Image is from the film 'The Gleaners and I' (2000). The image shows an ornamental clock with no hands. In front of the clock sit a pair of ceramic cats, and behind the clock is the reflection of the film's director - Agnès Varda.

Top of the Docs #50 – The Gleaners and I (2000)

By: Joel Whitaker
Columns, Film, Top of the DocsLeave a Comment on Top of the Docs #50 – The Gleaners and I (2000)

The Gleaners and I is a film not just revolutionary for its ground-breaking use of handheld digital cameras, but also for the way in which Varda set about making the film.

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Image is from the documentary 'Los Angeles Plays Itself' (2003) Image shows the lit up strips of Los Angeles by night, with the city's name overlaid in block text.

Top of the Docs #45 – Los Angeles Plays Itself

By: Joel Whitaker
Columns, Film, Top of the Docs, Leave a Comment on Top of the Docs #45 – Los Angeles Plays Itself

From stairwells to suburbs and beyond, Los Angeles quite literally is cinema, and Thom Andersen’s Los Angeles Plays Itself sets out to prove it.

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Image is from the documentary 'Dial H-I-S-T-O-R-Y' (1997). Image shows grainy footage of a plane in the middle distance exploding on a landing strip.

Top of the Docs #43 – Dial H-I-S-T-O-R-Y (1997)

By: Joel Whitaker
Columns, Top of the DocsLeave a Comment on Top of the Docs #43 – Dial H-I-S-T-O-R-Y (1997)

Released in 1997, Johan Grimonprez’s film explores plane hijackings almost as a cultural phenomenon, stretching back from the 1960s right up until his contemporary moment.

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Image shows a red wall with hole in it, which a child stares through. Over the wall are the words Can't Get You Out of My Head.

Top of the Docs #42 – Can’t Get You Out of My Head (2021)

By: Joel Whitaker
Film, Top of the Docs, , Leave a Comment on Top of the Docs #42 – Can’t Get You Out of My Head (2021)

Renowned for his breadth of research and incisive analysis, Curtis’ documentaries usually focus on an aspect of history, exploring its cultural, social and political impacts.

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Image is from the documentary 'Les sorcieres de l'Orient'. It shows a female volley ball player, animated in the style of 1960s anime, preparing to spike a ball.

Top of the Docs #41 – IFFR Special: ‘Les sorcieres de l’Orient’ (2021)

By: Joel Whitaker
Columns, Festivals, Film, Reviews, Top of the Docs, Leave a Comment on Top of the Docs #41 – IFFR Special: ‘Les sorcieres de l’Orient’ (2021)

This year at IFFR, Faraut returns with his new film, Les sorcieres de l’Orient, a story of triumph, dedication, and perhaps Japan’s most iconic sports team.

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