Reel Matters and more…

This past weekend the Ferguson hosted our fourth annual “International Film Festival”. This is one of my favorite events.  We here at the Ferg pick some award-winning, short, unusual film stuff from around the world, put it all on one disc, set a date, serve some cookies and see what happens.  What happens is….people arrive (over 50 this year) watch some of the movies or all (it’s up to them) decide their “best picks” or “stinkers” and discuss it all at the intermission or after the show over those last bits of cookies, coffee and tea. At best, a good time for all.  Kudos to Alex and Yelena, more later, caucella

At the risk of sounding way too easy, that’s all I really need in a movie. Yeah, of course the cast is a draw and the setting has it’s impact but …………. I can’t do without a story. But here is the good news about my little problem. There are many wonderful films blessed with a great “story arc” in DVD and at the movie  houses right now. Right off the bat I’m thinking “An Education”, “The Blind Side”, “A Serious Man” “The Hurt Locker” and “Precious”. These worthy titles have helped  me feed my need (and could get you started) on your own quest for the good stuff. Remember too that documentaries done well can speak of the reality that is essential to understanding our world and telling a fine story.  Do not miss Chris Rock’s “Good Hair” or Michael Jackson’s “This is It”. It will come as no surprise I am sure, that the Ferguson Library will continue to be  your “handy” resource for these fine titles. Watch for them on our shelves or at our ongoing film programs.  And oh, let me know if you can think of any others we have failed to appreciate. “To each his own” Right? More later, caucella

Our week long film series”Our World of Film” held in conjunction with  UCONN at Stamford  was great fun and well attended over all.  It was as one patron remarked “a chance to see some films that we would not ordinarily have a chance to see”. Bravo ,you got that right. Libraries and universaries have a vested interest in providing access to the experience which is not in the least ordinary, don’t you think?  Learning new stuff about “our world” is part of  the passion of what we work at, that is, the chance to learn and experience for yourself on your time and in your own unique way. I had a wonderful time “doing ” “Our World of Film” and I’m hoping the fun I had with it all never quite fades from memory. More later, caucella

  It is more than likely that anyone who has read this blog over the last few years has a  pretty good idea of what I hold dear.  When I first started writng “Reel Mattters and more….” various friends and interested colleagues repeatedly reminded me to find my “voice”.  So I told myself, “Ok, great, I will, I’ll write my truth as I see it, how else could I do it?  Because as we all know……. or at least suspect, truth is a slippery devil at best.  For example, I believe that movies have an uncanny ability to become personal. Ah, but you know that because I’ve said it here many times. If that is the case then the experience of viewing a film is at once subjective, no? We see each tale according to our particular  perspective and sometimes what we see affects our view of the world and changes our own “voice” and well…. that’s just  wonderful.  but is this true? I dunno, but maybe the truth can be found in diversity. Let’s think about this place we live, this planet with all it’s borders holding everyday experiences for ordinary people.  Each country having in common certain human truths for sure but also bestowing it’s own unique picture of  the world we share. Films are a handy way to get a quick short view of that unique picture.  Stamford thankfully, is a city of many cultures, so let’s celebrate the confidence that comes from understanding each other.  This fall the Ferguson Library and The Jeremy Richard Library at University of Connecticut Stamford will come together to share some of the most exciting international films of recent years. “Our World of Film” will spotlight four award-winning films from noted filmmakers from Italy, Poland and France. ” Il Divo”, “Katyn”, “Ne le dis a Personne”(Tell No One” and “La Sconosciuta”(The Unknown Woman) will be presented at both libraries throughout  the week of October 12th. Watch for the flyers and check our web sites. You won’t want to miss these really great movies.  More later, caucella

I want to take this moment to remember Farrah Fawcett.  I was never a fan of “Charlie’s Angels”.  The hugely popular show never managed to lure me back to it’s premise week after week. I did not like that we could not see Charlie (yeah, I knew it was John) and that Bosley guy annoyed me every time he said his lines. Am I remembering his name right? If so, that is truly scary. LOL.  Kate seemed a pain and Jaclyn utterly beautiful……yet I did not care……. But I liked this Farrah.  She had a wonderful look, a sunny blonde with an athletic form that shouted “I’m still a girl” and a smile that made you smile. Not a hint of a pout or smirk.  Just great. Could she act?  Nope, not really, as if she had to in that group! But things evolve as any philosopher will remind you.  Farrah developed as a actress, receiving her first “good” reviews for “The Burning Bed”. She was better then anyone expected, ( WHY do we do that? ) and it did not stop there. One of my favorite films of hers is “Small Sacrifices” about a woman who kills her children so her boyfriend won’t leave her…….maybe marry her and I felt sympathy for her. Farrah made this woman’s horrific deed understandable. Wow. A lot is being written in the last few days about the strength and grit she possessed in her struggle against that devil cancer. Maybe it’s me but I sense a surprise in that discovery of her depth. Why? Her most accomplished film roles spoke to her awareness of her talent, a talent that pushed her beyond the easy ”trap” of remaining “TV’s angel”.  She knew what she was capable of creating.  She drew on interior qualities that allowed her to become the characters we now applaud her for.  She prevailed.  I hope in the days ahead we remember the woman revealed in her best work. The astonishing rage of ”Extremities”, the wrenching  portrait of an unhappy wife in “The Apostle”, the desperation of “Small Sacrifices”, the confident ambition detailed in “Double Exposure: The Story of Magaret Bourke-White”, the foreshadowing  triumph of “A Burning Bed”.  All strong.  All real.  All dear Farrah.  More later, caucella

