Why has this Austrian film been running continuously at New York’s Lincoln Plaza and Angelika Film Center since Feb. 22, when so many other films have come and gone? It’s still drawing audiences in many, many cities across the nation, and recently passed the $5 million mark at the box office.
1- A true story, well told
2- Surprisingly appealing leading man
3- Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film
4- Considers provocative question of self preservation versus sacrifice for greater good
5- Excellent production values
6- and… The vivid examination of tools and techniques for counterfeiting
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Not me. Yuck. Especially not a fiction film. But it happened. In 2004 at the New York Film Festival I saw “Moolaadé” and it blew me away. In the director’s words, “It’s not a film about genital cutting; it’s a film about freedom.” 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and a must-see.
Senegalese Ousmane Sembene (1923-2007) is a key figure in world cinema history. On Tuesday night the French Institute paid tribute to the director with a work-in-progress documentary on his life, reminiscences, readings, and a screening of his 1964 short, “Borom Sarret” to a musical accompaniment by DJ Spooky. Afterwards, African food and drink were plentiful at a reception in “Le Skyroom.”
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In 1993 there was a tie for the Palme d’Or. The top award at Cannes was shared by Jane Campion for “The Piano” and Chen Kage for “Farewell My Concubine.”
Campion is in production as writer/director of “Bright Star,” with Abbie Cornish and Ben Whishaw. The film follows the romance of 23-year-old English poet John Keats and his fashionable muse, in the early 1800s.
I’m excited that Laurent Cantet won this year’s Palme d’Or, the top prize at Cannes, for “Entre les Murs” (The Class). I’ve followed his work from “Les Sanguinaires” (1997) “Human Resources” (1999) and “Time Out” (2001). I had the chance to interview the affable French director for a feature on “Heading South” (2005). All films are highly recommended.
Quiz: Who is the only woman to win the Palme d’Or, and what is she doing now?
Answer: On tomorrow’s Week of Wonders.
Susanne (Hanna Schygulla) supports her daughter’s lover, Ayten (Nurgül Yesilçay)
I had hoped to interview director Fatih Akin, but he’s been busy with jury duty at Cannes, as president of the Un Certain Regard section for young and experimental filmmakers. His new film, “Edge of Heaven” is a mournful lament after the throbbing wail of “Head-On” in 2004. It’s a tale of love and rebellion among Turkish and German adult children and their parents.
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