in a medieval dress..check the trailer make sure it is the correct "Flashback". Ours is described as International Comedy. The language is French with English subtitles. Enjoy some romps back in times we've experienced and the times way before we existed. Review significant events of the past that had such an impact on our lives today..especially women's lives.
Au Revoir !
Let's all get serious - about a comedy.
Oui ...I mean "we" discovered a film that's Fun, French, Fast-Paced, Filled with historic Facts and Free on Amazon. Fantastique !!!
Our next Cinema Group meeting is Wednesday, May 3rd at 3pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
Oh yes ..You need the name of the movie..
"Flashback" (2021) found on Amazon FREE *****See Red Note below
Here is the synopsis:
Charlie is a high-ranking, cynical female lawyer who believes in nothing but herself. After another winning plea, she meets with an unconventional driver, Hubert. Driving her back in time from the French revolution, to the Glorious Thirties and the First World War, he will confront Charlie with a lot of historical characters she would have never been able to meet (Marie Curie, Jeanne d’Arc, Gisèle Halimi), witnessing the biggest milestones in women rights achieved and fought for in order to experience freedom in the 20th century
Would you like un petit taste - Voila - link for trailer :
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14371426/
Alert -There are 3 films with the same title Flashback on Amazon..Be careful when you select ...the ad shows simply the photo of a single blond woman in a medieval dress..check the trailer make sure it is the correct "Flashback". Ours is described as International Comedy. The language is French with English subtitles. Enjoy some romps back in times we've experienced and the times way before we existed. Review significant events of the past that had such an impact on our lives today..especially women's lives.
Au Revoir !
Glass Onion:
A Knives Out Mystery
Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig- detective in "Knives Out") returns to peel back the layers in a new Rian Johnson whodunit. This fresh adventure finds the intrepid detective at a lavish private estate on a Greek island, but how and why he comes to be there is only the first of many puzzles. Blanc soon meets a distinctly disparate group of friends gathering at the invitation of billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) for a reunion but the reason for this unique gathering is soon revealed. The guests
are asked to solve a murder that is planned to happen during their stay. We cannot say any more... There are many spoilers on the internet so
be careful and don't "over-investigate."
View the film on your own on Netflix. Pay close attention because the film contains many twists and it's important to follow the dialogue.
A Knives Out Mystery
Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig- detective in "Knives Out") returns to peel back the layers in a new Rian Johnson whodunit. This fresh adventure finds the intrepid detective at a lavish private estate on a Greek island, but how and why he comes to be there is only the first of many puzzles. Blanc soon meets a distinctly disparate group of friends gathering at the invitation of billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) for a reunion but the reason for this unique gathering is soon revealed. The guests
are asked to solve a murder that is planned to happen during their stay. We cannot say any more... There are many spoilers on the internet so
be careful and don't "over-investigate."
View the film on your own on Netflix. Pay close attention because the film contains many twists and it's important to follow the dialogue.
Previously reviewed:
How about a "Cinema Conversation" Quiz ?
What film includes all these actors?
Vivien Leigh, Lee Marvin, Simone Signoret, Michael Dunn, Jose Ferrer, Oskar Werner, Elizabeth Ashley, George Segal, Jose Greco, Lilia Skala and Werner Klemper. (whew).
What film was released in 1965....Directed by Stanley Kramer..and was adapted from a book by Katherine Anne Porter?
At the 1966 Academy Awards which film was nominated for 8 Oscars and won 5 including "Best Picture"?
"Ship of Fools" reviewed
Answer: "Ship of Fools"....showing online for free at https://archive.org/details/ShipOfFoolsClassicFilm
Amelie
Bon Jour Tout Le Monde ...Do you remember this face? Have you seen this film?
If the answer is "Oui" then it's time to see it again. If the answer is "Non" then you are in for a treat !
"Amelie" was released in 2001. It is showing free on HBO and for rent on Fandango Now. Here are some reviews to tempt you...
Jean-Pierre Jeunet's "Amelie" is one of those once-in-a-decade comedies which scatters its charm like pearls from a broken necklace, all the more adorable because they are not real.-Barbara Ellen Times (UK)
There really aren't all that many movies made at this level of achievement whose subject matter and tone both support the idea that the world and the people in it are basically good- Tim Brayton (Antagony &Ecstasy)
...as the director (Jeunet) and the brilliant cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel spin the camera around Paris, from Montmartre to Notre Dame, it’s hard not to fall under the spell of this moonstruck romance. -Peter Travers (Rolling Stone)
Synopsis:
Nominated for 5 Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay, this magical comedy met overwhelming acclaim nationwide. A painfully shy waitress working at a tiny Paris café, Amelie makes a surprising discovery and sees her life drastically changed for the better! From then on, Amelie dedicates herself to helping others find happiness...in the most delightfully unexpected ways! But will she have the courage to do for herself what she has done for others?
******************************************************************************************************************************
When you view this film..consider the cinematography, music, characters, flow, sets, story line and direction..Pay particular attention to the colors. Compare the scenes that are quick and those that are slow and consider the director's reason for the different speeds. Look for close-ups versus long shots. Scenes you consider to be hilarious and scenes that tug at your heart. Pick out the characters with whom you empathize. Which characters are villains? Which ones are heroes? Who do you dislike at the outset but win you over in the end? Most of all sit back, relax and enjoy this film because it will transport you to a magical time and place.
13th
Hi all
Do we have to say how much we've missed our conversations? It's a given. Shall we try a virtual Cinema Conversation?
Date : Wednesday, July 1st at 7pm (eastern time)
The Place : Our Homes ! Online ! Via Zoom !
The Documentary film : "13th" currently being shown on Netflix. It is powerful and timely.
RSVP before June 29th If you decide to join us for the discussion and we will send you the zoom link. Please don't share the link because this meeting will be by invitation only and we are limiting it to 25 participants.
.
Note ***some scenes in the film are disturbing.
The title of Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th refers to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which reads “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States.” The progression from that second qualifying clause to the horrors of mass criminalization and the sprawling American prison industry is laid out with bracing lucidity. With a potent mixture of archival footage and testimony from a dazzling array of activists, politicians, historians, and formerly incarcerated women and men, DuVernay creates a work of grand historical synthesis.
The Assistant
It's time again...Here are a few excerpts from the reviews about our next film ...Hope you are as intrigued as we are...
An unsettling and minimalist thriller about toxic work environments that slowly gets under your skin and makes your blood boil. Julia Garner's performance is phenomenal-Rene Sanchez (Cine Sin Fronteras)
This isn't a melodramatic weepie meant to revitalize the #MeToo movement, but it sheds light on the type of workplace harassment that should get reported. It hits you like a sack of bricks-Nate Adams (The Only Critic)
Making her feature debut after directing a couple of documentaries, Kitty Green sustains the story's pressure-cooker feel throughout.-Marjorie Baumgarten (Austin Chronicle)
The film is "The Assistant" starring Julie Garner. (synopsis below). View the film on your own and join us on Wednesday, March 4th at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
Here's the synopsis:
"The Assistant" follows one day in the life of Jane (Julia Garner), a recent college graduate and aspiring film producer, who has recently landed her dream job as a junior assistant to a powerful entertainment mogul. Her day is much like any other assistant's -- making coffee, changing the paper in the copy machine, ordering lunch, arranging travel, taking phone messages, on boarding a new hire. But as Jane follows her daily routine, she, and we, grow increasingly aware of the abuse that insidiously colors every aspect of her work day, an accumulation of degrading events against which Jane decides to take a stand, only to discover the true depth of the system into which she has entered.
Just Mercy
If we can look at ourselves closely, we can change this world for the better. We all need grace. We all need mercy. - Bryan Stevenson - "Just Mercy"
If I get my truth back, you gave that to me. And there ain’t nobody that’s going to take that from us.
-Walter McMillan - "Just Mercy"
Those quotes are from the movie "Just Mercy" now showing in our local theaters. If you've heard about racial injustice in the courts but want to know more... If you would like to view the criminal justice system through the eyes of the accused... If you've ever thought about the people unjustly sentenced to death ...and if you relish a film that tells a tale based on true events... then you'll want to view the movie "Just Mercy". AND ...if you do see the film... Let's talk about it on Wednesday, Feb 5th at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
Here's the synopsis:
Bio-drama directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Based on the true story of civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) as he recounts his experiences and details the case of a condemned death row prisoner, Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), whom he fought to free, as he becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of legal and political maneuverings and overt and unabashed racism, with the odds and the system stacked against them.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Here are some questions for you: Which film (opening in theaters in our neighborhood on November 21st will give us a depiction of a unique, "gentle"man? What do you call a story full of grace and peace? What film offers us performances by Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys? Which movie is rated 96% on Rotten Tomatoes? And..finally...what film is sure to warm our hearts better than a fine cup of Holiday Cheer?
Answer to all of the above : "A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood"
Here is the synopsis :
Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America's most beloved neighbor.
Here are some questions for you: Which film (opening in theaters in our neighborhood on November 21st will give us a depiction of a unique, "gentle"man? What do you call a story full of grace and peace? What film offers us performances by Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys? Which movie is rated 96% on Rotten Tomatoes? And..finally...what film is sure to warm our hearts better than a fine cup of Holiday Cheer?
