NFPF’s ‘Treasures 5’ Excavates 'The West'

The National Film Preservation Foundation delivers another gem with the fascinating three-disc box set 'The West 1898-1938.'

NFPF’s ‘Treasures 5’ Excavates 'The West'

The National Film Preservation Foundation delivers another gem with the fascinating three-disc box set 'The West 1898-1938.'

NFPF’s ‘Treasures 5’ Excavates 'The West'

The National Film Preservation Foundation delivers another gem with the fascinating three-disc box set 'The West 1898-1938.'

Where Are their Stories?

The best is yet come for Mexican wunderkind Nicolás Pereda, whose elliptical narratives allow room meditation and imagination on the part of a viewer.

Where Are their Stories?

The best is yet come for Mexican wunderkind Nicolás Pereda, whose elliptical narratives allow room meditation and imagination on the part of a viewer.

Where Are their Stories?

The best is yet come for Mexican wunderkind Nicolás Pereda, whose elliptical narratives allow room meditation and imagination on the part of a viewer.

Gordon-Levitt's Chances Better than '50/50'

Up-and-comer Joseph Gordon-Levitt is so good he compensates for the cancer comedy's shortcomings, even if he can't erase them.

Gordon-Levitt's Chances Better than '50/50'

Up-and-comer Joseph Gordon-Levitt is so good he compensates for the cancer comedy's shortcomings, even if he can't erase them.

Gordon-Levitt's Chances Better than '50/50'

Up-and-comer Joseph Gordon-Levitt is so good he compensates for the cancer comedy's shortcomings, even if he can't erase them.

Gordon-Levitt's Chances Better than '50/50'

Up-and-comer Joseph Gordon-Levitt is so good he compensates for the cancer comedy's shortcomings, even if he can't erase them.

Broadly Comedic ‘My Afternoons with Margueritte’ a Harmless Indulgence

Sentimental French film is no top-shelf vehicle, but Depardieu savors it as if it were the rarest vintage Bordeaux.

Broadly Comedic ‘My Afternoons with Margueritte’ a Harmless Indulgence

Sentimental French film is no top-shelf vehicle, but Depardieu savors it as if it were the rarest vintage Bordeaux.

Broadly Comedic ‘My Afternoons with Margueritte’ a Harmless Indulgence

Sentimental French film is no top-shelf vehicle, but Depardieu savors it as if it were the rarest vintage Bordeaux.

‘Puzzle’ Pieces Together a Life

Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.

‘Puzzle’ Pieces Together a Life

Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.

‘Puzzle’ Pieces Together a Life

Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.

‘Puzzle’ Pieces Together a Life

Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.

‘Puzzle’ Pieces Together a Life

Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.

‘Puzzle’ Pieces Together a Life

Maria Onetto quietly dazzles in Argentine film about a midlife jigsaw puzzler.

More than Cute Keeps 'Hedgehog' Going

Mona Achache's first feature relies heavily on an 11-year-old narrator, but it's 60- and 65-year-old actors who steal the show.

More than Cute Keeps 'Hedgehog' Going

Mona Achache's first feature relies heavily on an 11-year-old narrator, but it's 60- and 65-year-old actors who steal the show.

More than Cute Keeps 'Hedgehog' Going

Mona Achache's first feature relies heavily on an 11-year-old narrator, but it's 60- and 65-year-old actors who steal the show.

More than Cute Keeps 'Hedgehog' Going

Mona Achache's first feature relies heavily on an 11-year-old narrator, but it's 60- and 65-year-old actors who steal the show.

More than Cute Keeps 'Hedgehog' Going

Mona Achache's first feature relies heavily on an 11-year-old narrator, but it's 60- and 65-year-old actors who steal the show.

More than Cute Keeps 'Hedgehog' Going

Mona Achache's first feature relies heavily on an 11-year-old narrator, but it's 60- and 65-year-old actors who steal the show.

Pagnol's Foodie Oeuvre Appreciated in East Bay

Pacific Film Archive serves a full course of films by Marcel Pagnol.

Pagnol's Foodie Oeuvre Appreciated in East Bay

Pacific Film Archive serves a full course of films by Marcel Pagnol.

Pagnol's Foodie Oeuvre Appreciated in East Bay

Pacific Film Archive serves a full course of films by Marcel Pagnol.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Fassbinder's Funky Futurism Speaks to the Moment

Fassbinder's retro-chic, thought-provoking 'World on a Wire' finds the 'future' is now.

Rapaport Brings Depth to Tribe Called Quest Doc

Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.

Rapaport Brings Depth to Tribe Called Quest Doc

Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.

Rapaport Brings Depth to Tribe Called Quest Doc

Actor’s first documentary outing pays tribute to Quest’s influence.

Hong Takes New Tack with 'Oki's Movie'

Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.

Hong Takes New Tack with 'Oki's Movie'

Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.

Hong Takes New Tack with 'Oki's Movie'

Hong Sang-soo's latest leaves us with an awkward ambivalence that resonates long after the film is finished.

Vintage Kinski Uncorked at YBCA

YBCA digs a delightfully disturbing live Kinski document from the archives.

Vintage Kinski Uncorked at YBCA

YBCA digs a delightfully disturbing live Kinski document from the archives.

Frameline35 Opens, Features Wildly Diverse Program

The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival delivers internationally as well as locally made films of every identity and genre stripe.

Frameline35 Opens, Features Wildly Diverse Program

The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival delivers internationally as well as locally made films of every identity and genre stripe.

Frameline35 Opens, Features Wildly Diverse Program

The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival delivers internationally as well as locally made films of every identity and genre stripe.

Elizabeth Taylor Tribute Maps Unusual Star Path

The Castro's Elizabeth Taylor retrospective brings the actress back to her most devoted fans. The first and last time I attended the now-defunct Taos Film Festival, it gave a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor (who lived in the area), allowing me to spend an hour sitting about ten feet from one of the most famous movie stars ever. Arriving by wheelchair with a little dog on her lap, she was petite and attractive, though infirmity had taken its own toll on her figure. She was also funny, candid, unpretentious, occasionally ribald, passionately serious about her causes (especially AIDS research and education), and a little dotty—occasionally she'd drift off on some strange...

Elizabeth Taylor Tribute Maps Unusual Star Path

The Castro's Elizabeth Taylor retrospective brings the actress back to her most devoted fans. The first and last time I attended the now-defunct Taos Film Festival, it gave a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor (who lived in the area), allowing me to spend an hour sitting about ten feet from one of the most famous movie stars ever. Arriving by wheelchair with a little dog on her lap, she was petite and attractive, though infirmity had taken its own toll on her figure. She was also funny, candid, unpretentious, occasionally ribald, passionately serious about her causes (especially AIDS research and education), and a little dotty—occasionally she'd drift off on some strange...

