Best Worst Movie

No film starts out hoping to be terrible.  But, somehow, a very large number of very bad movies have been made and, unfortunately, seen.  This intriguing documentary tells the tale of one of those horrible films.

In 1989 an Italian director named Claudio Fragasso went to Utah to film a script written by his wife Rosella Drudi.  Using an incredibly small budget, local non-professional actors and almost no effects they created 'Troll 2'.  The finished film was never released for the big-screen.  It aired a few times on cable and then attempted to fade into oblivion.  But a small group of rabid fans have, one-by-one, convinced others to see this movie.  They found the lack of acting talent, effects or continuity to be endearing.  Slowly, over a decade, these fans found others who love this terrible movie.

Best Worst Movie attempts to provide some explanation for how this phenomenon occurred.  Filmmaker Michael Stephenson takes his cameras to showings of 'Troll 2'.  Showings, not on movie screens, but instead in comedy clubs, office buildings and bars.  Showings that are sold out by fans seeing the films for the 1st, 20th or 100th time.  The documentary goes on to follow 'Troll 2's adult star George Hardy from his hometown in Alabama as he attends screenings around America.  Screenings where he is treated as a "star" with photo and autograph requests and standing ovations.

Stephenson brings a unique perspective to this documentary.  You see the director of Best Worst Movie played Joshua Waits, the young boy who is at the center of 'Troll 2', as a youngster.  He thought it was going to be his "big break" and that he would be a movie star.  Movie stardom was not to be, but Stephenson has made a compelling documentary.  This documentary is so engrossing that I have ordered a copy of 'Troll 2' for my own viewing.  It has been on many a worst-film list and I have  always avoided seeing it, but now is the time.

Even if you choose to avoid 'Troll 2' I highly recommend you enjoy this entertaining documentary.

Filmed in 2009, directed by Michael Stephenson, featuring George Hardy, Erika Anderson, Darren Ewing and Jason Steadman.

Stranded:I've come from a plane that crashed on the mountain

In 1972 a plane carrying an Uruguayan rugby team crashed on its way to Chile. Most of the crew and passengers survived the crash and attempted survive. This films is a compilation of interviews with some of the survivors.

Stranded is one of the most interesting documentaries I have seen in some time. By giving us the first person perspective of that terrible crash and ordeal I felt personally involved in the struggle. This story was first told in the Piers Paul Read book 'Alive' which was then made into a 1993 theatrical release starring Ethan Hawke. This documentary shares the interviews with the survivors as they tell the story in their own words along with some excellent recreations.  It also includes some of the actual photos taken by those survivors at their camp high in the Andes as well as some news footage of their rescue and eventual confession of the horrors they endured.

Documentaries have the ability to tell a story in way that transfers emotion and situation that no drama can. This terrific and intense film gives us almost more emotion that one can take. To see people talk of the difficulty in considering cannibalism vs. starvation, life vs. death, sacrilege vs. faith is, at times, difficult to take. But the strength and openness showed by the survivors is a story that is, ultimately, life affirming. I highly recommend this outstanding film.

The writer/director Gonzalo Arijon understands the power of the narrative and allows the participants to speak for themselves. They take some of the survivors, along with their families, back to the crash site to further illustrate the event. Arijon is better known for his socialist leader's study 'Eyes Wide Open', but this is his best work.

Filmed in 2007, written and directed by Gonzalo Arijon, starring some of the survivors of the Andean plane crash.  It is in Spanish with sub-titles.

Obscene

The free flow of books, ideas and information today is due, in no small part, to the efforts of Barney Rossett.  Mr. Rossett was the publisher/owner of Grove Press and The Evergreen Review.  During the 1950s Grove Press fought long-running legal battles to publish, in America, books like Henry Miller's 'Tropic of Cancer' and, later, the works of William S. Burroughs like 'Naked Lunch'. Grove and Evergreen also introduced writers like Samuel Beckett (they published 'Waiting for Godot'), Pablo Neruda, Octavio Paz, Kenzaburo Oe and, my personal favorite, Eugene Ionesco.  For his efforts, Rossett fought decades of lawsuits and arrests for publishing these materials.  Later, Grove introduced some films like 'I am Curious:Yellow' and added a fight for cinematic freedom as well.

