My Time Will Come (2008) directed by Victor Arregui
Another Global Lens film, and another film with the best intentions and the most convoluted delivery. A sort of "Six Feet Under" of Ecuador, My Time Will Come is facilitated by Dr. Fernandez who methodically examines corpses as they arrive in the morgue. As the narrative shots off in different directions, each segue introduces us to another possible corpse. The storylines freely connect and disconnect to a point where nothing in the film has much gravity. The entire film feels like a sketch, acting included, with nothing fleshed out. My Time Will Come will probably make an appearance on DVD, if you really must see it. Not Recommended.
Food Inc. (2008) directed by Robert Kenner
Semi-full disclosure: I have worked in the wholesale distribution of organic produce in the Twin Cities for almost twelve years. This subject of where and how we get our food is not only an occupational interest, but a personal interest. Food Inc is a very well made documentary that tries to summarize all the very complex issues surrounding the foods we eat everyday. Relying heavily on interviews with Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) and Micheal Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma), Robert Kenner does his best to cover all the bases: meat industry, corn reliance, corporate domination, consumer rights, health issues, animal rights, local farms, organic conglomerates, Monsanto, Stonyfield, Walmart, and everything in between. Because the topic is so huge, you really feel like you only get a peek behind each curtain. Sometimes a peek is all you need, but some of the stories are so galvanizing you feel cheated not getting to know more. Specifically is a farmer who never bought into Monsanto patented seeds and continued to farm corn and soybeans the 'old fashioned' way by saving seeds. Monsanto gets pissed, takes on the farmer until he can no longer afford to fight the corporate lawyers. It's an unbelievable story. I wish everyone could see Food Inc., but ultimately the people who will see this doc are already committed to a Co-op or a CSA or a farmer's market. That being said, I do think that we, the committed, can hone our voice for change, the better chance we will have in inciting that change. (Anybody see a soapbox?) I'm going to do a more detailed review/soapbox chat when I get a chance. Food Inc. is set to open in domestically sometime this summer, and will probably find a good audience here. Highly Recommended.
Film Goats retired to the very crowded Pracna for talk of film, food and other random association topics. Our group grew to the point we were standing around a small table and had to be moved to a different room. (Unbeknownst to me, a tandem post-White Man's World party was also rollicking in Pracna.) We burned the midnight oil, and Daniel and I were the last soldiers to fall. For anyone else who was up at 1:00 Saturday morning, it was cold! I pedaled as fast as I could, but had a very cold bike ride home. (Maybe this is where I got the swine flu...)
2 comments:
I am REALLY interested in Food Inc. Your interest may come from your work experience, but of course then because dad is a farmer (and a slave to Monsanto), and because Robert is in the business as well, I get MY knickers in a knot. I'll be hunting this one down.
It is supposed to get a wide release this summer, and eventually it will come out on DVD. It is just crazy how much power some of those companies have (esp Monsanto); I would love to hear Robert and Dad's perspective on the movie...
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