NEW WEBSITE

The Criterion Collection has just revamped their whole site and it ROCKS!!

They now have films that you can rent online, essays from previous laserdisk editions of their collection, and a forum.

VISIT IT NOW AT WWW.CRITERION.COM

Happy birthday to one of our bloggers

Drinking "Kurosawa" Sake.

Happy Bday, Daigoro!

Nagisa, Godfather, DVDs, and more!

It's been a while since the blog has been updated and many things have been happening since the last entry.

In the midsts of the all the politics, school work, jobs, and other college drama you may be in, New York City has been hosting some great film events.

One of them being the retrospective of the famous Japanese director Nagisa Oshima at the New York Film Festival. Although he may not be a household name in the States when talking about Japanese cinema, he is incredibly well known domestically. His most well known/controversial film, In the Realm of Senses (1976), is still unavailable uncenscored in Japan. Many of his films are being shown at the Lincoln Center. See the full program here for tickets and showtimes.

Also, the Film Forum is showing a new 35mm print of The Godfather Part I and II. Apparently, the print is so incredibly clean and crisp, it's like watching a new film. I wanted to post it up earlier but I just never got the time. Starting today for 2 weeks, they will be showing a Marathon screening of both parts. Just make sure you bring cash if you didn't buy tickets online! I learned the hard way... Check the schedule here.

Now moving on to new Criterion Collection releases: they are now making the transition to Blu-Ray DVDs. Starting November, they will be re-releasing old DVDs (The Third Man, The Last Emperor, The Man Who Fell to Earth) and releasing Wes Anderson's Bottle Rocket and Wong Kar-Wai's Chungking Express on Blu-Ray and regular DVDs. They also have plans to release great films such as Wages of Fear, Contempt, and The 400 Blows later. Also, make sure to check out their Eclipse series which features hard-to-find films by famous directors.

Also, I'm working on a new project which is scheduled to start production in mid-November. I have begun the casting process and will plan to audition in late October. You will find flyers for it next week on the bulletin boards of Hunter so keep a look out for those. For more details, click here. The film is called "Everyman".

The Politics of The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight has been the centerpiece of this Summer's slate of blockbusters. I found it to be surprising intense and cynical for a superhero movie. That said, it was a damn good superhero movie and one worth retrospection. I had some particular thoughts about the political side of the film outlined in a sketch below.

THERE ARE SPOILERS (that, and the unacquainted won't understand what the hell I am talking about. Just see the damn movie already.)



When comic book adaptations come to mind, I've been more disposed to think of the smarmy excesses of Robert Downey, Jr.'s Iron Man or the big, bright CGI cluttered vision of New York in the recent Spiderman series. With The Dark Knight (and like minded forerunner Batman Begins), Christopher Nolan and crew seem hellbent on creating a gritty comic universe, a more realistic reflection of the modern metropolis.

The idea of 'realism' in big screen comic stories is slippery territory. What The Dark Knight has created is a lavish allegory on politics and American manias. Batman is cast- strangely enough for a subterranean, anti-hero- as a conservative superman. Conservatism might be the last tag that comes to mind when thinking of Bruce Wayne and his alter ego but it seems an apt description in Nolan's world.

For one, Batman's dependance on and faith in technology to vanquish his foes is a reminder of America's own technologic and militaristic ventures. 20th century America is bound to be remembered for innovations (often dubious) like the Manhattan Project and the U2 spy plane. This is a nonpartisan fixation but has been marked by distinctly conservative projects like the Regan era Strategic Defense Initiative.

Nolan's Dark Knight takes Batman's traditional utility belt a step further with an endless bevy of vague technological implements that are dispensed with the convenience of plot. If it seems like a bad guy has got Bats on the ropes, then our hero is likely to bust out some obscure device to turn the tables. Batman's cutting edge gear is juxtaposed with the Joker's ramshackle assortment of goods; cell phone rigged bombs and moth eaten suits wired with grenades. A scene late into the movie has Joker in full nurse garb bashing away at a fickle detonator. With Batman cast as conservative hero, this is the perfect image of contrast. Joker is a sexual and political subversive playing with his homemade tech goods.

The film is most aware of this conservative/radical dialectic when Batman employs an experimental radar system to track down the Joker. He creates a city-spanning network that opens up the possibility of spying on any or all of the denizens of Gotham City. This moral dilemma calls to mind the privacy issue in America sparked by Patriot Act. Batman takes advantage of the system despite the resistance of his technological consultant, Lucius Fox. Although the film closes with the destruction of the spy network, a compromise has been made. In the face of defeat, Batman (and in this allegory, America) has suspended morality for the sake of control. While The Dark Knight closes suspended in air, just like the Joker, it does seem to resolve the issue of Batman's heroism with Jim Gordon's epilogue. With Batman re-anointed Gotham's rebel savior, it appears the film endorses his (our) moral lapse.

The French Crime Wave at the Film Forum

I'm not the biggest fan of French New Wave Cinema. However, for a reason I can't fully express in words, I do love Jean-Pierre Melville. Since seeing Le Samourai, I've been religiously watching all of his films that have been released by Criterion (and two more are coming out in October, by the way). His films, although not the greatest, have an extremely interesting and certain appeal to me which ranks him as one of the most interesting filmmakers in my constantly changing list of "favorite directors". So, when I saw that the Film Forum is going to show a few Melville's, I thought that I should share the information.

