The Representation Game: A Conversation with Matthias Hoene
Pop culture products like movies and TV shows help us recognize social issues that need discussing. If we’re lucky, they enlighten us in entertaining ways. Sometimes they even make us uncomfortable because they force us question our own beliefs. Enter the Warriors Gate, the latest film from director Matthias Hoene, does all that work and more.
A Conversation with the Olson Brothers
It’s hard enough directing a movie when one intelligent mind is behind the camera. But brothers Obin and Amariah Olson find a way to merge two brilliant perspectives. Their latest project, The Shadow Effect, explores the consequences of trauma on Gabriel (played by Cam Gigandet), an ex-Navy Seal unaware he’s in the throes of a scientific experiment. As a result, the lines between reality and imagination are blurred. Gabriel must figure out if his murderous flashbacks are delusions or if the mysterious Dr. Reese (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is manipulating him. Along the way, Gabriel is forced to question the sincerity of the people closest to him, including his wife, Brinn (Britt Shaw).
Cinematic Diplomacy: A Conversation with Alexander Nevsky
Alexander Nevsky’s latest film, Black Rose, blends horror, mystery, and action genres for a fresh take on cinematic Russian/American relations. His directorial debut gets rid of the tired, Cold War stereotype of the Soviet villain versus the US hero. Instead, Black Rose tells the story of Nevsky’s Russian Police Major, Vladimir Kazatov, working side by side with the LAPD to find a killer targeting young women in West Hollywood. This simple change in perspective facilitates a conversation about international diplomacy and the political realities of 2017, as we are confronted daily with questions about Donald Trump’s relationship to Vladimir Putin and whether Russia interfered with last year’s presidential election.
Sans Acrobats:
A Review of NOLA Circus
NOLA Circus, the latest film from writer/director/producer Luc Annest, focuses on an African American community in New Orleans. Friendships are tested, true love is put on trial, and a bunch of dudes get their asses kicked. Luc brings a French perspective to this dark comedy about two rival barbershops and their larger-than-life employees. I got the chance to talk with him about adjusting to cultural differences in the United States, looking beyond race to understand the film, and the importance of music in visual storytelling. After you listen to my conversation with Luc, check out NOLA Circus when it hits theaters on April 21st or when it hits VOD platforms and iTunes on April 25th.
A Fluffy Night Out:
The West Hollywood Screening of Salt and Fire
At the end of my interview with Veronica Ferres a few weeks ago, she invited me to the London West Hollywood hotel off of West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip for a screening of Salt and Fire. Instead of writing a review of the event, I wanted to reproduce it. This episode of the Cinephellas podcast is the story my experience and the personal journey it necessitated. I’m forced to confront questions of identity, recognizing the space between the way I see myself and how I’m seen (or unseen) within the Hollywood machine. While those neuroses are being sorted out, I try to pay attention to a David O. Russell-moderated Q & A with Veronica and writer/director of Salt and Fire, Werner Herzog. But the most trying part of the evening is figuring out why Mr. Herzog is as fluffy as llama fur.
In this episode of Cinephellas Podcast, Logan and Henry talk about brand new TV shows coming out this year, returning TV series, and some of our favorites to look out for in 2017!
You can also stream our podcast on SoundCloud.com: https://soundcloud.com/user-592086213
Check out Logan and Henry on the first episode of Cinephellas Podcast! They talk about how Cinephellas started, what’s in store for the future, and what movies to look out for in 2017! #CinephellasPodcast
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