Park Jung-bum Offers Notes on his Unique POV

The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.

Park Jung-bum Offers Notes on his Unique POV

The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.

Park Jung-bum Offers Notes on his Unique POV

The director of South Korean film 'The Journals of Musan,' a prize winner at SFIFF54, speaks about bringing cinematic light to social darkness.

Snapshots Reveal Personal Side of SFIFF54

Writers for the Festival’s daily ‘Scoop’ capture live director-audience interactions.

Snapshots Reveal Personal Side of SFIFF54

Writers for the Festival’s daily ‘Scoop’ capture live director-audience interactions.

Snapshots Reveal Personal Side of SFIFF54

Writers for the Festival’s daily ‘Scoop’ capture live director-audience interactions.

Film Society Awards Night Shines Light on ’70s, City

Beginnings, endings and the dazzling cinema in between honored in SFFS's annual awards show.

Film Society Awards Night Shines Light on ’70s, City

Beginnings, endings and the dazzling cinema in between honored in SFFS's annual awards show.

Film Society Awards Night Shines Light on ’70s, City

Beginnings, endings and the dazzling cinema in between honored in SFFS's annual awards show.

Stone not Cold in Castro Conversation

Oliver Stone reflects on his own heated past, and the world’s, as he accepts the Founder’s Directing Award onstage at the Castro Theatre during SFIFF54.

Stone not Cold in Castro Conversation

Oliver Stone reflects on his own heated past, and the world’s, as he accepts the Founder’s Directing Award onstage at the Castro Theatre during SFIFF54.

Stone not Cold in Castro Conversation

Oliver Stone reflects on his own heated past, and the world’s, as he accepts the Founder’s Directing Award onstage at the Castro Theatre during SFIFF54.

Terence Stamp Honored with Owens Award

Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.

Terence Stamp Honored with Owens Award

Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.

Terence Stamp Honored with Owens Award

Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.

Terence Stamp Honored with Owens Award

Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.

Terence Stamp Honored with Owens Award

Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.

Terence Stamp Honored with Owens Award

Terence Stamp has treated acting not as a job, but as a restless quest for new frontiers.

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards

Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards

Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards

Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards

Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards

Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.

Explosive Actors, Anecdotes Light Up SFIFF54’s Midnight Awards

Zoe Saldana and Clifton Collins, Jr., share candid thoughts with a raucous audience.

SFIFF54's 'Beginners' Brings Surprises

Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.

SFIFF54's 'Beginners' Brings Surprises

Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.

SFIFF54's 'Beginners' Brings Surprises

Mike Mills and Ewan McGregor lit up the Castro on San Francisco International's opening night.

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival

Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival

Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival

Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.

Swimming in the Deep End of San Francisco International Film Festival

Films in the 54th SFIFF immerse viewers in distant times, unique places.

The Power of ‘Poetry’

A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.

The Power of ‘Poetry’

A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.

The Power of ‘Poetry’

A South Korean gem, Lee Chang-dong’s ‘Poetry’ inspires.

Uncomplicating the Casting Process

Hester Schell’s ‘Casting Revealed’ helps filmmakers hire quality actors.

Uncomplicating the Casting Process

Hester Schell’s ‘Casting Revealed’ helps filmmakers hire quality actors.

Uncomplicating the Casting Process

Hester Schell’s ‘Casting Revealed’ helps filmmakers hire quality actors.

Kehr Recalls ‘When Movies Mattered’

A collection of Dave Kehr's analytical, entertaining pieces from 30-plus years ago offers critical enlightenment for a short-form era.

Kehr Recalls ‘When Movies Mattered’

A collection of Dave Kehr's analytical, entertaining pieces from 30-plus years ago offers critical enlightenment for a short-form era.

Kehr Recalls ‘When Movies Mattered’

A collection of Dave Kehr's analytical, entertaining pieces from 30-plus years ago offers critical enlightenment for a short-form era.

Ozon's 'Trophy Wife' Is a Winner

Ozon's Deneuve vehicle, filled with comedy and politics, travels well.

Ozon's 'Trophy Wife' Is a Winner

Ozon's Deneuve vehicle, filled with comedy and politics, travels well.

Ozon's 'Trophy Wife' Is a Winner

Ozon's Deneuve vehicle, filled with comedy and politics, travels well.

SFFS Announces 2011 SF International Film Festival Titles, Events

SF International's 54th wide-ranging program is announced.

SFFS Announces 2011 SF International Film Festival Titles, Events

SF International's 54th wide-ranging program is announced.

SFFS Announces 2011 SF International Film Festival Titles, Events

SF International's 54th wide-ranging program is announced.

Haynes Reaches Mainstream with Thoroughly Modern ‘Mildred’

Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.

Haynes Reaches Mainstream with Thoroughly Modern ‘Mildred’

Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.

Haynes Reaches Mainstream with Thoroughly Modern ‘Mildred’

Todd Haynes talks melodrama, movies, TV, the Great Depression and personal motivation.

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television

Ron Merk sends a San Francisco-set series into the ring.

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television

Ron Merk sends a San Francisco-set series into the ring.

Merk Mixes ‘Cocktails’ for Television

Ron Merk sends a San Francisco-set series into the ring.

Silent Film Festival Is in the Money

SF Silent Film Festival's Winter Event offers financial dramas that speak volumes.

Silent Film Festival Is in the Money

SF Silent Film Festival's Winter Event offers financial dramas that speak volumes.

Silent Film Festival Is in the Money

SF Silent Film Festival's Winter Event offers financial dramas that speak volumes.

Film 2010: The Year in Quotes

Outspoken and rarely understated, Bay Area filmmakers took center stage in 2010.

Film 2010: The Year in Quotes

Outspoken and rarely understated, Bay Area filmmakers took center stage in 2010.

Film 2010: The Year in Quotes

Outspoken and rarely understated, Bay Area filmmakers took center stage in 2010.

Film 2010: The Year in Quotes

Outspoken and rarely understated, Bay Area filmmakers took center stage in 2010.

'All Good Things'

Director Andrew Jarecki revisits disquieting themes from his celebrated documentary ‘Capturing the Friedmans’ in his debut narrative feature, ‘All Good Things,’ which boasts riveting performances from actors Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst. More at landmarktheatres.com.

Film 2010: The Year in Quotes

Outspoken and rarely understated, Bay Area filmmakers took center stage in 2010.

Film 2010: The Year in Quotes

Outspoken and rarely understated, Bay Area filmmakers took center stage in 2010.

Film 2010: The Year in Quotes

Outspoken and rarely understated, Bay Area filmmakers took center stage in 2010.

Film 2010: The Year in Quotes

Outspoken and rarely understated, Bay Area filmmakers took center stage in 2010.

