Category Archives: Saturday Matinee

Saturday Matinee: Snowpiercer

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Snowpiercer (2013) is a film adaptation of French graphic novel Le Transperceneige by Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette directed by Bong Joon-ho (The Host, Mother, Haemoo). The majority of the movie takes place on a perpetually globe-spanning train containing the last surviving members of the human race after a geoengineering scheme creates an apocalyptic ice-age. Though the film has its share of plot holes (which become more apparent with repeat viewings), it remains the best cinematic metaphor for today’s dominant political/economic system. Snowpiercer also features outstanding performances from Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton, Octavia Spencer, John Hurt, and Ed Harris among others.

Watch the full film here.

(Note: annoying pop-up ad windows may need to be closed after clicking the “play” button.)

Saturday Matinee: Bully

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Bully (2001) is a film directed by Larry Clark (Kids) about teens in South Florida who murder a member of their clique after being emotionally, physically and sexually abused by him for years. Like a darker version of River’s Edge, it is also based on a real event; the 1993 murder of Bobby Kent committed by seven young adults including his best friend. Starring Brad Renfro, Bijou Phillips, Rachel Miner, Michael Pitt, Leo Fitzpatrick, Kelli Garner, and Nick Stahl.

 

Saturday Matinee: Casshern

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“Casshern” (2004) is a live-action adaptation of the anime of the same name written and directed by Kazuaki Kiriya. The story takes place during a period after a 50 year war in which a resistance movement regularly clashes with the military. When scientist Azuma’s soldier son Tetsuya is killed in battle, Azuma uses his research to bring him back to life. After learning the truth about supposed terrorists he was once ordered to kill, Tetsuya fights against the military with the aid of a prototype cyborg suit. The film is notable for strikingly anime-like special effects and action set pieces, atmospheric score, and poignant conclusion with a clearly pacifist message.

Watch the full movie with English subtitles here.

Saturday Matinee: Struggle

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From MentalRev Productions:

Struggle is a case study of the 2004 Presidential Election in Ohio, the deciding swing state which delivered the presidency once again to George W. Bush. Diligently researched by the key contributors to the film, Struggle is a bold film that challenges the legitimacy of that Presidential Election and brings the entire US electoral process into question.

This gripping documentary is filmed with a mix of expert testimony and first-hand accounts of voters whose votes were suppressed or manipulated, and community members who protested for election reform and justice in the State and National Capitals. This informative, engaging and tense film is told from a grass roots perspective, from the ground up, without the filters of mainstream media framing the dialogue. Filmed with a handheld style that reflects the intensity of the moment, this film identifies the practices of Individual and State entities to silence protest and manipulate elections in the United States.

This film was made without the resources of mainstream media or a highly funded political campaign. This is a grass roots film that speaks truth to power, with your help we will magnify that voice and demand free and fair elections for all Americans.

https://vimeo.com/50791629

Saturday Matinee: O Lucky Man!

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O Lucky Man! (1973) is anarchist director Lindsay Anderson’s epic follow-up to his film if…(1968). It’s at times a surreal and darkly humorous allegory for survival in capitalist society. Like if…, it stars Malcolm McDowell as Mick Travis but in a less rebellious mode selling coffee for a multinational corporation. Through hard experience (not unlike the trials of his character Alex in A Clockwork Orange), Mick learns the consequences of abandoning his principles and the true nature of the ruling class he aspires to join. Serving as the film’s “Greek chorus” are excellent songs from Alan Price interspersed through the film.

Saturday Matinee: X-Files “My Struggle”

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Though I was fascinated by the original X-Files in the 90s (especially the myth arc episodes), I had my doubts about the new mini-series until reading this compelling review/analysis of the first episode by esoteric researcher and super fan Christopher Knowles. After a recent viewing I felt he was pretty much on the mark and was glad the show’s creator Chris Carter was able to recapture the chemistry between the lead protagonists while forming an intriguing fictionalized narrative with elements of the parapolitical zeitgeist, just as he did with classic episodes of the past.

Watch the full episode and judge for yourself:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/896936

Saturday Matinee: Burn! (aka Queimada)

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“Burn!” (aka Queimada) (1969) is a film directed by Gillo Pontecorvo loosely based on a failed uprising in Guadalupe but also serves as an amalgamation of many incidents throughout the history of western exploitation of the global south. Marlon Brando stars as William Walker, a character named after the American filibuster but is a British agent in the film. He arrives in the fictional island of Queimada to foment a slave revolt against the Portuguese regime in order to install a government controlled by British plantation owners. A decade later, when an uprising occurs against the plantation-controlled regime, Walker is sent back to install an even more corporate-beholden government but things don’t go exactly as planned. Burn! features great performances from Marlon Brando and Evaristo Márquez in his debut role as a revolutionary leader. The film is also notable for its excellent direction by Pentecorvo (who previously directed The Battle of Algiers) and soundtrack by Ennio Morricone (best known for his music for films of Sergio Leone).