Answer to all of the above : "A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood"
Here is the synopsis :
Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America's most beloved neighbor.
The Current War
It's time for us to take a history lesson ! Our next film will cover a period in time when our country was on the brink of war. "The Current War".
A war waged by three prominent entrepreneurs Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla. Those three men all wanted to "illuminate" the world and each had their own way of pursuing that goal. Let's learn why those gentlemen were at great odds and why sparks flew when they encountered one another.
Here is a synopsis: Three brilliant visionaries set off in a charged battle for the future in The Current War, the epic story of the cutthroat competition that literally lit up the modern world. Benedict Cumberbatch is Thomas Edison, the celebrity inventor on the verge of bringing electricity to Manhattan with his radical new DC technology. On the eve of triumph, his plans are upended by charismatic businessman George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon), who believes he and his partner, the upstart genius Nikolai Tesla (Nicholas Hoult), have a superior idea for how to rapidly electrify America: with AC current. As Edison and Westinghouse grapple for who will power the nation, they spark one of the first and greatest corporate feuds in American history, establishing for future Titans of Industry the need to break all the rules.
We will also talk about our favorite horror/mystery films..We'll run the gambit from Frankenstein to Exorcist to Alien to etc.. Let us know which film frightened you as a child or as an adult.....Also...Want to get rid of some of that leftover Halloween Candy?... Bring it in !... We will all satisfy our sweet fang..I mean tooth !
"Official Secrets"
Our September film was inspired by Bruce Springsteen's music and touched our hearts with it's narrative. The month before we viewed a fable that transported us back to 1969 Los Angeles for a nostalgic ride. Our drivers were Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. Our next film discussion will take a serious turn because of its topic. This time we will revisit 2003 and the days leading up to the Iraq war. We will get to know a woman named Katherine Gun in the movie titled Official Secrets. We will discover how she tried to put country before politics and lives before laws of government. Check your local theaters for showings and if you would like to chat with us... join in on Wednesday, October 2nd at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
Here is the synopsis...
She risked everything to stop an unjust war. Her government called her a traitor. Based on world-shaking true events, "Official Secrets" tells the gripping story of Katharine Gun (Keira Knightley), a British intelligence specialist whose job involves routine handling of classified information. One day in 2003, in the lead up to the Iraq War, Gun receives a memo from the NSA with a shocking directive: the United States is enlisting Britain's help in collecting compromising information on United Nations Security Council members in order to blackmail them into voting in favor of an invasion of Iraq. Unable to stand by and watch the world be rushed into an illegal war, Gun makes the gut-wrenching decision to defy her government and leak the memo to the press. So begins an explosive chain of events that will ignite an international firestorm, expose a vast political conspiracy, and put Gun and her family directly in harm's way.
Our September film was inspired by Bruce Springsteen's music and touched our hearts with it's narrative. The month before we viewed a fable that transported us back to 1969 Los Angeles for a nostalgic ride. Our drivers were Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. Our next film discussion will take a serious turn because of its topic. This time we will revisit 2003 and the days leading up to the Iraq war. We will get to know a woman named Katherine Gun in the movie titled Official Secrets. We will discover how she tried to put country before politics and lives before laws of government. Check your local theaters for showings and if you would like to chat with us... join in on Wednesday, October 2nd at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
Here is the synopsis...
She risked everything to stop an unjust war. Her government called her a traitor. Based on world-shaking true events, "Official Secrets" tells the gripping story of Katharine Gun (Keira Knightley), a British intelligence specialist whose job involves routine handling of classified information. One day in 2003, in the lead up to the Iraq War, Gun receives a memo from the NSA with a shocking directive: the United States is enlisting Britain's help in collecting compromising information on United Nations Security Council members in order to blackmail them into voting in favor of an invasion of Iraq. Unable to stand by and watch the world be rushed into an illegal war, Gun makes the gut-wrenching decision to defy her government and leak the memo to the press. So begins an explosive chain of events that will ignite an international firestorm, expose a vast political conspiracy, and put Gun and her family directly in harm's way.
"Blinded by the Light" and "Mike Wallace Is Here"
We had all good intentions but alas Burns Court can state that "Mike Wallace is NOT Here"...because they are no longer showing the film. Eventually this had to happen to us. So due to the lack of available showings locally, we have a replacement. "Blinded By The Light" is showing everywhere and hopefully it will stay "lit" for a while. (For those of us who caught Mike Wallace we will take some time for comments)
And here is the synopsis for our new pick "Blinded by the Light":
1987. When music fanatic Javed discovers the illustrious back catalogue of The Boss (Bruce Springsteen) his world is turned upside down; already a creative soul, his passion for music and writing is set alight by the songs of the working-class poet, whose lyrics feel all too familiar to the aspiring teenager. Yearning to escape his rundown hometown and the rules of his traditional Pakistani household, Javed finds himself caught in between two worlds and must discover if he too was Born to Run...
We had all good intentions but alas Burns Court can state that "Mike Wallace is NOT Here"...because they are no longer showing the film. Eventually this had to happen to us. So due to the lack of available showings locally, we have a replacement. "Blinded By The Light" is showing everywhere and hopefully it will stay "lit" for a while. (For those of us who caught Mike Wallace we will take some time for comments)
And here is the synopsis for our new pick "Blinded by the Light":
1987. When music fanatic Javed discovers the illustrious back catalogue of The Boss (Bruce Springsteen) his world is turned upside down; already a creative soul, his passion for music and writing is set alight by the songs of the working-class poet, whose lyrics feel all too familiar to the aspiring teenager. Yearning to escape his rundown hometown and the rules of his traditional Pakistani household, Javed finds himself caught in between two worlds and must discover if he too was Born to Run...
So... if you had the chance to have a chat with Pearl S. Buck, Ruhollah Khomeini, Frank Lloyd Wright, Yasser Arafat, Maria Callas, Salvador Dali, Manuel Noriega, Barbra Streisand, Menachem Begin, Ayn Rand, Bill O'Reilly, Vladimir Putin, Larry King, Bette Davis and Richard Nixon....what is the first question you would ask?
There was a person that welcomed that task...relished it and mastered it. Described as bold and brash...prickly and probing...cunning and clever....fearless and fearsome...Journalist Mike Wallace was a pioneer in his field. "Mike Wallace is Here" will give you an historical glimpse into the transformation of "the interview". Showing now at Burns Court Cinema (two showings per day) this film will give us a plethora of subjects to talk about on Wednesday, September 4th at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
Red Alert.**** Stay for the credits at the end of the film..especially if you cannot identify all the interviewees when all will be revealed.
There was a person that welcomed that task...relished it and mastered it. Described as bold and brash...prickly and probing...cunning and clever....fearless and fearsome...Journalist Mike Wallace was a pioneer in his field. "Mike Wallace is Here" will give you an historical glimpse into the transformation of "the interview". Showing now at Burns Court Cinema (two showings per day) this film will give us a plethora of subjects to talk about on Wednesday, September 4th at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
Red Alert.**** Stay for the credits at the end of the film..especially if you cannot identify all the interviewees when all will be revealed.
"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"
Cinema Conversations is back! We will meet again on Wednesday, August 7th at 7 pm to discuss a film that earned a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes tomatometer. "Once Upon A Time in Hollywood" will be released on July 26th and will be shown at several local theaters. So check for showtimes. It is labeled as a comedy-drama..but we can be sure that a Quentin Tarantino film will be filled with chills and thrills.
Quentin Tarantino's ninth feature film is a story that takes place in Los Angeles in 1969, at the height of hippy Hollywood. The two lead characters are Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), former star of a western TV series, and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Both are struggling to make it in a Hollywood they don't recognize anymore. But Rick has a very famous next-door neighbor...Sharon Tate.
"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"is a mystery crime film directed and written by Quentin Tarantino. It features an ensemble cast, including Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Dakota Fanning, James Marsden, Clifton Collins Jr., Timothy Olyphant, Emile Hirsch, Scoot McNairy, Damian Lewis, Burt Reynolds and Al Pacino. Whew !
View the film on your own and join us in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota to share your thoughts on this movie.
Cinema Conversations is back! We will meet again on Wednesday, August 7th at 7 pm to discuss a film that earned a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes tomatometer. "Once Upon A Time in Hollywood" will be released on July 26th and will be shown at several local theaters. So check for showtimes. It is labeled as a comedy-drama..but we can be sure that a Quentin Tarantino film will be filled with chills and thrills.
Quentin Tarantino's ninth feature film is a story that takes place in Los Angeles in 1969, at the height of hippy Hollywood. The two lead characters are Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), former star of a western TV series, and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Both are struggling to make it in a Hollywood they don't recognize anymore. But Rick has a very famous next-door neighbor...Sharon Tate.
"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"is a mystery crime film directed and written by Quentin Tarantino. It features an ensemble cast, including Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Dakota Fanning, James Marsden, Clifton Collins Jr., Timothy Olyphant, Emile Hirsch, Scoot McNairy, Damian Lewis, Burt Reynolds and Al Pacino. Whew !
View the film on your own and join us in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota to share your thoughts on this movie.
"The White Crow"
Our main topic will be Rudolf Nureyev. Ballet artist, choreographer, director and defector. "The White Crow" promises to give us a peek into the life of one of the great pioneers in the classical ballet world. This biopic was directed by Ralph Fiennes and focuses on certain aspects of Nureyev's life.
