Review: The Unreal Lives Of Anna Nicole Smith And NYCs Socialite ‘It Girls
Anna Nicole Smith: You don't know me
Director Ursula MacFarlane's biopic Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me is another in a recent series of remakes that offer more compassion for women whose lives and careers were turned upside down a decade or two ago. second look Smith was certainly one of those ladies - like Britney Spears and Pamela Anderson - who were mocked by comedians and gossip columnists for her glamorous, party-loving style. But according to those who know him best, the truth about Smith was more complicated.
Since Smith's 2010 television appearance in the 1990s, MacFarlane has told the story primarily using old interview tapes and home videos, supplemented by new perspectives from Smith's friends and colleagues. The film traces Smith's journey from a difficult childhood in Texas, to his rise as a model, to his years as a veteran journalist known for his problems with drugs and unconventional relationships. In front of the camera, Smith certainly evokes the heyday of Marilyn Monroe and Janet Mansfield with her curvaceous body and lilting voice. But instead of pursuing an acting career, he quickly became famous for being famous, which may have worn him down quickly. (Smith died in 2007.)
"You Don't Know Me" makes no effort to suggest that Smith had talent. And MacFarlane is not known for his sketch with a sick old oil tycoon. But McFarlane also refuses to give up on show business, mocking Smith and feeding his doubts rather than acknowledging them. It's a deep film about a man who many believe has no depth. This is a warning not only to future sex workers, but also to those who write about them.
"Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me." TV-MA, allegations of child abuse, allegations of language, nudity and sexual abuse. 1 hour 56 minutes. Available on Netflix.
"Queen Maker: Creating a Girl".
Who's ready for some 2000s nostalgia? The documentary Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl takes viewers back to New York's high society scene 15 to 20 years ago, when young heiresses like Paris Hilton, Tinsley Mortimer and Olivia Palermo were photographed night after night. . . then his life. Bloggers who have made telenovelas have written for tomorrow. Director Zachary Drucker captures the spirit of the birth of reality television and the early seasons of Gossip Girl. Thanks to Drucker's lively treatment of his subjects, he also addresses famous journalists.
The film focuses on Park Avenue Peerage, the blog's creator, then a college student in Illinois, who observes attractive people from afar. The blogger - who later transitioned from male to female - marks a shift in tone for the Queenmaker, who has had a tough time with celebrities and popular sites like Gawker in the past half hour. There is a specific catch and change associated with Drucker's approach; And overall, the film's balance of fame and mediocrity doesn't do it justice. But there is a powerful perspective here as Drucker examines the many codes and aspirations of our influential age.
Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl is underrated. 1 hour 23 minutes. Available on Hulu.
"Cinema: A Living Record of Our Memories."
Any moviegoer who has seen the documentary probably already knows director Innes Toharia's message about the importance of preserving old films, and it makes sense. But this film is still a treat for true fans, Toharia has plenty of rare vintage footage, as well as the technical details and cultural nuances that make film archives so intricate. The Living Archive covers the history of preservation, from film studios routinely throwing away copies to a heavy reliance on permanent digital assets. Looking beyond Hollywood, Toharia examines how the politics and economies of other countries influence history. Although a bit longer and less structured, this amazing documentary shows how past cultures bring the past to life in educational and inspiring ways.
Film: A living record of our memories. immeasurable 1 hour 59 minutes. Available on VOD.
Also on VOD
Silent Epidemic examines the current state of research on chronic Lyme disease, a disease still unknown to many in the medical community. Directors Winslow Crane-Murdoch and Lindsay Keys cover the full history of the CLD debate; And following the stories of two patients who struggle to believe over the years, they bring a more human side to the phenomenon. Available on VOD.
In Assassin's Creed, Henry Golding plays a hitman who is lured into a game he wasn't invited to and forced to stop before half a dozen of his peers can be wiped out. Director Camille Delamare brings a lot of flair to this fairly bare-bones action film, although this film remains in the "genre buffs only" category due to its limited budget and lack of special characters. Available on VOD.
This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
