Ellington4
The Seattle Public Library
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Pretty BabyPretty Baby, Streaming Video
Streaming Video - 1978Streaming Video, 1978
Ellington4's rating:
Added Apr 05, 2015
Kill the MessengerKill the Messenger, DVD
DVD - 2015DVD, 2015
Ellington4's rating:
Added Mar 18, 2015
Comment:
A gripping film about government illegal dealings and the poor quality of today's journalism and TV news programs. Jeremy Renner gives an outstanding performance.
Ellington4's rating:
Added Mar 15, 2015
Comment:
A grand slam! The best book about baseball I've ever read.
Ellington4's rating:
Added Mar 09, 2015
Comment:
Extremely funny and extremely moving. A wonderful cast headed by Bill Murray, with a surprise hilarious performance by Naomi Watts.
Dorothea LangeDorothea Lange, DVDGrab A Hunk of Lightning
DVDDVD
Ellington4's rating:
Added Mar 06, 2015
Comment:
This is a powerful and intensely moving film about a major artist--the photographer Dorothea Lange. Made by her granddaughter, the film depicts her passion for her work, family life, artistic principles and shows a number of her extraordinary photographs. These range from lovely portraits taken early in her career to searing photographs of the Depression, the Dust Bowl Migration and the Japanese-American internment, ending with her exquisite photographs taken in Asia, when she was physically weak from her battle with cancer. Lange insisted that her photographs were not documentary," that they were works of art, with universal resonance that could be viewed independently. She was totally correct. This film attests to her vision and her genius.This is a powerful and intensely moving film about a major artist--the photographer Dorothea Lange. Made by her granddaughter, the film depicts her passion for her work, family life, artistic principles and shows a number of her extraordinary…
Nureyev's Don QuixoteNureyev's Don Quixote, DVD
DVD - 1999DVD, 1999
Ellington4's rating:
Added Feb 06, 2015
Comment:
This is a magnificent film of the full-length ballet Don Quixote. Choreographer and co-director Rudolph Nuryev's vision was so expansive, that the film had to be produced in an airplane hangar. The high energy, colorful production is beautifully restored here, with vibrant colors. As a dancer, the great Nuryev is at his peak, causing you to gasp at his great leaps and athleticism. Australian ballerina Lucette Aldous is a worthy partner, a dynamo with brilliant technique. As Don Quixote, Robert Helpmann is elegant and touching. This film has been called "the finest full-length dance film ever," and it certainly rates this accolade.This is a magnificent film of the full-length ballet Don Quixote. Choreographer and co-director Rudolph Nuryev's vision was so expansive, that the film had to be produced in an airplane hangar. The high energy, colorful production is beautifully…
Get on upGet on up, DVDThe James Brown Story
DVD - 2015DVD, 2015
Ellington4's rating:
Added Jan 25, 2015
Comment:
This is a dynamic, highly energetic and soulful movie about the R&B legend James Brown.The soul of the movie is the amazing performance by Chadwick Boseman, who sings, dances and portrays James Brown from age 17 to age 60. He totally inhabits the character, making this a memorable movie.This is a dynamic, highly energetic and soulful movie about the R&B legend James Brown.The soul of the movie is the amazing performance by Chadwick Boseman, who sings, dances and portrays James Brown from age 17 to age 60. He totally inhabits the…
Notes on A Cowardly Lion; the Biography of Bert LahrNotes on A Cowardly Lion; the Biography of Bert Lahr, Book
by Lahr, JohnBook - 1969Book, 1969
Ellington4's rating:
Added Jan 15, 2015
Comment:
John Lahr has written a loving, but even-handed, portrait of his father, the great comic Bert Lahr. This is a joyful and very entertaining book.
