Best March Event in Town

From The Cleveland International Film Festival website

Since Wednesday, March 19, my time has been spent sitting in a dark theater watching countless films at the Cleveland International Film Festival. Hence, March is my favorite month because I can see a variety of films normally not shown at your neighborhood movie theater. From documentaries, short subjects to narratives, whatever you like to see, they have it. So incredible.

How many films did I watch?

My magic number was twenty-four. My total films I was able to watch. Not bad! It might sound like a lot but individuals who buy passes (this gives filmgoers the flexibility to see any film and watch as many films as their heart desires) can see upwards of sixty-six if they watch six per day for eleven days. It is doable, but not recommended. I saw six films once and by the time I was on my sixth one, my brain was inoperable. I walked out of the theater with a glazed look on my face not thinking about the film I just watched. I needed to get out into the fresh air. Hence, all the films begin to blur together.

The beauty of buying a pass is the ability to choose a film on the “fly.” What this means is: if you hear what audiences are saying about a film, you can decide to see something else without worrying that you just bought a ticket to a certain film. Once you buy a ticket, you are locked into that film. You can decide to sell it or exchange it for a fee. 

What I traditionally do: I read the entire guide, mark notes which ones are documentaries, thrillers, comedies and check the ones that I have an interest in. What happened this year is most of the films that I picked didn’t exhibit the long lines; hence, I adjusted my picks based on what others have gravitated towards. 

You may have thought I bought tickets, not necessarily. I volunteer every year so at the end of my shift, I receive “two vouchers” that is turned in for tickets. Most of the time it works out well; other times when the film is on “stand by” you give the desk your “voucher” and pray that you get into the film after everyone else. Usually it’s not a problem – they seat you where you might not have the best seat, but your “in.” What happened this year, everyone wanted to see “The Verdict” and by the time I heard “the buzz” I was too late in securing a ticket. I got a “stand by” ticket but they were not seating any “stand by.” This is a rarity, but it has happened because of the record breaking crowds. My recommendation - Buy your tickets early.

The Ballot

Quite honestly, I’m not exactly sure when I became such a film buff. I always enjoyed seeing movies but not the passion I currently have where I scrutinize all elements of the film: is it a good story, it is beautiful to watch, are the characters interesting, the dialogue (writing) is original and tight editing where it moves along at a good clip. This is what I think about when I cast my ballot for “excellent” or if the story and/or dialogue is idiotic it will receive a “fair.” I gave more “fair” ratings than I usually do and I’m embarrassed to admit, a few more “excellence.” It seems like I love the film right when I watch it then when I see something else the following day, I kick myself that I gave the rating that I did. Frustrating at times!

I can honestly say that there were a lot of well made films – a few that stick out: “The Auction,” ( a quiet film about an elderly gentleman who inherits a farm and he ends up auctioning it off throwing him into a new world that he hasn’t experienced in a long time; “The Ferry,” another quiet film about an elderly Chinese man who ferries individuals from one end of the river to the next. The cinematography was gorgeous and light on dialogue but it was just beautiful; “The Longest Distance” where a woman gets cancer and decides to take her own life on her own terms. Again, a beautiful film that was well written and the characters had depth that struck your emotions that I couldn’t stop thinking about well after I left (An Award Winner). “Obvious Child” that was not on my radar but as I was volunteering the night before, I saw a lot of people going into the theater. The film opens up with a woman comedian delivering her monologue that was “raw.” I quickly thought, why did I get a ticket for this film? However to my surprise, I really, really enjoyed it because it was not trite where you knew what was going to happen in all those romantic comedies. I was impressed – a well written comedy where I laughed and cried at the same time. For a documentary, I loved “Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia” where Gore just told it how it was. He didn’t care if you agreed with him or not. I didn’t agree with everything he said, but I respect his view point. This film was on my maybe list and turned out to be a delight. 

I can go on and on which films I loved and the ones I didn’t. Not everyone has the same opinion on films; that is why film like any other artistic medium is very subjective. As I mentioned above, I stood in the “stand by” line for “The Verdict,” and I didn’t get in. They added a screening and I was so excited to see it and what happened, I was bored to tears. Everyone loved it and my opinion was that it needed more editing – way too long. That’s how it goes. You never know if you will be enamored or bored – the beauty of The Cleveland International Film Festival. You will always be amazed by the films that you see, not normally seen in your neighborhood. 

