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Dec 04 2012
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Rhinoceros’ Slugs and Kicks Goes Behind the Scenes of College Drama

By Guest Review

Rhinoceros’ Slugs and Kicks Goes Behind the Scenes of College Drama

John Fisher’s comedy about college drama students rehearsing a play mixes personal intrigues with play rehearsals. Student actor Rory intermittingly narrates his role in a current college play along with his reactions to his house mate Anis, stage director Jerry, and other characters. Fisher’s youthful cast offers an irresistible freshness and spirited character interpretations that entice spectators into becoming accomplices to their decisions and actions…We empathize with a naïve Rory (Ben Calabrese), fearful of unlashing his emotions and sensual desires and unable to choose either a male or a female partner but rather subtly submitting to a kind and considerate Marty who understands and cares for him. We feel for Anis (Alexandra Izdebski) in her plaintive attempts to attract Rory, and even sympathize with stage director Jerry ( Zachary Isen) and his tough demands on his actors, with Marty (Robert Kittler) and his sophisticated indifference, and with Cynthia,(Asali Echols) and her flirtatious sensuality. The slugs and kicks that these characters provide for one another make for a delightful potpourri of youthful traits that quickly win over the audience.

Fisher’s Slugs and Kicks vividly evokes souvenirs of one’s college days in school plays.intermixed with personal drama as we,too, once sought to find ourselves through artistic expression..

Scenic Design (John Fisher and Anthony Powers) is minimal. An empty well lit stage, except for a stone like piece that resembles a long bench down stage works well for group movement and change of locale. Excellent stage movement and bodily expression enhances the verbal expression throughout.

Slugs and Kicks plays until December 9th. For information for this play and for the Rhino New Year’s Eve Spectacular starring Lea

DeLaria and Tennessee William’s Something, Cloudy Something Clear in January call 800-838-3006 or visit www.The Rhino.org.

 

Dec 04 2012
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Hillbarn’s ‘Joseph’ shows why show is popular

By Judy Richter

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a popular choice for community theaters because it has a large cast, including a children’s chorus, and some catchy music — all surefire draws for an audience. Hillbarn Theatre capitalizes on these assets for its production, then adds some more of its own in the form of lots of good singing and dancing.

“Joseph” was the first publicly performed musical collaboration between composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, who began work on it in 1968 and recorded it as a concept album in 1969. It underwent various changes until its West End premiere in 1973. In the meantime, the two created the successful “Jesus Christ Superstar” in 1970 and in 1976 went on to create “Evita,” their best work. Even though “Joseph” is a musical mashup of styles ranging from rock to calypso and country, one can hear some of Lloyd Webber’s signature riffs.

The large Hillbarn cast, skillfully directed by Nancy Fitzgerald-Metzler, is led by Noel Anthony in the title role of Joseph, one of 12 sons of Jacob (Bob Fitzgerald) in this Old Testament story. Because Joseph was Jacob’s favorite, the other brothers were so jealous that they sold Joseph into slavery and destroyed the colorful coat that Jacob had given him. Joseph then underwent numerous travails before gaining favor with Egypt’s Pharaoh (Michael D. Reed in an Elvis-like role) by interpreting his dreams. Eventually all turned out well, of course.

The story is mainly told by the Narrator, played by Lindsay Stark, who sings well and has a charismatic stage presence. Anthony also has good stage presence as Joseph, but he has some pitch problems in his higher range.

Choreography by Brandy Mieszkowski is one of the show’s highlights. The choral singing also is good, as overseen by musical director Greg Sudmeier. The singers are accompanied by recorded music.

The playground set designed by Steve Nyberg helps set the tone for this mostly playful show. It also serves as a good place for the 18-member children’s chorus to perch. The costumes, a mix of modern and quasi-biblical, are by Carolann Towe. Don Coluzzi’s lighting is busy in spots, especially near the end, while Alan Chang’s sound design is too loud.

Overall, though, it’s a fun show, one that has stood the test of time. It will continue at Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City, through Dec. 23. For tickets and information, call (650) 349-6411 or visit www.hillbarntheatre.org.

Dec 03 2012
Love0

Chasing Ice: a movie you ought to see. . . .

By David Hirzel

Chasing Ice, a documentary, follows the tracks of photographer James Balog and his crew as they set out to create time-lapse motion pictures of the retreat of glaciers. The idea is to set cameras in place with timers so that each will record one still photograph of a single scene from a single viewpoint, once in twenty-four hours. The cameras will be left untouched, and the film record retrieved every six months, to be assembled into motion pictures of glaciers in motion.

