Sleeper Awakened

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DOCUMENTARY ROUND-UP (TOTALLY UNDER CONTROL, THE MOLE AGENT, DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD, ETC.)

DOCUMENTARY ROUND-UP FALL 2020

11/20/20 - Totally Under Control (2020) - 8/10

Anxiety and rage bubble-up from the wellspring of this films watching. Breaking down the broadstrokes of our hellscape pandemic into detailed and diligently examined incidents that both duly inform and engrage. It is marvelously constructed, flowing from beat to beat and highlighting the timeline’s progressions and the asinine actions of Trump’s government. It is quite well done, but it is a film that will inevitably get under your skin and crack your brain in anger.

11/19/20 - Crazy, Not Insane (2020) - 7-/10

A fascinating glimpse into the world of a pioneering psychoanalyst in the field of serial killers and Dissociative Identity Disorder. Morphing from her own inquisitiveness into the drives of her own psyche into the varied experiential snapshots of those on the furthest edges of society. Sometimes it skips over big questions that appear and its momentum flickers, but it is a strong doc and quite interesting.

11/18/20 - Dick Johnson Is Dead (2020) - 7+/10

Equal parts 4th wall breaking looney-ness and heartbreaking realizations of the frailty of an aging mind & the relationships tied to it. When it is clicking, it is tender, vulnerable, funny and extremely endearing. It sometimes felt a little too interior and odd, leaving me bemused and not always deep into it. Nevertheless, a beautiful and lovable confection of documentary filmmaking.

11/14/20 - Dave Not Coming Back (2020) - 7/10

We dive deep into the murkiness of a man’s death hundred’s of feet beneath our eyes. Interesting look into the process and the tragedy from those that were there. 

11/13/20 - Last Breath (2019) - 7+/10

Intense underwater struggle to survive against all odds. It does a good job of feeling both lived in and claustrophobic as you are lead to the edge of your seat in this marine job gone wrong. Great interviews and explanations, bringing you into the depths as well.

11/1/20 - Citizen Bio (2020) - 5/10

The subject matter, biohacking and the death of one of its pioneering figureheads, but the story is a little unkempt and loose. More questions than answers, but appealing enough.

10/23/20 - The Mole Agent (2020) - 8/10

Both cutely charming, jockular, and sweetly poignant & sad. Mixing the enticement of a spy expose with the earnest passion of kindness and caring. Coyly captured and smartly shot. A brilliant and delightful little doc.

10/8/20 - American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020) - 6/10

Enjoyable and interesting, but not a film that will dwell in your memory evermore.

9/27/20 - The Social Dilemma (2020) - 6/10

I didn’t love the set-up or execution in all the elements, especially the dramatized family bits, but this expose of our modern technical lifestyle and the powerful influence of social media is undeniably resonant. Confronted with the realities of our world is jarring when it is laid bare.Won’t blow your socks off, but it does pack a digital punch.

8/31/20 - Class Action Park (2020) - 7/10

Such a fun and funny glimpse at maybe the most dangerous amusement park of all time. This doc is a barrel of enjoyment flying down the rails to your certain doom.