In the Blogosphere – August, 2012

by HELEN GEIB

A monthly round-up of a half dozen or so recent blog posts I enjoyed reading.

Genkina hito on Irvma Vep: “The actors chosen to play the roles convey the transnational nature of cinema culture and the transcendent nature of passionate creation perfectly.” (read more)

The Cooler on Pride of the Yankees: “[It] was released in March 1943, less than two years after Gehrig’s death and with two-and-a-half years to go until Japan surrendered to end World War II, and this context is critical to recognizing the film’s intent.” (read more)

Anomalous Material on The Contractor: “And despite the fact the explosion is of the low rent variety found in direct-to-video offerings (which The Contractor was) you can’t help but think, damn, that Wesley Snipes was BORN to walk away from cars blowing up in the background.” (read more)

MONDO 70: A Wild World of Cinema on The Shadow in Behind the Mask: “It all leaves you wondering who wouldn’t see this film and feel cheated, and why a studio would so blithely cheat its presumed audience. I can’t help but feel that it boils down to contempt.” (read more)

Phil on Film on Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap: “The film has an endearing, easygoing vibe throughout, and the only frustrating aspect of the movie is how little time we get to spend with some of these fascinating characters.” (read more)

Beth Loves Bollywood on Kalicharan: “It’s another film that exemplifies what has come to be my favorite thing about Hindi cinema, which is that it creates a world in which we simultaneously know exactly what is going to happen and have no idea what to expect.” (read more)

BONUS

Le Mot du Cinephiliaque published the results of its “Most Influential Directors of All Time” bloggers’ poll. Nir and I contributed our top tens to the exercise. Find out how they compare starting this weekend.