In 2005 this had never been done before, and requires whole new sets of technology, cameras, timers and voltage regulators, and a team of mountaineering adventurers to place them in some pretty daunting mountainsides. The locales are at the melting ends of glaciers in Iceland, Greenland, Alaska, and Montana. The results are stunning, in more ways than one.

The glaciers under observation are in a state of accelerated collapse and retreat that, now that it can be seen as a movie, is more horrifying than any pop-culture genre film you will see. Such films are fiction; this one is just scientific record, undeniably true even for those who still doubt the existence of climate change. Some of the statistics, presented graphically, recall those of Al Gore’s movie. Chasing Ice presents a clear picture of science and photographic record, unmistakable and beyond argument, but it carries no taint of politics or posturing.

We follow James Balog and his technical and field team from the germ of the idea in 2005 to the present, as he presents the results to astounded audiences. These glaciers are as he calls them “the canary in the coal mine,” the sensitive warning system of impending doom. One glacier is shown retreating in ten years a greater distance than (as the record shows) it had in the previous hundred years, to a haunting piano score that serves to emphasize the unfolding tragedy. We are witness to the cataclysmic collapse of another glacier, the calving of an iceberg the size of lower Manhattan. On the crest of Greenland’s icecap, deep canyons of white ice show blue rivers descending into the bottomless pit. There is no end in sight. The water is going to lubricate the underside of the icecap, to speed it ever faster to its demise. At one point Balog, briefly overcome by the magnitude of destruction that he is now recording, pauses to remind us: “You go out over the horizon—and sometimes you don’t come back.”

There is some hauntingly beautiful still photography also, of ice forms and weird lights, of the aurora borealis, that helps us understand the passion that polar explorers have always shared for these extremes. But what is more haunting is the thought that these images tell us only the beginning of a story that is unfolding now, that has already begun. We don’t know exactly how it will end, but the scientific evidence keeps coming in that the earth’s atmospheric temperature has risen, sea levels have risen, the predictions of extreme weather patterns are being proven.

I’m not writing this to convince you of anything. This movie will be able to do that, and if it succeeds with you, then the best thing you can do is recommend it to everyone you know.

The canary is singing, louder every day. Can you hear it?

Now playing at the Rafael:   http://www.cafilm.org/   Also at select theaters in the Bay Area and nationwide, but not for long

Website: http://www.chasingice.com/

Dec 02 2012
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It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at MTC

By Flora Lynn Isaacson


Gabriel Marin as George and Sarah Overman as Mary in MTC’s It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

The Frank Capra film classic takes on a different twist at Marin Theatre Company in Joe Landry’s adaptation with five actors playing radio actors voicing dozens of characters and creating all the sound effects as if performing in a radio drama in front of a studio audience.  Jon Tracy directs this famous tale of George Bailey’s crisis of faith and his lovable guardian angel, Clarence.

The intimate space of MTC is transformed into the 1940’s radio studio of New York Station A at WMTC. The audience is whisked back in time as they watch five wonderful actors create all the characters who populate the magical world of Bedford Falls.

Gabriel Marin plays Jake Laurents who plays a sincere and earnest George Bailey.  Sarah Overman is Sally Applewhite who plays a sunny and delightful Mary who becomes George’s wife.  Michael Gene Sullivan plays the announcer for WMTC as well as the voices of the villainous old miser, Mr. Potter, Uncle Billy, Mr. Gower (the druggist) and bartender, Martini.  Carrie Paff plays Lana Sherwood who lends her versatile voice and acting skills to every other female in the play, ranging from a small child to a senior citizen and from the town’s siren, Violet to George Bailey’s mom.  Rounding out the cast is Patrick Kelly Jones who plays Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood who brings to life the saving angel Clarence, Harry Bailey (George’s father), Sam Wainwright, Harry’s close friend and others.

This charming MTC production sets it all in an elegant, warmly lit studio.  Scenery by Eric Sinkkonen achieves some holiday effects with a lovely tree and a view through a high window of falling snow.  Lighting by Michael Palumbo adds a special glow.  The actors are costumed by Callie Floor in attractive period suits and dresses. The ladies hairstyles even look right.

Michael Gene Sullivan does a warm up with the audience at the beginning of the show to get them to applaud when the applause light goes on. Director Jon Tracy lets the actors open up to one another by having them memorize their lines. They only make use of their scripts as a prop.