Miller's works were already sold in Europe, but were banned in the United States.  They were considered "obscene".  Rossett was introduced to these works on trips to Europe.  He decided that they should be available in America.  In a day and age when you can get almost anything on Amazon.com it is important to remember that only 50 years ago owning or selling these books would get you arrested. 

As Grove would publish these books they had to fight legal battles as they were confiscated in many different states or cities.  He practically bankrupted himself in the legal battle for freedom of the press.  We give awards and medals to heroic individuals and I believe Mr. Rossett deserves one as well.

Obscene is a simple documentary that tells the story of Rossett's life-long commitment to freedom.  There are interviews with many authors and compatriots.  There is also a look at the efforts of the FBI to close him down.  Directors Daniel O'Connor and Neil Ortonberg let the players tell the story in their own words.  I found many nuggets of interesting, off-beat and compelling details in this fascinating story.

Filmed in 2007, directed by Daniel O'Connor and Neil Ortonberg, starring Barney Rossett, featuring appearances by John Waters, Gore Vidal, Erica Jong, Ray Manzarek, Al Goldstein, John Sayles and many other celebrities of writing and film.

Under Our Skin

"There's no medicine for someone like you."



Can you imagine? Being so sick that you can't walk nor even control your actions. You go to see your doctor, then 5 more, then a dozen more and all of them say the same thing. "You're faking it. Go see a shrink. You have already been cured." The frustration and fear of Lyme's disease patients are palpable throughout this fine documentary. Lyme's Disease is named for a small town in Connecticut where the diligent work of a resident, who noticed all the illness in her neighborhood, forced doctors and researchers to investigate. We now know that ticks, primarily deer ticks, transmit this disease through biting humans. What I did not know is how devastating it can be if left untreated/undiagnosed.

Director Andy Abrahams Wilson does a terrific job of conveying these extremely difficult situations with this film. There is lots of footage of patients from around the country telling their very personal stories. They describe the horrors of the disease, the difficulty in getting diagnosed and treated and how they have to travel thousands of miles to find any doctor who is willing to help. Wilson also attempts to expose some of the hypocrisy of doctors and insurance companies as they fight to protect their own patents and income.

This movie is well-filmed, interestingly edited and compelling to the viewer. It also quite maddening! When you see doctors with God Complexes telling people who can't walk that "it's all in your head" or "you are a pretty girl. Can't you get attention some other way?" you may wish to strike something. But that shows the power of Wilson's work with Under Our Skin.

Take a long look at this film, just don't keep anything breakable nearby. It may not survive.

Filmed in 2008, directed by Andy Abrahams Wilson.

Mugabe and the White African

Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe said "then let me be Hitler tenfold" in a speech in 2003. That sums up Mugabe in one of his own sentences.

This intriguing documentary follows the story of a farmer who is fighting the Mugabe regime's efforts to take his farm and give it to important members of the government. We learn how all the farm owned by white people are being confiscated to be "redistributed" to those with powerful connections. All the surrounding black-owned farms are being left alone, only those owned by whites are being overrun. Mike Campbell, the farm owner, is fighting, in a multi-national court to keep his home and land. He bought the farm from the Mugabe government over 20 years ago, but they no longer recognize that sale. He employs over 500 people, primarily blacks, but the farm needs to be transferred for "justice".

This is a strong story of racism, governmental abuse and the never-ending saga of individuals attempting to live their lives without interference. The film makers took great personal risk in filming this story. It is both illegal and dangerous to show-up Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party. Mugabe runs the country, like any petty dictator, with slogans about justice all-the-while abusing his own citizens and getting rich off the backs of the people.



Mugabe and the White African is a powerful story. There are squeamish moments for the viewer, but the life of the Campbell's, and many other Zimbabweans, should be seen by the world.

In 1980 Stevie Wonder, in his song 'Master Blaster', sang "Peace has come to Zimbabwe". I'm sorry, but it is now 2011 and that is still not true.