Essential SF: Anne McGuire

San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.

Essential SF: Anne McGuire

San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.

Essential SF: Anne McGuire

San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.

Essential SF: Anne McGuire

San Francisco has not quite been the same since it began experiencing the cinema/performance antics of an uncontainable Anne McGuire.

Ed Burns Looks to Future by Getting Back to Basics

Ed Burns offers ideas about art and marketing as he releases his new film, 'Nice Guy Johnny,' into the world.

Ed Burns Looks to Future by Getting Back to Basics

Ed Burns offers ideas about art and marketing as he releases his new film, 'Nice Guy Johnny,' into the world.

Ed Burns Looks to Future by Getting Back to Basics

Ed Burns offers ideas about art and marketing as he releases his new film, 'Nice Guy Johnny,' into the world.

Montgomery Clift Double Feature

Montgomery Clift's birthday brings two of his most revered performances to the Castro screen: Fred Zinnemann’s ‘From Here to Eternity,’ and Elia Kazan’s ‘Wild River.’

Mill Valley's 33rd Launches

Mill Valley brings an eclectic collection of indies and world cinema to audiences.

Mill Valley's 33rd Launches

Mill Valley brings an eclectic collection of indies and world cinema to audiences.

Mill Valley's 33rd Launches

Mill Valley brings an eclectic collection of indies and world cinema to audiences.

Altman Versus the World

A series at the Roxie mines the fault lines in Robert Altman's varied oeuvre.

Altman Versus the World

A series at the Roxie mines the fault lines in Robert Altman's varied oeuvre.

Altman Versus the World

A series at the Roxie mines the fault lines in Robert Altman's varied oeuvre.

Eat, Pray, Love, Direct

Ruba Nadda speaks of sultry actors and tenacious directors in the making of 'Cairo Time.'

Eat, Pray, Love, Direct

Ruba Nadda speaks of sultry actors and tenacious directors in the making of 'Cairo Time.'

Eat, Pray, Love, Direct

Ruba Nadda speaks of sultry actors and tenacious directors in the making of 'Cairo Time.'

Rubio Rolls Cameras in 'Too Perfect' Orinda

Drawing from reality, and yoga practice, an independent production team catalogues childhood's end.

Rubio Rolls Cameras in 'Too Perfect' Orinda

Drawing from reality, and yoga practice, an independent production team catalogues childhood's end.

Maoz Speaks of the Limits of Language in 'Lebanon'

The Lebanon War of 1982 informs Samuel Maoz's 'Lebanon.'

Maoz Speaks of the Limits of Language in 'Lebanon'

The Lebanon War of 1982 informs Samuel Maoz's 'Lebanon.'

Maoz Speaks of the Limits of Language in 'Lebanon'

The Lebanon War of 1982 informs Samuel Maoz's 'Lebanon.'

Maoz Speaks of the Limits of Language in 'Lebanon'

The Lebanon War of 1982 informs Samuel Maoz's 'Lebanon.'

Maoz Speaks of the Limits of Language in 'Lebanon'

The Lebanon War of 1982 informs Samuel Maoz's 'Lebanon.'

Maoz Speaks of the Limits of Language in 'Lebanon'

The Lebanon War of 1982 informs Samuel Maoz's 'Lebanon.'

Schneider and Zanuck on the Highs of 'Get Low'

Filmmakers working with Duvall, Murray and Spacek talk about humor, perseverance, and process.

Schneider and Zanuck on the Highs of 'Get Low'

Filmmakers working with Duvall, Murray and Spacek talk about humor, perseverance, and process.

Schneider and Zanuck on the Highs of 'Get Low'

Filmmakers working with Duvall, Murray and Spacek talk about humor, perseverance, and process.

On Loving the Best Worst Movie of All Time

For many, the mother of all brain-scrambling cinematic boondoggles is Troll 2; a documentary takes stock of the phenomenal success of this epic failure.

Merchant-Ivory: A Look Back

A literary adaptation filled with first-class actors in sumptuous settings, City doesn't fall too far from the familiar Merchant-Ivory tree.

Getting Shatnered with Thrillville

William Shatner has survived as a unique sort of elder showbiz statesman, one who is willing to be the butt of jokes because he is in on them.

SFIFF53: War Stories

Films about our species enduring capacity to be inhumane toward its own are perennials at festivals, and will be so as long as wars are waged.

SFIFF53 Reports: Divine Madness at 'All About Evil' Premiere

Judging from Saturday night s festivities, half the capacity Castro Theatre audience had worked on or otherwise invested in Joshua Grannell a.k.a. Peaches Christ s debut feature.

SFIFF53 Reports: James Schamus, Roger Ebert and the Writing Life

Few would argue that a good movie often starts with a good story. Yet it has been the screenwriter s lot to be underappreciated.

New York-set Charlie Barker's Big S.F. Break

Along with selfless sacrifices and random luck, low-budget independent films often depend on the timely intervention of an angel.

SFIFF53 Reports: California Dreamin' at Film Society Awards Night

San Francisco itself took a lead role at Film Society Awards Night, the dinner and awards program benefiting the Film Society s year-round Youth Education initiative.

SFIFF53: The Art of Revival

Through most of its history, the Festival has featured revivals of restored classics and little-known gems. This year s selections run an unusually wide gamut.

Local Filmmakers In SFIFF Spotlight

Leland Orser saw his first movie at the Alexandria, and Joshua Grannell initially established himself as a S.F. character via his alter ego Peaches Christ.

Do You Pass the Test?

You are awesome. Spectacular, incredible, interesting, accomplished and generally just way awesome. Everyone wants to hear every possible thing there is to know about you.

SFIFF53: Deft Dussollier In 'Micmacs,' 'Wild Grass'

How many foreign stars do U.S. moviegoers know? Not many, alas. My favorite living French actor, André Dussollier, appears prominently in two high-profile festival films.

'Utopia' in San Francisco

I found Sam Green deep in preparation, but he found time to walk me through the greatest dreams and worst nightmares of the 20th century.

'It Came from Kuchar,' 'La Mission' in Theatres

Bay Area-made and Mission-inspired, Peter Bratt's La Mission joins Jennifer Kroot's wild and woolly It Came from Kuchar in Bay Area theaters this week.

Can-Can Do: Silent Shooting at the Victoria

The Victoria Theater is shut up tight, with no sign of life. After a few raps on the door, a woman peeks out and leads me inside.

Christina Yao's solid Empire of Silver

First-time filmmaker Christina Yao is soft-spoken and exceedingly polite, but it s apparent that very little intimidates her.

