ACADEMY AWARDS SNUBS POLITICAL FILMS AGAIN Political films have often been nominated for Academy Awards as Best Picture, but they rarely get the votes. Gladiator, the winner for the year 2000, raised far less political consciousness than Erin Brockovich and Traffic,which were also nominated for best picture. From 1986-2000, some 25 films have received both […]
Political Film Review #100 Read More »
JEAN-JACQUES ANNAUD HONORS THE MEMORY OF THE SNIPER OF STALINGRAD When Nazi Germany was at the pinnacle of its power in 1942, the only adversary left on the European continent was the Soviet Union, and the path to German control of the oil-rich Caucasus lay through the city of Stalingrad. Now Jean-Jacques Annaud, whose Seven
Enemy at the Gates Read More »
JEAN-JACQUES ANNAUD HONORS THE MEMORY OF THE SNIPER OF STALINGRAD When Nazi Germany was at the pinnacle of its power in 1942, the only adversary left on the European continent was the Soviet Union, and the path to German control of the oil-rich Caucasus lay through the city of Stalingrad. Now Jean-Jacques Annaud, whose Seven
Political Film Review #99 Read More »
DOWN TO EARTH PATRONIZES AFRICAN AMERICANS In Down to Earth, Lance Barton (played by Chris Rock) is trying to make it as a comedian at the Apollo Club in Harlem, but he just has not developed the knack. All of a sudden, while distracted by a pretty woman, he is killed by a passing truck,
BEST POLITICAL FILMS OF THE YEAR 2000 ANNOUNCED The Political Film Society Board of Directors met today, counted ballots cast by members, and certified the following winners in four categories: DEMOCRACY. Sunshine, directed by István Szabó. EXPOSÉ. Before Night Falls, directed by Julian Schnabel. HUMAN RIGHTS. Remember the Titans, directed by Boaz
Political Film Review #98 Read More »
ANTITRUST PUBLICIZES THE OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE MOVEMENT The film AntiTrust clearly purports to be an exposé of someone more ruthless than Bill Gates; interestingly, Sun Microsystems and Linux were consulted for the movie. Directed by Peter Howitt, the protagonist is Milo Hoffman (played by Ryan Phillippe), who has followed up his graduation from Stanford to
POLITICAL FILM SOCIETY AWARD BALLOTTING CONTINUES During January, Political Film Society members reduced the many films nominated for awards during the year 2000 to five nominations per category. The final ballot was sent out on February 3. To obtain a copy, go to the Political Film Society website. ANTITRUST PUBLICIZES THE OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE MOVEMENT
Political Film Review #97 Read More »
NOMINATIONS FOR POLITICAL FILM SOCIETY AWARDS NARROWED TO FIVE PER CATEGORY During January, Political Film Society members reduced the many films nominated for awards during the year 2000 to five nominations per category. The final ballot below has a threefold choice—yes, no, or undecided. To refresh your memory, consult reviews posted during 2000. FINAL BALLOT
Political Film Review #96 Read More »
In Training Day, Jake Hoyt (played by Ethan Hawke) is a rookie cop assigned to an experienced undercover narcotics detective, Alonzo Harris (played by Denzil Washington), whose efforts account for 15,000 man-years in sentences over a thirteen-year career. At 5 A.M., Hoyt is awakened by an alarm, and his wife Lisa (played by Charlotte Ayanna) prepares
Americans are accustomed to equate Mexican food with enchiladas, tamales, tortillas, refried beans, and Spanish rice with hot sauce. But that is actually Tex-Mex food. In the film Tortilla Soup, directed by María Ripoll, the real Mexican cuisine is beautifully presented at meal after meal. We even see how the food, including tortilla soup, is