Filmed in 2009, directed by Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson.

Touching the Void

Stunning documentary about a mountain climbing expedition gone horribly wrong. Two friends, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, have been climbing together for years. They decide to attempt to become the first climbers to make it to the summit of Siula Grande, in Peru, by ascending the west face. Others have tried, but no one has succeeded. This beautiful film tells the tale of their successful ascent and tragedy filled descent.


Director Kevin Macdonald returns to the "scene of the crime" for filming Touching the Void. The natural beauty and majesty of the Peruvian Andes, with its peaks, valleys, glaciers and rugged cliff faces are the true star of this film. By taking us back to the actual location of the climb we are propelled into the story as if we were there. But I am most glad that I was not there. The story of the climbers, elated upon reaching the peak only to become lost in a blizzard soon thereafter, is so intense that I found myself leaning forward, on the edge of my seat, amazed at the events as they unfold. Having the participants tell the story, in the first person, just adds to the verisimilitude.



I must also give credit to cinematographer Mike Eley. The shots of the mountain, cliffs, glaciers, blizzards and the splendor of the Andes make this a magnificent treat for your eyes. This is a powerful story that needs no embellishment. The harrowing climb/decent filled with dangers and beauty make for an amazing film!

I have been on a bit of a mountaineering binge of late. A few months ago I wrote a piece about a magnificent film 'North Face' (see my article here) and I have just acquired the Clint Eastwood flick 'The Eiger Sanction' for future viewing. It seems that every few years a new film about climbing adventures surfaces. From the cheesetastic 'Cliffhanger' to classics like Spencer Tracy in 'The Mountain' you can find many interesting films and some great climbing sequences. For all you classic buffs, 'The Mountain' is finally coming out of DVD. It will be out in 3 weeks!



Filmed in 2003, directed by Kevin Macdonald, starring Joe Simpson and Simon Yates. For more details and info check-out Joe Simpson's book 'Touching the Void'. It is filled with many fascinating stories and details left out of the film.

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Tyson

Fabulous documentary that provides an in-depth look at boxing great Mike Tyson. Tyson is undergoing a bit of a resurgence now. He is filming 'The Hangover 2' and received nice comments about his work in 'The Hangover'. While that film is one of the funniest of the decade, this film is intense and very personal.

Tyson provides a great deal of personal information for this documentary. He has a "no-holds barred" approach and is both honest and self-critical. I have a much different opinion for Tyson after viewing this film. Writer/Director James Toback deserves credit for allowing Tyson to tell his own story. We see the highs of his boxing career sink to the lows of his rape conviction, bankruptcy and public humiliation. The end of the film, in which Tyson speaks about his own desire to change and improve, is moving. I know Tyson the boxer, but now I feel I know, at least a little, Tyson the person.



One moment that I found particularly enlightening. Tyson sued his boxing promoter Don King. He does not speak well of King. The court awarded Tyson a large sum of money, but Tyson does not know how much. "20 million or maybe 30 million dollars". He is not sure. But he is sure that it "wasn't much money". Perhaps to Mr. Tyson that's not much money, but to me it sounds pretty good!

Tyson is an insightful documentary that was nominated for many critical awards. I believe you will find much of interest in this strong film.

Filmed in 2008, written and directed by James Toback, starring Mike Tyson, Cus D'Amato, Mills Lane and many boxing greats.

The Art of the Steal

This 2009 documentary not only fascinated me, but it enraged me. It is the story of the fantastic art collection of Dr. Barnes. Dr. Barnes passed away in 1951 and was one of the first Americans to bring post-impressionist and modern art over from Europe. In the early 1920s he organized a showing of his large collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. That exhibit was ridiculed and insulted by the established art world in and around Philadelphia. He then created an art school, moved his collection to a large mansion in the suburbs and sheltered it from large public displays. Upon his death his only request was that the art "never be moved or sold" and that it not be shown to large crowds.

