Tag Archives: Movies

Year in Review: 2017

Posted on March 4, 2018 by Kamran Ahmed

My complete 2017 Watchlist, Ranked (Films seen in theaters or festivals in 2017) Films qualify for my Best of 2017 when the country of origin’s initial commercial release occurs in 2017. Unreleased films and festival only release are not considered. … Continue reading →

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Hidden Figures (Melfi, 2016)

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Kamran Ahmed

An important historical drama which, in spite of some narrative contrivance and sentimental gesturing, succeeds in conveying the under recognized role of three African American women during a significant moment in America’s past. Its use of dramatization is unlike most … Continue reading →

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Ordet (Dreyer, 1955)

Posted on December 26, 2015 by Kamran Ahmed

Such perfect mastery of time and rhythm perhaps unequaled in cinema. A chamber drama with few scenes, each austerely captured by the observing and detached gaze of a languid camera, which carefully tracks the actors deeply nuanced performances in long … Continue reading →

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The Artist (Hazanavicius, 2012)

Posted on July 25, 2015 by Kamran Ahmed

An unremarkable faux-silent era film. A safe, conventional narrative in a novel, not so novel, package. Lacks the charm of the silent era, and only moderately offers silent film techniques. Way too little visual dialogue for a silent: much performance, … Continue reading →

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Rosetta (Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, 1999)

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Kamran Ahmed

The close-up hand-camera movement is tantamount to Rosetta’s suffering, desperation, and tunnel vision. As her “friend” enters and exits the tiny frame, encircling her with his motorcycle, she powers forward until she ultimately breaks down. While the aesthetic can be … Continue reading →

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Intouchables (Toledano & Nakache, 2011)

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Kamran Ahmed

The three themes of the French flag—liberty, equality, fraternity—are brought to life in this heartwarming tale. A pragmatic tetraplegic who has lost his will to fly free again is revived by a socially unapologetic and unabashed freewheeler. Qualities of an … Continue reading →

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Kamran’s Top Twenty of 2013

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Kamran Ahmed

Top Twenty Films of the Year Through a combination of graceful crane movements that unravel the mystery, and still close ups to depict human repose, strength, and dignity, McQueen covers all the bases, both eliciting highly emotional experiences as well … Continue reading →

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Robert Bresson Retrospective

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Kamran Ahmed

The Pacific Cinémathèque is kicking off a Bresson retrospective. Though my work schedule gets in the way, I will try to see all 13 films — 5 of which I have previously seen. Those showings which I cannot possibly make, … Continue reading →

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