From Noam Chomsky to New Zealand actor Jemaine Clement, there’s something for everyone this week on Rialto Channel.
Tehran Taxi Premiering Monday 18th July, 8.30pm
There’s something utterly charming about the latest film from Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi; it’s a joyful, witty and warm film that also manages to be full of social commentary and a quiet sense of defiance.
Since 2010 Panahi has been under house arrest and banned from filmmaking for 20 years on the grounds of political dissent. The Iranian filmmaker has over the last 6 years managed to redefine his role as filmmaker under these trying circumstances, appearing in but not directing films such as This Is Not a Film in 2011 and Closed Curtain in 2013. In his latest film Tehran Taxi he gets around his restrictions by filming in a car, and is never seen holding a camera – think of it as one long selfie.
Panahi’s return to form Tehran Taxi (also know just as Taxi) won the Golden Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival in 2015. In Tehran Taxi, Panahi rigs a taxi with three hidden video cameras he claims are for security. He drives around Tehran picking up customers, often several at times, who discuss the day-to-day issues Iranians face.
Even though the film feels genuine, there are obvious hints that these customers are staged actors. One hilarious customer sells illegal DVD’s (and most likely Panahi’s work), and other customers are real people such as his young niece, and human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh.
The premise might sound like a reality TV show, and it certainly has the naturalness and spontaneity of one, but it’s far too cleverly staged and thoughtful to be one. This really is one taxi ride you should jump on board for.
Requiem For the American Dream Premiering Thursday 21st July, 8.30pm
Noam Chomsky is widely regarded as the most influential intellect of our time. Directed by Kelly Nyks, Peter Hutchison and Jared P. Scott and filmed over four years, these long-form documentary interviews break down Chomsky’s 10 principles of wealth and power.
If you’re trying to make sense of the current US Presidential election, the increasing gap between the worlds’ rich and poor, the Panama Papers scandal or the decline of the middle class in America, then Requiem For the American Dream offers a clear and concise perspective on these issues.
Chomsky has published around 35 books on politics or linguistics (he is the professor emeritus of linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and has contributed his thoughts to over 100 documentaries, and in Requiem For the American Dream he calmly talks us through why the American dream no longer exists.
To do so, he calls upon Aristotle and Scottish philosopher Adam Smith, and examines the American Constitution to explain intentional, fundamental flaws in America’s political system that detract from democracy. Chomsky’s long view of history is fascinating as he looks at the transition from a manufacturing rich economy to the current situation whereby financial institutions hold America’s wealth and power. The documentary is classy, and presented with thoughtful visuals and archive footage, and yet what keeps your attention is Chomsky’s discourse.
For those familiar with Chomsky’s perspective on the growth of inequality in the world, much of this will be familiar. If, like me, you never quite get around to reading Chomsky, this is a timely and fascinating look at just how America got itself into the mess it’s in today.
People, Places, Things Premiering Saturday 23rd July, 8.30pm
This understated and delightful New York-based comedy from director James C. Strouse (Grace is Gone) is lighter than his previous works, but still deals with people in crisis. A Sundance Grand-Jury-Prize-nominated film, People, Places, Things follows New York-based graphic artist and teacher Will (Jemaine Clement) as he struggles to deal with life as a solo father after his partner Charlie (Stephanie Allynne) decides she doesn’t ‘love her life’, and leaves Will for his best friend.
Clement’s low-key style works well in bringing the smart, witty lines to life and not only is he funny, but he brings a sadness and truth to the character as well. Keeping his New Zealand identity and accent also helps round off his state of mind as a bit of a lost, lonely outsider. Don’t get depressed though, as Will tells us “I’m just having a bad life, it’ll be over eventually.”
Much like real life, not a huge amount happens in People, Places, Things – daily activities like getting kids to school on time, work, and the awkwardness of dating convey the emotional chaos in everyone’s lives. Cleverly drawn illustrations add humour, and move the story along as Will grapples with the idea of whether we can be happy all the time.
An offbeat and charming comedy, most people will find something to resonate with here – regardless of your relationship status.