Rekindle your holiday spirit with this delightful, family-friendly celebration with this special holiday gift from Marin Theatre Company.

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio plays runs November 23-December 16, 2012 at  MTC. Performances are Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m.; Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. Matinees are every Sunday at 2 p.m. and also, Saturday, December 15 at 2 p.m. as well as Thursday, December 6 at 1 p.m.

Marin Theater Company is located at 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley.  For tickets, call 415-388-5208 or go to www.marintheatre.org. Coming up next at MTC will be Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, directed by Jasson Minadakis, January 24-February 17, 2013.

Flora Lynn Isaacson

 

 

 

Dec 01 2012
Love0

HOLIDAY GOSSIP by Buzzin Lee Hartgrave

By Lee Hartgrave

Defender of the truth, the American way, and the right to gossip.

THE REALLY FAMOUS DO NOT DIE – They just make other arrangements: For instance, you can attend a Cyril Magnin cheap matinee at A.C.T. for a Christmas Carol. Ooops – they don’t call it the Magnin matinee anymore – it’s just a “Matinee”. How quickly they forget.

SOME WRITERS LIVE ON COFFEE – OTHERS GO OUT! Celeb watching has never been better, than at the Posh Rrazz Room. Everybody who is

Sharon McNight–Head Shot

anybody shows up to have a buffo time. Attitudes are dropped outside the door. Color the place FUN! Especially Sharon McNight in a xmas treat.

FEEL LIKE SEEING A CLASSIC ROMANTIC COMEDY? Well – “Bell, Book and Candle” is just perfect Holiday Entertainment. You will be bewitched, bothered and bewildered. Hey, what do you expect when you fall in love with a witch. She really has some good Witchy things about her, but when she falls in love she might lose her magical powers forever. Remember – The movie version starred Kim Novak and James Stewart. It won a Golden Globe in 1959. I promise that you won’t be bewildered – you’ll just be gassed at the stage play at the San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post Street) above the Farallon Restaurant. Sounds like another Smash hit to me.

NUDE IS GOOD! Well, that’s not exactly true. S.F. wants them to at least put on a fig leaf. The nudies hanging out on Castro Benches (and elsewhere) notice that they are being photographed from the waist down. This really is a “Full Monty” treat. What will Diane “F” think? “Some like it Not!”

On Dec. 10th is another wonderful “Help is on the way” at the Marines Memorial Theatre. The program will feature stars from “Book of Mormon” and “The Lion King”. There will be Stars Galore and music to send you on a Baz Lehrmann evening. He has the power to haunt us forever. No, it won’t be there – but I can imagine that he will be.

FUNNY, SEXY, ENGROSSING! Who Dat? Oh, that would be Sharon McNight. She almost knocks us out of the chairs at the Rrazz Room. And what can she do this Xmas? Well, lets see – Oh, I know – How about hanging some Balls. She has plenty of them. Ha, Ha. No, that was not Santa. Oh, and by the way – electrical devices (self pleasuring) are strictly prohibited during the performance. You know – it’s a Xmas show.

If I were to predict – I would say that the best shows in town are — These movies: “Lincoln”, “Anna Karenina” (Intoxicating Love story) – and “A Royal Affair” (vibrant and hypnotic! – Best bets on the stage are “Bell, Book and Candle” (Sf Playhouse) – “Sharon McKnight at the Rrazz” – Theatre Rhino is presenting a new John Fisher play at ‘Thick House’. The show is “Slugs and Kicks” – It’s being called “Vibrant and Uplifting!” I’ll be checking it out on Dec. 2nd.

AN ACTRESS is planning to quit show Biz to end world hunger! And how will she do this? Drag her refrigerator around the world? We know who it is, but we won’t tell.

Celebs wanna know – will the Golden Gate Theatre ever open again? And then there is this person of Market Street said: “Light up the Damn Sign (Golden Gate Sign). It would help that corner come to life again. What’s a couple of bucks to the high and mighty?” – (Request by angered reader that prefers to remain anonymous.) You know – like Shakespeare.

THE SWACKAT is a new clothing look for men. The Turtle Neck is back…so are the Cargo Pants. Oh, and don’t forget The Shacket. It’s a sport coat that looks like a Jacket. And for real new old treat – take a look at the new rage: “Denim Shirt”.

