By Gregory Crofton If you’re a fan of documentaries, you might have seen “Heavy Metal Parking Lot,” a an influential short film shot on videotape that captures rock fans tailgating at a Judas Priest concert in 1986 Maryland. “Maybe Next…
‘Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds’ is Packed With Herzog One-Liners That’ll Turn Your Gaze to the Sky
By Jonathon Norcross Werner Herzog’s new globe-trotting documentary about meteors feels like a Nat Geo TV special narrated by an existentialist-turned-standup comic. If that sounds condescending, I mean it as a very sincere compliment. Fireball is mystical, contemplative, and perhaps…
Errol Morris Points His Camera at Steve Bannon, Looking for ‘American Dharma’
By Jonathon Norcross Dharma Noun (in Indian religion) the eternal and inherent nature of reality, regarded in Hinduism as a cosmic law underlying right behavior and social order. Errol Morris’ portrait of former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon is…
‘TREAD’ is the True Story of ‘God’s Plan’ for Marvin Heemeyer and His Bulldozer
By Gregory Crofton “Tread” perfectly entertained me — think Dateline with a fantastic story, no commercials and a decent-sized budget. The filmmakers had enough money to build a replica of Marvin Heemeyer’s customized bulldozer. They used it to recreate Errol…
Director Spike Jonze Draws from Stage Show For ‘Beastie Boys Story’
By Jonathon Norcross Spike Jonze is one of those filmmakers (like Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee) whose filmmaking talent transcends all genres and formats. He’s directed iconic music videos (including “Sabotage” by the Beastie Boys), stand-up specials, spellbinding narrative films,…