Everyone knows what they like.  I mean who can’t express with ease what makes them feel good ?   I would also suggest that just about every last one of us knows a “good movie” when they see one. The great part about this natural gift is that movies then effortlessly become a very personal matter. Think of all the possible “best ten lists” in this world of differences we live in! Just wonderful, that’s all. If you think about it a bit more it would seem that this very personal matter, i.e. the movies, by the virtue of  being personal hold the potential to make a difference. No?  Well, I’d like to think so.  Now, consider the impact of the personal in the hands of a visionary director or talented screenwriter et el. and you’ve got an extraordinary means (yeah,medium) for change, understanding and expectation, as in “Yes, it can be done”. Now for me, that kind of power matters. So whatever you consider good ( I once read a review which called good movies a “positive pact with experience”) the Ferguson web site is here to help you find the movies you need. The Reel Matters page offers many great sites chock full of movie info and reviews. I especially love Greencine.com, Reelviews.net, Facets.org and Criterion.com.   If you just need some suggestions on what to look for you can go to “Books and More” drop down the menu and check the DVD Collection page or take a look at our “Films by Genre” page. Lots of great titles are to be found on both pages because the Ferg knows that “Good Movies Matter”.  More later, caucella

 Now that the Sun is trying its best to stay with us it seems like it all happened long ago. I’m talking about the Oscar telecast which up until this point I have neglected to comment on.  However, I do believe in “better late than never” so here goes…. you know what I’m wondering? How come finding a host for this event in the tradition of Bob Hope, Johnny Carson or Billy Crystal has been such a bust? Hugh Jackman is great to look at, a fine actor and yes, quite a snappy singer/dancer,  but do you really think he’ll go over every year? Well, maybe with the ladies, LOL.  But seriously, I think the show needs the continuity that a established host would provide. If they could just find the right guy or girl we could depend on for the persona we expected, i.e.,  a “known commodity” shall we say, then the production guys could innovate their creative little hearts out and we (the audience) could find comfort from a host we have come to “trust” to guide us through all the drama.  It’s the core of all long standing TV programs, for God’s sake, LOL.  But NO…!! Sometimes we get Letterman then Stewart, Steve Martin again and of course Goldberg.  Enough already! Decide! Oh yeah, I really loved the introductions and kudos from the former winners.   It was fun to be forced to remember who has an Oscar at home, I mean this stuff does leave your head, ya know? Hope they hold on to that “tradition”.  All the current winners were easy to like and applaud this year,  but I HATED that Mickey Rourke did not win. What a great”movie ending” that would have given his comeback, just perfect.  But… alas life is not a movie.  Speaking of movies, we have some great ones coming to the Ferg  programs this Spring/ Summer. “Slumdog Millionaire”, “The Wrestler”, “The Reader”, “Doubt” and a few more. Watch for the flyers. More Later, caucella

George  W. Bush is no longer our president. This stuff happens after 8 years in power, No? That’s how our country runs.  No surprise there.  But if you want more of George then you can currently get in this new age of Barack Obama look no further then the Ferguson Library.  Yep, George may be gone from the “world’s stage” but he and his legacy can most certainly be found here at our March movie programs.  Now weather or not that fact scares or comforts you is well…………individual. So  if you have a mind to join us on  Saturday March 14, at 2 P.M. in the Main library auditorium for Second Saturday Cinema’s showing of Oliver Stone’s “W” an unexpectedly sympathetic look at our most recent “misunderestimated” president.  Yikes! Josh Brolin is nothing short of terrific! Don’t miss this one. Actually, for that matter, you should not miss “Taxi to the Dark Side” either. This academy-award winning documentary is absolutely harrowing in it’s depiction of  the dark consequences of the Bush administration’s “war on terror”. This one is sure to disturb and provoke. I certainly don’t recognize anything remotely “American” about the behavior and policies sited in this film, in a word, scary. But alas, true.   Come join us on March 8, 2009 at 1:30  in the auditorium for ”Sunday Aternoon at the Movies” to see what you think about the film.  And do you know what? NO ONE will pick you up off  the streets if you do join us. It’s a free country, thank God. Let’s strive to keep it that way.  More later, caucella

 A “good time” says it all. The films were great, the weather was bright and the audience showed their continued support of our film programs by showing up in satisfying numbers even after a 6 month hiatus   brought about by the Ferg’s budget crunch.  Yes, our annual mini film festival known as  “International Film Day” always hosted by “Sunday Afternoon at the Movies” this past Sunday at Ferguson’s Main library was a welcome success.  It felt good to see the familiar faces and boy did we see some wonderful films!   I especially enjoyed ”Taughi Argentini”from Belgium, “Dojoji Temple” from Japan and “Migration Assiste’e” from France.  Many thanks to my colleagues Alex and Yelena whose expertise and effort truly made the event possible. More later, caucella

Let me just say it, OK? I’m just not a  big fan of our culture’s turn toward “cranky” Christmas films in recent years. You know the ones I’m referring to, right? Let’s see…um…..”Bad Santa”, “Fred Claus”, “Surviving Christmas” or even the latest example , this season’s”Four Christmases”.Yeah, I know that it’s not always a  complete pleasure to spend time with relatives but please, I’m weary of celebrating the dysfunction and angst present in all our lives. Hey, what about the very fun pretty lights? The beautiful colors? The warmth of a room lit up by a fireplace? And how about that delicious pie? I’m sure you can see by what I have just shared with you that I go for the  Christmas classics on film.  But that’s just me.  So choose your own favorites. It’s up to you. The library has the titles you want you can be sure. Stuff like yes, “Bad Santa”, “A Christmas Carol”, “Christmas with the Kranks”, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “A Christmas Story” , “Fred Claus”, “The Bishop’s Wife”, “Surviving Christmas”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, “”A Muppet Christmas”….. and many more……have a happy…..More later, caucella