Independent Inuit Films at YBCA

Inuit peoples—the indigenous cultures rooted in Arctic regions from Alaska to Greenland—have an honored place in film history, dating to Flaherty's Nanook of the North.

Epic Expectations in 'The Warlords'

When television first became a dire threat, Hollywood fought the small screen by making the big one really big with vast spectacles worth leaving home for.

Rosen's Insights into 53rd San Francisco International

With opening night approaching, Rachel Rosen talked about her L.A. Rolodex, the function of festivals in a broadband world and her favorites in the festival.

San Francisco International Film Festival's 53rd Edition

Director of Programming Rachel Rosen and programmers Rod Armstrong, Audrey Chang and Sean Uyehara shared thoughts on 177 films from 46 countries.

Childhood's Richness on Film

When a child assumes center stage on film, the potential for both thematic richness and unexpected plot directions increases exponentially.

Bong Joon-ho's 'Mother' Pleases

One of the heroes of South Korean cinema's recent renaissance wisely sticks to home terrain with his follow-up to The Host.

28th SF Int'l Asian American Film Festival

The Center for Asian American Media, formerly known as NAATA and founded to nurture Asian American filmmakers as well as counter ethnic stereotypes, has accomplished that and more.

Hurt and Belief in 'The Yellow Handkerchief'

William Hurt didn't fulfill the promise of major stardom in the 80s, but it's become clearer that he probably didn't want that.

Cinequest at 20

Wasn't it just yesterday that Cinequest was the scrappy upstart amongst Bay Area festivals? Apparently not: San Jose's annual cinematic blowout is entering its third decade.

Herzog's Unexpected 'My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done'

With its comfortable suburban setting, flashback structure and mystery-suspense framework, My Son, My Son is, by Herzogian standards, almost mainstream-conventional. I said almost.

Freak Flag Flying at YBCA

YBCA has sustained a major place in S.F.'s cultural landscape without receiving the due it would have had its mission been narrower and more easily defined.

Final Chapter in Kelly and Yamamoto's Art Trilogy

Transformation, of any kind, an ephemeral, elusive thing to capture on film. One advisor told Nancy Kelly she'd never do it. Difficult, sure, but impossible?

As Oscars Approach, Winners Still Up in the Air

Last month's nominations announcement was anticipated with unusual interest, largely because the Academy reverted to ten Best Picture nominees, a practice abandoned in 1943.

Buscemi in Fine, Droll Form in 'St. John of Las Vegas'

Steve Buscemi is one of those actors people are instantly happy to see on screen, even if their recall stretches no farther than, Hey, it's that guy!

Buscemi in Fine, Droll Form in 'St. John of Las Vegas'

Steve Buscemi is one of those actors people are instantly happy to see on screen, even if their recall stretches no farther than, Hey, it's that guy!

'Fish Tank's Essex truth

Writer-director Andrea Arnold created a stir with her first feature Red Road, but her new film is arguably an even stronger work.

The Greatest Finds of My Generation

The harsh glare of the spotlight that brought Howl mixed reviews from critics on opening night of Sundance had melted into a warm glow by Saturday.

Val Lewton's Brooding Mood, Chilling Themes

Horror movies were once dismissed by most grownups (and nearly all critics) as juvenile, silly, even offensive. Val Lewton seriously challenged that thinking,

Darkness Of Noir City On Castro Screen

In late January, many tune their radar to the snowy, showy glare of Sundance. With Noir City here, the stay-at-homes are the luckier ones.

Nao Bustamante's 'Silver and Gold' in Park City

The late, great Jack Smith was all about the strange sway classic Hollywood movies, particularly obscure stars and low-budget yet opulent art direction, have had on us.

Joe Graham's Soulful 'Strapped'

"I wish gay cinema would die", Joe Graham declares. It s not queer movies the San Francisco filmmaker hates, but categories and pigeonholing.

Michael House's Translation of Tati at YBCA

Riding the crest of the Tati tsunami hitting our shores is The Magnificent Tati by Michael House, who lived in S.F. for 12 years before moving to Paris.

It's 'Playtime' with Jacques Tati in New Series

You could make a case for Tati as the last great silent comedian even if he didn't begin making features until two decades into the sound era.

Thoughts On the Aughts: Best/Worst Trends

While the U.S. moved from rebuilding decimated skyscrapers to the rebuilding of an entire economy, film moved from the multiplex to the mailbox to the mobile.

Bay Area Narrative Filmmakers Thriving in Doc Capital

Michael Fox shows independent filmmakers who are thriving in the Bay Area.

Shannon and Ryan own the screen in "The Missing Person"

Shannon and Ryan own the screen in the contemporary indie noir The Missing Person.

Shannon and Ryan own the screen in "The Missing Person"

Shannon and Ryan own the screen in the contemporary indie noir The Missing Person.

The Cockettes' Celluloid Afterglow Still Strong at 40

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art honors the 40th anniversary of The Cockettes with a one-night-only program.

Feast Your Eyes: A Holiday Film Preview

Dennis Harvey weighs in on the upcoming films of the holiday season.

Frazer Bradshaw on "Everything Strange and New"

Susan Gerhard caught up with the director of an Oakland-shot domestic drama whose first-time feature was chosen for Sundance.

Carmen Madden on Watching People, Writing Characters

Writer/director Carmen Madden's writing reflects just how intimately she comes to see and know a screenplay's world and the characters that inhabit it.

Chilean Film 'The Maid' and the Liberation of a Genre

This little no-budget film has picked up a slew of festival prizes for its character depth, unpredictable storytelling, humor and warmth.

The Exiled Ingrid Bergman at PFA

The PFA is offering a rare overview of Bergman's European films in the series, A Woman's Face: Ingrid Bergman in Europe.

SFFS's Debut Cinema by the Bay

A new, four-day showcase of local filmmaking doubles as a forum for the region's influence as subject and setting for filmmakers beyond the bay.

Anne, Anne, Anne: McGuire Comes Alive

Anne McGuire finds the beauty in the strange, and the strangeness in the beautiful. That's not perversity, people; that's poetry.

Live from Mill Valley: Woody Harrelson and Uma Thurman

At their respective festival tributes, the actors gave entertaining and revealing onstage interviews.

Mill Valley Film Festival's 32nd

The program offers a surprisingly potent mainstream industry presence, with tributes to A-list types more frequently seen at the multiplex than at the art house.

Mill Valley Film Festival's 32nd

The program offers a surprisingly potent mainstream industry presence, with tributes to A-list types more frequently seen at the multiplex than at the art house.

Columbia Pictures' noir lights at the Roxie

The Roxie's Best of Columbia Noir seroes features great films capitalizing on a simple formula: a girl, a guy and a gun.