I realize March is over and April is half way done but Cleveland has so many gems like a film festival primarily in one spot. 

The Cleveland International Film Festival
March 18 - 29 2015 
http://www.clevelandfilm.org

Night at the Movies

20 Year Anniversary of "Philadelphia" that broke barriers

Contrary to what everyone else does, I don’t listen or read reviews on films. I watch the trailers and/or listen to the filmmaker or actor on NPR then decide if it’s worth my time. More often than not, I make a wise decision. Frankly, I rather write my own review instead of having a preconceived notion when I walk into a film. I don’t want to hear any opinions or what the film is about. I want to be surprised. Moreover, I don’t want anything to spoil the plot or my first impression of the film.

When I watch a film, I try to be objective. That doesn’t happen all the time.

Sometimes my judgment gets clouded when I hear what others think. I admit that I listen to other peoples’ opinions and biases. “This person loved it so I have to love it.” Contrary to what others think, I usually go by my gut in what I want to see. For example, I didn’t go by my gut and listened to others positive remarks about the current film, “Dallas Buyers Club.” Perhaps I had a preconceived notion that I wasn’t going to like it because I am not a huge Matthew McConaughey fan. Objectively, the actors performances were stellar even McConaughey but I have to admit I got tired of seeing his emaciated body – I heard he lost a considerable amount of weight for his role. It was around two hours and it seemed incredibly long to me. It didn’t keep my interest past one hour and a half.

A friend quickly said, “If you think this movie is long, ‘American Hustle’ is so much longer.” She didn’t fully understand what I was trying to say. If a film seems long that means that the editor or filmmaker didn’t peak my interest enough to keep me engaged until the bitter end. My mind wandered and I got antsy waiting for the ending. Again, the film was so hyped up that truthfully it was a disappointment.

In my opinion, “Dallas Buyer’s Club” was no “Philadelphia” when Tom Hanks, a lawyer that got HIV-AIDS and got fired. He won the Oscar. It was a better riveting performance where I cared about the character where McConaughey performance was first-rate (raw and in your face); I just didn’t care enough about the character to keep me interested. Bottom line, I couldn’t wait until it was over. 

The other reason I don’t listen to reviewers is their picky negativity on most films. I understand that’s their job but most times I don’t agree. For example, I had an opportunity to see a “free” film a few years ago for “127 Hours” when a hiker was pinned  between two boulders where his only option to free himself was by cutting his own arm off. It sounded interesting to me then I heard a negative review. My knee jerk reaction and I decided not to see the film. Bad mistake. Later, I heard that it was very good. I ended up getting the DVD and James Franco’s performance was wonderful. He had to keep the audience engaged while he acted alone in the wilderness. After that, I won’t bother listening to reviews.

Other people I know scour the reviews and won’t see a film unless it scores high. Who cares what reviewers say anyway? It is a subjective opinion anyway. Sometimes I love a film and someone else leaves without giving it a chance. For example, the newly released film, “Her” I thought was brilliantly written with strong performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson. It was an unusual premise and it could have easily been done badly but it wasn’t. I enjoyed it for its risk taking ability and dialogue that hasn’t been delivered before. It was quiet focusing on the two main characters’ contending with life’s complexities. Phoenix’s character is struggling with separation then he becomes infatuated with his OS (It’s set in the future). My take on it – the main character is coming to terms with his internal struggles – rejection; how both characters grow as a result of these battles.


For the same reason, I enjoyed “Nebraska” because it was quiet and the relationship between father and son. You instantly saw the pain in the Bruce Dern’s character as he tries to defy all the odds and walk to Nebraska. Dern’s character also has struggles and demons that he needs to address. It kept me thinking about it long after the credits rolled. As a person who over analyzes things, I try to find meaning in these “off-the-beaten-path” indie films. It’s not for everyone but it struck a cord with me.

Lastly, I just saw the three-hour long film, “The Wolf of Wall Street” and I enjoyed it very much. Contrary to the length, it didn’t seem long because director Martin Scorsese kept me engrossed in Leonardo DiCaprio’s character. Just like everyone said, there were a lot of “f” bombs and nudity but that’s what the character of Jordan Belfort was all about. There was a scene where DiCaprio was extremely high and his debilitating performance was hilarious. I had tears in my eyes because I was laughing so hard. Amazing how wonderful and believable he was. I was so annoyed last year that DiCaprio didn’t get an Oscar nomination for his performance in “Django Unchained.” So I almost wanted to see this film to support his interchangeable acting ability; plus, I did hear about the film on NPR from DiCaprio himself how much research he did for the role and how he met with the real Jordan Belfort.