William & MaryWilliam & Mary, DVDThe Complete Collection
DVD - 2014DVD, 2014
Ellington4's rating:
Added Dec 16, 2014
Comment:
Another fabulous gem from the Brits! This is an endearing series about the loving relationship between a midwife and an undertaker, and the complications that arise from family and their offbeat but vital jobs. The principal actors, Martin Clunes and Julie Graham, are simply wonderful, and work superbly together. It also is a treat to see Cheryl Campbell again in a meaty role, some years after her fine performance in the original "Pennies From Heaven". British TV features a number of absorbing detective series, but they also air extremely human series like this one. William and Mary is a total joy.Another fabulous gem from the Brits! This is an endearing series about the loving relationship between a midwife and an undertaker, and the complications that arise from family and their offbeat but vital jobs. The principal actors, Martin Clunes…
Tennessee WilliamsTennessee Williams, BookMad Pilgrimage of the Flesh
by Lahr, JohnBook - 2014Book, 2014
Ellington4's rating:
Added Dec 10, 2014
Comment:
John Lahr has written a brilliant, immensely insightful biography about Tennessee Williams the man; haunted, lonely, constantly seeking affirming relationships, and Tennessee Williams the superb playwright/poet who was one of the most important influences on theater in the 20th Century. Lahr, long-time drama critic for the New Yorker, writes with great feeling and understanding for his subject. He uses extensive quotes from Williams' memoirs and letters, which are often heart-wrenching and poetic. Lahr also analyzes Williams' numerous plays (non-academically), linking them to the playwright's tumultuous life. In addition he gives fascinating details about the writing, casting and production of these plays. This is a masterful, moving biography, and one of the best books ever about the theatre.John Lahr has written a brilliant, immensely insightful biography about Tennessee Williams the man; haunted, lonely, constantly seeking affirming relationships, and Tennessee Williams the superb playwright/poet who was one of the most important…
Words and PicturesWords and Pictures, DVD
DVD - 2014DVD, 2014
Added Oct 25, 2014
Comment:
Wonderful movie--witty, intelligent, adult, uplifting. Clive Owen and Juliet Binoche are a joy to watch.
Scott and BaileyScott and Bailey, DVDSeason One
DVD - 2013DVD, 2013
Added Sep 27, 2014
Comment:
This is NOT just a "chick flick", unless you mean that there are a number of fine performances by women. It's a terrific police detective series that can be enjoyed by any gender.
The Green TableThe Green Table, DVDA Dance of Death in 8 Scenes
DVD - 2013DVD, 2013
Ellington4's rating:
Added Sep 22, 2014
Comment:
A big disappointment. My wife and I saw the original Joffrey production of The Green Table at New York's City Center. It was during the Vietnam War, and this biting, expressionistic anti-war ballet, brilliantly danced, packed a big wallop. We were pleased to find a DVD of the ballet at the library. But this reconstruction by the current Joffrey company has little intensity, and none of the fire of the original. It seems most concerned with getting the steps right. The ballet is treated like somewhat of a museum piece, complete with a kitschy new cakewalk score, instead of the original cutting music. The Green Table may be slightly dated, but its anti-war message remains relevant and deserves a good performance. This isn't it.A big disappointment. My wife and I saw the original Joffrey production of The Green Table at New York's City Center. It was during the Vietnam War, and this biting, expressionistic anti-war ballet, brilliantly danced, packed a big wallop. We were…
Lark Rise to CandlefordLark Rise to Candleford, DVDThe Complete Season Three
DVD - 2010DVD, 2010
Ellington4's rating:
Added Aug 11, 2014
Comment:
This is an absolutely wonderful BBC TV series, filled with warmth, drama, comedy and, most of all, humanity. Members of the large ensemble cast are all superb, creating fully developed characters you come to understand and cherish. The actors also get many opportunities to display their versatility, in drama, comedy, even lovely singing and dance. Containing 40 episodes, the series maintains a high level of quality throughout, and grows richer as it moves along. Some of the finest episodes are in Season 3. This series is addictive, and we have stayed up till 3 A.M. to watch several episodes at a time. Some of the plot lines have been done before, but they are developed with a different vision that makes them fresh. Yes, this is feel-good television, but with the fine writing and excellent acting it has been lifted to high art.This is an absolutely wonderful BBC TV series, filled with warmth, drama, comedy and, most of all, humanity. Members of the large ensemble cast are all superb, creating fully developed characters you come to understand and cherish. The actors also…
Ellington4's rating:
Added Aug 01, 2014
Comment:
This is a beautiful gem of a movie. The brilliant actress Shirley Knight creates a memorable character, and gives a lesson in how an understated performance can prove powerful on the screen. Every one of her moves and facial expressions have resonance and truthfulness. She and Tom Skerrit play beautifully together in one part of the movie. They are both on the same page, in terms of their performance. Not for everybody, but for those who enjoy engaging character studies, this film is a must.This is a beautiful gem of a movie. The brilliant actress Shirley Knight creates a memorable character, and gives a lesson in how an understated performance can prove powerful on the screen. Every one of her moves and facial expressions have…