"The French Crime Wave" event started yesterday and will run until September 11th, which is more than enough time to catch some great films. The Melville films that are going to be screened are Le Cercle Rouge (which is one of my favorite Melville's), Bob le Flambeur, Le Doulos (which comes out on Criterion in October), and Un Flic (which is out of print on DVD).

However, if you are not a big fan of Melville, do not fear. There are tons of other great flicks to check out from New Wave directors such as Truffaut, Godard, Clouzot, and many others!

To see the full program, click HERE!

Madame Kawakita

Wow, I haven't update this thing in a while! Well, I have about one more month of summer left and just when I thought, all the film events were coming to a close in NY, I found one more!

Check it out:

The Film Society of Lincoln Center will pay tribute to “film ambassador” Kashiko Kawakita, on the centenary of her birth, with the film series Japanese Screen Classics: In Honor of Madame Kawakita. Kawakita, who helped establish the Japan Film Library Council, to preserve prints of the finest works of Japanese cinema, and who sat on twenty-six film-festival juries around the world during her lifetime, died in 1993. Beginning this Wednesday, July 30, and running through August 14, the program will feature twenty-four essential films from Japan, all by directors who have won the prestigious Kawakita Award, including Akira Kurosawa, Seijun Suzuki, Kaneto Shindo, Shohei Imamura, and Kon Ichikawa. 

(From the Criterion Collection website)

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS!!

http://www.filmlinc.com/wrt/onsale/kawakita.html

Asian American International Film Festival

The AAIFF, sponsored by the Asian Society and Asian Cinevision, will begin starting July 10th until July 19th. 

There seems to be many interesting films being screened this year so if you are interested, click here for the full program.

NAKADAI and NOGAMI

Yesterday, Taylor and I went to go see Seppuku (Harakiri) at the Film Forum, which was followed by a Q&A session with the star of the film, Tatsuya Nakadai. There were many great questions. I can't remember all of them but here are a few:

Q:"How much of the film was improvised/ad lib and how much was it scripted?"

A: "Everything was scripted. None of it was improvised."

Q: "How do you feel about the messages of Harakiri?"

A: "Concerning bushido and authority, I feel that every individual should be free to choose how one lives. When I was brought up, I was told that we must give our lives to the Emperor, which of course is not the case today. Nowadays, we are all free to choose how we think which is a great thing."

Q: "How was the film received in Japan?"

A: "The film met with a decent amount of praise in Japan, but the funniest part was at Cannes. During the screening, apparently, at least 10 french ladies fainted at the harakiri scene and so the director and I thought that the film was doomed. However, after the screening, we were met with so much praise that the Japanese media thought that we would win the Grand Prix. I specifically remember going to several interviews being asked how I felt about winning the Grand Prix when the winner wasn't even announced yet. In the end, Luchino Visconti's The Leopard, ended up winning it. At the dinner party, I saw Visconti and Alain Delon celebrating at the other table and we were sort of huddling together in jealousy at our table. It was quite funny."

I also had the great opportunity to ask my own question:

"So I heard a story that during the shooting for this film that you and Rentaro Mikuni had an argument regarding projection of voice. Mikuni, being a film actor, argued that he didn't need to speak loud because the mic was right in front of him but you, being from theatre, argued that you can't respond if you can't hear his lines. Director, Masaki Kobayashi, finally stepped in and stopped shooting for 3 days until you two came to a resolution. Is that true?"

A:"That is absolutely true. During the scenes where we are speaking, the distance was just like where you and I are standing (app. 20 ft.) so it was difficult for me to hear him if he didn't speak loudly. We got into an argument and so the director told us to resolve our conflict and stopped shooting for three days. I can't imagine that happening today in the U.S., or in Japan for that matter, but back then we had lots of time to spare."

So apparently, my question was pretty interesting and a man from the Japan Foundation pulled me to the side and gave me an invitation to a special screening of Ran followed by a reception with Nakadai and Nogami, which was to be held the next day.

Before the screening, however, Nakadai and Nogami visited the Japanese bookstore, Kinokunia (located across the street from Bryant Park), for a book signing. 

Mr. Nakadai signing my Criterion DVD inserts for Harakiri and Ran.

Ms. Nogami signing my copy of her book. She's drawing the Seven Samurai flag t-shirt I was wearing today (or rather yesterday seeing that's it's 1 AM)

After the book signing, I hurried off to the Japan Society and saw Ran again and was blown away. It's really something to see on the big screen. Mr. Nakadai said a few words after the show and then we hurried on to the reception.

Ms. Nogami and I at the reception following Ran.

Mr. Nakadai and I.

Well there are two more chances that I'll see them. One on Tuesday for Nakadai's lecture at 8:20 PM at the Film Forum, and one the next day for Nogami's lecture at 6:30 at the Japan Society. I don't know if tickets are still available but if they are, you should definitely go and check them out!!

50 Years with Akira Kurosawa

Legendary director, Akira Kurosawa's, script supervisor will be coming to New York City on Wednesday the 25th of June to lecture about Kurosawa and the inner workings of his creative mind. Nogami stood by Kurosawa from Rashomon to Madadayo and has been through the ups as well as the downs with the master filmmaker. It's definitely worth checking out and a must if you are a Kurosawa fan.

Click here to buy tickets or to find out more.

Nogami on the far right with actor Toshiro Mifune

in the middle and Kurosawa at the bottom.