Bob Goldthwait, Fate and 'World's Greatest Dad'

Bay Area favorite Bob Goldthwait, whose pop culture moment seemed to expire in the mid '80s, returns with comedic vengeance via World's Greatest Dad.

WWII as Genre Busted by 'Flame & Citron'

Flame & Citron, one of the most expensive Danish films ever made, is an historical drama that plays like an espionage thriller.

Josef von Sternberg Gem

Josef von Sternberg's The Salvation Hunters caused a small sensation within the industry when it appeared, and is visually assured time capsule of urban poverty.

'Thirst' and the Vampire Genre Still Bleeding

Vampires are still the It Ghoul of our cultural moment and South Korean film Thirst is as precisely crafted as it is gleefully over-the-top in content both carnal and carnivorous.

'Desert of the Tartars' Saved from Obscurity

The Desert of the Tartars is a story in which the grim certainty that "Nothing will ever happen" is a slow poison that drives men to madness, suicide or other inglorious ends.

'Lion's Den' and '24 City'

Veteran filmmakers Pablo Trapero and Jia Zhang-ke complicate their genres with Lion's Den and 24 City.

'Howl' is Poetry in Post

Academy Award-winning documentary filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman combine live-action period drama and animation in retelling of Ginsburg's Howl

Whip-smart, Witty 'In the Loop'

Director Armando Iannucci's razor-sharp satire is about how the politics of spin can determine critical decisions on both sides of the Atlantic.

Britta Sjogren and "Women's Film"

Sjogren threads her vexations with feminist film theory into a study of sound and voice in "women's film" touchstones like Letter from an Unknown Woman.

J.P. Allen and the Landscape of Love

J.P. Allen and Janis DeLucia Allen's latest imagining, Sex and Imagining, is a two-character piece thick with dialogue and psychological undercurrents.

Anita Monga and the SF Silent Film Festival

During her tenure at the venerable Castro Theatre, film programmer Anita Monga made her mark shepherding the venue to international prominence.

An Ample Display of Tilda Swinton's Edge

Tilda Swinton's edge of riskiness is on ample display in Julia, a new film by French director Erick Zonca.

SF Silent Film Festival

Douglas Fairbanks in The Gaucho is one of the many highlights on screen during the three-day San Francisco Silent Film Festival.

Beyond Words: Comedy That Sticks

What's the key to writing comedy that sticks with us, despite perhaps an overblown story line or how lost and low-down the characters seem at the time?

Kutner and Goldstein on 'The Snake'

Adam Goldstein and Eric Kutner discuss their debut, The Snake, an unapologetically impertinent, made-in-S.F, comedy that marks its creators as resourceful wiseguys.

'The Greatest Year in Film' at the Castro

A series at the Castro marks 1939 as the high-water mark of cinema.

The horror, the horror: 'Tweaker With an Axe'

An interview with Flynn Witmeyer about his debut feature Tweaker With an Axe, and the desire to make genre films—horror or sci-fi or fantasy—that incorporate gay and lesbian characters.

Richard Levien, from 'Immersion' to 'La Migra'

New Zealand transplant Richard Levien, a longstanding fixture of the San Francisco indie film community, breaks out of the editing room with Immersion.

Cronenwett's 'Maggots and Men' at Frameline

A case could be made that Cary Cronenwett's Maggots and Men isn't just the most unique work in Frameline33, but of any festival all year.

Miller Brothers Touch Home at AT&T Park

The Miller brothers take their memoir-release to the local ballpark.

Garrel's 'Frontier of Dawn'

Philippe Garrel sticks to his highly-personal aesthetic in Frontier of Dawn.

Kubrick and Altman's Fear, Desire, and Delinquency

The Roxie present Fear and Desire and Delinquents by Stanley Kubrick and Robert Altman

Local Makers Line Up Next Shot after SFIFF

The 2009 SFIFF has been a launching pad for the numerous Bay Area filmmaker

Film Society Awards: Ballard, Coppola, Redford and Toback

The San Francisco Film Society honored Francis Ford Coppola, Carroll Ballard, Robert Redford and James Toback. Coppola surprised the audience by turning over the Founder's Directing Award he received to longtime colleague Carroll Ballard.

SFIFF52: Leone's 'Once Upon a Time in the West'

Once Upon a Time in the West is grand, cynical, lavish and above all huge, Sergio Leone's penchant for the iconically gargantuan (perhaps at the willing expense of relatable human detail) expressed in ultimate form.

SFIFF52: Robert Redford Accepts Owens Award

Robert Redford braves the public and accepts the San Francisco International Film Festival's Peter J. Owens Award.

SFIFF52 Blogs: Mission, Midnight and Under the Influence

Marc Capelle meets and greets with actress Gena Rowlands, composer Bo Harwood and other film mavens and mavericks at a post-screening party for Cassavette's A Woman Under the Influence and the Mission Awards

SFIFF52: Peter Bratt's "La Mission"

Peter Bratt's La Mission focuses on conflict within a family and a neighborhood, exploring what happens when a single father named Che learns a secret about his son that tests his love for his family and his community's love for him.

Bahrani Earns Ebert's Praise for "Goodbye Solo"

Ramin Bahrani's Goodbye Solo prompted Roger Ebert to pronounce him "the new great American directorâ" a couple weeks ago. The film is definitely the writer-helmer's most accessible work to date, one that might very well provide him with an arthouse breakthrough.

SFIFF52: Wisdom of the Underages

Where would cinema be without good, old-fashioned youthfulness? Hence: Youth Bring the Truth, a showcase for promising pre-adult media-makers including several local teenagers from this year's San Francisco International Film Festival.

"Observe and Report:" Seth Rogen Strikes Again

If it grows darker than one might expect, Observe still hesitates at becoming a true black comedy; it's more medium-gray, earning stripes for breaking from current comedy norms on a moment-to-moment basis without quite arriving at an original, fully-developed whole. But Hill has a good eye, ear (the soundtrack choices are notably sharp), sense of off-kilter pacing, and, most importantly, a firm grasp on character.

Walsh sets off on Rainer's parade

Bringing Rainer's work to a larger audience: Feelings Are Facts: The Life of Yvonne Rainer, a feature-length documentary about the choreographer and experimental filmmaker.

"Fans, Friends & Followers"—an excerpt

Fans, Friends & Followers, focuses on strategies artists can use to support their careers in the digital age.

SF International Film Festival Lineup

The two weeks of programs offers 151 films from 55 countries, awards and prices, and a wide array of San Francisco talent, from legendary names to the fledgling artists.

Michael Jacobs 'Audience of One' at the Roxie

Michael Jacobs talks about his documentary, which follows Pentecostal Pastor Richard Gazowsky engaged in the creation of an ambitious, multi-million dollar sci-fi-feature on God.