Note: This is not a documentary.
Enjoy the music, dance and intrigue and then join the discussion in the Lexow wing of the Unitarian Universalist church of Sarasota.
Here is the synopsis:
The incredible true story of legendary dancer Rudolf Nureyev is brought vividly to life by Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes and BAFTA winning screenwriter David Hare. From Nureyev’s poverty-stricken childhood in the Soviet city of Ufa, to his blossoming as a student dancer in Leningrad, to his nail-biting escape from the KGB and defection to the West at the height of the Cold War, The White Crow is a gripping, revelatory look at a unique artist who transformed the world of ballet forever.
Our main topic will be Rudolf Nureyev. Ballet artist, choreographer, director and defector. "The White Crow" promises to give us a peek into the life of one of the great pioneers in the classical ballet world. This biopic was directed by Ralph Fiennes and focuses on certain aspects of Nureyev's life.
Note: This is not a documentary.
Enjoy the music, dance and intrigue and then join the discussion in the Lexow wing of the Unitarian Universalist church of Sarasota.
Here is the synopsis:
The incredible true story of legendary dancer Rudolf Nureyev is brought vividly to life by Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes and BAFTA winning screenwriter David Hare. From Nureyev’s poverty-stricken childhood in the Soviet city of Ufa, to his blossoming as a student dancer in Leningrad, to his nail-biting escape from the KGB and defection to the West at the height of the Cold War, The White Crow is a gripping, revelatory look at a unique artist who transformed the world of ballet forever.
May 1, 2019, we viewed:
Mostly Martha
Hello....Are you a fan of film? Are you a fan of food? Do you enjoy a "meaty" romantic story that's "well done"? If the answer is yes to one, or two, or all of those questions....you are in for a real treat. The next Cinema Conversation group will be viewing a film on-site. We will be showing "Mostly Martha" and we invite you to bring some light snacks and BYOB because we just might get a little hungry or thirsty during the viewing. We are going to meet at 630pm for this one event on Wednesday, May 1st ...rather than our normal time. We may have time to chat about the film after the showing..we might not...but we are sure to have fun.
Here is a synopsis for " Mostly Martha" (2002 German - English Subtitles):
Martha is a single woman who lives for one passion: cooking. The head chef at a chic restaurant in Hamburg, Martha has no time for anything - or anyone - else. But, Martha's solitary life is shaken when a fateful accident brings her sister's eight-year-old daughter, Lina, to her doorstep.
Mostly Martha
Hello....Are you a fan of film? Are you a fan of food? Do you enjoy a "meaty" romantic story that's "well done"? If the answer is yes to one, or two, or all of those questions....you are in for a real treat. The next Cinema Conversation group will be viewing a film on-site. We will be showing "Mostly Martha" and we invite you to bring some light snacks and BYOB because we just might get a little hungry or thirsty during the viewing. We are going to meet at 630pm for this one event on Wednesday, May 1st ...rather than our normal time. We may have time to chat about the film after the showing..we might not...but we are sure to have fun.
Here is a synopsis for " Mostly Martha" (2002 German - English Subtitles):
Martha is a single woman who lives for one passion: cooking. The head chef at a chic restaurant in Hamburg, Martha has no time for anything - or anyone - else. But, Martha's solitary life is shaken when a fateful accident brings her sister's eight-year-old daughter, Lina, to her doorstep.
April 3, 2019:
"Gloria Bell"
April Love is a song that helped boost Pat Boone to singer stardom...and the subject of our "April" Cinema Conversation discussion. Releasing in theaters on Mar 22nd, "Gloria Bell" starring Julianne Moore and John Turturro will surely prompt a chat about love, aging, attraction, self-limits and commitment. A whopping 96% on the rotten tomatometer !
Gloria (Julianne Moore) is a free-spirited divorcée who spends her days at a straight-laced office job and her nights on the dance floor, joyfully letting loose at clubs around Los Angeles. After meeting Arnold (John Turturro) on a night out, she finds herself thrust into an unexpected new romance, filled with both the joys of budding love and the complications of dating, identity and family.
"Gloria Bell"
April Love is a song that helped boost Pat Boone to singer stardom...and the subject of our "April" Cinema Conversation discussion. Releasing in theaters on Mar 22nd, "Gloria Bell" starring Julianne Moore and John Turturro will surely prompt a chat about love, aging, attraction, self-limits and commitment. A whopping 96% on the rotten tomatometer !
Gloria (Julianne Moore) is a free-spirited divorcée who spends her days at a straight-laced office job and her nights on the dance floor, joyfully letting loose at clubs around Los Angeles. After meeting Arnold (John Turturro) on a night out, she finds herself thrust into an unexpected new romance, filled with both the joys of budding love and the complications of dating, identity and family.
March 6, 2019:
"Green Book"
Well February is a short month and we want to get March's pick out right now. There are several of us who have already seen the film. Many of us have been saying "I must see that film". Practically all of us have said "I would love our group to discuss that film".
Okay..well let's do it. Let's talk about the film that has earned FIVE Academy Award Nominations including Best Picture -"Green Book". It is currently showing at several local theaters and hopefully will stick around till March 6th because that is our next meet-up date. Wednesday, March 6th at 7pm in the Lexow wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. Some of us would be happy to see it again.
Here is the synopsis: When Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a world-class Black pianist, on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South, they must rely on "The Green Book" to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Confronted with racism, danger-as well as unexpected humanity and humor-they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime.
"Green Book"
Well February is a short month and we want to get March's pick out right now. There are several of us who have already seen the film. Many of us have been saying "I must see that film". Practically all of us have said "I would love our group to discuss that film".
Okay..well let's do it. Let's talk about the film that has earned FIVE Academy Award Nominations including Best Picture -"Green Book". It is currently showing at several local theaters and hopefully will stick around till March 6th because that is our next meet-up date. Wednesday, March 6th at 7pm in the Lexow wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. Some of us would be happy to see it again.
Here is the synopsis: When Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a world-class Black pianist, on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South, they must rely on "The Green Book" to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Confronted with racism, danger-as well as unexpected humanity and humor-they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime.
February 6, 2019:
"Stan and Ollie"
Since Valentine's Day is approaching, we thought we would choose a film that would give us some "sweet" memories, offer us some laughs and warm our hearts. So with that in mind... we've chosen "Stan and Ollie" starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly. This movie will begin showing locally on Friday, January 25th. In a sense, Laurel and Hardy's long partnership could be dubbed a love story..At our discussion we will explore that concept. So go ahead and enjoy this tribute to one of our best comedy teams (on your own) ...and then join us..
Laurel & Hardy, one of the world's great comedy teams, set out on a variety hall tour of Britain in 1953. Diminished by age and with their golden era as the kings of Hollywood comedy now behind them, they face an uncertain future. As the charm and beauty of their performances shines through, they re-connect with their adoring fans. The tour becomes a hit, but Stan & Ollie can't quite shake the specter of Laurel and Hardy's past; the long-buried ghosts, coupled with Oliver's failing health, start to threaten their precious partnership. A portrait of the most tender and poignant of creative marriages, they are aware that they may be approaching their swan song, trying to rediscover just how much they mean to each other.
The 91st Academy Awards will air at 8pm on Sunday, February 24th on ABC..For a full list of the nominees go to ...
https://oscar.go.com/nominees Who and What will win? Who and What "Should" win? Let's discuss !!!!
"Stan and Ollie"
Since Valentine's Day is approaching, we thought we would choose a film that would give us some "sweet" memories, offer us some laughs and warm our hearts. So with that in mind... we've chosen "Stan and Ollie" starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly. This movie will begin showing locally on Friday, January 25th. In a sense, Laurel and Hardy's long partnership could be dubbed a love story..At our discussion we will explore that concept. So go ahead and enjoy this tribute to one of our best comedy teams (on your own) ...and then join us..
Laurel & Hardy, one of the world's great comedy teams, set out on a variety hall tour of Britain in 1953. Diminished by age and with their golden era as the kings of Hollywood comedy now behind them, they face an uncertain future. As the charm and beauty of their performances shines through, they re-connect with their adoring fans. The tour becomes a hit, but Stan & Ollie can't quite shake the specter of Laurel and Hardy's past; the long-buried ghosts, coupled with Oliver's failing health, start to threaten their precious partnership. A portrait of the most tender and poignant of creative marriages, they are aware that they may be approaching their swan song, trying to rediscover just how much they mean to each other.
The 91st Academy Awards will air at 8pm on Sunday, February 24th on ABC..For a full list of the nominees go to ...
https://oscar.go.com/nominees Who and What will win? Who and What "Should" win? Let's discuss !!!!
January 2, 2019:
"Welcome to Marwen"
When a devastating attack shatters Mark Hogancamp (Carell) and wipes away all memories, no one expected recovery. Putting together pieces from his old and new life, Mark meticulously creates a wondrous town where he can heal and be heroic. As he builds an astonishing art installation--a testament to the most powerful women he knows--through his fantasy world, he draws strength to triumph in the real one.
As always, view the film on your own and then join us for great chat! By the way, do you recall all of the movies we discussed in 2018? ... No?...Here's a list of this past year's picks by month....
