Moon

As I've mentioned before (see Sunshine, Gattaca), there is far too little sci fi being created these days. Sure, there's soap opera in space (see Battlestar Galactica), there's western in space (see Firefly), and there's plenty of horror in space. I like all those types, too. But there's too little science fiction in the sense of the true masters. Sci fi is meant to push the boundaries of science, not necessarily a lot, but just a little, to create situations of tenuous morality. Then the science can be set aside and the story is about the people, and how mankind in its brilliance adapts and coexists.

Moon
2009, 97 minutes, directed by Duncan Jones

Objectified

I didn't notice that this was from the same director as Helvetica, a quality documentary from SXSW a few years past. He apparently, as he put it, "still had questions [he] wanted to explore about design."

This is a documentary style I like. Quality production, smooth pacing, a topic interesting yet unfamiliar, touching on cultural icons to which I readily relate. The directed did a wonderful job picking designers to feature.

From my notes, an enjoyable quote, from the designer of the Umbra trash can (of which we have two in our house): "There's been a million chairs designed. Why on earth is there an uncomfortable chair? There is no excuse."

And another quote, from another designer: Create a marketing campaign for things you already own. "Why not enjoy them today?"

I really liked this film, and I think my wife will like it a lot, too. Given his indication of a third design story underway, I look forward to completion of the trilogy.

Objectified
2009, 76 minutes, directed by Gary Hustwit

Creative Nonfiction

This morning I delved into the world of true zero-budget film, for a "comedy/drama" of brief proportions. I can blame no one but myself for this transgression, as I failed to watch the trailer, and gave myself very different expectations based on the promo blurb.

Despite how good this film may or may not be, I am not partial to uncomfortable situational drama. The very cringe-worthy bits are broken up slightly by solid comedic insights into life and relationships. I wish them all the best, but it's just not for me.

Creative Nonfiction
2009, 60 minutes, directed by Lena Dunham

Zift

This wasn't what I expected. For a midnight feature set in gritty Eastern Europe, I want to see dirt, grime, and a healthy application of violence. I got those things, but they were intertwined with a tale of desperation and loss and betrayal. There was much more narrative, and much less action, than I prefer. I forgot how depressing films from this region can be. The Soviet era still hangs over the satellite countries' cultures like a plague. Maybe they can't yet move on. But I'm ready to.

Zift
2008, 92 minutes, directed by Javor Gardev

Know Your Mushrooms

This being the latest documentary by the director of 2006's Tales of the Rat Fink, I should have realized what I would get: a topic barely stretched to feature length, with intermixed cheesy graphics reused a bit too much.

But past the documentary style, I found tidbits of story interesting. Larry Evans, the "Indiana Jones of mushroom hunters", does well in the film and seems equally genuine in person. The Maitake mushroom, grown in Japan and found to significantly repress tumor growth, sounds like a reasonable addition my diet, given my family history with cancer.

Set the DVR to record this when it shows up on the Documentary channel, and watch it while ironing clothes or doing your taxes. It will be suitably enjoyable given the context.

Know Your Mushrooms
2008, 74 minutes, directed by Ron Mann

The 2 Bobs

SXSW has come again, and with it a week of movies that I've never heard of but will see and, maybe, enjoy. The vacation situation at work leaves me with none, so I'm juggling evening/weekend films with a full-time job this year.

The opening night film, Love You Man, is one-too-many Paul Rudd / Jason Segal comedies for me, so instead I went for locally made, no-budget comedy The 2 Bobs. Filled with language and nudity and local Austin product placement, the film does tremendously well for its resources. Note "Samurai Sam" in Vertical Bob's office; his usual locale is the reception area of my wife's former employer.

The film is a bit disjointed, and filled just a little too much with stupid people doing nonsensical things in a panicked fashion, with gratuitous nudity and language . Horizontal Bob, Devin Ratray, said in the Q&A, "It's the only time I've been on a set, where the writer is embarrased to hear his own dialog." It's funy, but very local, very independent - not suitable for wide consumption.

The 2 Bobs
2009, 86 minutes (SXSW cut), directed by Tim McCanlies

Taken

I liked this film for several reasons. The action is very well paced; they hit the scenes again and again with vigor, and the audience loves it. It never seems senseless, without cause. There is always one, key, ultimate point: to get his daughter back.

This is a fine action film. Go see it while you can still enjoy the big screen and have an audience to share the impact.

Taken
2008, 93 minutes, directed by Pierre Morel