Virgo guys are really stuck on themselves. They are perfectionists and very detail-oriented. Virgo also means that they have big hands, big feet and – well, two out of three ain’t bad!” Ooops…Too much info. We were hoping for three out of three!

It’s Phone Buzz Time. Start the sexting.

 

 

Dec 01 2012
Love0

‘Wonderful Life’ in a new light

By Judy Richter

By Judy Richter

If you’re like many people, watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” on TV is probably one of your favorite holiday traditions. Even if you’ve seen it umpteen times, you never get tired of this story about the triumph of good over evil, the emphasis on what’s truly important and the far-reaching impact that one person’s actions can have.

Marin Theatre Company dramatizes these simple truths in its production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” Adapted by Joe Landry from director Frank Capra’s now-classic film, this version takes place in a New York City radio studio on Christmas Eve, 1946. Five actors portray actors who create all of the beloved characters as well as the sound effects and commercials in front of a live studio (theater) audience.

In this production well-directed by Jon Tracy, Gabriel Marin stars as George Bailey, the character so memorably created by James Stewart in the 1946 film. His wife, Mary, the Donna Reed role, is played by Sarah Overman. Carrie Paff plays all of the other female characters, while Patrick Kelly Jones and Michael Gene Sullivan portray the other male characters. Sullivan also serves as the emcee, warming up the audience before the show starts.

Set in the small town of Bedford Falls shortly after the end of World War II, the story revolves around the night that George, discouraged that his bank is about to go under, considers committing suicide. Instead, he’s distracted by his guardian angel, Clarence (Jones), who’s dispatched from heaven to earn his wings by saving George. He does so by showing George all the bad things that would have happened if he’d never been born. In short, many people would be a lot worse off, and Bedford Falls would have been taken over by the greedy, heartless Mr. Potter (Sullivan). But before Clarence descends to Earth, he learns about George’s early life, his dreams and the reality of how he came so close to ending it all.

While Marin and Overman play only one role each, the other three actors have a chance to display their versatility, which they do commendably. Since we first meet Paff as Violet, the town flirt, costume designer Callie Floor has outfitted her in a flattering, form-fitting dress. Nevertheless, it serves her well as Paff portrays little girls as well as older women, all convincingly.

Jones is especially notable as Clarence, the low-key guardian angel, while Sullivan appears as some of the older men, including Mr. Potter and befuddled Uncle Billy. Overman is sweetly appealing as Mary. Marin does a credible job as George, but he can become too loud and overwrought, especially near the end.

Besides acting and creating sound effects, the actors sing music by composer and sound designer Chris Houston. Eric Sinkkonen’s set, complemented by Michael Palumbo’s lighting, is a suitably cluttered radio studio complete with “Applause” and “On the Air” signs. Seren Helday, credited as properties designer, apparently was responsible for the items needed to create realistic sound effects for a radio audience.

This two-act, 105-minute production is a great way to see a holiday favorite in a new light and to enjoy watching some of the Bay Area’s best actors. It continues at Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley, through Dec. 16. For tickets and information, call (415) 388-5208 or visit www.marintheatare.org.

Nov 30 2012
Love0

BUZZIN AROUND WITH LEE HARTGRAVE

By Lee Hartgrave

DEFENDER OF THE TRUTH, THE AMERICAN WAY, AND THE RIGHT TO GOSSIP 

BUZZIN AROUND WITH LEE HARTGRAVE 

THE REALLY FAMOUS DO NOT DIE – They just make other arrangements: For instance, you can attend a Cyril Magnin cheap matinee at A.C.T. for a Christmas Carol. Ooops – they don’t call it the Magnin matinee anymore – it’s just a “Matinee”. How quickly they forget.

SOME WRITERS LIVE ON COFFEE – OTHERS GO OUT! Celeb watching has never been better, than at the Posh Rrazz Room. Everybody who is anybody shows up to have a buffo time. Attitudes are dropped outside the door. Color the place FUN! Especially Sharon McNight in a xmas treat.

FEEL LIKE SEEING A CLASSIC ROMANTIC COMEDY? Well – “Bell, Book and Candle” is just perfect Holiday Entertainment. You will be bewitched, bothered and bewildered. Hey, what do you expect when you fall in love with a witch. She really has some good Witchy things about her, but when she falls in love she might lose her magical powers forever. Remember – The movie version starred Kim Novak and James Stewart. It won a Golden Globe in 1959. I promise that you won’t be bewildered – you’ll just be gassed at the stage play at the San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post Street) above the Farallon Restaurant. Sounds like another Smash hit to me.

