Ellin Baumel Movies
- 2004
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The American film industry took it upon itself to act as a cheerleader for United States and Allied military interests during World War II, but Hollywood was initially reluctant to directly condemn Nazi anti-Semitism, and it wasn't until years after the war ended that American filmmakers began offering a realistic, dramatic look at the horrible toll of Hitler's "final solution." Imaginary Witness: Hollywood and the Holocaust is a documentary which examines how filmmakers reacted to German scapegoating of Jews before, during, and after the war, ranging from the boldness of Confessions of a Nazi Spy and The Mortal Storm (both of which were produced before America entered the war) to more oblique statements during the war itself, and then finally leading to an honest portrayal of the full consequences of the Holocaust beginning in the '50s. Produced for the cable television network American Movie Classics, Imaginary Witness: Hollywood and the Holocaust was premiered at the 2004 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gene Hackman, Sidney Lumet, (more)
A documentary about the Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery, resting place of such screen legends as Rudolph Valentino, Tyrone Power, Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks, and Janet Gaynor, The Young and the Dead profiles the history and personalities behind the cemetery's famous name. Under previous owner Jules Roth, Memorial Park existed in a state of disrepair, and its reputation was scarcely helped by Roth's refusal to allow minorities to be buried there -- including Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel. Under new owner Tyler Cassity, however, the cemetery has joined the digital age, implementing technological advances that include video biographies of its star residents. Among the documentary's highlights is the re-internment of McDaniel, buried in the cemetery almost 50 years after her death. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide
The first season of Michael Moore's television show The Awful Truth consists of 12 episodes and is a sound introduction for those unfamiliar with Moore's guerilla style of social-conscience filmmaking. After his original show, TV Nation, was canceled by NBC, Moore moved to Bravo, a more accommodating network that would allow him to proceed with his ideas. Each episode of The Awful Truth is 30 minutes long, opening with a monologue by Moore and leading to a journalistic exposé of some social wrong typically perpetrated by a large corporation. Much like he did in his documentaries Roger & Me and The Big One, Moore often ambushes his targets, surprising them and forcing them to speak candidly. This candor helps produce the scathing edge that has made Moore's projects so popular. Among the highlights of the 12 episodes are Moore and crew busting a giant health insurance company that tries to avoid paying for an organ transplant to save a man's life, confronting homophobic and hate-spewing Rev. Fred Phelps in a pink RV christened the "Sodomobile," and sending an Awful Truth mascot chicken into Disney World to expose the deplorable working conditions of the employees in costume. Some people may be turned off by Moore's leftist politics and his labor-friendly attitude, but most will not be able to deny his sincere efforts to hold corporate crooks responsible for their actions. The DVD version of The Awful Truth contains a biography of Michael Moore and several amusing outtakes from the filming of the show. ~ Ed Atkinson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
- R
Susan Skoog wrote and directed this coming-of-age tale set in a New Jersey suburb during the early '80s and seen from the viewpoint of sensitive, rebellious teen Anna Stockard (Liza Weil), who is passionate about art. Anna lives with her obnoxious kid brother and her lonely divorced mom Carol (Kathryn Rossetter), a bitter woman who dates a wealthy but elderly man in hopes escaping future poverty. With little acceptance at home, Anna is eager for life and she hangs out with her party-loving pal Brenda (Chad Morgan), revealed to be a victim of sexual abuse. Anna loses her virginity to another artist wannabe, someone who has interested her since childhood. Anna's constant partying results in a low grade point average at school, and despite the encouragement of her art teacher, failed artist Mr. Chaminsky (Frederic Forrest), Anna is insecure about her talent. Her attitude and lifestyle are beginning to seem like drawbacks to her dream of going to New York to study at Cooper Union. Soundtrack includes numerous pop tunes of the period, including David Bowie, The Ramones, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, and Blondie. Shown at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Liza Weil, Chad Morgan, (more)
