On this page: BEAUTY & DECAY | MAKING MONTGOMERY CLIFT | SEA OF SHADOWS

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Their observations are involving. Robert says that they were a family who simply loved to create something together at a moment's notice. Sven recalls that no one would sit next to him on public transport, and he still looks somewhat foreboding. Both Sven and Dome confess that they were in love with Robert, but he seemed more interested in a colleague. All three talk about seeking independence in a restrictive society, including persecution from the establishment. But as Dome puts it, "I thought all people had wild, incandescent lives in which they could live out their fantasies."

In addition to the stills, there's footage from art films that include some rather outrageous club performances. And filmmaker Hendel's cameras follow them today into their homes, which are also bursting with stories. Robert changed his life dramatically, moving to India, marrying a local and becoming a metalworker. He also kept taking photos. All three talk about the impact of growing old, discovering that health is more important than beauty.

There's quite a bit of talk about the olden days, showing pictures of the city back then and commenting that it's no longer recognisable. They're not bemoaning the changes, merely observing them. And they are genuinely as interested in present-day Berlin as they were back in the day. In other words, this is a film about the artistic mindset, the relentless curiosity, the ability to see beauty in unusual places, the will to escape a dull daily life by becoming fabulous.

themes, nudity

7.Apr.19

Using film clips, audio recordings and terrific home movies, Robert carefully picks apart the accepted story about Monty's personal demons. For the family, the truth about Monty is clear in his choices as an actor who poured his life into his craft. He was also a prolific photographer who snapped shots of everyone he worked with, as well as witty self-portraits. In taped recordings, he comes across as a witty, astute, life-loving man who was deeply dedicated to his art.

Montgomery Clift was a rare actor who refused to sign a studio contract, preferring instead to control his career himself and work on projects of his own choosing, often rewriting his dialog. This drove his agents and the studios crazy, especially as he took so long to transition from theatre into movies. His roles always showed a complex masculinity, which is perhaps why people have remained obsessed with his sexuality. But of course there's a lot more to him, and he needs to be seen for who he actually was.

It's fascinating to see Robert so carefully debunk many of the most persistent rumours about Monty's life, simply by revealing source material such as unedited tapes, annotated book galleys and revised scripts. Brooks' collection of film and audio recordings allows many of these people, including Monty, to speak from beyond the grave. And rightly, Robert hopes no one makes a biopic about his uncle without making sure they're telling the real story instead of the legend.

themes, language

15.Mar.19

Ladkani's imagery is spectacular, capturing the raw beauty of locations including the gorgeous sea itself, the expansive Sonora Desert, bustling fishing villages and urban centres like Tijuana, Mexicali and Mexico City. This sharp, colourful footage is skilfully intercut with grainy scenes from drones and surveillance cameras that witness criminal activity, including murder. The contrast is striking, as tenacious journalists track down the villains, a job the cops are afraid to do.

There are several heart-stopping moments along the way, from the opening chase sequence to a frightening stand-off at a marina as villagers take on the military. These bracing sequences add a powerful sense of urgency to the bigger story, while also making it clear that the true problem lies in the Chinese money driving a criminal operation that is decimating one of the most diverse bodies of water on Earth. And without mentioning similar situations all over the world, the film paints a harrowing portrait of just what capitalism has done to the planet.

themes, language, violence

6.Sep.19