Fast-forward to the 1990s. Now his collection is one of the most revered in the world. The Philadelphia art establishment that ridiculed and insulted him now want to get their greedy, grubby paws on all that art. Lawyers are hired, stooges are put in place, trusts are busted and wills are ignored. Oh well, who cares? Dr. Barnes is dead and the powerful and famous want the art.


The Art of the Steal documents the history and future of this fabulous art collection. As I said, I got a little angry while viewing this film. My wife left the room and told me not to tell her what happens. But, in many ways, that is the sign of a great documentary. I think you too will be angry, frustrated and/or sad by the goings-on documented here. One thing you won't be is bored!

One note about the Dr. Barnes collection. I have traveled to many parts of the world to see great, and not-so-great, art. I have never seen this collection and would love to. But, I respect the wishes of the man who worked so hard to put this collection together more than I desire to see the art. A dying man's wishes, spelled out to the letter in his will, should be followed.

The collection is perhaps the greatest private art collection in the world. It contains, among other pieces:

181 pieces by Renoir, 69 by Cezanne, 59 by Matisse, 46 by Picasso, 21 by Soutine, 18 by Rousseau, 16 by Modigliani, 11 by Degas, 7 by Van Gogh, 6 by Seurat as well as pieces by El Greco, Gaugin, Manet, Goya and Chirico. Amazing.

Made in 2009, directed by Don Argott.

Man on Wire

In 1974, Philippe Petit and 5 accomplices snuck into the World Trade Center towers 1 & 2. Under the cover of darkness they strung a cable between the two buildings. After the morning light of dawn arrived Petit began walking on that wire. He proceed to wirewalk, at over 1,300 feet, between the buildings 8 times. Upon returning to the roof of tower 1 he was promptly arrested. This documentary is the story of his life and of the planning, staging and results of this daring adventure.

Film maker James Marsh does a wonderful job of weaving interviews, home movies, recreations and home movies to tell this fascinating tale. The film that Petit and his team took from the top of the towers is worth the price of admission alone. Marsh and editor Jinx Godfrey do a wonderful job of weaving this tale for our benefit. But it is wirewalker Petit that is, of course, the star. He tells the story with a joy that was gained by being free from the Earth as he walked that wire.

Man on Wire won the Oscar for Best Documentary in 2009. Deservedly so! Petit wrote an intriguing book, 'To Reach the Clouds', upon which much of this film is based. If you find the documentary interesting, which I most certainly did, then I suggest you obtain the book as well.

Street Fight

This is a fabulous documentary about the race for Mayor of Newark, New Jersey in 2002. The election pitted City Councilman Cory Booker against the 4 term, incumbent Sharpe James. As this documentary shows, James headed a powerful and corrupt political machine that brought to bear its full weight in an effort to defeat Councilman Booker. It is amazing to see such corruption and election distortion in modern America. At one point the film shows an editorial from a newspaper entitled 'Newark, Zimbabwe'. While I know that all kinds of intimidation and distortion happen in all elections, to see it, on video, happening in New Jersey is quite enraging. I found myself surprised, angry and disappointed that such things still occur. When city workers, on the taxpayer payroll, use city equipment to remove and destroy the Mayor's election opponent's signs and billboards I was quite disturbed. That they did it in front of cameras and in spite of a court order made it enraging.


Film maker Marshall Curry does a fantastic job of removing himself from the documentary. He was threatened, repeatedly, by police and city officials for videotaping the Mayor (in public!). Yet he continued to keep the focus of the film upon Booker, James and the election itself. He was nominated for an Academy Award for this outstanding film. I believe that you too will be amazed, and a little outraged, at the unbelievable lies, corruption and intimidation that occur. One element featured is the black-on-black racism. Mayor James repeatedly attacks Councilman Booker for not being black enough. Although Booker is African-American, he is light-skinned and educated at top universities. This makes his "street credibility" suspect and, therefore, open to attack by the darker-skinned Mayor. Street Fight is one fantastic documentary!

Look for quick cameos by Bill Clinton, Spike Lee, Al Sharpton, Bill Bradley, Chris Christie, Cornell West, Jesse Jackson and other politicians and celebrities as the local election gains steam and national attention.