William Kentridge at SFMOMA

The films of William Kentridge make up a significant and absorbing part of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art enthralling survey of recent work by the acclaimed South African artist

Livin' la Vida Arnold with Lyndall Grant

When a challenge turns into opportunity: the Bay Area professional tribute artist talks about how he managed to leverage his striking similarity to Arnold Schwarzenegger into a successful acting career.

Troell in Fine Form with 'Everlasting Moments'

Troell keeps everything emotionally intimate in this lovely film full of grace moments, that chronicles the early 20th-century travails of the Larsson family. 

Troell in Fine Form with 'Everlasting Moments'

Troell keeps everything emotionally intimate in this lovely film full of grace moments, that chronicles the early 20th-century travails of the Larsson family. 

Kiyoshi Kurosawa and a Cinema of Disaster

The retrospective offers fascinating, if not always exemplary, viewing of what could be called a cinema of disaster: characters face the worst, or are living in its aftermath, and like the audience, they are provided with no easy answers.

The Buzz on H.P. Mendoza's 'Fruit Fly'

H.P. Mendoza talks about being a filmmaker in the Bay Area and the opening of his last musical, where he is both director and composer of the film 19 original songs.

'Medicine for Melancholy' in the City it Re-discovered

Barry Jenkins talks abut his background, making movies in San Francisco and the issues of black identity, assimilation and gentrification, which are at the heart of his film.

'Medicine for Melancholy' and the Art of DIY Legal Agreements

For many narrative filmmakers, hiring a lawyer is either an afterthought or not a financial reality, but moving forward with a film without considering legal is a huge mistake.

Cinequest, Transforming

What you'll get at Cinequest's three downtown San Jose venues is a mix of tributes, seminars, parties and, of course, a whole lot of movies, including no fewer than 18 world premiere features.

Gangster Life Verite in 'Gomorrah'

Like the strictest kind of verite doc, Gomorrah simply presents activity, without "introducing" characters or spelling out their circumstances or motivations.

'Just Another Love Story' Offers Shock Treatment

A title like this is its own disclaimer, hinting there will be nothing "normal," or very loving, about this story.

Intersections of 'Harrison Montgomery' with Daniel Davila

SF360.org interviews Davila on his film about a bottom-rung Tenderloin drug dealer with aspirations of becoming an artist.

San Francisco Silent Film Festival Winter Event

The S.F. Silent Film Festival's Winter Event allows you to spend hours in the dark with the madcap movie entertainments of 80-plus years ago.

SF Indiefest 2009

With a roster that sprawls from horror to softcore to verite-style drama and documentary, the only constant is that you won't be bored.

Warhol's Screen Tests Get Dean & Britta Treatment

13 Most BeautifulÉSongs for Andy Warhol's Screen Tests offers a cherry-picking of the famous Warhol reels accompanied by live original-soundtracking.

Social Justice Filmmaking Grants Announced

Grants totaling $3 million for narrative feature films made in the Bay Area will be distributed by the SFFS and the Kenneth Rainin Foundation.

Bud Cort Honored at Sketchfest

SF Sketchfest pays tribute to Bud Cort with a live Q&A and screening of Harold and Maude.

Eddie Muller and Noir City

SF360.org spoke with Eddie Muller, who launched Noir City, an annual noir festival that has attracted an avid following in the Bay Area and beyond.

Casting: Names and Numbers

Avoiding Disaster: George Rush writes on the conundrum of not getting money for a project without a known cast, and not getting a cast without a bunch of money.

Casting: Names and Numbers

Avoiding Disaster: George Rush writes on the conundrum of not getting money for a project without a known cast, and not getting a cast without a bunch of money.

'Che: The Roadshow' reclaims a legend

Steven Soderbergh's fascinating portrait of legendary revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara is willfully disinterested in the conventions of mainstream movies.

The Year in Film: What did Women Want?

Matt Sussman draws conclusions about women and Hollywood from three big women-oriented films of 2008.

The Year in Film, 2008: Top Unreleased Films

Bay Area filmmakers, critics and industry pros list their favorite unreleased films of 2008.

Bursting with 'Button'

Dennis Harvey reviews The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Reading Between the Frames: Fleming and Sturges

Victor Fleming: An American Movie Master and Glenn Lovell's Escape Artist: The Life and Films of John Sturges are splendid biographies by critics with local ties.

Season's Gleanings, a Holiday Preview

Dennis Harvey reviews some of 2008's year-end sobering dramas.

Sundance Harvests an Eclectic Crop of Local Films

Bay Area filmmakers represented at Sundance.

Sragow on 'An American Movie Master'

Former San Francisco Examiner film critic Michael Sragow talks about his newly released book Victor Fleming: An American Movie Master.

Kroot's Planet Kuchar

Bay Area filmmaker Jennifer Kroot talks about her inspiration to make a documentary on legendary, underground filmmaking twins George and Mike Kuchar.

Supernaturalism with 'Let the Right One In'

Based on John Ajvide Lindqvist's novel, Let the Right One In is a poignant, nuanced, original addition to the cinematic vampire canon.

David Thomson and 1,000 Unusual Suspects

Film historian and essayist David Thomson talks to SF360 about his new book, Have You Seen . . . ? A Personal Introduction to 1,000 Films.

Crossing Borders with 'Fraulein'

A director who lives in both Switzerland and New York leads a Swiss-German coproduction about two women from former Yugoslavian territories who meet in Zurich.

Making 'Howl' and 'Babnik'

Epstein and Friedman bring a poem to the screen, while a South Bay director goes Russian.

Mill Valley Film Festival's Maher Moment

Religulous is a desperately awaited and already vehemently decried film by Bill Maher and director Larry Charles.

Vida Ghahremani: Star is Reborn in Wayne Wang's Latest

When Vida Ghahremani became a movie star at 16 in the Shah's Iran, she felt as if she were in prison.

Rob Nilsson on Himself

SF360.org asked this veteran indie auteur for his thoughts, which he gamely and intelligently offers here.

Jacques Nolot and 'Before I Forget'

Dyspeptic rather than tragic, Jacques Nolot's Before I Forget may be the best gay feel-bad movie ever.

San Francisco Black Film Festival's 10th

In 2008 the San Francisco Black Film Festival marks its 10th anniversary with the most expansive program yet, flagging the theme "10 Years, 10 Days, 100 Films."

Jimmy Stewart at 100

For all his lasting wholesome appeal, Stewart was an oddity: Gangly, stammering, Pennsylvania-drawling and not particularly attractive by 1930s studio standards.

Jimmy Stewart at 100

For all his lasting wholesome appeal, Stewart was an oddity: Gangly, stammering, Pennsylvania-drawling and not particularly attractive by 1930s studio standards.

