Now: In the Winds on a World Stage

Wandered over to Real Art Ways this evening for a "one night only" showing of NOW: In the Wings on a World Stage, the documentary film of Kevin Spacey / Sam Mendes presentation and tour of Shakespeare's Richard III.



I love Shakespeare, and love a good behind the scenes documentary, and this had both going for it. As an added bonus, Elizabeth Williamson, Senior Dramaturg and Director of New Play Development at Hartford Stage led a discussion afterwards which was interesting. My only regrets - that there was such a small crowd. Might have been 20 of us there. Kudos to Real Art Ways for putting this on, it was wonderful.

Oscar Nominated Shorts - Documentary

I got out to see all three of the "Oscar Nominated Shorts" shows at Real Art Ways this year. Plenty of time to see these before Oscar night.... visit the official Academy Awards site for a list of the films, trailers, and movie websites. I'm putting these in order presented.

CaveDigger / Jeffrey Karoff
Amazing story of a man whose passion is to dig beautiful, artistic caves into the sandstone of New Mexico. Amazing for both his creations and his story (many of his caves were commissions)

Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall / Edgar Barens
A amazingly sensitive portrait of an embattled, alcoholic WWII vet, imprisoned for life for killing the drug dealer who supplied his son (who killed himself as a teenager), during his past days in prison hospice. A very difficult film (more tissues) but quite stunning for it's compassionate portrayal of this man, his estranged but loyal son, and the other prisoners who staff the prison hospice.

Facing Fear / Jason Cohen
Not part of the showing, but here's the trailer.

Karama Has No Walls / Sara Ishaq
Not part of the showing, but here's the trailer. 

The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life / Malcolm Clarke and Nicholas Reed
Not part of the showing, here's the trailer.