Filmed in 2002, written, filmed and directed by Marshall Curry.

Joan Rivers A Piece of Work

This film is currently in theatres. Go see this terrific documentary before it disappears.


Wonderful documentary about a year in the life of Joan Rivers. Ms. Rivers is best known today for her jewelry lines on QVC and her red-carpet work. But for over 40 years she has been a ground-breaking comedienne. She is very talented, hard-working and freakin' funny. I am old enough to remember her from 'The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson'. As a youngster I was much more interested in her hosting the show than Carson.

This film follows Rivers for a year. We see some of her triumphs and setbacks with what seems like unlimited access. The documentary makes two points that resonate with me. One, she works hard! She is always looking for gigs. Her assistant points out that Rivers is depressed if she has a day with only one event. She likes to have 3 or 4 jobs every day. Two, Rivers is under appreciated for all the work she has done. She was one of the first women who made their mark in the world of stand-up comedy. Kathy Griffin explains this very point in the film.

The movie shows her doing her comic work and her personal/business life. Both are interesting. Go see this terrific documentary. On a personal note:I was, by far, the youngest person in the theatre. Hopefully some younger viewers will take in this film.

Filmed in 2009, directed by Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg, staring Joan Rivers and featuring Melissa Rivers, Don Rickles, Kathy Griffin and Emily Kosloski.

The September Issue

Fascinating documentary about the creation and publishing of the most important fashion magazine in the world, the September issue of Vogue. Director R.J. Cutler was allowed amazing access into the world of fashion publicity. He provides us with insight into the production of the industry's leader and the people who produce the magazine. Depth of character, interesting details and, perhaps, a new found respect for the fashion industry are all contained in The September Issue.

The documentary focuses most upon two individuals. Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief, and Grace Coddington, the creative director, of American Vogue. Ms. Wintour comes across as a cold, business-first executive and Ms. Coddington shows her creative side and much more concern for the people involved. Each are very different, but they have put together the industry's dominant force. Those differences are highlighted within this documentary. If Wintour sounds like the Meryl Streep character in 'The Devil Wears Prada' it is because Streep's character was modeled on Ms. Wintour. Streep's Miranda Priestly shows much of the same character traits as Wintour. But in this documentary Wintour shows some of her personal/vulnerable side. Not much, but enough to make her real.


This is a terrific documentary about fashion, the publishing business and drive. Both of the film's focus have dedicated their lives to an industry that they love. And I loved this film.

Filmed in 2009, directed by R.J. Cutler, featuring the staff of Vogue.

The Thin Blue Line

I got so angry and frustrated watching this fascinating documentary. Could no one see that Randall Adams was innocent? Why was he on death row in Texas? Why would the police trust the word of a many-time repeat offender and use such zeal in prosecuting this man? The vitriol began to spill from my lips as the film continued. We live in a wonderful country and still innocent people are being sent to their deaths.

Any time a movie can stir up such emotion it must be seen. I had avoided The Thin Blue Line because I knew many of the details. I wasn't comfortable with those details and knew that they would be difficult to watch. However, I am now very glad that I have seen this magnificent documentary. Director Errol Morris spent two-and-a-half years filming all the main players he could get to appear. He then recreated the scene of the crime from each of their perspectives. Each new witness, lawyer, police officer or defendant added new information. This movie plays like a mystery that has its secrets revealed.


The documentary follows the story of Randall Adams. He had been convicted of murdering a police officer, in Dallas, Texas, and sentenced to death. He had maintained his innocence before, during and after his trial. The police spent almost a month hunting down the "cop killer" before a multi-time criminal named Adams as the shooter. He only volunteered this information after being caught for more crimes and was facing another stint in jail. Director Morris painstakingly interviews both Adams and his accuser, many police officers that were involved, the judge that oversaw the trial and Adams' defense lawyers. The Thin Blue Line is the result of all that amazing work.

Please don't let the powerful emotions scare you away from this terrific film. Yes, it creates strong emotions, but we all should be aware of what is still going on within the justice system. Rent, buy, netflix, somehow obtain this movie.

