Reviews, Books—
Birds of Point Reyes by Keith Hansen
Heartwood: Four Women for the Earth for the Future by Shirley DicKard
Becoming Story by Greg Sarris
Deep Hanging Out: Wanderings and Wonderment in Native California by Malcolm Margolin
The California Field Atlas by Obi Kaufmann
The Forests of California by Obi Kaufmann
California’s Wild Edge: The Coast in Prints, Poetry, and History by Tom Killion with Gary Snyder
For older book reviews, please see my blog.
Reviews, Arthouse Films—
Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust
When Jeannie Wood, CATS (Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra) ED, saw the documentary film “Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust,” she knew it was a perfect partner for CATS production of “Snow Falling on Cedars” at the Nevada Theatre.
Seeing both the” Snow Falling on Cedars” production, which was performed through May 18, and “Manzanar, Diverted,” will screen on May 26, offers a complementary and multidimensional perspective on several critical aspects of American history. Like bookends, we see the beginning exodus of tribes, incarceration, and where we are now with Manzanar in the Owens Valley. Read the full review.
In spite of its romcom status, “The Worst Person in the World” avoids trite formulas associated with romantic comedies and delivers something vivaciously fresh. We see Julie move through 12 discrete chapters in her life over four pivotal years through and beyond her twenties. Director Joachim Trier captures exploration and imperfect discovery as Julie seeks to find the life that she wants, rather than fulfilling the expectations of those around her. Does wanting your own life make you the worst person in the world? Maybe, maybe not, but either way, Renate Reinsve holds the screen delivering an engaging and totally relatable performance. Read the full review…
Pedro Almodovar’s Parallel Mothers
Almodovar never seems satisfied with just doing one thing well or expressing one simplistic idea. Rather, “Parallel Mothers” offers a great deal to consider, with a historical treatment of the Spanish Civil War, sexual orientation and cultural misogyny. All put together so cleverly that as the film moves with these layered story threads, we go with the journey, leaving behind a fair amount of rationalization along the way — which is a very good thing in terms of movie-making and entertainment. There is never a dull moment or predictable second-guessing as the plot develops, turns right, then left, then back to center — wait a minute! Is that center? Read the full review…
Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley
Characterized as a neo-noir thriller, “Nightmare Alley” provides a clear-eyed perspective on the bankruptcy of soul-starved wealth and its parallel to the less-privileged carnival life. Which, the viewer may be left to wonder, is more depraved? Read the full review…
Reviews, Indie Documentary —
Orion Magazine: If a Tree Falls_film review
A first person story on how green is the new red.
Sierra Club’s Green Life: Back to the Garden
A closer look at off the grid hippies 20 years later and the lessons they have learned.
Sierra Club’s Green Life: Revenge of the Electric Car
Checking with Tesla and Nissan as well as indie builders on the fast paced EV market.
Sierra Club’s Green Life: Sushi: The Global Catch
Learn why scientists see Blue Fin Tuna being extinct before fossil fuels.
Crosscut: SIFF_festival overview
Seattle International Film Festival is a very busy hub of cinematic creativity. Sort out the approaches that work for you in advance.
YubaNet.com: Dear_Governor_Brown
Film maker Jon Bowermaster examines the environmental record of California’s ‘green Governor’.