No comments about Strokes of Genius: Willem de Kooning.

2 comments about Goya : Awakened in a Dream.

1. This is the story of the great painter Goya, and Rosarita, a poor child who dreams of 'the art of strokes', while her canvas is the earth, and her finger the only sketch.
   Goya moves from the King's Court to a rustic life, so that he can paint in peace and not worry about what theme in his painting will offend the church.
   When Rosarita chalks out a picture of him as a wicked man, he is impressed by her talent ,but realises that she needs help in 'seeing' more than just two eyes can see, to be a good painter.
   He then appoints Rosa's mother as the housekeeper giving them a roof. While he is doing paintings in his own style, he also teaches Rosa to finetune her skills and lets Rosa do an ivory painting. She does the ivory more justice than expected from a child.
   Two extremes in relation to parents, children and art can be seen. Goya's son is a failure at art. Rosa's mother believes art's no good to earn bread.The son's dedication for father, trying to get him out of Inquisition, have been well brought out.
   Towards the end, an important point is driven home, that it is scary to express your innermost fears, but the result will relieve you, for having found the expression. After all, what good is art if you cannot communicate your deep felt emotions.



2. I have been using this video for several years with high school design students. They respond well to it, and it is a good springboard for class discussions. I follow this in the next class period with a slide lecture on Goya's life and the purposes his art served at different stages, including: sports reporting (for example, "Unfortunate Incident in the First Row"); decorative and practical (the tapestry cartoons); social criticism with Enlightenment values (The Caprices); Political power and criticism (Portrait of King Carlos IV and family); Portraiture--and veiled love note (Duchess of Alba); Propaganda--in a GOOD sense (The Third of May, 1808); a personal thank-you note (Dr. Arietta); psychological self-examination and catharsis (The Black Paintings); even sexual excitation (both the Clothed and Nude Majas).
   
   I believe the students respond better to my slide lecture because they have first gotten to know Goya as a flesh and blood human being through this excellent film. I must have watched it at least twenty times in the last seven years, and can find no significant fault with it.
   
   This year I used it as the beginning of a unit on drawing from observation, and Goya's advice to Rosarita was exactly what I want the students to get: (slightly paraphrased) "You've drawn what you think a tree is like; you must learn to see, and to draw a tree it as it really is."
   
   I just wish it was available on DVD!

2 comments about Rembrandt : Fathers and Sons.

1. The entire series of the Artist's Specials, which aired on HBO, are great for art students. I plan on showing them to my class throughout the year, in conjunction with corresponding lessons.



2. This is a highly emotional and poignant production by the delightful Canadian film company, Devine Entertainment. A rich tapestry of art, history and human nature is woven together with forgiveness, responsibility and commitment. It provides children with a window into the world of the past and presents Jewish traditions in a positive way. It gives insite into the life of an artis with an appealing and sad story. Our kids commented: "The people were the story. It showed the Jews relating to Christians very well." "I liked Rembrandt. I liked it when he made faces." "I want to learn more about art." It's most suitable for 8 to 14-year-olds.

5 comments about Case Reopened: Lizzie Borden with Ed McBain.

1. Ed McBain tries to turn the story of lizzie borden into a fiction with his many speculations. quite irresponsible nonfiction documentary. Stick to the bare facts, sir! They speak for themselves.



2. It was good to see more than one theory. Let's face it, we don't know what happened that day, it could have happened many ways! This documentary gives you more than one idea to play around with and allows you to think about the facts and come to your own conclusions. After seeing all the many ways in which this could have happened, I still believe Lizzie had both hands in the mix.



3. The story of Lizzie Borden and what went on in her house more than 100 years ago is a fascinating one. But this documentary is the best I've seen. While other documentaries spend a lot of time going over the very gruesome deaths of Lizzie's step-mother and father, Mr. McCain sets out for answers. So he interviews authors and historians about the case and about Lizzie's life. The result is wonderful. I still don't know who killed the two people, but let's face it, no one does. It's great to get some fresh insights into other people that could have done the dastardly deeds. Highly recommended!



4. Being a history/unsolved crime buff--this was an entertaining and interesting program. However, attempts to make Lizzie appear innocent--laughable! PUH-LEEZ! The "O.J." of her day when "women just didn't do such things"---in today's 'real' world, she'd hang! Motive, means, opportunity and a virtual MOUNTAIN of evidence: to date, only Lizzie & OJ have been acquitted with as much. Enjoyable program nonetheless. LOVE McBain's books, too!!! ALL of them I HIGHLY recommend!



