Douglas Smith's Film blog

  Douglas Smith Biz of Film 002 Roma Review 9.21.20   Alfonso Cuaron’s 2018 film Roma not only artistically captures the raw essence of !970’s Mexico City, but it also tells a realistically emotional story of class and the human condition through strong characterization, incredible cinematography, and an impressive sense of world space. For a good many people this film probably did not seem incredibly relatable, but it is for those who can identify with it that a true triumph of cinema is achieved. Through its centralization of the indigenous working class experience, Roma brings into focus a telling part of reality which in most entertainment is still yet largely unrecognized today despite the millennia of people who have lived lives closely similar to Cleo’s.                                    ...

Melina Matsoukas’ Crime and Romance Drama Queen and Slim addresses issues of modern-day racism and police brutality by plunging viewers into an American landscape defined by its people, values, and judgments. A somewhat rare portrayal of African Americans and their frequent societal treatment as outsiders, the film forges a telling narrative reminiscent of the past, present, and possible future. Though critics may describe the film as lacking realism in certain aspects, the piece overall does not exhibit a great deal of hubris in regard to itself. Rather, the directing and acting techniques used within usher the story along to its seemingly inevitable conclusion far from its origin geographically and emotionally.                                               ...