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Movie Natters: September 25, 2006 Archive

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Watkins and Hur

Posted at 9:38 AM on September 25, 2006 by Euan Kerr

I got a few chills from the past on Saturday listening to Scott Simon and Elvis Mitchell discussing the release of Peter Watkins work on DVD. Watkins is best known for his 1965 film "The War Game" which acted out what would happen if a nuclear attack hit Britain. Watkins used what were essentially documentary techniques to making feature films. This brought a reality to his work which had been seldom seen at the time. While made for TV "The War Game" was not aired for decades on TV because it was so disturbing. Many of us saw it screened at schools and colleges in later years. It's an incredible film and immensely creepy.

Just as powerful was a film he made in 1964 called "Culloden" which presented a dispassionate portrayal of the last pitched battle on British soil when the Earl of Cumberland defeated the Jacobite army under the command of the man best known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. The victory in 1746 caused a political change in the Scottish Highlands which in time led to the Highland Clearances, where people were driven off their land and replaced by sheep. Many people of Scots descent round the world can trace their ancestors departure to that date. "Culloden" is also an extremely disturbing film, but well worth seeing for the historical context it provides, and the lessons it can provide for today.

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While you are at the NPR site check out Anita Elsh's story about the live action performance of "Ben Hur" in Paris. It's cinematic obsession at it's finest.

Gleanings

Posted at 11:00 AM on September 25, 2006 by Euan Kerr

It was fun reading the piece on Paul Westerberg from the Wall Street Journal reprinted in the Strib today on how his soundtrack for the animated feature "Open Season" may well bring him the broader acclaim which years on the road with the Replacements did not. Westerberg will play tonight at the the "Open Season" premier in LA with fellow Replacement Tommy Stinson.

It's a cinematic week for Westerberg. Brent Boyd's "Aurora Boralis" which goes on limited release this weekend, includes Westerberg as a plot element.

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I took a call from the folks over at "Chasing Windmills" the Minneapolis-based narrative vlog. They posted an overture describing the characters in their new season a few days ago and now have just posted the first entry. They promise daily updates in the days and weeks to come.

September 2006
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