I will leave you with this, if you want to see a film because it sounds interesting then just go see it. I remember picking “Once,” a little, low budget film for my movie group way before it was a play and Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová won the Oscar for Best Original Song. Everyone has a different opinion when it comes to: film, art or books. You grow as a person if you just take a risk and move away your comfort zone. What’s the worse that can happen, you wasted a few bucks?

Film “Philadelphia”
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/the-pulse/62963-20th-anniversary-of-philadelphia-

Italian Cultural Gardens Opera and Ohio City Stages

I, like many people in Cleveland, have not patronized the Cultural Gardens along Martin Luther King Blvd. This Sunday, however, I had the opportunity to hear Opera Per Tutti at the Italian Gardens to hundreds of other Clevelanders. This is a free cultural offering, “Opera in the Italian Garden.” The roads were full of cars parked haphazardly as people walked toward the fountain entrance to hear Italian Opera. I was just as excited to listen to Opera again where I’ve listened to many performances at the Palace Theater. I’ve attended: The Magic Flute, Tosca, and Rigoletto to name a few. I can’t really explain why I love it but the performers ability to hit those high notes - gives me chills.

The entrance to the event was away from Martin Luther King Boulevard, up a hill. This was the perfect venue, high above the gardens was majestic. Chairs were set up in front of this giant fountain where you can feel the mist just as the wind floated past you. There was free wine samples - Italians and Wine is definitely one and the same. Stone fired pizza was also available for purchase. It was the perfect evening - the temperature was in the low 80’s unlike the sweltering heat we had for six days.

The performances were fantastic. The program included arias from Carmen, La Boheme, Tosca and Romeo and Juliet where the high notes where not in short supply. There were two Sopranos, two Tenors along with one Baritone, narrated by Jan Jones. The sound quality was exquisite with a new speaker technology system - you can hear every breath and note. There wasn’t a bad seat but we chose to sit towards the front in the seats provided.

Historically, in 1930 the Italian Cultural Garden hosted the San Carlo Opera sixty-eight years ago at its lower level amphitheater. Opera originated in Italy at the end of the sixteenth century. My first opera was Rigoletto where I remember thinking - how great is this. My sister and I saw many thereafter when Opera Cleveland was here. We were both hooked. They sing in Italian but the audience gets a brief translation in English high above the stage. You get used to it. The performances and orchestral music definitely stays with you. 

The performance lasted over an hour and a half where audience members gleefully clapped and hung on every note. I’ve forgotten how much I enjoy the Opera. It’s one of those things; you either love it or hate it. I don’t think there is a neutral stance.

As I’ve said on many posts, there is so many free summer events going on in Northeast Ohio; it is a matter of searching these events out. Find what you are interested in and go for it.

Visit “Italian Cultural Gardens” on Facebook

Also, the Cultural Gardens will have the 66 Annual Old World Day, August 25, 2013
www.clevelandoneworldfestival.com

I just learned about this event at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Opera Per Tutti will perform at Arts in August in Tremont’s Lincoln Park
Saturday, August 17, 2013, 7pm
www.operapertutti.org

Ohio City Stages in Ohio City

If you enjoy the Cleveland Museum of Art Solstice Party with that eclectic, funky beat then I highly recommend attending the last concert at The Ohio City Stages. This is a collaboration between The Cleveland Museum of Art and Transformer Station presented by Charter One Bank. This massive stage sits between W 29 and Clinton. My understanding is: the stage folds up; slides into a semi; parked on the side of the road; then it’s pulled out again for the next concert.

The first concert was well received because the residents followed the music. There’s no bad seat - the music resinates throughout Ohio City.

All I can say, I’ve attended every concert and each performance is different in its own right. There was an African-pop beat; Romanian gypsy brass including tubas; elegant acoustic guitars and Moroccan using unique instruments - represented the past four weeks. Some people bring chairs but you don’t necessarily need them, everyone is on their feet and dancing. That’s right.

Following the concerts, there are outdoor films - Bellwether, a project of the museum’s Contemporary Arts Society. Films that you probably won’t see anywhere else

The last concert is on July 31 featuring “Novalina” contemporary Latin music - I will not miss it.

http://www.transformerstation.org/Events/