5. Very interesting program. What makes this so interesting, is the fact that a list of things point to Lizzie (well lets say more things point to her, than anyone else) However, there is in most of our minds, some doubt in her actions, and the strange actions of several other people. If I had been on the Jury, and we used the science of 1892-3 I would have thought (after reading the 1970 page trial) She had the best chance and the closest motive for being the murderer. However, with the evidence presented at the trial, even though I think she did it, my verdict would have to be - not guilty. However, lets look at the positive side. The Borden Murder has made lots of people money and even helped out lots of animals due to Lizzie and Emma's will....... The truth is you can rant and rave all you want, and you can disagree with this video.... But what makes it so interesting, is since 1892, and my guess well into 2192, is all the "missing pieces, & all the if's, and's, & but's" - It's the mystery, and the debate we love so much. Not the fact that two humans were killed.

5 comments about Fire On The Track: The Steve Prefontaine Story.

1. I highly recommend this movie to ANYONE who needs inspiration or motivation. Perhaps you are in sales and need a little extra drive to get over the rejection of a lost sale,etc. This movie will tell you to never quit no matter what your odds.
   Steve Prefontaine was a world class runner who ran in the 1972 Munich Olympics. Although he didn't win a medal nobody tried harder than he did. His life was cut short in a tragic accident,but his memory lives on in the life he ran on the track in Oregon. If you enjoyed this movie,be sure to see,"Without Limits" which is another outstanding portrayal of his life.



2. This was my favorite of the (I believe?) three Prefontaine movies out there. "Without Limits" and "Prefontaine" are both good Hollywood/drame type movies, and while all three stay true to Pre's story, "Fire on the Track" is much more moving. It tells the story documentary-style with real footage and interviews with those who knew Pre best, tied together with strong narration and driven ultimately by the raw story of Prefontaine. If you're a runner and looking for motivation, or a runner/non-runner looking to learn about one of the greatest American athletes of all time, look no further than to "Fire on the Track."



3. Good documentary with multiple opinions. Wish they had it on DVD though. Not as long as Prefontaine or Without Limits but mostly informational. Inspirational for any avid Pre fan and good info for those not familiar with him



4. One of the most inspiring documentaries I've ever watched. My children of whom are all runners are crazed Pre fans and all ran personal bests after watching this film. This is a film that all runners should watch. Coach's should direct their children to watch this movie also. We need more legends like Pre to inspire our runners of the future!



5. I am a runner, so Steve Prefontaine is a hero to me. He was an awesome runner, and also did a lot for amateur athletics overall, affecting all generations after him. He died such a tragic, untimely death, but his legacy and inspiration live on. Great documentary of a great hero.

1 comments about Monet: Shadow & Light.

1. As an elementary art teacher I have viewed this film at least 12 times, and I never get tired of watching it with my students. It is appealing to ages 7 through Middle School. The film brings Monet to life and explains all of the important information about Monet's development of his Impressionist style. It is also a great story about relationships. Learning becomes fun and entertaining with wholesome movies like this. The entire series is very well presented.

4 comments about Degas and the Dancer.

1. Kathryn Long, the teenage actress who is fast becoming "Canada's Jodie Foster", again plays a "heavy" in this film, the nasty older sister of the young dancer of the title. Long's range of talent is considerable, from teenage vampiress Divia in FOREVER KNIGHT to the harried young heroine Carly Beth in two HAUNTED MASK movies, and now, this historical drama allows her to shine in a non-supernatural role. Rent it or buy it especially for this talented, beautiful actress!



2. This story is beautifully produced by the Canadian film company, Devine Entertainment, known for their commitment to excellent entertainment for older children. This biography shows Degas as a self-centered old man whose art is more important to him than people. A young ballerina, Marie, has a major influence on changing his attitudes and behavior. It begs the question, "Does being a genius give you license to treat others badly?" Our child viewers commented: "I learned about what it takes to be an artist." "I liked the way they all taught each other something. The painter taught her that if you don't make a mistake you'll never learn. She taught him not to be so grouchy and have respect for others." Most 8 to 12-year-olds will enjoy this, particularly girls, and girls interested in dance will dance with joy!



