Change Your Image
Oscar Alvarez
Reviews
Gaza Strip (2002)
If you think the conflict is about religion think again.
This documentary is quite simply a must see for anyone seeking information regarding the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. If you liked Heart & Minds or Bowling for Columbine prepare to be floored. The directing isn't top notch in the least however the story pulls you in and leaves you enraged upon the realization that the United States is and has been perpetrating apartheid and murder by proxy. It's true the film focuses on the lives of Palestinian youth and families but this is fitting as the scope required to cover both sides is too grand. Aside from this the media here in the United States in both print and television is so biased towards the Israeli side that the Palestinians are merely reduced to out of context and seemingly irrational sound clips leading the public to the skewed and crafted conclusion that all Arabs are demonic pariahs. The film is oddly reminiscent of Gillo Pontecorvo's masterpiece The Battle of Algiers except that this is actually a documentary. If you get an opportunity to see this film you simply cannot miss it.
Chain Camera (2001)
A Genuinely Enlightening 90 Minute Documentary
Don't be fooled by the lackluster movie poster, Chain Camera is a very entertaining and eye opening movie. Unlike films like Kids and Gummo amongst others that allege to have the inside scoop on the lives of America's youth, Chain Camera actually does "tell it like it is" so to speak. The film is presented in 6 minute segments devoted to a particular student at the school. As the film progresses each student unfolds emotionally leading to funny and dramatic moments. The director should have made use of digital video cameras as it tends to be very grainy at times but perhaps that would have driven production costs up. Once again coming back to the film itself, you must approach it with an open mind as the students come from VERY diverse backgrounds. Topics such as racism, fellatio, and drugs are comically touched upon so please do not bring children under 13, please its embarrassing.
Aside from that Chain Camera is a fun little sad, funny, and above all interesting documentary that is a must see for anyone living in America today and yes it this is reality unlike Beverly Hills 90210, Dawson Creek, or the other junk on television.