Tag: biography

American Gangster (2007)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Frank Lucas was a NYC gangster that one journalist called a real-life Superfly. This was the last Ridley Scott film I truly enjoyed, and he did a solid job of making Lucas’ story into a fast-paced entertaining experience. Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe are both excellent in this, and the cast is packed with many familiar faces. This isn’t quite as good as DePalma’s Scarface, but it’s a dark and violent crime film that delivers the goods.

Available on Blu-ray from Universal.

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Donyale Luna: Supermodel (2023)

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Streaming on Max | imdb | trailer

Here is a really good documentary on the life and career of a model that I was totally unfamiliar with before. Luna had a groundbreaking career in late ‘60s Europe but was passed over for big opportunities in the USA because she was black. Her lack of a larger success was part of what led to her tragic end. This is a movie that I chose specifically because it is off the beaten path and shines a light on a human story that is worth knowing about. At this time there are very few user or critic reviews on IMDb, which I find terribly sad. Challenge yourself to watch this film and learn a little something, instead of turning your brain off with simple entertainment. Anomalous Cinema is often not easy cinema. Donyale Luna is a person worth knowing about, and this is a very well made movie that is absolutely worth your time.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold (2017)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | No YouTube trailer available (sorry)

I was only just barely aware of Joan Didion before seeing this documentary. That is precisely why I am recommending it here. I watched the film and then read her non-fiction work “Slouching Towards Bethlehem.” That book was a real revelation and I am looking forward to reading more. Fun fact: The Center Will Not Hold was directed by Didion’s nephew Griffin Dunne (American Werewolf in London, After Hours, etc).

Not available on Blu-ray.

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American Splendor (2003)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a very good dramatization / sorta-documentary combo based on the comic series “American Splendor” by Harvey Pekar. He’s essentially a grumpy loser, but somehow his perspective on an average American life is consistently amusing. The best part of this film is the choice of Paul Giamatti to play Pekar. The guy who plays Robert Crumb nails it too. If you enjoyed Ghost World, this will be right up your alley. It’s often not laugh out loud funny, but that’s not really the point. I’d call American Splendor a throughly entertaining look at lovable weirdos. However, if you’ve had enough of straight white men, you better skip this one.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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Navalny (2022)

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Streaming on Max | imdb | trailer

This recommendation is for those of you that did not see this before Alexei Navalny’s death. The importance of this documentary cannot be understated. Navalny was Vladimir Putin’s strongest critic in Russia and it cost him everything. The filmmakers managed make a thoughtful and intelligent doc that also holds your attention. It’s heavy stuff, but has some surprisingly entertaining moments too.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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Fire of Love (2022)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a beautiful documentary on the lives and work of a married couple of volcanologists. Dull? No way. Their story and the stunning footage they captured make this essential viewing. It sounds great too, especially if you have a subwoofer.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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The Baader Meinhof Complex (2008)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Here is a dramatization of the history of the German Red Army Faction terrorist group from the ‘60s and ‘70s. The filmmakers make their rise look rather glamorous and sexy, but don’t let that put you off, you’ll see that aspect degenerate in their fall. This is a good, fast paced movie, but it is on the long side, so the the end drags a bit. For some reason the burned in subtitles on the streaming version are huge too, which might be a distraction. Really it’s worth watching in spite of those issues. My only real criticism is how good looking the actors are. The real RAF members were a pack of uggos.

Available on Blu-ray from MPI.

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Bronson (2008)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This film is based on the real life criminal Michael Peterson, who became his alter ego Charles Bronson in prison. Nicolas Winding Refn is very hit or miss for me, but this one was a pleasant surprise. The film is weird, dark, violent, and thankfully not as deliberately paced as much of Refn’s other work. I also didn’t really notice Tom Hardy until I saw Bronson. He’d been in several movies before, but he absolutely blew me away in this role. This is 100% pure uncut Anomalous Cinema.

Available on Blu-ray from Magnolia.

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Sr. (2022)

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Streaming on Netflix in 4K UHD | imdb | trailer

Chris Smith is one of my favorite documentarians, and while this is not his best, it’s well worth watching. Robert Downey Sr. directed some of the edgiest American films of the ‘70s (Greaser’s Palace is highly Anomalous viewing). You get to learn all about his career and about his relationship with his much more famous son. Things get a bit fluffy for my taste, but really overall, Sr. is a very good film. Hey Netflix, where is Senior’s version of the movie?!?!

Not available on Blu-ray.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

Citizen X (1995)

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Streaming on Max | imdb | trailer

This is possibly my favorite ’90s dramatization of a true crime case. Andrei Chikatilo was known as The Rostov Ripper, and was responsible for the murders of at least 52 women and children. This film is based on “The Killer Department,” which remains one of the best true crime books I’ve ever read. Citizen X is helped a ton by strong performances by Stephen Rea, Donald Sutherland, Jeffrey DeMunn, and Max Von Sydow. Don’t expect much gore, but the drama is extremely dark and should appeal to anyone with an interest in true crime. It’s stunning this was an HBO-made TV movie.

Not available on Blu-ray.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.