This insightful documentary claims that although the US nuclear testing program began in earnest during the 1950s, subsequent governments knew what they were secretly doing in Mercury, Nevada was dangerous all along. The most alarming part of the story is that a total of eight presidential administrations from 1951 to 1992 knowingly lied, assuring citizens living across four states (Nevada, Utah, Arizona, California) they would be kept safe. For bringing this subject into clear view, this film is an essential testament... a cautionary tale about how a government can fail to protect its own people.
Reviews
3 Reviews
1883
(2021–2022)
Taylor Sheridan's "Magnum Opus"
10 March 2023
In 1883 during the aftermath of the American Civil War, the Dutton Family, led by James Dutton, former Confederate Captain, and his wife Margaret, leave Tennessee with their children Isabel and John Dutton Sr. To head to Fort Worth, Texas, joining a caravan of European immigrants led by grizzled cowboy Shea Brennan, an ex-Union Captain. The caravan heads northwest toward The Oregon Trail looking for fortune and dreams.
Sam Elliott whose Shea Brennan - symbolizing the tradition of the Old West and the inability to accept the disruptive change of civilization - takes on the responsibility of leading the caravan with the hope of seeing the ocean for the first time. We are also reacquainted with real-life power couple, Tim McGraw/Faith Hill superb portrayals of James and Margaret Dutton who are the core characters of '1883'; the patriarch and matriarch of the Yellowstone Ranch in Montana. But I have to say that the essence of the long journey belongs to Elsa Dutton, radiantly portrayed by newcomer Isabel May. It is her standout performance as their passionate teenage daughter and her poetic narration that is in indeed the heart and soul of '1883'.
In my opinion, '1883' should be binge-watched as a 555-minute epic film, ideally over a five-day period (2 episodes/night), in order for it to be fully appreciated as a masterpiece of proto-western filmmaking that it purely is. Years from now, '1883' will be remembered and revered as Taylor Sheridan's "magnum opus" much more than 'Yellowstone' will ever be. (10/10)
Sam Elliott whose Shea Brennan - symbolizing the tradition of the Old West and the inability to accept the disruptive change of civilization - takes on the responsibility of leading the caravan with the hope of seeing the ocean for the first time. We are also reacquainted with real-life power couple, Tim McGraw/Faith Hill superb portrayals of James and Margaret Dutton who are the core characters of '1883'; the patriarch and matriarch of the Yellowstone Ranch in Montana. But I have to say that the essence of the long journey belongs to Elsa Dutton, radiantly portrayed by newcomer Isabel May. It is her standout performance as their passionate teenage daughter and her poetic narration that is in indeed the heart and soul of '1883'.
In my opinion, '1883' should be binge-watched as a 555-minute epic film, ideally over a five-day period (2 episodes/night), in order for it to be fully appreciated as a masterpiece of proto-western filmmaking that it purely is. Years from now, '1883' will be remembered and revered as Taylor Sheridan's "magnum opus" much more than 'Yellowstone' will ever be. (10/10)
Elvis: The Final Hours
(2018)
"The King is dead, long live The King!" 👑
19 January 2023
There have been very many documentaries over the decades discussing the details on the 'final' or 'last' hours of Elvis Presley. I found this one to be the most comprehensive and brutally honest account of his tragic death at the age of 42 as told through the lens of members of the Memphis Mafia.
The "Memphis Mafia" was the nickname given by the media to a group of Elvis' friends, associates, employees and cousins whose main functions were to accompany, protect, and serve him from the beginning of his career in 1954 until his death in 1977. The interviews with core members of the Memphis Mafia were conducted in 2002 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Elvis' death. They have been used in one form or another in several documentaries over the last 20 years. Most of them can be found on Tubi or YouTube
I have pretty well seen them all and thought that this particular one was the most powerful of the bunch in the clever way they edited the interviews with archival footage for maximum impact. It not only provides intimate details of Elvis' final 24 hours but also does a great job of explaining his growing dependence to prescription drugs beginning in the late 50s through his physical decline in the 70s. A truly shocking viewing experience for all who love and miss the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
"The candle that burns twice as bright, burns half as long." A quote that rings so true when it comes to telling the full story of the life and death of Elvis Aaron Presley.
The "Memphis Mafia" was the nickname given by the media to a group of Elvis' friends, associates, employees and cousins whose main functions were to accompany, protect, and serve him from the beginning of his career in 1954 until his death in 1977. The interviews with core members of the Memphis Mafia were conducted in 2002 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Elvis' death. They have been used in one form or another in several documentaries over the last 20 years. Most of them can be found on Tubi or YouTube
I have pretty well seen them all and thought that this particular one was the most powerful of the bunch in the clever way they edited the interviews with archival footage for maximum impact. It not only provides intimate details of Elvis' final 24 hours but also does a great job of explaining his growing dependence to prescription drugs beginning in the late 50s through his physical decline in the 70s. A truly shocking viewing experience for all who love and miss the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
"The candle that burns twice as bright, burns half as long." A quote that rings so true when it comes to telling the full story of the life and death of Elvis Aaron Presley.
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