Werner Herzog in NYC

Today, I had the great privilege of seeing Jonathan Demme interview Werner Herzog at the Times Center. Demme has created many great movies including the classic Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia which both won oscars. Herzog is an international phenomena, who has made the legendary Aguirre, the Wrath of God and has recently finished his documentary, Encounters at the End of the World. 

To give you a little sense of what Herzog's past was like, he grew up in the remote mountains of Bavaria, Germany and saw no film, TV, or radio during his childhood. He started traveling on foot at the age of 14 and made his first film when he was 19 (by stealing a camera). Despite this, he is one of the most interesting (and great) filmmakers today.

Like the Gondry interview, I did record the whole conversation so if anybody is interested, please let me know. 

Demme and Herzog started out by discussing a letter Roger Ebert has sent to Herzog expressing his admiration toward his works (which could be found on Ebert's site), then transitioned into some aspects of Aguirre, particularly the river scene after the people descend the mountain. Herzog explained how he had his DP hold the shot of the river to get a sense of the rage and anger of the water, which will ultimately be the demise of the soldiers. He also talked about filmmaking in general and his take on sound in his films. He also went on to speak about various other things (such as his relationship with Rainer Werner Fassbinder) but what I found the most interesting was when he talked about what makes a filmmaker. 

"You have to know the heart of men. If you don't, you are not a filmmaker". 

-Werner Herzog

I think that's very true, especially for young student filmmakers, like myself, who may get too absorbed in the technical aspects that they forget what is most important: the connection with the audience. I could be speaking for myself, but sometimes I feel that I lose that connection with people or I'm not connecting enough. I don't know if everybody knows the "heart of men" but I think it's something many filmmakers (or at least I) should be aware of. 

On a different note, some of you may have already heard the news but two guys climbed the New York Times building today. Right before the Herzog interview, I was waiting for my good friend Nestor, when spider-man started scaling the wall in front of my eyes. It was quite a feat.

Crazy things happen when Herzog is around...

While we're still on the topic...

Professor Ramin Bahrani was featured again, this time on a bi-weekly podcast I listen to called "filmschool". They interview independent filmmakers and various indie festival officials about the making of their films and some significant news in the industry. You can listen to the podcast by subscribing to it on iTunes or you can download the Bahrani episode by clicking here.

They also interviewed Hunter alumnus director Guy Moshe about his first film Holly. That could be downloaded here.

Bahrani's Favorite Criterions

Professor Ramin Bahrani of Hunter College shared some of his favorite Criterion Collection DVDs in the most recent newsletter. If I remember correctly, last semester he taught screenwriting. Anyway, check it out:

My Top Ten Criterions*
Ramin Bahrani
Writer-director Ramin Bahrani’s first two feature films, Man Push Cart (2005) and Chop Shop (2007) have won awards and acclaim all over the world, from Venice to Cannes to the U.S. Chop Shop also won Bahrani the Someone to Watch Independent Spirit Award in 2008. Bahrani is currently in postproduction on his third feature, Goodbye Solo.

1. Nanook of the North Robert Flaherty

Robert Flaherty set his camera down and had the audacity and humanity to step back. I like Man of Aran even better. Without these films there would not have been La terra trema, Rome Open City, Bicycle Thieves, Where Is the Friend’s House?, Il posto . . . Such simple and moving storytelling, and so profoundly in touch with what it means to be human in this world. He has forever erased the line between fiction and documentary. What is left, fabricated or not, is a visual poem that challenges how we live and how we see, and all the while accepting life for what it is.


2. Mama Roma Pier Paolo Pasolini

Pasolini was murdered for a reason: he was a real artist with something to say that too many people did not want to hear. Nobody brings as much love and anger, and challenges and questions, as PPP. His films explode with life and energy, politics, religion, doubt, devotion, humor, and irony, and force you to rethink everything in your life and outside your life. Each frame is a revolution and a dare to the viewer. Bertolucci said, “You can tell when Pasolini puts the pen down and picks up the camera.” Which other filmmakers can claim that this quote would be true of them? A devastating majority of films are just filmed screenplays. Pasolini belongs to the rare group of artists who make films. Empty yourself, wash your eyes and ears, and for the first time really watch and listen to what the master has to say.


3. The Flowers of St. Francis Roberto Rossellini 

My favorite from Rossellini. A sublime call to us all to be good, even at our own expense. Ten times more subversive and inspiring than any in the long list of meaningless yet much-lauded films made about the “lessons” of war, injustice, and inhumanity. This is the film everyone should have been watching in the last eight years. Fellini’s humor and Rossellini’s ironic wit are at their very best here. The monks are brilliant in their roles. A must-see gem.


4. Il posto Ermanno Olmi
A great Italian film from the often ignored Olmi (please also see The Tree of Wooden Clogs). The scenes between young Domenico and Antonietta are so real you will think you have witnessed them yourself while standing outside a café window. Wonderful mix of humor and sadness, and of lightness in the face of the eternal meaninglessness of society’s damning labyrinth. The scenes go by so effortlessly, yet by the end you’re profoundly moved without understanding how Olmi has done it.


5. Umberto D. Vittorio De Sica

I first saw this as a college student at one of the city’s repertory cinemas, in the early nineties, and will never forget it. One of the most simple and moving films ever made about man not losing his dignity in the face of our eternal fate and society’s greed. How to stay alive and human when you are no longer useful to our indifferent world? How to maintain hope when all that is left is to turn into the dust from which we came?