NUDE IS GOOD! Well, that’s not exactly true. S.F. wants them to at least put on a fig leaf. The nudies hanging out on Castro Benches (and elsewhere) notice that they are being photographed from the waist down. This really is a “Full Monty” treat. What will Diane “F” think? “Some like it Not!”

On Dec. 10th is another wonderful “Help is on the way” at the Marines Memorial Theatre. The program will feature stars from “Book of Mormon” and “The Lion King”. There will be Stars Galore and music to send you on a Baz Lehrmann evening. He has the power to haunt us forever. No, it won’t be there – but I can imagine that he will be.

FUNNY, SEXY, ENGROSSING! Who Dat? Oh, that would be Sharon McNight. She almost knocks us out of the chairs at the Rrazz Room. And what can she do this Xmas? Well, lets see – Oh, I know – How about hanging some Balls. She has plenty of them. Ha, Ha. No, that was not Santa. Oh, and by the way – electrical devices (self pleasuring) are strictly prohibited during the performance. You know – it’s a Xmas show.

If I were to predict – I would say that the best shows in town are — These movies:  “Lincoln”, “Anna Karenina” (Intoxicating Love story) – and “A Royal Affair” (vibrant and hypnotic! – Best bets on the stage are “Bell, Book and Candle” (Sf Playhouse) – “Sharon McKnight at the Rrazz” – Theatre Rhino is presenting a new John Fisher play at ‘Thick House’. The show is “Slugs and Kicks” – It’s being called “Vibrant and Uplifting!” I’ll be checking it out on Dec. 2nd.

AN ACTRESS is planning to quit show Biz to end world hunger! And how will she do this? Drag her refrigerator around the world? We know who it is, but we won’t tell.

Celebs wanna know – will the Golden Gate Theatre ever open again? And then there is this person of Market Street said:  “Light up the Damn Sign (Golden Gate Sign). It would help that corner come to life again. What’s a couple of bucks to the high and mighty?” – (Request by angered reader that prefers to remain anonymous.) You know – like Shakespeare.

THE SWACKAT is a new clothing look for men. The Turtle Neck is back…so are the Cargo Pants. Oh, and don’t forget The Shacket. It’s a sport coat that looks like a Jacket. And for real new old treat – take a look at the new rage: “Denim Shirt”.

Virgo guys are really stuck on themselves. They are perfectionists and very detail-oriented. Virgo also means that they have big hands, big feet and – well, two out of three ain’t bad!” Ooops…Too much info. We were hoping for three out of three!

It’s Phone Buzz Time. Start the Sexting.

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Sunday Datebook and he produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))

Nov 29 2012
Love0

Dead Certain–A Psychological Thriller at the Cartwright

By Flora Lynn Isaacson

Pictured: (l-r) Diana Brown as Elizabeth, Andrey Esterlis as Michael
Photo by Stacy Marshall

Dead Certain is an intricately plotted psychological thriller, which tells the story of Michael (Andrey Esterlis), a charismatic out of work actor who is hired for an evening by Elizabeth (Diana Brown), a wheelchair-bound ex-dancer to read a play she has written.  The plot thickens as Michael begins to realize that Elizabeth’s play is mirroring real life and that their paths may have crossed at least once before. There are many twists and turns before the play builds toward a shocking climax.

Diana Brown and Andrey Esterlis both give lively, theatrically entertaining performances throughout.  They both play off each other extremely well.  Also, as the director, Esterlis does an excellent job with the blocking as the theatre space at the Cartwright is very intimate and this makes the play even more exciting.

Dead Certain is presented by Expression Productions and continues at the Hotel Cartwright, 524 Sutter, San Francisco Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. through December 15, 2012.  For tickets, call Expression Productions at 415-307-0470 or email: expressionproductions@gmail.com.

Flora Lynn Isaacson

 

Nov 25 2012
Love0

“La Virgen Del Tepeyac” at Mission San Juan Bautista

By David Hirzel

Here is a show that will set a mood for the upcoming holiday season that has no Christmas music, no re-creations of the nativity, no heartwarming hallmark sentimentality.  It takes not in a theatre but in a church—Mission San Juan Bautista—where the thick adobe walls have echoed for two hundred years and still resound today with voices raised in song and praise.

