American director Alex Cox remains most famous for the first two films he ever made: 1984’s Repo Man and 1987’s Sid & Nancy. He’s continued to be active for more than two decades since, though you wouldn’t know it from the lack of distribution his films have received – Cox seems content with making cult movies for microscopic audiences. A crueler critic might suggest that he … [Read more...]
Archives for November 2011
Hahn recital an exceptional feast of new music
The concertgoers Sunday night at the Broward Center for Hilary Hahn’s recital heard one of the finest violinists working today, but they also heard much more. They were present for nothing less than a festival of brand-new music, all of it worthy, and some of it that could have strong claims for the repertory. Hahn, who turns 32 at the end of this month, has had a remarkable … [Read more...]
Almodovar sees the sickness beneath the skin
In order to appreciate the latest triumph by Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, The Skin I Live In (La Piel que Habito), two things are necessary: eyes and heart. No need for thick skin, unless you are sensitive to surrealism, non-linear plots, sharp razors and the color red -- as in blood. The eyes will follow a brilliant plastic surgeon/scientist (Antonio Banderas) carefully … [Read more...]
‘Gainsbourg,’ ‘3,’ engrossing, compelling
Most Americans who are aware of Serge Gainsbourg know him from the curiously controversial recording of Je T’Aime . . . Moi Non Plus, a steamy slice of aural sex he made in the 1960s with his then-lover, Jane Birkin. It is enough to turn anyone interested in knowing more about this enigmatic Frenchman who was a giant on the European pop music scene. Now comes … [Read more...]
Weekend arts picks: Nov. 4-6
Theater: John Logan’s 2010 Tony Award-winning play Red is going to be produced a great deal this season, and not just because it needs only two actors and one set. This brawny script about abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko, wrestling with a commission to create a series of murals for New York’s famed power lunch Four Seasons Restaurant and also wrestling with his … [Read more...]
‘Hairspray’ and ‘Revolution’: Winning takes on politics and family
As with its production of August: Osage County earlier this year, Coral Gables’ Actors’ Playhouse has attracted some of the best talent in South Florida for its lavish, giggle-inducing production of Hairspray, the Tony Award-winning musical based on John Waters’ slyly subversive 1988 movie about self-esteem in racially segregated Kennedy-era Baltimore. When David Arisco began … [Read more...]
Director Montiel draws on his tough early life for film
Director-screenwriter Dito Montiel (A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Fighting) grew up in the low-income housing projects of Queens, N.Y. Many of the guys that he grew up with are now either in prison or dead, yet through sheer determination he avoided both and became a filmmaker. How did he beat the odds and avoid the violence that he recreates in his latest feature, The … [Read more...]
Letter from Los Angeles: A South Florida writer remakes her identity
I moved to Los Angeles a year-and-a-half ago with great hope: for new perspective and new love. After 40 years in South Florida, the new perspective has been great. And the love is still mine, even if the man isn’t. And hope: it springs eternal, right? Back home, I was a hard-working and hard-partying South Florida writer, performer, event producer and educator. Since I’ve … [Read more...]
PB Cultural Council seeks artist input; Bolge to lead Museum of Florida Art
The Palm Beach Cultural Council is holding a series of Artist Conversations beginning tonight and running over the next two weeks. The gatherings, which are scheduled for four cities, are designed to gather input from the artist community in order to guide the council. Rena Blades, the council’s chief executive officer, will lead the discussions. Conversations are set for: … [Read more...]