6. L’avventura Michelanglo Antonini

Every director should have a respect for the frame, and here Antonioni reminds us of that lesson shot after shot. He shocked Cannes but without being exploitative, which is more than most enfants terribles in Cannes’ history can claim. Antonioni shocked by being a ruefully disturbing mirror into the souls of his generation. Sandro’s empty desires, and Claudia’s blind and desperate search for meaning and connection in the deadly silence of life, are as true to our times as to when the film was made. Monica Vitti astounds with her beauty and her mystery, and Antonioni’s courage to explain nothing but allow us to feel and question everything is a testament to his brilliance.


7. Au hasard Balthazar Robert Bresson 

One lesson after another from the master to all his students. A film that makes you ashamed to be part of the human race, and then fills you with the courage to be better.


8. Scenes from a Marriage (full TV version) Ingmar Bergman

A great first-date movie! Well . . . perhaps not. I have never seen a more truthful and honest account of human relationships. Shockingly simple in its creation, once again proving how hard it is to be simple and how it is usually much more profound. Bergman keeps cutting away to reveal more, not less. He has done the difficult and dirty work for us. Watch and accept the truth about our relationships, and then, like all of mankind, try to avoid your fate.


9. Nights of Cabria Federico Fellini 

Along with La dolce vita and I vitelloni, my favorite from Fellini. So much love and hope in the face of the bastards who seem to run this world. Masina is brilliant and PPP’s dialogues and understanding of the “wretched of the earth” are perhaps Fellini’s good karma for the gifts he brought Rossellini in The Flowers of St. Francis seven years prior. Daring, loving, and painful. Thank you for not ending this one at the sea, but instead on the road, with trees, music, tears, and smiles—a real carnival in the face of death.


10. Seven Samurai Akira Kurosawa

Lessons one through one hundred in how to write, shoot, direct, and edit a film. Sit down and enjoy.

*Taken from the Criterion Collection Website

31st Annual Hunter Film Festival Results

The Film and Media Society of Hunter College hosted the 31st Annual Hunter College Film Festival last weekend which screened many different and interesting films. The categories were documentary, production 1, production 2, produced on video, cinematography, and production seminar with a total of approximately 25 films.

Here are the results:

DOCUMENTARY:

STREET SUPREME - dir. MICAH BOCHART

PRODUCTION 1:

TELEVATORS - dir. NATHAN SCHRADER

PRODUCTION 2:

DISCONNECTED - dir. AMIR ADELAR MINDER

PRODUCED ON VIDEO:

SLEEP WALKER - dir. DAIGORO HIRAHATA

EXPERIMENTAL:

"CHARLIE ROSE" BY SAMUEL BECKETT - dir. ANDREW FILIPPONE JR.

CINEMATOGRAPHY:

ANDREW'S GUN - dir. TERESA SONEBORG

There were also a few seminar films but sadly I do not remember all the director's names. My program was used as a voting sheet.

SEMINAR:

KILL ME A SON - WINNER

TATI FROM 4 TO 7

UNKNOWN MELODY

DIONAEA

Tatsuya Nakadai in NYC

Daigoro brought this to my attention.

Tatsuya Nakadai is visiting the city for a retrospective and talk back at the Film Forum, a signing at the Bryant Park Kinokuniya book store and other events.

Nakadai is a truly great actor and has an impressive list of credits.He has had starring roles in Kobayashi's Harakiri and The Human Condition as well as more recent works like Kurosawa's Kagemusha and Ran. He's worked with other greats like Teshigahara and Imamura too.

He is a highly visible presence and has carried equally memorable supporting roles. A favorite of mine that comes to mind is the smirking, gun wielding baddie from Yojimbo

The retrospective starts in late June and continues through July, ending with a three week run of The Human Condition.

Check out the Film Forum site for more details and info on other events.

A Little Late but...

I wanted to let people know what's been going on recently.

I know it's incredibly last minute but the 31st Annual Hunter College Film Festival is coming up this week on Friday at 3 pm-ish and Saturday "Selects" at 6 pm. If you would like to submit your work, it's due this Wednesday by 4 pm in the drop off box in the Film and Media Office at 433HN. They are also looking for volunteers so if you can, please contact Ruomi Hampel at ruomi@hotmail.com.

On a different note, last Friday I had the wonderful opportunity to go see Michel Gondry speak at the Times Center. Excluding myself, there were about 6 other Hunter students who also went. I sat up front as he spoke about his music videos (Bjork, The White Stripes, and The Rolling Stones in particular) and about his 5 feature films (Human Nature, Eternal Sunshine, Science of Sleep, Be Kind Rewind, and Dave Chappelle's Block Party). He told some interesting anecdotes about stuff that happened during filming and his influences for his film concepts. He also spoke a little about the importance of scripts. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and we couldn't ask any questions directly but it was overall a very interesting and fun experience. We got a very personal look at Gondry as well as a little glimpse into his creative mind. I recorded the whole conversation so if anybody is interested, I could give them a copy. I must warn you though that his french accent is pretty hard to understand at times, especially through a recording.

According to a friend, she said that when Wong Kar-Wai came to NY, there was a 45 minute Q&A session afterwards so there is a good chance that that will occur in future guest speakers. If you didn't already, you should probably reserve your tickets for Werner Herzog. Get them here.