Filmed in the mid-80s, directed by Errol Morris, starring the actual participants. Errol Morris would go on to win an Academy Award for his wonderful documentary 'The Fog of War'. That is also excellent.

The King of Kong

For the last few years friends had been telling me to watch this movie. Since it is about a couple of video gamers attempting to break the Donkey Kong world record, I didn't think it would be interesting. Boy, was I wrong! Director Seth Gordon has made a fantastic film that is entertaining and inspiring. From the subject matter I had thought this film would be all geeks and little compelling story or characters. Instead I found real human beings with hopes, loves and aspirations. Perhaps, sometimes, we quickly place people into stereotypes. This documentary helped remind me that everyone is unique and has some story to tell.

The film focuses upon the efforts to break the world records in different classic video games. Gordon edits the film to make it a classic good vs. evil storyline. Steve Wiebe, a teacher from the Seattle area, buys a Donkey Kong game and puts it in his garage. He then focuses way too much time and energy into becoming the world's greatest by breaking the longest standing video game record. That record is held by Billy Mitchell and has been in place for 25 years. When Wiebe finally breaks the record he sends in a tape of the effort to be certified by Twin Galaxies. They are the "official" guarantor that world records are real. Upon certification Wiebe becomes a bit of a local celebrity. But then the intrigue begins. Charges of "cheating" come in and his record is revoked. He then begins a quest to clear his name and recapture the world record.


Billy Mitchell, in the role of the bad guy, is terrific. Quoting every Tony Robbins cliche about success and motivation, he refuses to meet Wiebe nor face him in a live event. He lives behind his "champion" facade and puts down those who question him. The film's focus upon this "clash of the titans" is an excellent choice. While many of the people in this film have some element of geek or nerd, the story of a science teacher battling the gaming establishment is straight from mythology. Only the type of battlefield separates it from Perseus vs. Medusa. But Mitchell shows his human side as well. He helps an 80 year old woman from Florida continue her quest to become the world record holder in Q-Bert. Good for you Doris! Mitchell also appears to be a successful businessman with a line of hot sauces and a restaurant. Not bad for a game "nerd".

There are many interesting characters. Along with everyman Wiebe and establishment Mitchell, the staff at Twin Galaxies is a study in dedication. They have been certifying world records in video games for decades for no money. Just the love of gaming and the quest for perfection. When the founder gets a call from the Guinness Book of World Records asking them to be the official arbiter of video games I was excited for them.

The King of Kong is edited wonderfully and directed with an easy, flowing style. Please don't let this warm and uplifting documentary's video game subject matter keep you from enjoying this film. I did to my detriment. I am glad I finally enjoyed this terrific film.

Filmed in 2005-2007, directed by Seth Gordon. There are new events in this story since the release of the film. Drop me a line at stevethemovieguy@gmail.com if you want the update.

Pumping Iron

This documentary covers the epic battle between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno for the 1975 Mr. Olympia title. Pumping Iron covers a 4 month buildup as bodybuilders throughout the world prepared for the finals in Pretoria, South Africa. While everyone in the movie is built, somehow Arnold appears bigger and better than everyone else.

It is fascinating to see these two future stars in their "natural" environment. Arnold is a five-time defending champion who, at age 28, is tops of the bodybuilding world. Schwarzenegger is about to shift from competitive bodybuilding to starring in movies. The "Terminator" to be exudes charm and personality throughout his workouts and public appearances. He excites the crowd and gathers the fans no matter where he is. Ferrigno is the up-and-coming challenger. Ferrigno is 24 and about to burst upon the bodybuilding world and, in a few years, would be forever known for his role on 'The Incredible Hulk' television show.

Filmmakers George Butler and Robert Fiore captured over 100 hours of workouts, appearances and interviews in the months before the final. They do an excellent job of presenting what could otherwise be very boring material (guys lifting weights). The attention to personality and detail make this an informative and intriguing documentary.

As I watched this movie, while eating some Mac and Cheese, I felt like getting back in the gym and pumping iron again. To me, that is the sign of an excellent film!