'Shampoo.' Rinse. Repeat.

Warren Beatty on the sexual and political message of Shampoo and a new film in the works about romantic revolutionary journalist John Reed.

Nights on the Towne: Film Society Awards Night

You know a festival is working its way into your brain when, in a landscape of intersecting ideas, you begin to witness the collisions.

Nights on the Towne: Film Society Awards Night

You know a festival is working its way into your brain when, in a landscape of intersecting ideas, you begin to witness the collisions.

SFIFF51: Eddie Muller's Muses

A self-described "cultural archeologist," the noir expert's debut short, The Grand Inquisitor, pays homage to the Dashiell Hammett-style detective story.

I [heart] Jason Lee

The star of My Name Is Earl is (alongside Grindhouse superstarlet Rose McGowan) the recipient of this year's SFIFF Midnight Award.

Asia Argento, In Full Flower

Motherhood has supposedly had a slowing-down effect on Asia Argento, though at present evidence points rather wildly to the contrary. Not only does she star in this week’s San Francisco International Film Festival official opener, Catherine Breillat’s costume intrigue The Last Mistress, she also figures heavily in two other SFIFF features. Both are programmed in the culty "Late Show" section: Go Go Tales, Abel Ferrara’s most acclaimed film in years, and The Mother of Tears, a latest horror opus directed by her own fan-idolized gorehound dad Dario Argento. A couple weeks ago yet another vehicle opened commercially, Olivier Assayas’ Boarding Gate, which is entirely dominated by her feverish and highly physical performance.

Conventional logic might suggest all this visibility means it’s "breakthrough" time for Asia Argento, that moment when an actor goes from being a familiar face to a marquee name that can singlehandedly draw folks into the multiplex, or at least the arthouse. (In Europe she’s already quite well-known.) But as her project choices among other things bear out, Argento probably isn’t very interested in becoming a "star" in the conventional sense. In fact, she seems the girl most likely to run from any such fate.

SFIFF51: The Miller Brothers on writing, pitching, acting, directing, and hitting one out of the ballpark

Touching Home by Bay Area-raised identical twins Logan and Noah Miller is a largely autobiographical coming-of-age film that radiates sincerity.

SFIFF51: The Miller Brothers on writing, pitching, acting, directing, and hitting one out of the ballpark

Touching Home by Bay Area-raised identical twins Logan and Noah Miller is a largely autobiographical coming-of-age film that radiates sincerity.

The San Francisco Irish Film Festival

San Francisco Irish Film Festival begins this Wednesday at the Roxie with a slate of narratives and documentaries imbued with Ireland's particularly unique sense of time and place

Danny Glover, "Honeydripper," and Us

In Honeydripper it will no doubt be pleasure to see Danny Glover play a familiar character: The good man trying to gain a leg-up when fortune has rained on his hopes.

Kiarostami Firsts, Plus "Five"

Fresh insight into the Iranian director is offered in a remarkable DVD featuring Five, an experimental, meditative film set on the shores of the Caspian.

L.Q. Jones Talks Dogs and Cult Movies

The list of talking dog movies is long and storied, but one stands head and forelocks above the others: A Boy and His Dog.

Alan K. Rode on Noir and Charles McGraw

Alan K. Rode, a cofounder of the Film Noir Foundation, sang the praises of San Francisco movie audiences on the horn from L.A., then got down to brass tacks.

Heath Ledger, a Loss

Heath Ledger's death was sad not just because any young death is sad, but because we'd only just begun to know Heath Ledger as a real artist.

Les Blank's "All in this Tea"

His enthusiasm practically radiates from the screen; he doesn't seem to be interviewing or investigating his subjects so much as amiably hanging out with them.

Jesse Hawthorne Ficks's Midnight Movie Empire

Midnites for Maniacs unearths populist yet esoteric genre and exploitation flicks that have mostly disappeared into the netherworld of discarded VHS rental tapes.

"Lars and the Real Girl"

This wisp of a movie shouldn't be able to sustain its gimmicky concept, yet miraculously does, thanks not just to Gosling, but to his fellow actors and measured direction.

"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"

Slow your rhythms down to this film's idiosyncratic tempo, and you'll get a striking, authentic-feeling epic that's often rivetingly tense.

A Sean Penn Top 10

Let SF360 count the ways Penn can take on the President, the paparazzi, and the possibilities for peace in our time.

"2 Days in Paris" with Julie Delpy

Delpy, who studied film at NYU in the early '90s, spoke fluent, rapid-fire English during a late-July visit to San Francisco.

"2 Days in Paris" with Julie Delpy

Delpy, who studied film at NYU in the early '90s, spoke fluent, rapid-fire English during a late-July visit to San Francisco.

Peaches Christ Superstar

A conversation with Joshua Grannel, a.k.a. Peaches Christ, founder and host of camp/cult-fest extravaganza Midnight Mass.

Jewish Humor, After Woody

Although it's too early to write Allen off, it's also clear that he hasn't connected with younger audiences in a long time, so who's the next Woody Allen?

Jeffrey Blitz and Reece Thompson on "Rocket Science"

A conversation with the Oscar-nominated Jeffrey Blitz (Spellbound) on his new feature, which screened at the S.F. International Film Festival.

"This is England;" "Rocket Science"

SF360.org reviews Shane Meadows' finest directorial effort yet and an offbeat coming-of-age comic-drama.

Parker Posey's return in "Broken English"

Parker Posey: one more-than-worthies in an often less-than-worthy medium. It's particularly exciting when they get a rare expansive part in a good movie.

Parker Posey's return in "Broken English"

Parker Posey: one more-than-worthies in an often less-than-worthy medium. It's particularly exciting when they get a rare expansive part in a good movie.

Richard Wong and H.P. Mendoza, reanimating "Colma: The Musical"

Roadside Pictures signed Colma: The Musical for national release. A sort of anti-"High School Musical," "Colma" follows three friends in their new post-high school freedom.

Reviews: "La Vie en Rose;" "Crazy Love"

Despite the best efforts of method actors, methodical directors, and talented costume designers, biopics can usually be relied upon to disappoint.

"Once" Again -- A Date With Carney, Hansard, and Irglova

Walking in to interview John Carney and actors/musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the frenetic edge to their on-the-road exhaustion is apparent.

"Once" Again -- A Date With Carney, Hansard, and Irglova

Walking in to interview John Carney and actors/musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the frenetic edge to their on-the-road exhaustion is apparent.

Fred Astaire, "Also Dances..."

SFMOMA offers plenty of chances to appreciate Astaire's feather-light charm this month in Also Dances: The Films of Fred Astaire.

"The Prodigy," The Roxie, Delirium, God

San Franciscans have a poignant symbiotic relationship with William Kaufman's freshman feature, The Prodigy, which returns to the city this week.