50 Years of Janus Films: Episode I

Александр Невский (Alexander Nevsky)
Sergei Eisenstein, 1938

Great art is a reflection of the times; great propaganda, a reflection of the minds of that time. Many would not associate propaganda with art, but the films Sergei Eisenstein produced for the Soviet government from 1917 until his death in 1948 can be called nothing less. The ulterior motive of this Stalinist epic is brutally clear; foreign invasion must be stopped at all costs. But the stunning visuals, storytelling, and composition of this film, along with the incomparable soundtrack by Sergei Prokofiev (a must for every hardcore film buff,) hint at a greater work which transcends the party message.

Lenin once said film is the media of the masses, it was in this spirit that Soviet filmmaking took off in the late '10's and early '20's of the past century. Borrowing techniques from American and European filmmakers, the Russian school of film pioneered new methods of editing and montage to convey visual tapestries of emotion. Eisenstein, creator of the silent masterpiece "Battleship Potemkin," worked with a style called "intellectual montage," in which the framing, juxtaposition, and composition of scenes create an emotional and aesthetic tapestry of meaning. This is particularly apparent in the scenes at the Teutonic Knights' camp in which the Catholic mass is made to look almost like a Nazi rally, complete with Iron Crosses and a symbol which looks strikingly like a swastika. This is also clear in scenes of pastoral Russia, in which the low angle of framing emphasizes the space and sheer magnitude of the land, and the unity and singularity of the people.

Before getting into the nitty-gritty, a bit of history; Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky was the grand prince of Novgorod and Vladimir in the 13th century. He defeated the Swedes at the battle on the Neva, giving him the name "Nevsky" from the river. The action of the film concentrates on his routing of the Livonian Knights (in the film, called "Teutonic Knights," or "Germans") on Lake Peipus. However, all this leads me to feel like I'm working on my Russian History paper, which I should be doing.

In the film, Alexander Nevsky leads an army of Russian peasants against the fearsome German invaders. Here is where the polities of the time are most clear, the Catholic Germans represent the two greatest enemies to Stalin's state: Religion, and Hitler's Germany. Fearsome is right, as we bear witness to German Knights hanging civilians and throwing babies into a fire.

The film opens as Alexander Nevsky, played by Nikolai Cherkasov (whom you may have seen as the title character in "Ivan the Terrible,") has left politics to live as a simple fisher on the river of his namesake. Meanwhile, the teutons invade neighboring Pskov and massacre its people. The call goes out to summon Alexander Nevsky, who raises an army of peasants and goes to meet the teutonic knights in battle on the frozen lake Pleshcheevo.

Like most epics of Soviet Realism, the film is extremely black and white; the German teutons are evil, Alexander and the Russians are good. They battle, good triumphs over evil. But it is the craft-work of the film; the editing and composition, specifically in the battle sequence, are an historical contribution to filmmaking. Keep in mind this film was made in 1938, years before war epics like Ben Hur and Spartacus. The scene on the ice after the battle, in which dirges are sung for the dead and dying, is one of the most poignant and touching scenes to date.

The film also differs from most pictures in the Soviet Union at the time, which focused more on nationalistic issues than those of foreign policy. Although Russia and Germany were still technically "allies" at the time the film was made, it alludes to German invasion, which occurred in 1939. What followed in the war period was a lull in Soviet filmmaking, understandable in light of the enormous horrors and privations Russia faced at the hands of the Nazis. Ultimately the Soviet Union triumphed over the forces of fascism, thanks in no small part to the spirit created by works like "Alexander Nevsky." It begs the question, how useful is art in matters of national importance?

Next Episode: "Popiół i diament" (Ashes and Diamonds), 1958, Andrzej Wajda.

Peace,
Nathan Schrader

A Hunter College Production: "Sleep Walker"

Well, I hope everybody has had a nice spring break. I know I had a very productive one: making a film with my fellow classmates from Hunter College. It was my privilege to work with such a great cast and crew and hopefully I can find (and reach out to) more Hunter students to share this experience with them.

*All photos are courtesy of Nathan Schrader*

SLEEP WALKER

SYNOPSIS
Chris (Joe Ferraro) accidentally kills his brother Jerry one night while sleepwalking. His friend, Jeff (Alexei Bakastov), witnesses him sleepwalking and realizes that he is the murderer. Now Jeff must tell Chris the horrifying news because Chris doesn't recall anything.

CAST & CREW

My cast and crew are all Hunter College students (except for the actors that played the parents).

From left: Joe Ferraro, Margret Somerville, Nestor Nadal, Artie Somerville, Daigoro Hirahata, Taylor Morgan, Alexei Bakastov, Nathan Schrader.

CHRIS - Joe Ferraro
JEFF - Alexei Bakastov
MOTHER - Margret Somerville
FATHER - Artie Somerville

WRITTEN, PRODUCED and DIRECTED by Daigoro Hirahata
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Taylor Morgan
CHIEF ELECTRICIAN - Nathan Schrader
BOOM OPERATOR - Nestor Nadal

PRE-PRODUCTION

As soon as I got the idea, I wrote the screenplay in about a week and told my good friend Taylor about making it into a movie and he was all for it. He proof read it and I edited it some more and began to draw up a full storyboard. This was around 3 months ago. The plan was from the start, to film during spring break so I had a lot of time... or so I thought. I finished the story board but not everything went as smoothly. I held several auditions to cast for my 2 characters and ran into many problems (like every film production) but finally casted Joe and Alexei 2 days before shooting. For the parents, I had this other couple who were supposed to play it but they dropped out a week before shooting which had to be switched. Luckily, my High School buddy's parents were willing to do it with a last minute notice.

Taylor checks to see if the shot looks good with Janice (my camera).