Filmed in 1975, directed by George Butler and Robert Fiore, based on the book by George Butler and Charles Gaines, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert Katz and Lou Ferrigno.

Amazing Journey:The Story of The Who

Amazing Journey is an amazing documentary about The Who. As frequent readers know, The Who is my favorite band. Just read my previous blog about 'Quadrophenia'. This documentary covers the band from their days in school through over 40 years of concerts. The film is rich with music history and includes lots of never-seen-before footage. There are also interviews with rock icons who were/are heavily influenced by The Who. Sting, The Edge and Eddie Vedder are featured discussing the influence The Who had upon their music and lives.




The film footage is fantastic. I have seen almost everything ever done by or about The Who and this documentary contains tons of original moments. The interviews with musicians, family members and the band's managers are revealing. Amazing Journey:The Story of The Who is great.

Long Live The Who!



Filmed over 40+ years, directed by Murray Lerner and Paul Crowder, starring Pete Townshend, Keith Moon, John Entwistle and Roger Daltry.

Harlan County U.S.A.

After viewing the fictional coal miners in 'How Green was my Valley' I decided to check out the real thing. This film is one of the most gut-wrenching and powerful documentaries I have seen. Harlan County U.S.A. is the academy award winner for Best Documentary that chronicles the 3 year struggle for union representation for coal miners in Harlan County, Kentucky. Their battle took place in the early 70's and became a national event. The filmmakers were granted full access to the union organizers in chronicling their efforts. They observed meetings in halls, rallies in churches and they visited homes throughout the region. Filmmakers also labored to record and preserve the rich history of song that miners and organizers wrote and sung about their conditions. There is a CD that contains much of this folk music history.

This film has amazing footage of the desperate conditions in which many of these miners and their families lived. It is stupefying that these conditions existed in the U.S., not in some undeveloped country. The mine provided housing to workers that had no electricity, heat or running water. There is fantastic footage of the President of the mine company complaining that the strike has interfered with the company's plans to upgrade the housing. As the dispute grew longer the tactics became more violent. Beatings, intimidation and shootings became frequent. A mine accident that kills 78 people galvanizes the press and the workers in their fight for better pay and working conditions.

The people who labored for years to make this documentary deserve all the credit anyone can possibly earn. Faced with physical and psychological intimidation themselves, they persevered in their fight to show the world what was happening.

Harlan County U.S.A. is unnerving, powerful, intimidating, depressing and uplifting all in one experience. Don't miss it.

Filmed in 1972-1976, directed by Barbara Kopple, written and starring the people of Harlan County, Kentucky.

Hearts of Darkness

Excellent documentary on the making of Francis Ford Coppola's epic Apocalypse Now. Unprecedented access into the making of a major motion picture with hours of footage provided by Coppola's wife Eleanor. Documentary also includes interviews, filmed a decade later, with Francis and Eleanor Coppola, Martin Sheen, Vittorio Storaro, Laurence Fishburne and others.

The filming and production of Apocalypse Now is as much an epic as the final film. A typhoon destroyed all the sets, Martin Sheen has a major heart attack in the middle of filming, Harvey Keitel is replaced as the lead, Marlon Brando refuses to cooperate, the Philippine Army yanks all the helicopters, and Coppola has to put up his own money to see the film finished. A 100 day schedule balloons into 238 days of intense filming.

Most intriguing is the parallel between the script and Coppola's experiences filming. His own self-doubt and the constant strain as writer/director push him into a kind of madness that is reflected in the main character Willard (Martin Sheen). It is only through force of will that the film is finished. And it is only through that same force that Willard can complete the mission onscreen. Coppola and Willard share an obsession that sees them through unbearable pressures.

One warning. The documentary is rated R primarily due to the footage of a native animal sacrifice scene. While the footage lasts less than a minute it is accurate and somewhat disturbing. You may wish to fast forward through the scene.

Filmed in 1976-77 with additional footage shot in the late 80's, directed and written by Fax Bahr and George Hickenlooper.