LimboLimbo, DVD
DVD - 1999DVD, 1999
Ellington4's rating:
Added May 16, 2014
Comment:
Another gem from master filmmaker John Sayles. This film takes place in Alaska. The first part is strongly satirical, commenting on how Alaska looks to outsiders and how to exploit tourists. It also gives you insight into the lives of real Alaskans. Then it zooms in on its three principal characters, a nomad female singer, her rebellious, sensitive teenage daughter, and a former fisherman whose life was changed by a fishing accident. The tone of the movie shifts to that of a thriller, with the three poignantly caught in a life or death situation. The film is photographed beautifully by legendary cinematographer Haskell Wexler. Sayles doesn't tie up the loose ends, leaving the ending to the viewer. Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Meanwhile you have had a rich, moving experience typical of a John Sayles film.Another gem from master filmmaker John Sayles. This film takes place in Alaska. The first part is strongly satirical, commenting on how Alaska looks to outsiders and how to exploit tourists. It also gives you insight into the lives of real Alaskans.…
Lone StarLone Star, DVD
DVD - 1999DVD, 1999
Ellington4's rating:
Added May 14, 2014
Comment:
This masterwork is one of John Sayles' best--a complex web about an unsolved murder in a Texas border town; endemic corruption; relationships between the town's population of whites, Mexicans and blacks; three dissimilar sheriffs and frowned upon romances. It all is spun out like a compelling novel, with great intelligence and strong cinematic skills. This is a great movie!This masterwork is one of John Sayles' best--a complex web about an unsolved murder in a Texas border town; endemic corruption; relationships between the town's population of whites, Mexicans and blacks; three dissimilar sheriffs and frowned upon…
The King of Marvin GardensThe King of Marvin Gardens, DVD
DVD - 2000DVD, 2000
Ellington4's rating:
Added Apr 16, 2014
Comment:
A youngish Jack Nicholson and youngish Bruce Dern give an acting clinic as disparate brothers in fast-decaying Atlantic City. Director Bob Rafelson, who directed Nicholson in Five Easy Pieces several years earlier, casts him against type as the quieter, skeptical and philosophic brother. Dern's brother is outgoing, a dreamer always chasing pie-in-the-sky deals, who tries to rope his brother into his newest scheme. Ellen Burstyn is also very good in a supporting role. The movie is basically a mood piece, with a sudden, unexpected finish. Its greatest reward is to see Nicholson and Dern, long-time friends, play so beautifully against each other. Nicholson's monologue at the opening of the movie, as a radio storyteller ( like the late, incomparable Jean Shepherd--discover him at JeanShepherdNetcast) is shot entirely in ultra close-up, with Nicholson physically and vocally giving an extraordinary acting tour-de-force.A youngish Jack Nicholson and youngish Bruce Dern give an acting clinic as disparate brothers in fast-decaying Atlantic City. Director Bob Rafelson, who directed Nicholson in Five Easy Pieces several years earlier, casts him against type as the…
HallelujahHallelujah, DVD
DVD - 2013?DVD, 2013?
Ellington4's rating:
Added Apr 13, 2014
Comment:
Hallelujah was the first movie with an all-black cast from a major studio (M-G-M). I asked for the movie primarily for historic interest, but once my wife and I started watching we were bowled over by the strength and beauty of the movie. This 1929 black-and-white movie is a melodrama with music, including spirituals, some early jazz, religious songs and even two original songs by Irving Berlin. There are no whites in the movie and it does not deal at all with racial issues. Instead, rightly or wrongly, it respectfully shows us an unthreatened, close-knit black sharecropper family's relationships with each other and their community. The operatic plot traces the rise of one of the brothers to become an influential preacher in the area, and his fight not to fall into sin. But oh, how this story is told! Famed director King Vidor shot the film mostly on location in the South, and it often has a documentary feel. It shows the picking and processing of cotton, the processing of lumber and the atmosphere of a prison rockpile. The photography is extraordinary, ranging from remarkable, often loving close-ups to brilliant wide shots. Vidor was known for the imaginative crowd scenes in his movies, and there are a number of them here. A startling one involves a large group of worshippers who are stirred into a religious frenzy, and march around in a circle chanting, while their elongated shadows appear on the back wall. The acting is rather stilted. Vidor gathered his actors from around the country; some were primarily professional singers and some rank amateurs. This was the first movie for all of them. Yet they do appear quite genuine in their roles. If you can make allowances for the acting, you will be captured by this masterful historic and artistic film.Hallelujah was the first movie with an all-black cast from a major studio (M-G-M). I asked for the movie primarily for historic interest, but once my wife and I started watching we were bowled over by the strength and beauty of the movie. This 1929…
