Jack Warner – The Last Mogul

The Last Mogul

Depending on your location, the 2023 Jewish International Film Festival (JFF) is fast approaching, from 23rd October to 29th November. This year’s JFF will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros by showcasing the documentary Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul.

The Last Mogul tells the story of the reigning figure, Jack L. Warner. Emerging from modest beginnings, he and his brothers embarked on a journey that led to the creation of Warner Bros Studios. Remarkably, for over half a century, Jack Warner held the crown of this cinematic empire, leaving a mark on the history of motion pictures. This documentary provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of Jack Warner.

The Last Mogul

Directed by the grandson of Jack L. Warner, Gregory Orr, The Last Mogul is a documentary with a mix of archival interviews, footage, and photos. Throughout the documentary, we learn more about how the movie business and Warner Bros became what they are today. It was fascinating to see where film began, and it’s a journey through the generations as social attitudes changed and the technology advanced.

Although this documentary was like many that had come before it, it is still a fascinating look into the man who made the likes of Humphrey Bogart a star. Our interest throughout the film was maintained as we heard the life story of Jack L. Warner unfold. His life story came from those who knew him best. These interviewees made for a story that was impactful and credible.

Experience ‘Jack Warner: The Last Mogul’ for a glimpse into the legacy of film and the man who helped to shape its success and has become a historically significant figure. Watch the documentary at this year’s Jewish International Film Festival on the 19 June. That’s all folks!

Look for a film session in your town.

2023 JFF Festival Dates:

MELBOURNE
Classic Cinemas: 23 October – 29 November
Lido Cinemas: 24 October – 28 November

SYDNEY
Ritz Cinemas: 24 October – 28 November
Roseville Cinemas: 2 November – 19 November

HOBART
State Cinema: 2 November – 12 November

PERTH
Luna Palace Cinemas: 16 November – 6 December

BRISBANE
New Farm Cinemas: 16 November – 26 November

CANBERRA
Dendy Cinemas: 15 November – 22 November

GOLD COAST
Dendy Cinemas Southport: 16 November – 22 November

This review also appears on It’s On The House or return to the Dark Stories Theatre homepage for more reviews.

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I’ll Be Frank – Memories of Opa

I'll Be Frank

The JFF is upon us for 2023, and depending on where you are located in Australia, it will run sometime in the date range of 23 Oct to 29 Nov, so be sure to check dates for your local area. With many varieties of film genres available, let’s delve into Aaron Lucus’ short documentary film I’ll Be Frank which is a respectful nod to his grandfather, Frank.

The film opens with the information that former German citizens between 1933 and 1945 and their descendants who were deprived of their citizenship shall have their citizenship restored upon application. Thus begins an exploration into Aaron’s own family roots beginning in Berlin, Germany, where Frank was born.

Aaron brings out a large red book titled Some Memories of My Life by Frank Lucus, with the inscription, ‘lots of love from Opa and Oma’.

Frank wrote it with the meaning of leaving his family with some facts and memories of his life, and Aaron’s aim is to travel the path of his Opa. “I wanted to know how it felt to be in Berlin,” he says. Aaron opens his Opa’s book, and as he reads, the film seamlessly transitions into Frank’s voice, narrated by John Gadem.

The scenes in Berlin where his Opa lived were full of sunshine and portrayed how Aaron said he felt, a sense of beauty. In one shot, golden brown Autumn leaves fluttered to the ground. Stephen Korytko’s cinematography captured my attention throughout the short documentary film.

I’ll Be Frank is a unique documentary where the flashback memories of Frank and his family are represented by black and white animation, in stark contrast to the colour of the present.

This was an effective filmmaking strategy particularly in displaying some difficult and emotional scenes in the documentary. I’ll be Frank flits between Aaron telling the story and Frank in animation.

Aaron visits many places to learn more about his Opa’s life, such as the New Synagogue Berlin and the hospital where he once worked before the Nazis stripped him of the title of ‘doctor’ and called him a ‘Jewish handler of the sick’. He visited Soest in Germany and Sobibor in Lubelskie, Poland, a Nazi extermination camp where Aaron and the viewer learn about the atrocities committed there.

I’ll Be Frank is directed and edited by Aaron Lucus and won first prize at the Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival for the Hearts, Minds, Souls. The original score is by Tarek Soltani, whose music created an emotive feel throughout the documentary.

I’ll Be Frank was successful in capturing my interest and would be suitable for teenage viewers and anyone wanting to hear a personal story of someone who has lived through and survived WW2. The story has heart, and Aaron has captured this in a respectful way.

Look for a film session in your town.

2023 JFF Festival Dates:

MELBOURNE
Classic Cinemas: 23 October – 29 November
Lido Cinemas: 24 October – 28 November

SYDNEY
Ritz Cinemas: 24 October – 28 November
Roseville Cinemas: 2 November – 19 November

HOBART
State Cinema: 2 November – 12 November

PERTH
Luna Palace Cinemas: 16 November – 6 December

BRISBANE
New Farm Cinemas: 16 November – 26 November

CANBERRA
Dendy Cinemas: 15 November – 22 November

GOLD COAST
Dendy Cinemas Southport: 16 November – 22 November

This review also appears on It’s On The House.

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The Crime is Mine – French Comedy Murder Mystery Film

The Crime is Mine is the latest from acclaimed director François Ozon and features French stars Isabelle Huppert and Dany Boon, supported by a stellar cast including Fabrice Luchini, André Dussollier, Nadia Tereszkiewicz, and Rebecca Marder. Take a step back to 1930s Paris, as ‘The Crime Is Mine’ follows young and struggling actress Madeline and her loyal friend Pauline.

The film begins with Madeleine being accused of murdering a renowned producer. Assisted by her friend Pauline, a jobless young lawyer, Madeleine is acquitted, claiming self-defence. Astonishingly, her life transforms into one of fame and fortune, with secrets lurking beneath the surface.

The first thing that stood out was the chemistry between the lead females, Madeline (Nadia Tereskiewicz) and Pauline (Rebecca Marder). There is a theme of sisterhood between this pair throughout the film. Pauline consistently goes the extra mile to ensure a lavish lifestyle for the two friends. Another humorous addition to the cast was Isabelle Huppert, who plays former silent film star Odette Chaumette.

François Ozon sets the scene of the 1930s with his visual style, over-the-top acting and a series of plot twists, each more unlikely than the last. The potential flashback scenes of the murder were almost straight out of an old silent film from the 1930s era. Much like films from this era, characters can switch from serious to funny.

The costumes and make-up add to the story as they reflect the period. We watch Madeleine and Pauline’s outfits become more extravagant as the story evolves. The over-the-top outfits worn by Odette added to the larger-than-life character. The production design and soundtrack contribute to the atmosphere set in The Crime is Mine.

The Crime is Mine is an entertaining film that makes comedy and murder work in the same story. It is not always clear where the film will take you next, and the plot twists are funny and unexpected. Although there is some over-acting, this was intentional and not to be taken too seriously.

With more than 1 million admissions at the French box office, The Crime is Mine is the European comedy hit of 2023 and will be released in Australian cinemas on Thursday, 12th October. Oui oui!

This review also appears on It’s On The House.