2007 Mendocino Film Festival

The four-day festival offered over 100 films, with an emphasis on documentaries, and attracted some 60 filmmakers, including Albert Maysles.

Meet the Jury/A Palme d'Or 20

No sooner does the Festival de Cannes open than attendees start buzzing about the potential award-winners.

Film Society Awards Night

If the Bay Area oozed self-regard last night, it couldn't exactly be blamed.

Daniel Wu, Heavenly King

Daniel Wu and fictitious boy band Alive from his directorial debut The Heavenly Kings on Cantpop, the Bay Area, and Hong Kong film.

Daniel Wu, Heavenly King

Daniel Wu and fictitious boy band Alive from his directorial debut The Heavenly Kings on Cantpop, the Bay Area, and Hong Kong film.

Remembering Jim Lyons: 1960 - 2007

The editor and actor, known for his frequent work with Todd Haynes, died in New York. His friends share their thoughts.

Mike White's Alter Egos

White's heroes and heroines are content with their mundane lives until some uninvited intruder or unforeseen event exposes their frustration and complacency.

Favorite Artists at the SFIAAFF

SF360.org checked in with actors and filmmakers roaming this year's festival to give props to their favorite Asian American artist, past or present.

Favorite Artists at the SFIAAFF

SF360.org checked in with actors and filmmakers roaming this year's festival to give props to their favorite Asian American artist, past or present.

Reviews: "Color Me Kubrick" and "Pride"

One film shows how an inspirational movie can actually inspire; the other that a con sometimes looks better on paper.

'The Departed' Wins Best Picture, Scorsese Best Director at 79th Oscars

When all was said and done in Los Angeles tonight, The Departed was the big winner at the 79th Academy Awards.

A Royal Family

It's a big week for Peter Morgan, partly because the SFFS announced he'll receive the Kanbar Award for excellence in screenwriting at the 50th SFIFF.

A Royal Family

It's a big week for Peter Morgan, partly because the SFFS announced he'll receive the Kanbar Award for excellence in screenwriting at the 50th SFIFF.

The Eye Candy of 'Tears of the Black Tiger'

Tears of the Black Tiger is Thai eye candy, an exercise pastiche where color just about leaps off the screen, and a star-crossed love story.

The Breno Mello of "Black Orpheus"

The 1959 reworking of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is a bossa nova adventure through Brazilian Carnival, with actor Breno Mello as the black Orpheus.

I, Spy

Spies are frequent movie characters, in part because we know so little about them. Nonetheless, The Good Shepherd is an unusual Hollywood project.

"Candy" keeps up with the Joneses

"Candy," an Australian film an accent-less Aussie Heath Ledger, follows the downward spiral of a Heroine addict - by now a time-tested narrative conceit.

Otto Motives, A Preminger Perspective

The director, producer and sometime actor enjoyed a painless ride from well-off circumstances to well-connected beginnings to one of Hollywood's biggest names for decades.

Robert Altman 1925-2006

One month ago today, the maverick filmmaker was at the Hamptons International Film Festival reflecting upon his career at a tribute in his honor.

Mary Badham, On a "Mockingbird" Mission

I was six months old when I went to my first movie — and I swear I remember images from it. You see, I sometimes have flashes of shots from “To Kill a Mockingbird,” but all of them are upside-down. My mother tells me that I saw the film from a bassinette on the theater seat — thus began my life-long love affair with the film. I grew up in Alabama, which is also the setting of the book and the film. Every year, one of the three television stations we received would show “To Kill a Mockingbird.” My mom would gather the whole family in front of the TV, and we would watch the film — again. One year, it was opposite the Super Bowl. Now, the two things you don’t mess around with in the South are religion and football. But despite my brothers’ pleas, Atticus Finch took precedence over the Super Bowl at our house.

What is it about this film that — even today — inspires such devotion? Mary Badham, who played the memorable tomboy, Scout, believes as long as racism, bigotry, and intolerance exist, the film and the book provide a starting point for discussion and self-examination. Hence her own dedication to a film that has remained a driving part of her life for over 40 years — a dedication which prompted her to travel the world with the film sharing her experiences while making the film, growing up in the South, and fighting to spread the film’s message of tolerance and compassion. Badham visits San Francisco with the Marc Huestis program “In Praise of Mockingbirds,” Sun/19 at the Castro. I got a chance to speak with her last week.

SF360: Despite the fact that you never acted before, why do you think the filmmakers cast you as Scout?

Mary Badham: I think because I was a tomboy. The coloring was right. I looked like I could have been Gregory Peck’s daughter. I had a real big imagination as a kid — which they were looking for. The haircut was right. Everything they were lookin’ for just kind of jelled in me. They wanted kids who were real Southern children who were very natural and not actors.

SF360: When I watch the film, I’m struck by how natural you seem with Phillip Alford (who plays Scout’s brother Jem) and John Megna (Dill). It feels like we’re watching a real brother and sister.

Badham: Yes, they would let that happen on the set naturally because here were John and Phillip, and John just idolized Phillip and followed him around like a puppy dog. And here was this ratty little girl who wanted to get in the middle of whatever they were doing. You know, I just wanted somebody else to play with. And so, evidently we would have these big fights — I don’t remember any of it, but Phillip seems to think we fought all the time.

SF360: Phillip says he tried to kill you by rolling you in the tire toward a truck.

Badham: (Laughing.) Yeah, when it came to the tire scene they were so excited because ‘Oh, finally we can get rid of this menace.’ They thought they were going to do away with me. Too bad, so sad.

SF360: It’s seems like many women, including myself, see themselves in Scout. Why do you think the character is so memorable to women and girls?

Badham: I think because she was allowed to just be herself. Even Miss Dubose fussed at Atticus because he allowed her to wear the clothes that her brother had outgrown. But it was the Depression, a dress at that point would have been very expensive and money was in tight supply. And the fact that she was so educated. Atticus let her read and had real conversations with her. That’s the main role of a parent — to engage their children in conversation and teach them basically how to function in an adult world. Scout took to that tooth and nail. She wasn’t cut in the same mold as the little proper Southern young lady who had to wear dresses and not discuss anything important. It was that way even when I was growing up. Women were to be seen but not heard. They were not engaged intellectually much. So for Scout to be able to put her ideas out there, to see her think through situations is really important because you don’t see that very often. Most children when they would ask a question — I see it today with parents working and being tight on time — parents will be short with their kids… not wanting to engage the kids in conversation because they’re tired and they don’t have time. But that’s so critically important. I think that’s what we see with Atticus. He does engage his children in conversation, and he does try and let them think through situations and expand on them.

SF360: And that’s especially true in this film wi