January - "The Shape of Water"... February -"The Post"... March - " A Fantastic Woman" ... April - "Game Night" and " Death of Stalin"... May- "Final Portrait"... June - (we did not meet) ... July - (we did not meet) ... August - "Three Identical Strangers"...September - "BlacKKKlansman" ... October - "The Children Act"... November - "Colette" and "A Star is Born" ... December - "Can You Ever Forgive Me?"
[Descriptions and posters of previous movie discussions are shown below]
"Welcome to Marwen"
When a devastating attack shatters Mark Hogancamp (Carell) and wipes away all memories, no one expected recovery. Putting together pieces from his old and new life, Mark meticulously creates a wondrous town where he can heal and be heroic. As he builds an astonishing art installation--a testament to the most powerful women he knows--through his fantasy world, he draws strength to triumph in the real one.
As always, view the film on your own and then join us for great chat! By the way, do you recall all of the movies we discussed in 2018? ... No?...Here's a list of this past year's picks by month....
January - "The Shape of Water"... February -"The Post"... March - " A Fantastic Woman" ... April - "Game Night" and " Death of Stalin"... May- "Final Portrait"... June - (we did not meet) ... July - (we did not meet) ... August - "Three Identical Strangers"...September - "BlacKKKlansman" ... October - "The Children Act"... November - "Colette" and "A Star is Born" ... December - "Can You Ever Forgive Me?"
[Descriptions and posters of previous movie discussions are shown below]
December 5:
"Can You Ever Forgive Me?"
It is so rare that a film gets a rating of 98% on "Rotten Tomatoes" ...so we couldn't resist our next choice.. "CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?" starring Melissa McCarthy.
Here is the synopsis...
In CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?, Melissa McCarthy stars as Lee Israel, the best-selling celebrity biographer (and cat lover) who made her living in the 1970's and 80's profiling the likes of Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estée Lauder and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen. When Lee found herself unable to get published because she had fallen out of step with the marketplace, she turned her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack (Richard E. Grant).
-Angela
"Can You Ever Forgive Me?"
It is so rare that a film gets a rating of 98% on "Rotten Tomatoes" ...so we couldn't resist our next choice.. "CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?" starring Melissa McCarthy.
Here is the synopsis...
In CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?, Melissa McCarthy stars as Lee Israel, the best-selling celebrity biographer (and cat lover) who made her living in the 1970's and 80's profiling the likes of Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estée Lauder and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen. When Lee found herself unable to get published because she had fallen out of step with the marketplace, she turned her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack (Richard E. Grant).
-Angela
"A Star is Born" and "Colette" Reviewed November 7
October 3: "The Children Act"
It was another tough call this time but we finally have a movie pick for our Wednesday, October 3rd discussion at 7pm in the Lexow Wing at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
It goes without saying that our judicial system has been in the news practically every day..
Well ..we chose a film that gives us a view into another judicial system ....(the United Kingdom's). The following is a synopsis of the film that is bound to spark a well-deserved chat - "The Children Act." Currently showing at Burns Court Theater...View the film on your own and join us on the first Wednesday of the month - Oct 3rd
Fiona Maye (Thompson) is an eminent High Court judge in London presiding with wisdom and compassion over ethically complex cases of family law. But she has paid a heavy personal price for her workload, and her marriage to American professor Jack (Tucci) is at a breaking point. In this moment of personal crisis, Fiona is asked to rule on the case of Adam (Whitehead), a brilliant boy who is refusing the blood transfusion that will save his life. Adam is three months from his 18th birthday and still legally a child. Should Fiona force him to live? Fiona visits Adam in the hospital and their meeting has a profound emotional impact on them both, stirring strong new emotions in the boy and long-buried feelings in her.
It was another tough call this time but we finally have a movie pick for our Wednesday, October 3rd discussion at 7pm in the Lexow Wing at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
It goes without saying that our judicial system has been in the news practically every day..
Well ..we chose a film that gives us a view into another judicial system ....(the United Kingdom's). The following is a synopsis of the film that is bound to spark a well-deserved chat - "The Children Act." Currently showing at Burns Court Theater...View the film on your own and join us on the first Wednesday of the month - Oct 3rd
Fiona Maye (Thompson) is an eminent High Court judge in London presiding with wisdom and compassion over ethically complex cases of family law. But she has paid a heavy personal price for her workload, and her marriage to American professor Jack (Tucci) is at a breaking point. In this moment of personal crisis, Fiona is asked to rule on the case of Adam (Whitehead), a brilliant boy who is refusing the blood transfusion that will save his life. Adam is three months from his 18th birthday and still legally a child. Should Fiona force him to live? Fiona visits Adam in the hospital and their meeting has a profound emotional impact on them both, stirring strong new emotions in the boy and long-buried feelings in her.
September 5: "BlacKkKlansman"
Many of you will not be surprised to learn that we will be discussing "BlacKkKlansman". A fascinating tale brought to us by the legendary Spike Lee. This film is based on a true story. Even though it has been labeled a comedy and contains many humorous moments, we must caution everyone that many scenes are tough, realistic and jolting.
Here is the synopsis....
From visionary filmmaker Spike Lee comes the incredible true story of an American hero. It’s the early 1970s, and Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) is the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a name for himself, Stallworth bravely sets out on a dangerous mission: infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. The young detective soon recruits a more seasoned colleague, Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver), into the undercover investigation of a lifetime. Together, they team up to take down the extremist hate group as the organization aims to sanitize its violent rhetoric to appeal to the mainstream.
As always, view the movie on your own and then tell us what you think ..on Wednesday, September 5th at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
Many of you will not be surprised to learn that we will be discussing "BlacKkKlansman". A fascinating tale brought to us by the legendary Spike Lee. This film is based on a true story. Even though it has been labeled a comedy and contains many humorous moments, we must caution everyone that many scenes are tough, realistic and jolting.
Here is the synopsis....
From visionary filmmaker Spike Lee comes the incredible true story of an American hero. It’s the early 1970s, and Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) is the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a name for himself, Stallworth bravely sets out on a dangerous mission: infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. The young detective soon recruits a more seasoned colleague, Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver), into the undercover investigation of a lifetime. Together, they team up to take down the extremist hate group as the organization aims to sanitize its violent rhetoric to appeal to the mainstream.
As always, view the movie on your own and then tell us what you think ..on Wednesday, September 5th at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
August 1: "Three Identical Strangers"
Greetings Cinephiles and Art Lovers !
Strangers !!! Brothers !!! Triplets !!!
Get ready for a great discussion based on a thought-provoking tale of three siblings .. The Cinema Conversations Group at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota is back in action. The documentary film we have chosen will be released at Burns Court on Friday, July 20th. (check for showtimes)
Our next meet-up date is the first Wednesday of the month...August 1st at 7pm. This time we will be talking about a fascinating true story of an amazing reunion.
Some of you may have viewed this movie at our recent Sarasota Film Festival...
This film was nominated for many festival awards and here is a partial list of the ones it won.
2018 Berkshire International film festival..Documentary Jury Award and Audience Award
2018 Sundance Film Festival ...Audience award
2018 Chicago Film Festival...Audience award
It also received a 94 % on Rotten Tomatoes
Here is a short synopsis:
New York, 1980: three complete strangers accidentally discover that they are identical triplets, separated at birth. The 19-year-olds' joyous reunion catapults them to international fame, but it also unlocks an extraordinary and disturbing secret that goes beyond their own lives - and could transform our understanding of human nature forever.
View the film on your own and join us on August 1st as we chat about the remarkable story surrounding these men and their families. A story that will fill your heart..but may break it a little. See you then....
Greetings Cinephiles and Art Lovers !
Strangers !!! Brothers !!! Triplets !!!
Get ready for a great discussion based on a thought-provoking tale of three siblings .. The Cinema Conversations Group at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota is back in action. The documentary film we have chosen will be released at Burns Court on Friday, July 20th. (check for showtimes)
Our next meet-up date is the first Wednesday of the month...August 1st at 7pm. This time we will be talking about a fascinating true story of an amazing reunion.
Some of you may have viewed this movie at our recent Sarasota Film Festival...
This film was nominated for many festival awards and here is a partial list of the ones it won.
2018 Berkshire International film festival..Documentary Jury Award and Audience Award
2018 Sundance Film Festival ...Audience award
2018 Chicago Film Festival...Audience award
It also received a 94 % on Rotten Tomatoes
Here is a short synopsis:
New York, 1980: three complete strangers accidentally discover that they are identical triplets, separated at birth. The 19-year-olds' joyous reunion catapults them to international fame, but it also unlocks an extraordinary and disturbing secret that goes beyond their own lives - and could transform our understanding of human nature forever.
View the film on your own and join us on August 1st as we chat about the remarkable story surrounding these men and their families. A story that will fill your heart..but may break it a little. See you then....
June and July: Summer Break
May 2: "Final Portrait"
Greetings Cinephiles and Art Lovers !
Back in June of 2015, our group discussed the film "Woman in Gold". That movie gave us a chance to talk about the famous painting "Adele Bloch-Bauer I" and it's famous creator Gustav Klimt. Fortunately we have another opportunity to delve into the world of art and learn more about another renowned artist - Alberto Giacometti. The movie is titled "Final Portrait" and it opens Friday, April 20th at Burns Court (check for showtimes) The cast includes Geoffrey Rush, Tony Shalhoub and Armie Hammer and was written and directed by none other than Stanley Tucci. Here is the synopsis....
