Tag: documentary

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.

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.

The Salt of the Earth (2014)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is an excellent documentary on photographer Sebastião Salgado. Famed director Wim Wenders co-directed the film with the man himself. Salgado’s work is in a powerful documentary style that can be touchingly beautiful. However his self-assigned protects often shine a light on victims of progress, famine, genocide, and war. Yes all this is very heavy, but I give the film a 10 out of 10, and consider it essential viewing. Art combined with journalism can reveal a deeper understanding of the human condition and bring attention to hidden truths. Don’t look away.

Available on Blu-ray from Sony Pictures.

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.

Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV (2023)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer

Nam June Paik was the king of video art back in its infancy. Every major art museum owns his work, and much of it still looks impressive today. This doc does a good job of reviewing his life and career. It does feel a little long, but there’s so much information to get across that the runtime is justifiable. This inspiring documentary is essential viewing for anyone interested in visual art. Using Steven Yeun (Beef, Nope, etc) for the voiceovers is a nice bonus too.

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.

A Revolution on Canvas (2023)

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Streaming on Max | imdb | trailer

Sorry I got my wires crossed and have done two Max posts in a row. I will do my best to avoid that in the future.

The Iranian visual artist Nickzad Nodjoumi exhibited 100+ artworks at the beginning of Ayatollah Kohmeni’s reign in 1981. He had to flee the country due to controversy the exhibition stirred up, and his work has been held by the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art ever since. This documentary was made by his daughter and deals with Nickzad’s life, career, family, as well as his attempt to reclaim his work. I was unfamiliar with the artist before seeing the film and I am now a fan. His art is often dark, brave, and scathingly critical, but always beautiful. The story of his family is engrossing as well. I tip my hat to Max for releasing this film. I learned things, and so will you. 

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.

The Territory (2022)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

In this documentary indigenous people struggle to save their protected land in the Brazilian rainforest. It also shows the other players involved so you get an overall understanding of what is going on. This is a gorgeously shot movie, so much so that National Geographic acquired it. As you would expect, things get very heavy towards the end. You might be tempted to avoid The Territory for your own comfort. You should watch it anyway. Sometimes the truth hurts. Mildly painful awareness is better than comfortable ignorance in my book.

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.

Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed (2021)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | no real trailer available – sorry

I grew up in the ‘70s and early ‘80s so Bob Ross was very familiar to me. In fact when I took up oil painting I used some of his videos to help me get started (no happy little anything was painted by my hands though). I knew very little about the man other than his TV show. Wowza this documentary was an eye opener. It turns out Bob was a pretty dynamic person, and the drama around his “empire” and legacy is infuriating but weirdly compelling. Seriously. This movie is a lot more fascinating than you would ever imagine. You will never joke about Bob Ross Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia Pets ever again.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is Peter Jackson’s documentary on World War I using restored historic film footage. That sounds pretty dull, but trust me people, that definitely not the case. Jackson used every bit of technology available at the time to make the images look as if they were shot recently, including adding accurate color, sound, and dialog. This all makes the WWI footage far more real and visceral than anything seen before. The process of restoration itself is very engaging on its own, and the end results are stunning. I give this doc a 10 out of 10.

Available on Blu-ray from Warner Archives.

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.