PRODUCTION

Shooting began on April 21st (the first Monday of spring break) and was scheduled to go into Tuesday at my house on Long Island. Being that my film consists around 46 shots (including 2 tracking shots and several other very complicated set ups), we were working under a hard schedule.

DP, Taylor Morgan, also taking the job of AD and setting up a shot list by looking back at the storyboard.

With everybody focused (and relaxed at the same time due to much comic relief on the set) we were able to get about 25 shots done. We had a few problems including the time when the smoke alarm went off during filming because the light gave off some smoke and when the neighbors started mowing their lawn which was caught on the mic. However, despite all the craziness, we had a productive day. My dedicated cast and crew all slept over (with the exception of Joe and the parents who live on Long Island) and started filming on Tuesday at 10 AM.

Filming shot #16.

Tuesday was the day where all the hard shots had to be filmed. Although we got many complicated zoom-dutch shots done on Monday, the 2 big tracking shots still had to be filmed. Not to mention a shot that took place outside, looking into the house which was the basis of an incredibly difficult light set up. The problem we encountered with the track was that there was a small bump dividing my kitchen with my dining room. I had a wheelchair move over it but not without the camera shaking heavily. So, we put lots or cardboard and towels over and around it to create a smoother track. It wasn't a Scorsese track but it was good enough and it worked. Miraculously we were able to get ahead of schedule and finished at around 2PM.

Joe getting his shirt all bloody for his character.

POST PRODUCTION

Sleep Walker was filmed in 720p HDV format (on my JVC GYHD110U) which was the first time I ever filmed in HD. Maybe it was due to that but my computer didn't automatically capture the footage without cutting out at least 3 seconds of video. In the end, I had to go through every take and manually capture all the footage myself.

The cast taking a quick break while Taylor and I set up for the next shot.

By Wednesday, the rough cut was done. I showed it to my father who had lots or criticism which escalated from "this sequence looks dull" to "you shouldn't be a filmmaker". It's safe to say that that pissed me off a little but I had to agree that some of the sequences were indeed too dull. The next day, I contacted Joe again and we re-shot some scenes, giving the film the much needed juice.

Currently, I am talking with a musician to come up with a soundtrack. Hopefully, the finished product will turn out nicely and I can get it in to some film festivals.

Future Film Festivals You May Want to Participate In

To those of the Hunter community: I hope you are all enjoying your week off.

Here is a list of a couple of film festivals that may be of interest to you guys:

5th Annual ALL ROADS FILM FESTIVAL
Organization Host: National Geographic Society All Roads Project
"The National Geographic All Roads Film Project showcases breakthrough film and still photography from indigenous and underrepresented minority cultures around the globe."

Location: Washington, D.C.
Festival Dates: October 2-5, 2008
Deadline for submissions: May 10, 2008
Deadline All Seeds Grants: June 15, 2008

16th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival
Organization Host:Hamptons Film Festival
“For 15 years now, the Hamptons International Film Festival has awarded over 130 plus, undergraduate and graduate filmmakers a cash award and a viewing slot within the festival.”

Note: Check the site for the various categories of awards and grants.

Location: East Hampton, New York
Festival Dates:October 15-19, 2008
Deadline for submissions: (Early submission) May 10, 2008

6th Annual Coney Island Film Festival
Organization Host: Coney Island Film

Location: (Obviously) Coney Island
Festival Dates: September 26-28, 2008
Deadline for submissions:
Regular Deadline April 25th, 2008 (postmarked)
Late deadline June 25th, 2008 (postmarked)
Extended late deadline July 3rd, 2008 (postmarked)

Interesting DVD Releases!!

If you don't already know, I am an avid DVD collector of foreign, art house, classic, and just plain interesting films. If you know that, then you know that I love the Criterion Collection.

A few of my favorite non-box set Criterion DVDs.

The Criterion Collection is a DVD company that puts out classic and contemporary films from all over the world. They give the films an awesome HD transfer and jam pack the package with extras (such as documentaries, commentaries, interviews, etc.) and booklets with essays by film scholars or the filmmakers themselves. On the down side, a one disc DVD usually goes for about 40 bucks a piece. In my book, they're expensive but worth it.

Every month, Criterion comes out with about 4 to 5 new films that are put on DVD and I'm going to share a few upcoming releases that I think are interesting.

Blast of Silence - This movie is apparently one of Martin Scorsese's favorite New York City movies (according to Time Out Magazine) which just came out 3 days ago. I have it preordered with 2 other DVDs so it did not arrive yet and I can't say how great of a film it is but it seems very interesting. Synopsis from the Criterion Collection:

"Swift, brutal, and black-hearted, Allen Baron's New York City noir Blast of Silence is a sensational surprise. This low-budget, carefully crafted portrait of a hit man on assignment in Manhattan during Christmastime follows its stripped-down narrative with mechanical precision, yet also with an eye and ear for the oddball idiosyncrasies of urban living and the imposing beauty of the city. At once visually ragged and artfully composed, and featuring rough, poetic narration performed by Lionel Stander, Blast of Silence is a stylish triumph."

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters - Directed by the screenwriter of Taxi Driver, Paul Schrader, this film is about the Japanese author and playwright, Yukio Mishima, and his social and internal struggles throughout his life. I was supposed to buy this DVD (put out by a different DVD company) a while ago but amazon.com never shipped it. Luckily too, because now there's a Criterion release in June. I'm very excited to see it. Also Patriotism, or Yukoku, (the only film Yukio Mishima ever directed) will also be released in the same month so make sure you check that out as well.

