Cinematically, Yours
This Week’s Movie Reviews
Sweet Spot

I have a sweet spot for movies about people who work in the world of journalism and fashion. Subconsciously it might have been sparked by Hitchcock's REAR WINDOW. Grace Kelly (in dresses designed by the great Edith Head) is a fashion magazine editor, and a most willing accomplice to love interest James Stewart and his rear window sleuthing. From Meryl Streep as Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, to Isaac Mizrahi in the documentary UNZIPPED, each one a guilty pleasure for its display of other worldliness. Which brings me to THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ANDÉ, a wonderful profile of André Leon Talley, the former editor-at-large of Vogue. He looms large in the world of fashion and proves a most captivating subject for director Kate Novack. "Absorbing, deeply loving, frequently beautiful." -Variety. "Catnip for fashion buffs." -The Hollywood Reporter. "A fabulous fashion doc with a heart." -Entertainment Weekly

     Navigating troubled culture war waters with grace, humor and compassion, THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST pulls back the curtain on gay conversion camps and presents a sharply-observed portrait of characters richly imbued with human dignity. Chloe Grace Moretz stars as Cameron, an 11th grader shipped off to God's Promise, a boarding school that promises to "cure" her through therapy and prayer. Director Desiree Akhavan wisely avoids many of the predictable pitfalls of coming-of-age stories. "Deserves a wide and diverse audience." -The New York Times. "In its own modest way, it's one of the year's bravest films." "A humble, poignant, and extremely touching coming-of-age drama." -IndieWire

     I have yet to see THE BOOKSHOP, (but worked in one in 1978), and any film set in that milieu is heading in the right direction. Isabel Coixet also directed ELEGY (2008), a favorite film of mine starring Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz. THE BOOKSHOP is based on Penelope Fitzgerald's acclaimed novel and stars Emily Mortimer, Bill Nighy and Patricia Clarkson. "Gentle, charming." -The Seattle Times

     SUPPORT THE GIRLS, PUZZLE and BLACKkKLANSMAN all depart this Thursday. CRAZY RICH ASIANS moves to the Rosebud Friday for another week.

     Coming up next weekend - 9/21 - 9/23 - is the 19th Port Townsend Film Festival. Look for the program in this week's Leader or visit the festival website for the most up-to-date information. A grand time will be had by all.

--Rocky