The Class, Man On Wire & Ebertfest

I just watched two magnificent films: “The Class” and “Man on Wire.”

The Class is a French film (in theaters now) about a french teacher and his multi ethnic and often insolent classroom of students. It was really compelling. The kids reminded me so much of why I think young people today have no respect for authority. They can be just down right rude. I pitied the poor teacher. But because the film has an almost documentary feel to it, you just go with it. The kids aren’t that horrible, they just have their moments. And you really get the skinny on how teachers and sudents are in a relationship like any other. There is a give and take. The Class won the Palme d’or at Cannes and was Oscar nominated for “Best Foreign film.”

Man On Wire tells the story of 24 year old Phillippe Petit’s 1974 tight rope walk between the World TradeTowers. We are brought in on the planning, covert rigging and the thrill of it all. The title comes from the NYPD arrest report: Nature of disturbance–MAN ON WIRE!

Phillippe’s passion as an artist – busker (juggler, unicyclist, clown in the streets for money) struck a deep chord with me because it reminded me of a week long gig I did in Key West during the 1994 International Buskerfest. I met jugglers, clowns, a guy who had a trained domestic cat act -who I later saw on Johnny Carson. I had a thing with a guy who painted his entire body white like a Greek statue (and he was gorgeous!) and stood on top of a garbage can and fucked with people (a mime of sorts) It was at Buskerfest that I met my first wire walker who in turn introduced me to “Gorilla wire walks” where you do all of the prep and rigging under cover and most likely get arrested, or at the very least, removed by Law Enforcement. That was my introduction to the “artist as Busker” vibe and it was wonderful. True bohemians! I loved it and I loved Key West.

Anyway, I highly recommend Man on Wire -though one of my friends found it boring as hell: “I fell asleep!”

I absolutely loved it. It’s out on DVD. It won the Oscar for best documentary.

It felt great to be back in the theater after a brief hiatus. (ie my dream date/ stolen ring episode) Speaking of movie, have I mentioned that I am going to Roger Ebert’s Film festival called Ebertfest in April? Five days and evenings of movies, movies, movies and discussions and directors and a coupla stars. Roger always features one silent movie with the original score performed by an orchestra, a Bollywood film and then some of his favorite new and old releases. My favorite documentary “Trouble the Water” will be screened!! I am so excited!!

And you know I will be blogging from Ebertfest!