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Thursday 08/07/08

6:00 PM IFC
Larry Flynt: The Right to Be Left Alone (2007 USA): One of the more repellent characters of his time, porn king Larry Flynt also happens to be a First Amendment champion with deep pockets and — after a failed assassination attempt that left him wheelchair-bound — a fearless attitude towards hypocritical politicians who legislate morality whilst engaging in all manner of sexual hi-jinks on the side. This documentary doesn't purport to tell his life story in full, but instead focuses on Flynt's day-to-day activities, which include working on a new issue of Hustler Magazine, delivering a speech at Harvard Law School (!), and explaining how women make better managers than men. Though the film neither condemns nor beatifies, it's definitely more positive than negative. One to avoid for the Andrea Dworkin crowd.

10:30 PM Flix
Alambrista! (1977 USA): Also released as The Illegal, Alambrista! (which actually translates as tightrope walker) relates the story of a Mexican man who illegally crosses the Rio Grande in order to make a better life for his family south of the border. Domingo Ambriz stars as Roberto, who hopes that Yankee dollars will enable him to provide for his wife and new child but quickly learns that he's just a tool in the hands of coyotes (one of whom is played by Ned Beatty) and employers alike. Directed by Robert M. Young (not the actor, but the helmer of the equally excellent Short Eyes), Alambrista! won the Golden Camera at Cannes in 1977, but quickly sank into oblivion thereafter. That's understandable considering it's a sympathetic take on one of America's favorite whipping boys, but the film comes highly recommended for those willing to overlook the protagonist's disdain for federal immigration laws. One to avoid for the Tom Tancredo crowd.

Friday 08/08/08

7:00 PM Sundance
Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico (2007 CAN): A mockumentary about the travails of a hard drinkin' country-western star, The Life and Times of Guy Terrifico is a distinctly hit or miss affair with just enough high points to earn it a brief mention in the TiVoPlex. Real-life singer-songwriter Matt Murphy plays the title character, an alt-country star whose penchant for over indulgence has led to an early death and, hence, a series of filmed encomiums and eulogies from the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Hawkins, and Merle Haggard. Even at 90 minutes this feels a bit overlong, but there are enough good moments to make it worth a look, including a hilarious bit featuring a communion wafer.

8:30 PM Turner Classic Movies
They Only Kill Their Masters (1972 USA): Or, Family Pets Gone Wild! James Garner takes the lead in this ridiculous but strangely enjoyable thriller about a watchdog implicated in a series of murders. Garner plays Abel Marsh, a backwoods lawman who finds himself knee deep in doggy-do whilst wooing sexy animal trainer Kate Bingham (Katharine Ross) over a plateful of meatloaf. Also along for the canine capers: Hal Holbrook as a local veterinarian, Tom Ewell as one of Marsh's minions, and June Allyson as — a lesbian?!? Not quite as wacky as it sounds, They Only Kill Their Masters was a surprising hit on its initial release but now resides in home video hell, rendering it essential viewing this week, though perhaps not for the PETA crowd.

Saturday 08/09/08

10:45 PM Encore Dramatic Stories
The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006 GB): Ken Loach's superb tale of Irish brothers torn apart by war makes its American television debut this evening. Penned by perennial Loach collaborator Paul Laverty, the film is much more than a simple-minded paean to Irish republicanism, with emphasis placed squarely on the fratricidal struggles between aspiring doctor Damian (Cillian Murray) and dedicated IRA soldier Teddy (Padraic Delaney), who find themselves on opposite sides after the Irish Free State comes into being. Sticking closely to his humanist guns, Loach is unafraid to criticize the abject cruelties of either side, with depictions of Black and Tan sadism ably balanced by scenes of Republican torture, whilst reserving his harshest assessment for the Free State's new masters, who disdained the radical socialism of the IRA rank and file in favor of reactionary religious fundamentalism. Though not Loach's best film, The Wind That Shakes the Barley is an insightful and beautifully made picture that has important and timeless things to say about the lessons learned by the occupied from those who occupy them.

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