Trafic - If you have taken Producing the Film class with Sarah Schenck, you may know that she cited Jacques Tati as one of her favorite directors. He's a comedy director and acts in most (if not all) of his films, most notably for his role as Monseiur Hulot. He's done movies such as Mon Oncle, Mr. Hulot's Holiday, and Playtime, and now his movie Trafic will be on DVD from Criterion. I've never seen any of his movies but if you are interested, be sure to check it out. I know I will. (Will be released in July)

High and Low - I absolutely LOVE Kurosawa. He is my idol and god, so when I saw the news that Criterion is going to re-release this movie, it's safe to say that I was more than excited. High and Low is a great film about a rich man (Kingo Gondo played by the great Toshiro Mifune) who's child gets kidnapped. The kidnapper holds the child hostage and asks for ransom which leads to a thrilling police drama. Based on the novel King's Ransom, Kurosawa creates an exciting detective film while also making a statement about Japan's social problems. (July)

Vampyr - This film is directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, the man who did The Passion of Joan of Arc. If you have seen that film, it's reason enough to try and get your hands on this one. Joan of Arc was a masterful piece of cinema that blows you away with so much emotion and expression that you will be amazed... and it's all silent. Criterion also released a box set of 3 of his works but I couldn't get my hands on it because it's so expensive. I'm definitely going to pre-order Vampyr though. (July)

ALSO DON'T FORGET THAT MICHEL GONDRY WILL COME TO NYC ON MAY 9TH. RESERVE TICKETS ASAP!! More information can be found here.

Top Films of 2007

Yes, yes it's April. Doesn't seem like the time for 'best of' lists. But being a student, it's not easy to catch all the great stuff that comes out. It takes a lot of time to truly make sense of a year. Lately, I've been stocking my Netflix with those '07 films I never got a chance to see. Just recently I rented Lake of Fire, one of 2007's best in my opinion. So in honor of student poverty, procrastination and overloaded schedules, we bring you our favorites of 2007.

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN LISTS!

We want to know what you think

TAYLOR

1) There Will Be Blood
There have been a truck load of comparisons of PT Anderson to Kubrick and Altman and other fine directors but I think this is missing the point. PTA is a great filmmaker in his own right. Mood, music, performance. All top notch element in a distinctive, great film.

2) The Lives of Others
A wonderfully scripted, thoughtful piece of filmmaking equally capable in all its sorrows and joys.

3) No Country for Old Men

One of the most engrossing thrillers of the year and perhaps the most visually captivating entry in the Coen's illustrious filmography.

4) The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
A remarkable narrative on American myth-making. Casey Affleck gives as good a performance as any from '07.

5) Lake of Fire
An even-handed, confrontational, and highly informative doc on the most divisive issue in America.


This list, like any annual list, is confused by a few things.
Killer of Sheep would top my list if not for the fact it was made so long ago.

The Lives of Others and 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days present another issue because of distribution
I saw 4 Months in February of this year so despite critical polls that have included it, I don't think I should.

The Lives of Others is problematic because it won the Oscar for Best Foreign last year but it didn't get a proper US release until early this year.

DAIGORO

I'd first like to state that I have not seen many movies in 2007. I've only seen There Will Be Blood, No Country, Juno, Ratatouille, Sicko, Paprika, Persepolis, and The Counterfeiters. From within these films, my top 5 are as follows:

1. There Will Be Blood

2. No Country for Old Men

3. Persepolis

4. Sicko

5. Paprika

Upon viewing There Will Be Blood, I felt that I have witnessed film history. Not only did this movie rightfully win the oscar for cinematography and acting, but the narrative was incredible as well. In my opinion, it is our generation's Raging Bull.

No Country for Old Men, was another great one from the Coen's because it's very faithful to their unique style and dark humor. Anybody could have made a Cormac McCarthy novel into a good film but to make it into a great film is a hard thing to do. Casting Javier Bardem was definitely the best choice as the menacing villain and the minimal score created this extremely eerie atmosphere only the Coen Brothers could have pulled off.

Persepolis was a surprise. I thought the film brought a very important issue to the audience but in a very humorous way. The movie blends history and the growing up of the main character from childhood to adulthood (who is also the director) and the effects of both on Iran and her own family. It's a coming of age film intertwined with the Islamic revolution in Iran. The animation is great, it's very funny, and it's very engaging. Definitely should have won best Animated Feature for the oscars (although Ratatouille was also great).

Michael Moore has balls of steel and whatever your political stance is, you have to respect him for that. He's a filmmaker that will go to many lengths to make a statement and I think any independent filmmaker can learn from that. Sicko is very funny but also very sad. It makes a bold statement in our nation's health care system which every citizen should be aware about but in a way where we can get a few laughs while also being told the issues in our system. Yes, he's very biased but he gets his message across with such vigor which is why I believe this is a great movie.

Paprika is a Japanese animation from the acclaimed Satoshi Kon. If you haven't seen any of his other films, you're in for a ride. This film is blends reality with fantasy with a great narrative and interesting characters. It's visually very engaging that will always keep you guessing. You can never predict a Satoshi Kon thriller.

KRISTINA

I haven't seen all the Oscar contenders. But here's my list:

1. There Will Be Blood
Fantastic cinematography, great tale of false prophecy

2. The Assassination of Jesse James
Breathtaking shots throughout the movie, awesome performances (yea, Brad Pitt too.)

3. Lake of Fire
Provocative, evocative, informative.

4. Rescue Dawn
An awesome visual narrative about survival.
5. Eastern Promises
Watching Viggo's performance is a good enough reason to watch this movie.

