Reviews
In the Shadow of the Stars (1991)
Well-edited, beautifully filmed --
As an aspiring opera singer myself and somewhat familiar with San Francisco Opera, I was interested to see how this documentary would play. I was amazed at how well edited this film is. The stories of the singers "blend" nicely, interweaving in such a way that you never lose track of who's who. You actually start to care about these people. It is truly the story of the **chorus**, and as such, no credits are given to the individual singers whose stories were told so beautifully.
This is a film I watch again and again, especially when I need a "boost." The scenes from the actual performances are wonderful (although I found at least one error in the identification of one of the scenes). This is a must-see for anyone with an affinity for the world of opera.
Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)
Surreal, kooky, and deep . . .
OK, not everyone will like this movie. It's one of those odd quirky flicks that requires you to look beyond the rather obvious story line and search for deeper meaning and truth. For those who think "Sleepless in Seattle" was the first film for Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, you might be surprised to see the chemistry between them in this earlier outing, in which Meg plays three different (VERY different) characters.
I fell in love with this movie the first time I saw it. Everytime I watch it, I see something new. The pattern made by the sidewalk leading up to the dismal factory, which matches the pattern of the crack in Joe's dingy apartment wall, which matches the lightening bolt, which matches the path up the crater to the mouth of the volcano -- this is just one example of the visual themes that appear and re-appear in this film. Would that more people were as satisfied with their occupations as the luggage salesman!
Beautifully photographed, with a strange play of dark and light, dim and bright, shadow and sun. This one's on my "10 Best ..." list.