A fascinating documentary that tracked the rise and fall of the powerful lobbyist Jack Abramoff who at one time was funneling huge funds to help bank roll most of the Republican Party’s key players and a few minor Democrats too. It was ill-gained money that he wrangled out of Indian Tribes and the Government of … Continue reading
For any cinephile this wonderful new documentary about the workings of casting directors is an absolute must. It is however not a detailed study on how they do their jobs, but more of a paean to Marion Dougherty, one of the first ever casting experts and a legendary icon in the industry. Prior to … Continue reading
One can only imagine the fact that filmmaker Werner Herzog is the auteur that he is, played a crucial part in the French Culture Ministry allowing only him this unprecedented exclusive access to make this extraordinary film. ‘Cave of Forgotten Dreams’ is his documentary on some stunning caves in Southern France only discovered as recently … Continue reading
On June 5th 1967 the armies of Egypt, Syria and Jordan were amassed on Israel’s borders threatening to annihilate the country. However six days later, Israel won an historic victory, conquering lands and tripling its size. In the immediate weeks after this several different kibbutzniks got together to discuss and record their feelings. They had no interest in making another victory … Continue reading
It’s just a sheer co-incidence that I sat and watched this documentary about the uncovering of the Bernie Madoff’s audacious Ponzi fraud scheme the day before that Peter his son is sentenced to 10 years in jail for his part in the conspiracy. A reminder nevertheless that even though Mr Madoff Snr. is already behind … Continue reading