FINAL PORTRAIT is the story of the touching and offbeat friendship between American writer and art-lover James Lord and Alberto Giacometti, as seen through Lord's eyes and revealing unique insight into the beauty, frustration, profundity and sometimes the chaos of the artistic process. Set in 1964, while on a short trip to Paris, Lord is asked by his friend, Giacometti, to sit for a portrait. The process, promises Giacometti, will take only a few days and so Lord agrees -ultimately wondering "how much longer can it go on like this?"
View the film on your own and join us for a "colorful" discussion on Wednesday, May 2 at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. Also....The 20th Annual Sarasota Film Festival is about to end on April 22nd and at the end of our regular session we invite you to share your thoughts on any of the participating films you might have seen.
Greetings Cinephiles and Art Lovers !
Back in June of 2015, our group discussed the film "Woman in Gold". That movie gave us a chance to talk about the famous painting "Adele Bloch-Bauer I" and it's famous creator Gustav Klimt. Fortunately we have another opportunity to delve into the world of art and learn more about another renowned artist - Alberto Giacometti. The movie is titled "Final Portrait" and it opens Friday, April 20th at Burns Court (check for showtimes) The cast includes Geoffrey Rush, Tony Shalhoub and Armie Hammer and was written and directed by none other than Stanley Tucci. Here is the synopsis....
FINAL PORTRAIT is the story of the touching and offbeat friendship between American writer and art-lover James Lord and Alberto Giacometti, as seen through Lord's eyes and revealing unique insight into the beauty, frustration, profundity and sometimes the chaos of the artistic process. Set in 1964, while on a short trip to Paris, Lord is asked by his friend, Giacometti, to sit for a portrait. The process, promises Giacometti, will take only a few days and so Lord agrees -ultimately wondering "how much longer can it go on like this?"
View the film on your own and join us for a "colorful" discussion on Wednesday, May 2 at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. Also....The 20th Annual Sarasota Film Festival is about to end on April 22nd and at the end of our regular session we invite you to share your thoughts on any of the participating films you might have seen.
April 4: "Game Night" and "The Death of Stalin"
Hi fellow movie lovers,
We've been very serious lately. Recently our talks covered the impact of the Pentagon Papers ("The Post"), the love or disdain humans can show for a member of another species ("The Shape Of Water") and finally love, death and grief in a non-conventional relationship ("A Fantastic Woman").
Perhaps it's time to lighten things up and laugh a bit. Baseball fans aren't the only ones who get the chance to experience a double header. Once in a while Cinema Conversations at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota get to have one. There are two comedies which might just lift our mood..One showing now and one will be showing in our area beginning March 30th..
Feel free to see both or just one of the following movies on your own and then join us on April 4th for a fun chat.
"Game Night" *84 % on Rotten Tomatoes - Now showing everywhere.
Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams star as Max and Annie, whose weekly couples game night gets kicked up a notch when Max's charismatic brother, Brooks, arranges a murder mystery party, complete with fake thugs and faux federal agents. So when Brooks gets kidnapped, it's all part of the game--right? But as the six uber-competitive gamers set out to solve the case and win, they begin to discover that neither this game--nor Brooks--are what they seem to be. Over the course of one chaotic night, the friends find themselves increasingly in over their heads as each twist leads to another unexpected turn. With no rules, no points, and no idea who all the players are, this could turn out to be the most fun they've ever had... or game over.
Hi fellow movie lovers,
We've been very serious lately. Recently our talks covered the impact of the Pentagon Papers ("The Post"), the love or disdain humans can show for a member of another species ("The Shape Of Water") and finally love, death and grief in a non-conventional relationship ("A Fantastic Woman").
Perhaps it's time to lighten things up and laugh a bit. Baseball fans aren't the only ones who get the chance to experience a double header. Once in a while Cinema Conversations at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota get to have one. There are two comedies which might just lift our mood..One showing now and one will be showing in our area beginning March 30th..
Feel free to see both or just one of the following movies on your own and then join us on April 4th for a fun chat.
"Game Night" *84 % on Rotten Tomatoes - Now showing everywhere.
Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams star as Max and Annie, whose weekly couples game night gets kicked up a notch when Max's charismatic brother, Brooks, arranges a murder mystery party, complete with fake thugs and faux federal agents. So when Brooks gets kidnapped, it's all part of the game--right? But as the six uber-competitive gamers set out to solve the case and win, they begin to discover that neither this game--nor Brooks--are what they seem to be. Over the course of one chaotic night, the friends find themselves increasingly in over their heads as each twist leads to another unexpected turn. With no rules, no points, and no idea who all the players are, this could turn out to be the most fun they've ever had... or game over.
"The Death of Stalin" *96% on Rotten Tomatoes -***** Opening March 30th - Burns Court Cinema
The one-liners fly as fast as political fortunes fall in this uproarious, wickedly irreverent satire from Armando Iannucci (Veep, In the Loop). Moscow, 1953: when tyrannical dictator Joseph Stalin drops dead, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to be the next Soviet leader. Among the contenders are the dweeby Georgy Malenkov (Jeffrey Tambor), the wily Nikita Khrushchev (Steve Buscemi), and the sadistic secret police chief Lavrentiy Beria (Simon Russell Beale). But as they bumble, brawl, and backstab their way to the top, just who is running the government? Combining palace intrigue with rapid-fire farce, this audacious comedy is a bitingly funny take-down of bureaucratic dysfunction performed to the hilt by a sparkling ensemble cast.
The one-liners fly as fast as political fortunes fall in this uproarious, wickedly irreverent satire from Armando Iannucci (Veep, In the Loop). Moscow, 1953: when tyrannical dictator Joseph Stalin drops dead, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to be the next Soviet leader. Among the contenders are the dweeby Georgy Malenkov (Jeffrey Tambor), the wily Nikita Khrushchev (Steve Buscemi), and the sadistic secret police chief Lavrentiy Beria (Simon Russell Beale). But as they bumble, brawl, and backstab their way to the top, just who is running the government? Combining palace intrigue with rapid-fire farce, this audacious comedy is a bitingly funny take-down of bureaucratic dysfunction performed to the hilt by a sparkling ensemble cast.
March 7: "A Fantastic Woman"
The Herald Tribune's Thursday "Ticket" (Feb 22) helped us pick our next film.
Found on page E50 (and online here) and written by A.O. Scott you will find an amazing critique of what promises to be a "fantastic" film. Here are some more reasons for our attention.. A Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%, a Herald Tribune score of 86% AND a Best Foreign Film Nomination in the upcoming March 4th Academy Awards. How could our group "not" be discussing the following film.
"A Fantastic Woman" or "Una Mujer Fantastica". It opens Friday 23rd February at Burns Court. (Check for showings)
Here is a synopsis of this Chilean film: Marina and Orlando are in love and planning for the future. Marina is a young waitress and aspiring singer. Orlando is 20 years older than her, and owns a printing company. After celebrating Marina's birthday one evening, Orlando falls seriously ill. Marina rushes him to the emergency room, but he passes away just after arriving at the hospital. Instead of being able to mourn her lover, suddenly Marina is treated with suspicion. The doctors and Orlando's family don't trust her. A woman detective investigates Marina to see if she was involved in his death. Orlando's ex-wife forbids her from attending the funeral. And to make matters worse, Orlando's son threatens to throw Marina out of the flat she shared with Orlando. Marina is a trans woman and for most of Orlando's family, her sexual identity is an aberration, a perversion. So Marina struggles for the right to be herself. She battles the very same forces that she has spent a lifetime fighting just to become the woman she is now - a complex, strong, forthright and fantastic woman.
As always..view the film on your own and then join us for a chat on Wednesday, March 7th at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota...Oh yes..after the film discussion we will have a brief discussion about the Oscars and whether or not we concur with the results!
The Herald Tribune's Thursday "Ticket" (Feb 22) helped us pick our next film.
Found on page E50 (and online here) and written by A.O. Scott you will find an amazing critique of what promises to be a "fantastic" film. Here are some more reasons for our attention.. A Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%, a Herald Tribune score of 86% AND a Best Foreign Film Nomination in the upcoming March 4th Academy Awards. How could our group "not" be discussing the following film.
"A Fantastic Woman" or "Una Mujer Fantastica". It opens Friday 23rd February at Burns Court. (Check for showings)
Here is a synopsis of this Chilean film: Marina and Orlando are in love and planning for the future. Marina is a young waitress and aspiring singer. Orlando is 20 years older than her, and owns a printing company. After celebrating Marina's birthday one evening, Orlando falls seriously ill. Marina rushes him to the emergency room, but he passes away just after arriving at the hospital. Instead of being able to mourn her lover, suddenly Marina is treated with suspicion. The doctors and Orlando's family don't trust her. A woman detective investigates Marina to see if she was involved in his death. Orlando's ex-wife forbids her from attending the funeral. And to make matters worse, Orlando's son threatens to throw Marina out of the flat she shared with Orlando. Marina is a trans woman and for most of Orlando's family, her sexual identity is an aberration, a perversion. So Marina struggles for the right to be herself. She battles the very same forces that she has spent a lifetime fighting just to become the woman she is now - a complex, strong, forthright and fantastic woman.
