Film diary.

(Seen in theaters; separate from the monthly challenge). 

- Black Panther (2017, dir. Ryan Coogler). Wakanda; an African nation blessed by a heavenly gift —a meteorite that provided its’ people with Vibranium, a unique metal that catapulted their technological progress to such a point that they have become nothing less than a marvel in present times. Their newly appointed king, T’challa, doubles as Wakanda’s guardian, the legendary Black Panther. But just as he attempts to track down one of the few persons who ever managed to steal Wakandan technology, he comes crashing into a harsh truth: In order to keep Wakanda a secret from the world a large, so many sacrifices have been made, sometimes of innocents. Now T’challa must prove himself worth of both titles even as the world moves into a whole new era. 

The latest film of the infamous “Marvel Cinematic Universe” is a notable, successful film by itself. It is a very well-made superhero film, or a very well made sci-fi / adventure romp; but even more than that, it’s a movie very, very much about both African and African-descended cultures around the world. From visual design to intentional references, it’s a movie where the spectacle on display isn’t mere entertainment, it’s also a reflection of the many possibilities that exist outside of the US/Eurocentric perspective that so many Hollywood productions are entrenched in (and without resorting to that groan-inducing Exoticism that is itself a very pervasive aspect of those productions, and beyond). Even the ideological motivations of our assorted characters stem from different postures about Post-Colonialism and it’s consequences. From Isolationism to outright Imperialism, a lot of philosophies are presented and analyzed, something quite rare for this kind of movie. 

All that aside, the spectacle itself is truly glorious, with grandiose landscapes and costumes on display, not to mention nifty sci-fi gadgets. All grounded thanks to solid performances from an excellent cast. 

All in all, a very notable movie. And, speaking only for myself, one of the very few MCU entries that I have genuinely liked. 

Film diary.

(Outside of the monthly challenge; just seen in theaters)

- I, Tonya. (2017, Dir. Craig Gillespie). A biopic / mockumentary about the infamous, controversial figure skater Tonya Harding. From her ‘white trash’ origins to lifelong abuses at the hands of her mother and husband to the scandal that ended her career —the assault on rival skater Nancy Kerrigan. But this is not a ‘sympathy for the devil’ crime documentary —this is a frenetic movie that gleefully tears down our own preconceived notions about everything, from Tonya herself to the popular notion of the underdog hero to the subjectivity of memories. It’s a hell of a ride. 

Quite a few critics have fallen for the same trap this movie mocks: Our tendency to think of celebrities as if they were people we know directly, and thus can judge based on indisputable facts. But this movie doesn’t argue that Harding is innocent at all —it argues that we don’t and can’t ever know, because information is constantly twisted as a narrative. Consequently the movie itself frequently breaks the fourth wall in every manner possible: The supposed present-day interviews are all done with actors (and their real-life counterparts’ soundbites play over the end credits); the characters frequently address the audience even as we watch a supposed reconstruction of actual events —in one memorable moment, they even start singing along to the background music! 

All of which is done on purpose: This movie frequently reminds us that we are watching just that, a movie, and that the quintessentially USian thirst for a clear narrative of good and bad people is itself a hunger for fiction. 

That aside, this movie is also remarkable as entertainment itself, from the stunning skating sequences to the gleefully 90’s soundtrack to the outright impressive performances. 

All in all quite recommended —maybe not for everyone (I imagine a few people will find the mix of acid humor and grave drama very hard to stomach). But for those who can, the reward is a thoughtful and thought-provoking movie. 

Film challenge.

Film challenge, February: Gay and Queer cinema. 

- Kinky boots. (UK, 2005. Dir. Julian Jarrold). Lola is a successful nightclub performer —but haunted by his late father’s insistence that he be only Simon. “Tall, black and a boxer, not tall, black and in a dress!”. Charlie has inherited his father’s thriving shoe-making company; unfortunately it is no longer thriving and there’s evidence that, quite frankly, his father never really believed in him. But when they meet by chance, Charlie comes up with a project that might save his company and give Lola the perfect opportunity to show the world her talents —a line of boots for drag queens! 

Charming comedy loosely based on a real-life anecdote. While the plot is somewhat formulaic (you can practically predict every dramatic turn and every character arc), the movie is saved by an amazing performance from Chiwetel Eijofor as Simon / Lola (he did his own singing, even!). Overall an entertaining mainstream look at the fringes of drag culture. 

Film challenge.

Film challenge, February: Gay and Queer cinema. 

- Gulabi Aaina (aka The pink mirror). (India, 2002. Dir. Sridhar Rangayan). 40-minute short. A day in the life of drag queens Bibbo and Shabbo, vitriolic yet fiercely loyal friends. While preparing for the night, they face complications from a medical revelation —and from a blooming attraction between Mandy, Shabbo’s young apprentice, and Samir, Bibbo’s driver. 

A breezy feature, by turns comedic and poignant, with that characteristic ‘Bollywood’ flavor. The story behind the short is itself interesting —daring for its’ context (enough so that it was outright banned). At first glance it would seem to be a lot milder than similarly-themed films from other countries. But here, every single subtlety is a stand for freedom and against censorship —from a shot of two hands embracing under a steamy shower to the frank discussion of gender roles and terms. Director Rangayan is himself a pioneer of Indian Queer cinema. 

Film challenge.

Film challenge, February: Gay and Queer movies. 

- Dream Boat. (Germany, 2017. Dir. Tristan Milewski). A documentary of a week-long gay cruise, mixing registers of each party night with candid interviews with assorted passengers from several countries. All offer their thoughts and reflections on being gay in their respective cultures, intersectional experiences, and intimacy. The spotlight shines on, among others: Dipankar from India, who escaped an arranged marriage at home and now works in Dubai, but still doesn’t feel 100% out (says he’s only 60% comfortable with himself yet). Ramzi from Palestine, who has lived in Belgium for a good chunk of his life and is now traveling with his partner. Philippe, a wheelchair-bound man from France, also traveling with his life-long partner. Marek, a muscle-boy from Poland, still searching for his place in life. Old and young, from all walks in life, the assorted men interviewed and on display offer a snapshot of gay life in the current decade. 

A beautifully shot, uplifting examination of sexual freedom, spiced with snippets of assorted theme nights (leather, costumes, furries, cosplay, drag, and so much more!). There are lots of thought-provoking reflections on display, too, about both the competitiveness inside the gay community itself and the sense of being part of a larger, global, queer community. All accompanied by a gorgeous score. Not to be missed.