3. I saw this on a long flight and was so impressed with it that I got it for my daughter to see. It's a great balance of history, important life lessons and entertainment. Four stars doesn't mean it wasn't good - I just think reviews are more useful if they aren't all 1's and 5's. A great film to watch with your kids.



4. It was because of this show in the Artists' Special series I became interested in Edgar Degas and his artwork. And because of it Degas is my favorite artist.

   This show portrays Degas as how I might imagine him to have actually been. The stubbornness of Degas and Marie keeps them from agreeing at times but in the end they form a friendship and a magnificent stature is also born.

4 comments about Joni.

1. I loved this movie it was such a great movie, my heart went out to joni and all that she has accomplished.
   I just wish i could get this on dvd



2. I saw this movie on TBN channel last night and it was good. To the previous reviewer and anyone who is interested, you can get this movie in DVD format from World Wide Pictures homepage (http://shop.wwp.org). I'm going to order one from there today.



3. i am also a quadriplegic and i can relate with joni's struggles .
   
   this is a very inspiring movie and i do admire joni for everything that she's accomplished !



4. Product was broken so I never got to view it and my VCR was never the same again. Enjoyed the books but still haven't seen the movie

2 comments about Winslow Homer : An American Original.

1. Super family video that is interesting, historically accurate and educational. Subtle story and paintings are woven together well. Makes the viewer believe it's really 1874 in New York. Creativity balances the theme of the horrors of war. Found it engrossing and entertaining. "It was funny and sad, interesting and about war." "The way the artist worked was great, how he saw things and painted them." "I liked the kids messing with the man, and the boy and girl being sweet on each other." Ages 8-12.



2. My 8th graders hated it. As an art teacher I support what the producers are trying to do, however, this video has a weak script, uninspired performances and is simply boring. The basic dramatic conflict of the story is too internalized for middle school and too childish for high school. The performances are so underplayed and amateur-ish that there's nothing to hold students' attention. There are really very few insights into Homer the man, the artist, his techniques or his life beyond the fact that he was an illustrator during the Civil War. Save your money for a documentary video on Homer.

2 comments about Bird by Bird with Annie: A Film Portrait of Writer Anne Lamott.

1. I love this Video! I am a Lamott fan and first heard her on a radio show. I was attracted to her wit and humor BUT that humor and wit (as with so many comedians) was clearly grounded in deep personal pain and suffering. So, I started reading her books and was pleased when this short video became available! It is short! Only an hour long, but it follows Anne through some interesting vignettes in a one year period of her life. There is one scene where she presides over the gay marriage/wedding of two men in an outdoor wedding ceremony that may not be for all or appreciated by some. Other than that I liked her letting us in to her life to show us that one can lift themselves from rock bottom of addiction and suffering. There is a scene of Anne with a piece of paper, a bottle of white out, and her writing on the page looks like that of a school child's!!! Yes, she writes like all of us did, excrutiatingly trying to get something, ANYTHING!, down on paper.
   In another scene, she takes her son to an old age retirement nursing home. Although a successful writer, her sprirituality still is in front as she reaches out to others. There are many church scenes in the movie where apparently the churches that she belongs to have sustained her and helped her come out of her addiction and alcoholism. Some of the church scenes could have been edited down a tad but this is a minor complaint.

   When she is shown speaking at Book Fairs, there are shots of her audience. Many in the audience respond to Anne and connect with her and others are shown bored out of their gourds! and/or not knowing quite how to take this quirky lady! That's OK. That's Anne!! Either you immediately adore her or you can't quite figure out what she is all about --- this is shown in the video through these scenes of her book fair audiences.

   She describes the torture of the craft of writing and there are scenes of her presiding over her writing classes which she clearly states she teaches because she needed the money. She is up front and honest and not afraid to say she was broke. What I like about Anne is that she is a writer that strives to connect her Heart to her Voice - her writing voice - and now that she has found her voice, it is a magnificent treat to savor.

   I love to introduce my friends to the work of Anne Lamott and the video and one of her books often does the trick!




2. I watched this film after reading "Bird by Bird" and "Hard Laughter" and found that Anne Lamott was just as I expected her to be...funny, sentimental, sometimes emotional, caring, loving, kind, passionate and considerate. She truly is a beautiful person who has grown through pain and talks very candidly about her faith and what it takes to get to a place in one's life where it feels good to be alive. I laughed and I cried when watching this video and really appreciated her honesty about the things she has struggled with. She has a lot of strength.

   I recommend this film and ALL of her work. Brilliant.