A.O. Scott of The New York Times, as I've mentioned before, is one of my favorite film critics, and this is why: [MARTIN EDEN is] "An absolute blast. Includes documentary footage, wealthy decadence, left-wing politics, angry speeches (in Italian!), beautiful women, square-jawed men, quotations from Baudelaire, and the heroic deployment of manual typewriters, hand-rolled cigarettes, ascots and Volvo sedans. Everything I love in movies, more or less." Indeed, the movie is sprawling, epic, and a throwback to '70s-era historical Italian cinema. Based on the novel by Jack London. Winner, Best Actor, Luca Marinelli, Venice Film Festival. Order takeout from Lanza's, and buon appetito e film!
Two more excellent music documentaries join our long musical line-up this Friday. HARRY CHAPIN: WHEN IN DOUBT, DO SOMETHING reveals a side of the famous singer-songwriter that I was never aware of. The Award-winning artist spent his fame and fortune chasing a dream to end world hunger and poverty, and in the process inspired, changed, and saved the lives of millions of people. This is a story and a film not to be missed. [Harry Chapin] "cast a giant shadow across the culture." -Movie Nation
The tag line for WHITE RIOT is, "The untold story of how a motley crew of punks stood up against racism." It happened 44 years ago, but this spirited, engaging story has contemporary echoes with Black Lives Matter. Rock Against Racism gave voice to the voiceless in the UK and across Europe, becoming a grassroots youth movement. WHITE RIOT is a moment in time when music changed the world, when a generation challenged the status quo. It's Woodstock meets the March on Washington, punk-style. "WHITE RIOT left me with a sense of hope that I haven't felt for a long time. The barrage of bad news that follows us at every waking hour, and the dominance of racist rhetoric can make us feel powerless. But if there's any one message to be taken [from this film], it's the belief that a group of punks and reggae fans could unite to fight back against hatred in the 70s, anyone could do the same now." -British Film Institute
Cider & Cinema: Each week Finnriver will be pairing one of their wonderful, delicious ciders with one of our streaming movies. For information on their weekly pairings, please visit their Instagram page.
Pop-up popcorn on sale this Saturday, October 17th, 2:00-5:00
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Phoca vitulina richardii. I have called Port Townsend home for 38 years, and here is one reason why I continue to. I took up sculling 21 years ago, and last week when I was rounding the southern tip of Rat Island, across the bay from Port Townsend, I heard what sounded like a large wave crashing ashore; most unusual, given how protected the eastern side of the island is. But it wasn't a wave. It was a pod of more than 40 frolicking harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii). They submerged and surfaced, surrounded my tiny boat, and snuffled (or perhaps laughed) at me. It felt like home.
Cinematically yours,
Rocky