reader / writer / teacher
I’ve admired Alfonso Cuarón for a while now–Y Tu Mama Tambien and Children of Men are two of my favorite films. And I was happy to find many similar themes from those films. And this latest film is visually stunning–I’ve read he directs and acts as cinematographer. The motif of water and family strength stayed … Continue reading film recommendation: roma
Had some time this SpringBreak to watch some films and this one by Jorge Gutierrez is beautifully animated. I liked the mix of modern music and the Mexican folklore. I was also struck by the theme of death and grieving families. Continue reading film recommendation: book of life
I’ve been waiting to watch Diego Luna’s film and finally had some time this weekend. The reviews were poor on IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes and Marshall Ganz–a man who knew and worked with Cesar Chavez–criticized the film for the one dimensional version of Chavez’s life. I have to admit though I found Michael Peña’s portrayal of Cesar … Continue reading quick review: cesar chavez
Peter J. Kuznick’s research translates well to this Oliver Stone directed series of hour-long documentaries. I found myself admiring the post-structuralism historical mode as well as the well constructed mix of photographs, film footage and news reels. Continue reading documentary recommendation: the untold history of the united states
A few months back I heard of Dan Cohen’s concept of using music with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. This holiday I finally had a chance to watch the documentary Alive Inside based on his work and I was amazed. I was struck by how music, memory and also identity were represented. Continue reading documentary recommendation: alive inside
This film is from 2009 and from director Bobcat Goldthwait. I missed it because of a limited release. I most admired Robin Williams playing a frustrated writer and teacher in this dark comedy. Love the scenes in poetry class. “I used to think the worst thing in life was ending up alone, it’s not. The … Continue reading film recommendation: world’s greatest dad
A new semester will soon begin as I write this and my thoughts obsess over inspiring and motivating my students. It’s hard for me to believe I’ve been teaching since about 1999. I should be seasoned and secure in my teaching philosophy. Yet nothing concerns me more than motivating and caring for my students. The … Continue reading quick note on new semester and dead poets
Great documentary now available for streaming on Netflix. I’d been waiting to watch this one for a while. I was glad to see some insight into the reclusive artist Bill Watterson. Calvin and Hobbes has always been one of my favorite strips and I remember the last strip to this day. In fact, I found … Continue reading documentary recommendation: thank you mr watterson
I’ve been waiting for this trailer for a while. I always give out some of chávez’ writings in my comp class and admire his words and his work. Can’t wait to see Diego Luna’s film. Continue reading new césar chávez film trailer
Went to the movies last week. I should’ve been grading or obsessing over the part time instructor evaluations I was supposed to be writing up. But I went to the movies instead. Don’t always spend time during the week taking time to watch movies but I did. And I don’t regret it. I wish I … Continue reading last tuesday at the movies
James Thurber short story adaptation? This looks interesting: Continue reading james thurber short story adaptation
Happen to be reading through The Man With the Golden Arm this summer. Now news of Algren documentary. I’m looking forward to it. Continue reading nelson algren documentary
Reading an article about the Salinger documentary. The new poster has an interesting design. Continue reading salinger documentary poster
On Tuesday I had the fortune of attending a private screening of the inspirational documentary film I am a Visitor in Your World . The film was about Rebecca Babcock, a young writer and blogger diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 25. The film was a poignant account of her life and struggles and Rebecca’s … Continue reading i am a visitor in your world documentary
Today in Lit 150 we are discussing needless qualifiers. I like the Frank Darabont/Tears in Rain soliloquy example from Blade Runner documentary: Continue reading frank darabont, blade runner and needless qualifiers