As always..view the film on your own and then join us for a chat on Wednesday, March 7th at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota...Oh yes..after the film discussion we will have a brief discussion about the Oscars and whether or not we concur with the results!
February 7: "The Post"
EXTRA ! EXTRA ! Read all about it ! ....Better yet...see it with your own eyes..
Is anyone surprised? Cinema Conversations' next challenge will be "The Post" finally playing everywhere ! Let's learn more about the Pentagon Papers. Let's delve into the world of the press and it's importance..then and now. The movie's screenwriters are Liz Hannah and Josh Singer (Spotlight). View this film on your own and then join us on Wednesday, February 7th in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. Read synopsis below.
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Steven Spielberg directs Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in The Post, a thrilling drama about the unlikely partnership between The Washington Post's Katharine Graham (Streep), the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and editor Ben Bradlee (Hanks), as they race to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets that spanned three decades and four U.S. Presidents. The two must overcome their differences as they risk their careers - and their very freedom - to help bring long-buried truths to light. The Post marks the first time Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg have collaborated on a project. In addition to directing, Spielberg produces along with Amy Pascal and Kristie Macosko Krieger. The script was written by Liz Hannah and Josh Singer, and the film features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Alison Brie, Carrie Coon, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Jesse Plemons, Matthew Rhys, Michael Stuhlbarg, Bradley Whitford and Zach Woods.
There is a Unitarian Universalist connection to the Pentagon Papers which is not mentioned in the movie. It was the Unitarian Universalist Association's Beacon Press which published the Pentagon Papers when thirty-five newspapers had refused to do so. This was explained during a panel discussion at the UUA's General Assembly in 2007. Participants were Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Daniel Ellsberg, Sen. Mike Gravel and Rev. Robert West.
Gravel explained,
"...So I convened a meeting of that committee, redirecting the subject slightly. I told them "there's no money for your building request because all the money is going to the Vietnam War, and while we're talking about the war...'! That's how I was able to put the papers into the Congressional Record" Gravel said. "We then scoured the country to find a publishing house to publish the papers. Harvard Press, MIT Press, none of the major or minor publishing houses would touch it, until Beacon Press did!" The audience erupted into applause and cheering.
Then it was Rev. Robert West's turn. He started his remarks by thanking the Veach Program at the Shelter Rock for offering to loan Beacon Press $100,000 as working capital to publish the Pentagon Papers. "Some thirty-five newspapers had refused to publish the Pentagon Papers when it came to us" He said. "I immediately said yes, and that led to two and a half years of harassment and legal difficulties." In September of 1974, the UUA's bank records were subpoenaed by the FBI, which included thousands of checks from people who had contributed to our denomination. West said "Senator Gravel immediately brought contempt proceedings against the government and that halted everything for two months. But it resumed in January."
The relevance for today is obvious. As in today's situation, the three points then were misuse of power by the Justice Department, invasion of privacy, and misuse of secrets by the government. The audience applauded when West told them "Justice William O. Douglas said in his dissenting opinion that it was the government that was breaking the law, not Beacon Press." West added "This statement, read at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in 1973, is still relevant today."
"We in this denomination have confidence in the democratic process. We want to encourage others also to resist. We as a religious movement are qualified by our nature, our heritage and our recent experience to play a significant role at this time in our history to help resist and reverse the ominous trend regarding constitutional liberties. We can and we will."
The full article, with video of the meeting, is at www.uua.org/ga/past/2007/30971.shtml
EXTRA ! EXTRA ! Read all about it ! ....Better yet...see it with your own eyes..
Is anyone surprised? Cinema Conversations' next challenge will be "The Post" finally playing everywhere ! Let's learn more about the Pentagon Papers. Let's delve into the world of the press and it's importance..then and now. The movie's screenwriters are Liz Hannah and Josh Singer (Spotlight). View this film on your own and then join us on Wednesday, February 7th in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. Read synopsis below.
********************************************************************************************************************
Steven Spielberg directs Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in The Post, a thrilling drama about the unlikely partnership between The Washington Post's Katharine Graham (Streep), the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and editor Ben Bradlee (Hanks), as they race to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets that spanned three decades and four U.S. Presidents. The two must overcome their differences as they risk their careers - and their very freedom - to help bring long-buried truths to light. The Post marks the first time Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg have collaborated on a project. In addition to directing, Spielberg produces along with Amy Pascal and Kristie Macosko Krieger. The script was written by Liz Hannah and Josh Singer, and the film features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Alison Brie, Carrie Coon, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Jesse Plemons, Matthew Rhys, Michael Stuhlbarg, Bradley Whitford and Zach Woods.
There is a Unitarian Universalist connection to the Pentagon Papers which is not mentioned in the movie. It was the Unitarian Universalist Association's Beacon Press which published the Pentagon Papers when thirty-five newspapers had refused to do so. This was explained during a panel discussion at the UUA's General Assembly in 2007. Participants were Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Daniel Ellsberg, Sen. Mike Gravel and Rev. Robert West.
Gravel explained,
"...So I convened a meeting of that committee, redirecting the subject slightly. I told them "there's no money for your building request because all the money is going to the Vietnam War, and while we're talking about the war...'! That's how I was able to put the papers into the Congressional Record" Gravel said. "We then scoured the country to find a publishing house to publish the papers. Harvard Press, MIT Press, none of the major or minor publishing houses would touch it, until Beacon Press did!" The audience erupted into applause and cheering.
Then it was Rev. Robert West's turn. He started his remarks by thanking the Veach Program at the Shelter Rock for offering to loan Beacon Press $100,000 as working capital to publish the Pentagon Papers. "Some thirty-five newspapers had refused to publish the Pentagon Papers when it came to us" He said. "I immediately said yes, and that led to two and a half years of harassment and legal difficulties." In September of 1974, the UUA's bank records were subpoenaed by the FBI, which included thousands of checks from people who had contributed to our denomination. West said "Senator Gravel immediately brought contempt proceedings against the government and that halted everything for two months. But it resumed in January."
The relevance for today is obvious. As in today's situation, the three points then were misuse of power by the Justice Department, invasion of privacy, and misuse of secrets by the government. The audience applauded when West told them "Justice William O. Douglas said in his dissenting opinion that it was the government that was breaking the law, not Beacon Press." West added "This statement, read at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in 1973, is still relevant today."
"We in this denomination have confidence in the democratic process. We want to encourage others also to resist. We as a religious movement are qualified by our nature, our heritage and our recent experience to play a significant role at this time in our history to help resist and reverse the ominous trend regarding constitutional liberties. We can and we will."
The full article, with video of the meeting, is at www.uua.org/ga/past/2007/30971.shtml
According to Wikipedia at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagon_Papers,
The New York Times began publishing excerpts on June 13, 1971; the first article in the series was titled "Vietnam Archive: Pentagon Study Traces Three Decades of Growing US Involvement". The study was dubbed The Pentagon Papers during the resulting media publicity.[9][20] Street protests, political controversy, and lawsuits followed.
To ensure the possibility of public debate about the papers' content, on June 29, US Senator Mike Gravel, an Alaska Democrat, entered 4,100 pages of the papers into the record of his Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Grounds. These portions of the papers, which were edited for Gravel by Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky, were subsequently published by Beacon Press, the publishing arm of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations.[21] A federal grand jury was subsequently empaneled to investigate possible violations of federal law in the release of the report. Leonard Rodberg, a Gravel aide, was subpoenaed to testify about his role in obtaining and arranging for publication of the Pentagon Papers. Gravel asked the court (in Gravel v. United States) to quash the subpoena on the basis of the Speech or Debate Clause in Article I, Section 6 of the United States Constitution.
That clause provides that "for any Speech or Debate in either House, [a Senator or Representative] shall not be questioned in any other Place", meaning that Gravel could not be prosecuted for anything said on the Senate floor, and, by extension, for anything entered to the Congressional Record, allowing the papers to be publicly read without threat of a treason trial and conviction. When Gravel's request was reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Court denied the request to extend this protection to Gravel or his legislative aide, Leonard Rodberg, because the grand jury subpoena served on them related to a third party rather than any act they themselves committed for the preparation of materials later entered into the Congressional Record. Nevertheless, the grand jury investigation was halted, and the publication of the papers was never prosecuted.