Being FlynnBeing Flynn, DVD
DVD - 2012DVD, 2012
Ellington4's rating:
Added Mar 30, 2014
Comment:
This unusual father/son movie is strong, powerful and ultimately tender and haunting. Dealing forthrightly with homelessness, the movie is not very pretty, but it remains mesmerizing thanks to the directing and the terrific performances by Robert De Niro and Paul Dano. De Niro hasn't dug so deeply into a character for a long time, and he proves that he can still be a great actor. His character is perverse, wryly funny and frighteningly explosive. He's phoned in a lot of movies in recent years, and that's made us forget how good he can really be. He didn't use the cell phone for this one.This unusual father/son movie is strong, powerful and ultimately tender and haunting. Dealing forthrightly with homelessness, the movie is not very pretty, but it remains mesmerizing thanks to the directing and the terrific performances by Robert De…
Elaine Stritch at LibertyElaine Stritch at Liberty, DVDLive From the Old Vic Theatre
by Stritch, ElaineDVD - 2013DVD, 2013
Ellington4's rating:
Added Mar 22, 2014
Comment:
Brava! Brava! A dynamic, memorable, incomparable performance. Legendary actress, singer, dancer Elaine Stritch, 80 years old, reviews over 50 years of her show business career, cavorting around the stage with her still shapely legs exposed, belting songs with the force of a flame thrower, telling wry show biz stories and nakedly admitting her long-standing alcoholism. Her comic timing is masterful, and the closeups of her rubbery face reveal an amazing range of expressions. Stritch isn't 80--she's timeless.Brava! Brava! A dynamic, memorable, incomparable performance. Legendary actress, singer, dancer Elaine Stritch, 80 years old, reviews over 50 years of her show business career, cavorting around the stage with her still shapely legs exposed, belting…
Ellington4's rating:
Added Mar 19, 2014
Comment:
George Orwell wrote lots of other things than 1984 and Animal Farm. He wrote other, even finer novels and many essays on a wide range of subjects. This comic novel is absolutely wonderful. Its narrator/protagonist is a 45-year-old self-described, fat insurance agent, who feels heavily burdened by his routine life in a London suburb. He decides to "come up for air" and spend a week in the country town where he grew up at the turn of the 20th Century, which he hasn't seen in 20 years. In the first half of the book he recalls his boyhood in vivid, poetic language (the book is said to be largely autobiographical). When he does go home, he finds an alien place--a 20,000 population city where he cannot recognize anyplace and is known by nobody. The book sharply satirizes spreading suburban life, and its effect on older English patterns. Orwell wrote Coming Up For Air in 1938, after returning from the Spanish Civil War. While comic, the book also has unsettling signs of a quickly coming Second World War, which the narrator acknowledges. The blurb on the book's cover calls Coming Up For Air a "minor masterpiece." It is, it most certainly is.George Orwell wrote lots of other things than 1984 and Animal Farm. He wrote other, even finer novels and many essays on a wide range of subjects. This comic novel is absolutely wonderful. Its narrator/protagonist is a 45-year-old self-described,…
Larry CrowneLarry Crowne, DVD
DVD - 2011DVD, 2011
Ellington4's rating:
Added Mar 16, 2014
Comment:
A very funny and enjoyable movie. Tom Hanks (co-star, co-writer and director of the movie) and Julia Roberts (far more versatile than generally acknowledged) work beautifully with each other and are at the top of their comic gifts.
They Shoot Horses Don't They?They Shoot Horses Don't They?, DVD
DVD - 2004DVD, 2004
Ellington4's rating:
Added Mar 06, 2014
Comment:
Masterful
Masterful! Brilliant acting and brilliant directing. The movie envelops you into the atmosphere of the excruciatingly painful dance marathons of the Great Depression, and brings you close to the desperate young men and women who are willing to endure this pain in order to possibly win some money. This is one of the great movie experiences of all time.Masterful
Masterful! Brilliant acting and brilliant directing. The movie envelops you into the atmosphere of the excruciatingly painful dance marathons of the Great Depression, and brings you close to the desperate young men and…
El artista y la modeloEl artista y la modelo, DVDThe artist and the model
DVD | FrenchDVD. Language: French
Ellington4's rating:
Added Feb 25, 2014
Comment:
This is a beautiful movie about a renowned, elderly sculptor living in southern France in 1943. He shelters a young woman who has escaped from Franco Spain, and pays her to be his nude model for his next work. The two develop a loving relationship, and he explains to her about his life as an artist. The movie is very tender and the veteran Fench character actor Jean Rochefort's craggy face is a wonderful work of art in itself.This is a beautiful movie about a renowned, elderly sculptor living in southern France in 1943. He shelters a young woman who has escaped from Franco Spain, and pays her to be his nude model for his next work. The two develop a loving relationship,…
Comment: