“The more that humans share with me, the more I learn.” This is the somewhat ominous voiceover, sourced from the Microsoft AI robot Tay, that opens Shalini Kantayya’s equally ominous documentary, Coded Bias. This line is ostensibly supposed to reassure us that robots rely on human inputs in order to function and only through increased […]
Warren Sprouse
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Within these walls: Belonging, change and ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’
Joe Talbot’s film — his first — is a collaboration between the director and his friend/scriptwriter/main character Jimmie Fails, who tells a story at least partly autobiographical about changes to the city of San Francisco and the struggles that members of its lower classes face as they adapt.
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A valuable ally and a cunning enemy: Intrigue and rivalry shine in Lanthimos’ ‘The Favourite’
As with most of Lanthimos’ work, ‘The Favourite’ really defies category. Though the historical setting is inseparable from the narrative of the film, to call this a historical drama would clearly be wrong — the choreography, the foul-mouthed modern insults and the mostly casual regard for historical accuracy would all disqualify it.
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‘At Eternity’s Gate’ is a well-worn story worth the retelling
‘At Eternity’s Gate,’ now playing at FilmScene, offers little new to the lore and legacy of van Gogh. Nonetheless, an homage to one of the very founders of modern art — as well as the idea of the modern artist — by one of its 21st century practitioners feels right, and Schnabel’s admiration for his subject informs every moment of this film.
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‘Tag’ — a ridiculous pretext for a serious project
You have seen a version of this movie before, but American cinema in the summertime is nothing if not generous. If you need to step out from the pool for a few hours to watch Tag in air-conditioned comfort, then by all means do it.
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ICDOCS focused on process, observation
This past weekend saw the 2018 version of the Iowa City International Documentary Film Festival, sponsored by the University of Iowa and directed by Emily Drummer, with collaboration by Film Scene, the UI Dept of Cinematic Arts and a host of local sponsors.
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‘Moonlight’ in Miami: The new coming-of-age film is powerfully quiet
Moonlight FilmScene — through Thursday, Dec. 1 Loud American cars can sometimes suggest loud, American problems. The opening scenes of Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight feature Mahershala Ali as Juan, a high-placed drug dealer, rolling onto a typical drug corner in a growling, powder blue Chevy Impala with massive rims and an equally massive cd collection mounted […]
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‘Morris from America’ comes of age, globally
Morris from America FilmScene — opens Friday, Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m. In a lot of ways, Germany is just like us. About half our language we stole from them; we have both embraced immigration as generally enriching, but with very similar misgivings; their Holocaust is a lot like our slavery; we both love sausage; […]
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Island life: Two films, one fresh at FilmScene, seek emotional rescue and explore isolation
In 2010, Judith Scharansky, a graphic designer who grew up in East Germany and was thus restricted in her ability to travel abroad, published a book called Atlas of Remote Islands: 50 Islands I Have Never Set Foot on and Never Will. In this small but entertaining volume, she reminds us that “paradise is an […]
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The Eggshell Aunt: Edward Shults’ ‘Krisha’ shows family at its holiday worst
Krisha Film Scene — Opens Friday, Apr. 15 From a distance, your family Thanksgiving may not look all that different from that of director Trey Edward Shults, as portrayed in Krisha, his debut feature. Your family might similarly assign the men to the living room to monitor sporting events while the women huddle in the […]
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Oscars Round Up: Newcomer Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat is “astonishing” in ‘Theeb’
The LV film team offers up a peek at some of the nominees for the upcoming Academy Awards. Be sure to read the first in this series, John Rigby’s review of ’45 Years.’ Also, check out the article from Issue 193 on the Englert/FilmScene Hollywood Live! party. Today, Warren Sprouse reviews Best Foreign Film nominee […]
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Talking Movies: ‘The Yes Men are Revolting’ takes on climate change
Film is only one weapon in the arsenal of the artist-activists behind ‘The Yes Men’ series. Laura Nix’s documentary ‘The Yes Men Are Revolting’ continues…
