MIFF 2019 - Day 3

Amazing Grace

Aretha Franklin's lost concert film. The recording over two nights of her album of gospel music. It's pretty much just unbridled joy in the music. Lots of little moments showing the depth of feeling it evokes. Strangely Franklin herself seems almost a minor character, with the choir, pastor and audience taking centre stage for most of the film. But she's the reason they're all there, the heart of it. And when she takes over, it really is amazing.

The Art of Self Defense

Damn this was a good film. Pretty much the dictionary definition of deadpan, it's a rich and absurd take on Fight Club, skewering ideas of alpha masculinity and "toughness" mercilessly. The dialogue is hysterical, definitely worth checking out when it's inevitably released.

Monos

Gorgeously filmed, and with an equally incredible score, this is Lord of the Flies through the lens of child soldiers. It kinda loses its focus towards the end, and though you could call it "mysterious" or "elliptical" to cover that up. But it's an aesthetic experience more than a narrative or thematic one. On that measure, it's worth a look.

Friedkin Uncut

The man in his own words reflecting on a career directing some highly acclaimed films. This sort of doco rests on how interesting the guy talking is, and thankfully William Friedkin is a really engaging personality. It doesn't really add anything to your understanding of his films, but it's very entertaining.