When director Nick Sherman first read about Gordon Hempton, he saw a chance to make a documentary that could evoke naturalists like Muir and Thoreau. In Hempton, he had a subject matter that felt a deep connection to the natural world, and a desire to preserve it. However, in documenting Hempton’s lifes work and passion,…
Hot Docs Reaction: CANDYMAN, THE DAVID KLEIN STORY
CANDYMAN is the story of David Klein, the eccentric inventor of Jelly Belly jellybeans. We learn of his humble beginnings, his massive effort to make the idea work, and how the product became such a wild seller. Front and centre is Klein as a man – a guy who likes to take the scenic route…
Hot Docs Reaction: COOKING UP DREAMS
Watching all manner of cooks – from peasant fishermen to top chef – preparing Peruvian food is rather fascinating. Many of the ingredients and flavours start out the same, but the manner in which they are brought together in COOKING UP DREAMS couldn’t be more varied. Seeing executive chefs work in gourmet kitchens isn’t anything…
Food Glorious Food: DISH – WOMEN, WAITRESSING & THE ART OF SERVICE Plays Hot Docs
DISH begins with the sort of tracking shot that would make Martin Scorsese proud. It follows a waitress in Paris – tray filled with entrees held aloft. She leaves the kitchens, winds through all the way through crowded dining room, serves her patrons and returns. In an ant-like manner she seems to be carrying more…
Shop Around: SMALL WONDERS Plays Hot Docs
My parents still live in the same house I grew up in, so I often find myself back in “the old neighbourhood”. During one recent trip, I noticed that a sporting goods shop had closed. This was the shop where I got my first baseball bat, half a dozen hockey sticks, and more hats and…
Closer to the Heart (RUSH: BEYOND THE LIGHTED STAGE Trailer)
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – I’m glad the pub night for Toronto Movie Bloggers is on a Tuesday. With Wednesday being the post that I put up a trailer, makes it much easier to “phone one in” as the hangover fades. Here’s another flick that’s playing Hot Docs this year –…
Midnight Radio: Life in Technicolor part i
We now interrupt this regularly scheduled blog to talk documentaries… Today begins a special series of my regular Matineecast, talking about all thing festival related. The format will be a little different than usual, namely episodes will be a bit shorter (though this one is normal length), and slightly more raw as I won’t be…