Honorable Mention: the first half of Atonement (the pacing of the narrative and music was absolutely brilliant. Didn't care for the second half. I loved the typewriter-incorporated music and the movement of time mirroring the typewriter-theme.).

NATHAN

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we all know, 2007 was an awesome year for film which brought us not only one but two oscar-sweeping violent epics, but other gems such as Walk Hard, Ratatouille, and a movie about some French chick who sings, or something. But let's not forget, 2007 was a year of sequels; another Borne movie, another Pirates movie, another fucking Harry Potter movie; it also featured big Willie Styles fighting zombies that look like the robots he fought in the last movie, and obnoxious singing chipmunks. Right now I'd like to take a moment to look at the best, most original films in the past year.

Top Five of 2007 (and why)

1. No Country for Old Men - Fucking Rocked. End of story.

2. Eastern Promises - A rather overlooked film last year, this was an incredibly dramatic, dark, and superbly acted story about the Russian underground in London. Viggo Mortenson proved himself unflinchingly, prepared to do a nude fight scene that would put Borat to shame, and the Russian is отлично. This film's attention to detail is rare. малодец!

3. The Simpsons Movie - Anyone who thinks this doesn't belong is not a true Simpsons fan. Aside from being a successful (largely underrated) animated feature, The Simpsons Movie was the only movie of 2007 I saw more than once… in the theater… and them's at New York prices.

4. There Will Be Blood - Honestly, one of the best movies in a long time. Honestly, not the best this year. The film is amazing for the connoisseur of film, one who appreciates great cinematography and incredible moments. For me, Daniel Day Lewis and Paul Dano will go down in film history for their performances. But the film left an eery residue on me similar to the slick of oil, and made me want to smoke a lot. The last part of the movie (right up until the ending) didn't quite live up to the beginning. Also, I expected a lot more blood.

5. Teeth - If ya' don't know, go see it.

AAAAAAAaaaaaaand Nathan's pic for the WORST movie of 2007/08

Cloverfield - And I know it came out in 2008, but it's badness spans epochs. I saw this movie on a Chinese website, and I'm glad I did. If I had paid actual money to see this film I would have immediately lost all faith in the trade economy… scratch that, I already have. Ever since I got wind of the "mysterious" untitled, pseudo-advertising teaser from J. J. Abrams, I knew there was a giant turd on all of our hands. Everything about this movie was bad; the actors, the way it was shot. It was like someone tried to make The Blare Witch Project with an enormous budget, and still ended up with Blare Witch 2. In short, this movie is its own sequel.

And finally some honorable mentions:

Planet Terror - Robert Rodriguez's contribution to Grindhouse was kickass. Death Proof; too much Death, not enough Proof.

The Darjeeling Limited - Om mana padme hum.

Ratatouille - I have to admit, this was one animal-centered computer-animated film that was innocent and fun without being full of itself or goofy.

Peace,
Nathan A Schrader

Movie Night

Just a note that the aforementioned movie nights hosted by Viktor Timofeevs are now happening every other weekend, 4/13/08 being an off weekend, and 4/20/08 an on weekend. I will continue posting links for each film.

I have an odd feeling that David Lynch doesn't care for the iPhone...

Sorry Daigoro. Couldn't resist:

Movie Night

Here's poster for tomorrow's movie night:

HUNTER STUDENT PRODUCTIONS

After looking and asking around, I found a few films done by Hunter students and I would like to showcase them here (Please note that the last two films are by Hunter students that have already graduated). Please leave feedback on what you think! If you would like to post one of your films, please contact one of the contributors and we will be more than happy to showcase it on the site.

We'll still be posting new films up so keep checking back for updates!

TELEVATORS (2007) - Dir. Nathan Schrader

THE FINEST (2005) - Dir. Robert Gregson

CONTINUITY (2007) - Dir. Joe Ferraro

PRESENTLY (2007) - Dir. Anne Yao

WORLD'S END (2007) - Dir. Carlos Del Rosario Jr.

Avast Internet World

Howdy,

I am Nathan A Schrader, I am a junior at Hunter College majoring in Film and Russian. Currently I am working on my first full-length screenplay (with many more to follow.) In the past I have shot several short films including one at Hunter entitled "Boxing Day," which many of these fine people gave their utmost to make possible.

I intend to direct. I also intend to rock hard and kick ass, but these goals are not mutually exclusive by far. My influence, my idol, the great Stanley Kubrick, has had much influence on my life and craft, though I thoroughly enjoy many films from all over the world. I also do a kick-ass Jimmy Stewart impression.

Recently I came upon the Janus Film Collection, and I intend, over the weeks, months and years this blog is active to review them and shoot their warm, moist, gooey goodness all over your proverbial face.

Good things to come!

Peace,

Nathan A Schrader

The 2008 CUNY Asian American Film Festival

I saw this poster on the 5th floor of Hunter North and decided to look up on it. Considering that I am Asian American, I am going to take up this opportunity to submit a film to this festival (To see the full criteria of this festival, click here).

May 5th is the deadline so I have all of spring break to shoot and edit the film to get it ready. The script is all done and the shooting schedule/storyboard is currently in the making. If anybody is interested in helping me, please leave a comment or email me and we can discuss it. Free food and one way transportation ticket to Long Island will be provided.