Later, Ellsberg said the documents "demonstrated unconstitutional behavior by a succession of presidents, the violation of their oath and the violation of the oath of every one of their subordinates."[22] He added that he leaked the Papers to end what he perceived to be "a wrongful war."[22]
The Nixon administration's restraint of the media[edit]
President Nixon's first reaction to the publication was that, since the study embarrassed the Johnson and Kennedy administrations rather than his, he should do nothing. However, Henry Kissinger convinced the president that not opposing the publication set a negative precedent for future secrets.[9] The administration argued Ellsberg and Russo were guilty of a felony under the Espionage Act of 1917, because they had no authority to publish classified documents.[23] After failing to persuade the Times to voluntarily cease publication on June 14,[9] Attorney General John N. Mitchell and Nixon obtained a federal court injunction forcing the Times to cease publication after three articles.[9] Times publisher Arthur Ochs Sulzberger said:
Newspapers, as our editorial said this morning, were really a part of history that should have been made available, considerably longer ago. I just didn't feel there was any breach of national security, in the sense that we were giving secrets to the enemy.[24]
The newspaper appealed the injunction, and the case New York Times Co. v. United States (403 U.S. 713) quickly rose through the U.S. legal system to the Supreme Court.[25]
On June 18, 1971, The Washington Post began publishing its own series of articles based upon the Pentagon Papers;[9] Ellsberg had given portions to the Post reporter Ben Bagdikian. Bagdikian brought the information to editor Ben Bradlee. That day, Assistant U.S. Attorney General William Rehnquist asked the Post to cease publication. After the paper refused, Rehnquist sought an injunction in U.S. district court. Judge Murray Gurfein declined to issue such an injunction, writing that "[t]he security of the Nation is not at the ramparts alone. Security also lies in the value of our free institutions. A cantankerous press, an obstinate press, a ubiquitous press must be suffered by those in authority in order to preserve the even greater values of freedom of expression and the right of the people to know."[26] The government appealed that decision, and on June 26 the Supreme Court agreed to hear it jointly with the New York Times case.[25] Fifteen other newspapers received copies of the study and began publishing it.[9]
The Supreme Court allows further publication[edit]
Main article: New York Times Co. v. United StatesOn June 30, 1971, the Supreme Court decided, 6–3, that the government failed to meet the heavy burden of proof required for prior restraint injunction. The nine justices wrote nine opinions disagreeing on significant, substantive matters.
Only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose deception in government. And paramount among the responsibilities of a free press is the duty to prevent any part of the government from deceiving the people and sending them off to distant lands to die of foreign fevers and foreign shot and shell.
— Justice Black[27]Thomas Tedford and Dale Herbeck summarized the reaction of editors and journalists at the time:
As the press rooms of the Times and the Post began to hum to the lifting of the censorship order, the journalists of America pondered with grave concern the fact that for fifteen days the 'free press' of the nation had been prevented from publishing an important document and for their troubles had been given an inconclusive and uninspiring 'burden-of-proof' decision by a sharply divided Supreme Court. There was relief, but no great rejoicing, in the editorial offices of America's publishers and broadcasters.
— Tedford and Herbeck, pp. 225–226.[28]
The New York Times began publishing excerpts on June 13, 1971; the first article in the series was titled "Vietnam Archive: Pentagon Study Traces Three Decades of Growing US Involvement". The study was dubbed The Pentagon Papers during the resulting media publicity.[9][20] Street protests, political controversy, and lawsuits followed.
To ensure the possibility of public debate about the papers' content, on June 29, US Senator Mike Gravel, an Alaska Democrat, entered 4,100 pages of the papers into the record of his Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Grounds. These portions of the papers, which were edited for Gravel by Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky, were subsequently published by Beacon Press, the publishing arm of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations.[21] A federal grand jury was subsequently empaneled to investigate possible violations of federal law in the release of the report. Leonard Rodberg, a Gravel aide, was subpoenaed to testify about his role in obtaining and arranging for publication of the Pentagon Papers. Gravel asked the court (in Gravel v. United States) to quash the subpoena on the basis of the Speech or Debate Clause in Article I, Section 6 of the United States Constitution.
That clause provides that "for any Speech or Debate in either House, [a Senator or Representative] shall not be questioned in any other Place", meaning that Gravel could not be prosecuted for anything said on the Senate floor, and, by extension, for anything entered to the Congressional Record, allowing the papers to be publicly read without threat of a treason trial and conviction. When Gravel's request was reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Court denied the request to extend this protection to Gravel or his legislative aide, Leonard Rodberg, because the grand jury subpoena served on them related to a third party rather than any act they themselves committed for the preparation of materials later entered into the Congressional Record. Nevertheless, the grand jury investigation was halted, and the publication of the papers was never prosecuted.
Later, Ellsberg said the documents "demonstrated unconstitutional behavior by a succession of presidents, the violation of their oath and the violation of the oath of every one of their subordinates."[22] He added that he leaked the Papers to end what he perceived to be "a wrongful war."[22]
The Nixon administration's restraint of the media[edit]
President Nixon's first reaction to the publication was that, since the study embarrassed the Johnson and Kennedy administrations rather than his, he should do nothing. However, Henry Kissinger convinced the president that not opposing the publication set a negative precedent for future secrets.[9] The administration argued Ellsberg and Russo were guilty of a felony under the Espionage Act of 1917, because they had no authority to publish classified documents.[23] After failing to persuade the Times to voluntarily cease publication on June 14,[9] Attorney General John N. Mitchell and Nixon obtained a federal court injunction forcing the Times to cease publication after three articles.[9] Times publisher Arthur Ochs Sulzberger said:
Newspapers, as our editorial said this morning, were really a part of history that should have been made available, considerably longer ago. I just didn't feel there was any breach of national security, in the sense that we were giving secrets to the enemy.[24]
The newspaper appealed the injunction, and the case New York Times Co. v. United States (403 U.S. 713) quickly rose through the U.S. legal system to the Supreme Court.[25]
On June 18, 1971, The Washington Post began publishing its own series of articles based upon the Pentagon Papers;[9] Ellsberg had given portions to the Post reporter Ben Bagdikian. Bagdikian brought the information to editor Ben Bradlee. That day, Assistant U.S. Attorney General William Rehnquist asked the Post to cease publication. After the paper refused, Rehnquist sought an injunction in U.S. district court. Judge Murray Gurfein declined to issue such an injunction, writing that "[t]he security of the Nation is not at the ramparts alone. Security also lies in the value of our free institutions. A cantankerous press, an obstinate press, a ubiquitous press must be suffered by those in authority in order to preserve the even greater values of freedom of expression and the right of the people to know."[26] The government appealed that decision, and on June 26 the Supreme Court agreed to hear it jointly with the New York Times case.[25] Fifteen other newspapers received copies of the study and began publishing it.[9]
The Supreme Court allows further publication[edit]
Main article: New York Times Co. v. United StatesOn June 30, 1971, the Supreme Court decided, 6–3, that the government failed to meet the heavy burden of proof required for prior restraint injunction. The nine justices wrote nine opinions disagreeing on significant, substantive matters.
Only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose deception in government. And paramount among the responsibilities of a free press is the duty to prevent any part of the government from deceiving the people and sending them off to distant lands to die of foreign fevers and foreign shot and shell.
— Justice Black[27]Thomas Tedford and Dale Herbeck summarized the reaction of editors and journalists at the time:
As the press rooms of the Times and the Post began to hum to the lifting of the censorship order, the journalists of America pondered with grave concern the fact that for fifteen days the 'free press' of the nation had been prevented from publishing an important document and for their troubles had been given an inconclusive and uninspiring 'burden-of-proof' decision by a sharply divided Supreme Court. There was relief, but no great rejoicing, in the editorial offices of America's publishers and broadcasters.
— Tedford and Herbeck, pp. 225–226.[28]
January 3: "The Shape of Water"
Happy Holidays Everyone....
In this busy time of year...we cinephiles will always find time to see a good film. It's time to start 2018 off with an off-beat movie that gets a whopping 93% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer ! The first film we will be discussing in the New Year will be "The Shape of Water"..At the moment it is showing at Burns Court..and coming to other theaters soon. Here is the synopsis:
From master story teller, Guillermo del Toro, comes THE SHAPE OF WATER - an other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa's life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment. Rounding out the cast are Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones and Michael Stuhlbarg.
As an aside...we will also be chatting about two wonderful movies toward the end of our discussion...We will critique (without giving spoilers) "Lady Bird" and "Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing Missouri" ....We think that those 2 films deserve honorable mention and we welcome your thoughts....again... they are not the assignment...So see "The Shape of Water" on your own and then join us...
Happy Holidays Everyone....
In this busy time of year...we cinephiles will always find time to see a good film. It's time to start 2018 off with an off-beat movie that gets a whopping 93% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer ! The first film we will be discussing in the New Year will be "The Shape of Water"..At the moment it is showing at Burns Court..and coming to other theaters soon. Here is the synopsis:
From master story teller, Guillermo del Toro, comes THE SHAPE OF WATER - an other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa's life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment. Rounding out the cast are Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones and Michael Stuhlbarg.
As an aside...we will also be chatting about two wonderful movies toward the end of our discussion...We will critique (without giving spoilers) "Lady Bird" and "Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing Missouri" ....We think that those 2 films deserve honorable mention and we welcome your thoughts....again... they are not the assignment...So see "The Shape of Water" on your own and then join us...
December 6: "Murder on the Orient Express"
It's Murder ! On the Orient Express. Who? How? Why? Get the answers by viewing the newest rendition of Agatha Christie's classic film...playing everywhere. Then come to Cinema Conversations on Wednesday, December 6th at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota..Read below for the film's summary and find out about the star-studded cast.
What starts out as a lavish train ride through Europe quickly unfolds into one of the most stylish, suspenseful and thrilling mysteries ever told. From the novel by best-selling author Agatha Christie, "Murder on the Orient Express" tells the tale of thirteen strangers stranded on a train, where everyone's a suspect. One man must race against time to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again. Kenneth Branagh directs and leads an all-star cast including Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley and Josh Gad.
It's Murder ! On the Orient Express. Who? How? Why? Get the answers by viewing the newest rendition of Agatha Christie's classic film...playing everywhere. Then come to Cinema Conversations on Wednesday, December 6th at 7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota..Read below for the film's summary and find out about the star-studded cast.
