"Delusions": the trailer

Robert Saba (director) and Waheed AlQawasmi (producer/DP) have posted the trailer for the controversial film "Delusions." It's a tough, gritty movie done in improv style much like the influential John Cassavetes film "Shadows."

It's potent stuff. The movie premieres Nov. 16 at The Complex. Save that date.

Ebert on 40 Shades

Roger Ebert weighs in with a review of Ira Sachs' "Forty Shades of Blue." Here's an excerpt:

There is a scene of some mastery, involving a party Alan throws in his own backyard. A big barbeque, with lots of booze and live music. His guests represent a cross-section of the Memphis music communities, black and white, young and old, and they all have one thing in common: A vast indifference to Alan. Watch him move through this gathering like a ghost at a banquet. Listen to his speech, at which with a grandiose gesture he tries to make things up with Laura; he is so ignorant of healthy human emotion that he has no idea he is only insulting her again, publicly.

Brooks screens Eggleston documentary

Ed Halter of The Village Voice calls it “a subtle, elegant documentary.” Artforum’s Amy Taubin describes it as “Brilliant! A remarkably intimate but also discreet portrait.” The Commercial Appeal’s John Beifuss refers to it as a “fascinating documentary.” Judge for yourself on November 17 when Memphis Brooks Museum of Art presents William Eggleston in the Real World at 7:00 p.m.

Michael Almereyda’s film tracks Eggleston on trips to Kentucky, Los Angeles and New York, but gives particular attention to downtime in Memphis. It shows a deep connection between Eggleston’s enigmatic personality and his groundbreaking photographic work while revealing his talents as a musician, draftsman and videographer.

Local arts patron and physician James Patterson helped to produce William Eggleston in the Real World. Dr. Patterson will introduce the film at the Brooks, giving the audience some insight into the project. The Brooks will present one screening only on November 17 in the Dorothy K. Hohenberg auditorium. Tickets are $6 for members and $8 for non-members.

Meisner project performance

This is from Amber O'Daniels' Meisner for the Creative class that's presenting this special project production. It's Nov. 18, 7 p.m. at the MeDiA Co-op. If you're creative, you need to be there.

New and updated

A couple of new additions to the "Memphis Film Sites" listing at right include:

• Old School Pictures, makers of "Act One" which grabbed the Best Narrative Feature in the Hometowner category of Indie Memphis last week
• Arnita C. Williams, actress, screenwriter, director and filmmaker

You should also regularly check for updates:

• Bevan B. Bell's blog, a priceless collection of a filmmaker's rants (plus a link to the super trailer for "Divine Manipulation of the Threads")
• Markus Seaberry's blog, the ruminations of a young actor starting small but with big aspirations
• Forrest Pruett's site -- click on What's New to follow his trail (and click on Actors First to hire some splendid talent).

Casting call

Casting Session for the film STIRRING is Nov. 12 & 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Christian Student Center, 425 Patterson near U of M.
Primarily looking for:
About 20-30 males, ages 25 and up
At least 2 females, ages 25 and up
Children, ages 5-12
but other roles needed as well, so if you don't fit the above description, don't let that stop you!
Ability to speak Russian (or similar language/dialect) preferred, or should be willing to learn. (All dialogue in the film will be in either Russian or Ukranian)

The culture of deception

Well we're talking about Hollywood, natch. In this fine Slate article. An excerpt:

Since Hollywood is an industry dedicated to perpetrating illusion, its leaders often assume they have license to take liberties with the factual elements that support the movies they make. This practice is euphemistically described by marketing executives as "pushing the reality envelope."