Thursday, November 8, 2018

DOC NYC Capsule Reviews: RESCUE LIST, THE WORLDS OF URSULA LeGUIN, WRESTLING GHOSTS and WITKIN AND WITKIN

RESCUE LIST
Absolutely wonderful look at the effort to save the children around Ghana’s Lake Volta. Fisherman go into the country side and offer money to parents in order to hire their children for a short term stint of work. The kids end up in a life of slavery from which they often never return. A moving tale about the effort to rescue the kids and then reintegrate them into society after. Highly recommended.

WORLDS OF URSULA K LEGUIN
American Masters episode about the great science fiction writer who not only changed the shape of the genre but all literature as well. Told via interviews with LeGuin and other (including a wonderful Neil Gaiman) the film explains why LeGuin matters. Personally I liked but didn't love the film since for some who upset the status quo and changed so much the telling is awfully pedestrian and not better than an old episode of A&E's Biography series. Worth a look but nothing you need rush out to.

WRESTLING GHOSTS
A mother tries to figure out why she doesn't feel motherly and why she doesn't feel as though she is doing a good job. In order to change her feelings she goes in to counseling. Good look at parenting  I think will play best with people with kids since there will be hooks they can relate to. I, a man with no kids, could intellectually appreciate the tale but I couldn't connect emotionally.

WITKIN AND WITKIN
Portrait of Joel-Peter and Jerome Witkin, twin brothers and artists of great talent who don't really get along ho are forced together for a joint exhibition. Eye opening and really good portrait of two artists. This has been a film I've been trying to see for a while since I am a huge fan of Joel-Peter's photos. Getting to finally watch as he created was a blast as was the chance to really learn about his life. Recommended.

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