Bruce Weber Movies
- 2003
- NR
Photographer and filmmaker Bruce Weber has often made his enthusiasms and obsessions a part of his work, and he introduces the world to several of the great loves of his life -- his dogs -- in this feature-length documentary. A Letter to True takes the form of an open letter to True, Weber's Golden Retriever, in which he discusses why he loves True and his other dogs, allowing some of his friends to share their own feelings about their pets. Along the way, Weber also writes about how he was impacted by the attacks of September 11, 2001, his admiration for the late photojournalist Larry Burrows, and how he became involved using his talents to aid Haitian refugees. Weber's relationship with his dogs, however, remains the film's focal point and he includes narration from Julie Christie and vocals from Marianne Faithful to accompany his footage of canines in their element. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dirk Bogarde, Elizabeth Taylor, (more)
- 2001
Photographer and documentary filmmaker Bruce Weber looks at the lives of his subjects, the nature of the creative spirit, his inner drives and desires, and what fuels his own muse in this, his third feature film. Named for the popular Cantonese-American dish that brings together a diverse range of ingredients, Chop Suey jumps back and forth between a number of different themes and perspectives, using both videotape and a variety of film stocks to add a similar variety to the movie's look. Weber explores his issues with self-image and sexuality as he explains the homoerotic subtext of his photography to one of his models, a former wrestler fresh out high school. Weber also discusses the importance of the work of other photographers as he hones his individual style, as well as actors and artists who had an important impact on him, including Robert Mitchum, Diana Vreeland, and Wilfred Thesiger. Weber also interviews Teri Shepherd, who discusses her relationship with her former lover, the late singer and comic Frances Faye. Chop Suey premiered at the 2001 Berlin Film Festival, where it was nominated for the festival's Teddy Award, a special prize for films with gay and lesbian themes. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Johnson, Frances Faye, (more)
- 1988
Let's Get Lost is a penetrating Oscar-nominated documentary on the life of jazz trumpeter Chet Baker (1929-1988). After a generous amount of screen time devoted to Baker's American career, from his days with Charlie "Bird" Parker and Gerry Mulligan to the formation of his own combo, the film dwells upon Baker's lengthy tenure in Europe. Of particular interest are the clips culled from Baker's appearances in Italian films of the 1960s. In-depth interviews with Baker's friends and co-workers paint a portrait of a troubled genius, whose drug addiction and womanizing gradually eroded his talent. Much of the terminal footage is literally that, showing in harsh detail what Chet Baker had become in his last year on earth. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
- R
This documentary follows former Golden Gloves boxing champion Andy Minsker as he trains hopeful pugilists at the Mount Scott boxing club in Portland, Oregon. Those hoping to master the gentle art receive guidance and philosophical insight from the colorful Minsker. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
