new review

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6648614.html

American Feud: A History of Conservatives and Liberals. DVD. 90 min. American Feud. 2007, 2008 release. $15 (home use), $195 (pub. perf.)
Gr 9 Up— American Feud offers an insightful and refreshingly unbiased review of how we got to where we are in the political divide. Using a chronological theme ranging from the formation of our country up to the results of the 2006 general election, the film traces the development and evolution of the divergent political philosophies of conservatism and liberalism. The producers have utilized a variety of clear interviews with historians and other observers of our unique system (Noam Chomsky, G. Gordon Liddy, Donna Brazile, and many others), crisp graphics, a remarkable collection of archival photos and live-action footage, and a smooth narration to present this impressive program. Viewers effortlessly follow the sequence of both international and domestic events which affected the electorate. Commentary includes the philosophies from all aspects of the political spectrum and does so in a wonderfully nonjudgmental manner. Viewers are left with a challenge to consider what our country's collective future holds in the political arena. One word of caution: the film contains an unfortunate and completely unnecessary expletive which might be an issue in some settings. Classroom teachers as well as individual researchers will appreciate the chapter selection option and the number of extras included in this useful title.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

The State of Documentary

An overdue post from about a month ago. I was able to attend some of "SilverDocs", a week long documentary film festival. Docs in Progress, a new non-profit established to help nurture documentary filmmakers at all stages of the process, helped to coordinate additional activities for filmmakers. Through them I connected with a number of filmmmakers I had only known virtually through an internet forum called "D-Word".

I was struck by the variety of things we filmmakers combine with our doc making. As in Documentarian and activist/teacher/non-profit innovator/math nerd/scientist/author/parent etc. And we all complain about not having enough time to work on our films, and yet amazing films somehow get made.

I can't remember who said that shaky camera work was out. I agree that there probably was less of it. But I think it's more that shaky camerawork for the sake of appearing hip or young is out. I saw a variety of cinemagraphic styles and other formal elements this year. But in almost all cases technique worked in service of the story. To quote an old high school English teacher "form submerges, content floats". Which may be the hallmark of a "golden era" for our art form.

The return of The Dick

I don't mind Dick Cheney getting all this attention. He has the right to speak and to defend himself. I do mind the lack of critical questioning of his line of rhetoric. He asserts that he and the Bush administration saved us from another 9/11. The few who are saying, "yes, but you didn't protect us from the first 9/11" aren't given their due.