'Catfish' is the creepy, Facebook-inspired dystopian social network documentary, and 'I'm Still Here' is the Joaquin Phoenix mockumentary that managed to fool everybody while getting blistering - though misguided - reviews in the process.
They may not be blockbusters, but both are compelling new films generating buzz and conversation throughout the city. Also, both are not playing on Staten Island.
Once again, like in the 'Brokeback Mountain' and 'Milk' debacles, Island theaters continue to avoid arthouse, while appealing to the lowest common denominator at the same time.
Case in point: 'Machete.' Despite the gory B-movie aspect and second-tier status 'Machete' is, indeed, playing on Staten Island.
'Machete' is described in this review as a "‘Mexploitation’ film that has the gall to call out the anti-immigration sentiment storming across the country."
Sound perfect for Staten Island. It's kitschy, sure, but it also gives bigots an outlet for entertainment and confirms their base, xenophobic fears.
Wonder if this person saw 'Machete'? If not, we highly recommend it to them. It's playing at the UA Stadium 16 with other flicks like 'Eat, Pray, Love' and 'Wall Street.'
In the meantime, here's Joaquin Phoenix from last night's appearance on the 'Late Show with David Letterman.'
Oh, the movies you won't see in Staten Island.
ReplyDeleteI read an article in The Advance a few years back about the person who chooses which releases go to Staten Island, and essentially they said that they had no interest in bringing in anything besides popular releases. They don't expect a good turn out for indie releases/smaller budgets/etc, but to my knowledge they've never actually let the audiences prove that by giving us the option.
I saw Catfish and I thought it was great! And while I do know that SI gets the short end of the stick when it comes to certain film releases, Catfish I've been following for awhile and they have a VERY limited release. Its only playing at 3-4 theaters in Manhattan. You can go their website and request that Catfish be brought to your city!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.iamrogue.com/catfish/request/