What starts out as a lavish train ride through Europe quickly unfolds into one of the most stylish, suspenseful and thrilling mysteries ever told. From the novel by best-selling author Agatha Christie, "Murder on the Orient Express" tells the tale of thirteen strangers stranded on a train, where everyone's a suspect. One man must race against time to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again. Kenneth Branagh directs and leads an all-star cast including Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley and Josh Gad.
November 1: "Marshall"
Hello ....all.... we are back with an exciting film to view and then to discuss: Starring Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, Dan Stevens, Sterling K. Brown, and James Cromwell. Director Reginald Hudlin's "Marshall", is based on an early trial in the career of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. It follows the young lawyer (Chadwick Boseman) to conservative Connecticut to defend a black chauffeur (Sterling K. Brown) charged with sexual assault and attempted murder of his white socialite employer (Kate Hudson). Muzzled by a segregationist court, Marshall partners with a courageous young Jewish lawyer, Samuel Friedman (Josh Gad). Together they mount the defense in an environment of racism and anti-semitism. The high profile case and the partnership with Friedman served as a template for Marshall's creation of the NAACP legal defense fund.
So ..folks with a rating of 86% on Rotten tomatoes "Tomatometer" and lots of great reviews..we think it will be an interesting film to discuss on Wednesday, Nov 1st at 7pm in the West Wing.
Hello ....all.... we are back with an exciting film to view and then to discuss: Starring Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, Dan Stevens, Sterling K. Brown, and James Cromwell. Director Reginald Hudlin's "Marshall", is based on an early trial in the career of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. It follows the young lawyer (Chadwick Boseman) to conservative Connecticut to defend a black chauffeur (Sterling K. Brown) charged with sexual assault and attempted murder of his white socialite employer (Kate Hudson). Muzzled by a segregationist court, Marshall partners with a courageous young Jewish lawyer, Samuel Friedman (Josh Gad). Together they mount the defense in an environment of racism and anti-semitism. The high profile case and the partnership with Friedman served as a template for Marshall's creation of the NAACP legal defense fund.
So ..folks with a rating of 86% on Rotten tomatoes "Tomatometer" and lots of great reviews..we think it will be an interesting film to discuss on Wednesday, Nov 1st at 7pm in the West Wing.
October: no movie review
September 6: "The Women's Balcony" and "Wind River"
Shalom and Behne
Translation- "Greetings" in two languages....Hebrew and Shoshone. Why? - Because we have a Cinema Conversation Double-Header ..and one film's location is Jerusalem while the other is on a Native American reservation in Wyoming. Both of these films give major insights into the culture, traditions and history of the people who live in those places. Both present us with a dilemma and we discover how those inhabitants deal with it. Both transport us to unfamiliar territories and both, in essence, can be categorized as "foreign films". However - While both films are slices of lives...one is considered a comedy and the other a murder mystery. So we get to chuckle and we'll experience some chills and thrills. THE TWO MOVIES ARE.... "The Women's Balcony"(now showing at Burns Court) and "Wind River" (now showing at Lakewood Ranch, Regal Hollywood 20, AMC Sarasota 12) View one OR the other OR both on your own and then join us for a great chat on Wednesday- Sept 6th -7pm in the Lexow Wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. The synopsis for both films is below, followed by the trailers. "The Women's Balcony" is an eccentric portrait of an already devout community suddenly under pressure from a super Orthodox rabbi to observe their faith in a more rigid way. While the mood is that of a gentle and affectionate comedy, the film makes some extremely sharp points about fanaticism, sexism masked as holiness, and tolerance among the faithful. Warning This film might really tickle you ! "Wind River" is a chilling thriller that follows a rookie FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) who teams up with a local game tracker with deep community ties and a haunted past (Jeremy Renner) to investigate the murder of a local girl on a remote Native American Reservation in the hopes of solving her mysterious death. Warning This film contains some violent scenes. See You Soon. |
August 2: "Dunkirk"
In May 1940, Germany advanced into France, trapping Allied troops on the beaches of Dunkirk. Under air and ground cover from British and French forces, troops were slowly and methodically evacuated from the beach using every serviceable naval and civilian vessel that could be found. At the end of this heroic mission, 330,000 French, British, Belgian and Dutch soldiers were safely evacuated.
This dramatic story of survival is known in Britain as "The Miracle of Dunkirk." It is still hailed today in this country in some Christian circles as an example of divine intervention.
The relief among the British was so great that Churchill had to remind his countrymen that wars were not won by evacuations, and that 'what has happened in France and Belgium is a colossal military disaster'.
Hitler claimed it as a great victory, but historians see it as one of his biggest blunders, which ultimately contributed to his defeat.
In May 1940, Germany advanced into France, trapping Allied troops on the beaches of Dunkirk. Under air and ground cover from British and French forces, troops were slowly and methodically evacuated from the beach using every serviceable naval and civilian vessel that could be found. At the end of this heroic mission, 330,000 French, British, Belgian and Dutch soldiers were safely evacuated.
This dramatic story of survival is known in Britain as "The Miracle of Dunkirk." It is still hailed today in this country in some Christian circles as an example of divine intervention.
The relief among the British was so great that Churchill had to remind his countrymen that wars were not won by evacuations, and that 'what has happened in France and Belgium is a colossal military disaster'.
Hitler claimed it as a great victory, but historians see it as one of his biggest blunders, which ultimately contributed to his defeat.
July 5: "Beatriz at Dinner."
Our short hiatus is over and we will meet again on Wednesday, July 5th at 7 pm for a conversation about a conversation !
Yes...all over the United States the dinner table has always been one of the venues for a healthy exchange of ideas and philosophies ....but in recent times discussions have become hotter than the meal being served. So we will indulge in a little voyeurism by viewing the film "Beatriz at Dinner". It opens June 23rd at Burns Court. Here is a synopsis.
Beatriz (Salma Hayek), an immigrant from a poor town in Mexico, has drawn on her innate kindness to build a career as a health practitioner in Los Angeles. Doug Strutt (John Lithgow) is a cutthroat, self-satisfied billionaire. When these two opposites meet at a dinner party, their worlds collide and neither will ever be the same.
View the film "on your own" and meet us for a chat in the Lexow Wing on Wednesday July 5th at 7 pm.
Our short hiatus is over and we will meet again on Wednesday, July 5th at 7 pm for a conversation about a conversation !
Yes...all over the United States the dinner table has always been one of the venues for a healthy exchange of ideas and philosophies ....but in recent times discussions have become hotter than the meal being served. So we will indulge in a little voyeurism by viewing the film "Beatriz at Dinner". It opens June 23rd at Burns Court. Here is a synopsis.
Beatriz (Salma Hayek), an immigrant from a poor town in Mexico, has drawn on her innate kindness to build a career as a health practitioner in Los Angeles. Doug Strutt (John Lithgow) is a cutthroat, self-satisfied billionaire. When these two opposites meet at a dinner party, their worlds collide and neither will ever be the same.
View the film "on your own" and meet us for a chat in the Lexow Wing on Wednesday July 5th at 7 pm.
(No meeting in June)
September 7: "Indignation"
Have you ever been to a place where you have felt like an alien from another planet? A fish out of water? A square peg in a round hole?
With our next film we enter the world of Marcus Messner, the main character in "Indignation" based on Philip Roth's novel.
Set in 1951, the story follows Marcus, the idealistic son of a humble kosher butcher from Newark, N.J. Marcus leaves for Ohio to study at a small, conservative college, where he finds himself at odds with the administration, grapples with anti-Semitism and sexual repression and pines after a troubled girl.
According to a review in Variety in January of this year - Though the arthouse scene has changed radically since Schamus (The director) first began producing nearly a quarter century ago, there will always be an intelligent adult audience for smart, melancholic dramas like “Indignation,” in which a neurotic Jewish teenager (Logan Lerman) from Newark, N.J., enrolls in a Midwestern university and effectively avoids being drafted into the Korean war.
Check out some key words in the previous paragraph......intelligent adult audience......US !!!
This movie is playing currently at Burns Court..(Check for showtimes) Come and share your thoughts on Wednesday, Sept 7th at 7pm in the Lexow wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
Have you ever been to a place where you have felt like an alien from another planet? A fish out of water? A square peg in a round hole?
With our next film we enter the world of Marcus Messner, the main character in "Indignation" based on Philip Roth's novel.
Set in 1951, the story follows Marcus, the idealistic son of a humble kosher butcher from Newark, N.J. Marcus leaves for Ohio to study at a small, conservative college, where he finds himself at odds with the administration, grapples with anti-Semitism and sexual repression and pines after a troubled girl.
According to a review in Variety in January of this year - Though the arthouse scene has changed radically since Schamus (The director) first began producing nearly a quarter century ago, there will always be an intelligent adult audience for smart, melancholic dramas like “Indignation,” in which a neurotic Jewish teenager (Logan Lerman) from Newark, N.J., enrolls in a Midwestern university and effectively avoids being drafted into the Korean war.
Check out some key words in the previous paragraph......intelligent adult audience......US !!!
This movie is playing currently at Burns Court..(Check for showtimes) Come and share your thoughts on Wednesday, Sept 7th at 7pm in the Lexow wing of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.