“La Virgen Del Tepayac” is a vibrant retelling of an old story, the miracle of the four miraculous apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Aztec messenger Juan Diego in 1531.  Night has already fallen as we wait in line outside the mission, reading over the detailed synopsis of the story we are about to witness.  We’ll need this information, because the pageant is performed by El Teatro Campesino (“the peasant theatre”) entirely in Spanish.  Inside, we take our seats facing the center aisle with the altar at our right hand and the central raised stage at our left.

The lights dim; long blasts from a conch-horn echo through the darkened sanctuary, dancers clad in Aztec robes and feathers gather in the rear, and offer a song in salute and prayer to “Estrella del Oriente,” the Star of the East.  The year is 1519; enter the Spanish clergy and soldiers, a symbolic conquest, baptism of the Indios.  Appearing from the smoke and mist to our hero Juan Diego (Ruben C. Gonzalez), La Virgen is an apparition to us as well.

All this story is told with compelling music, great flashes of color and dance, moving through the mission from one end to the other and back again.  The great hall has been so built that spoken words are heard throughout with not need of amplification.  When La Virgen (Stephani Garcia Canedlaria) appears a second and third time to Juan Diego, her song captures the resonance of the great hall perfectly, a truly stunning performance.   There are turns of fine acting by the Bishop (Gustavo Mellado) and the Friars (especially Luis Juarez as Fray De Gante), some comic relief by Rosa Mari Escalante as Citlamina, a sprightly children’s dance, leading up to climactic dance and final apparition at the altar.

This show, adapted by Luis Valdez from an anonymous 18th century script, conveys all the wonder of Juan Diego’s vision and the miracle that became the seed of the Christianity to spread throughout Mexico.  As we depart into the crisp starlit night the entire ensemble sings “Vamos Caminando” and invite us to take our own journey with the true spirit, unity and essence of Christmas.

Mission San Juan Bautista, San Juan Bautista CA

Through December 16, 2012

Tickets and Information:  http://www.elteatrocampesino.com or 1-800-838-3006

I heartily encourage you to take the trip to San Juan Bautista and see this remarkable pageant this year. Look for Posada de San Juan Hotel, a perfect blend of traditional appearance with modern hospitality (http://paseodesanjuan.webs.com) in the midst of a town that seems to have changed little in the last century.

 

 

 

 

Nov 25 2012
Love0

Chasing Ice — Film Review

By Joe Cillo

Chasing Ice

Directed by Jeff Orlowski

 

 

This is a film about making a film, rather than the film that should have been made.  I think a good opportunity was missed.  This film should have been about the melting ice, the retreating glaciers, and the implications this has for the world.  Instead it was a self indulgent portrayal of James Balog, the photographer in charge of the mission, the suffering hero, and the trials and tribulations of making a film in the harsh conditions of the Arctic.

What is good in the film is the spectacular photography of the glaciers, ice formations, and seascapes in the frozen worlds of Iceland, Greenland, and Alaska.  The film visually documents the dramatic retreat of the glaciers, which is accelerating with the warming of the Earth.  They placed 25 cameras set to continually photograph numerous glaciers throughout the Arctic creating a time-lapse record of the ice melt and retreat of the glaciers that is undeniable.  There is powerful footage of a massive calving from the Colombia glacier in Alaska the size of Manhattan.  One cannot help but be awed by the visual beauty and obvious, alarming decline of these unbelievably massive glaciers.

The film falls short in establishing the significance of its own report.  So what if the glaciers are melting?  Let them melt.  Who cares?  The film does not deal with this.  It does not spell out the implications of all of this melting ice for climate, the oceans, and human societies.  There is brief, passing mention that 150 million people will be affected by a sea level rise of one foot, but who, or how, and over what period of time is not described.

The problem is that too much time is spent on James Balog and the gory details of how the film was made.  All of this should be relegated to minor footnotes.   Frankly, I don’t find James Balog particularly interesting, nor his wife, his kids, his knee, nor all the different problems he had getting his cameras to work under the inhospitable conditions of the glaciers.  He is much too grandiose and masochistic for my taste.  Tramping through ice water in his bare feet to get the best shot.  Gimme a break!  He thinks he is going to save the world through his self sacrifice.  But carbon dioxide is at 391 parts per million and it is still climbing.  That is about 30% more than the maximum over the last 800,000 years.  The Earth is in for some rough sailing ahead and there is nothing we can do about it.  The only question is how extreme the catastrophe will be and how quickly it will rain down upon us.  Balog claims he wants to inform people and get the message out about global warming;  he should do that and get himself out of the way.

Much of the film is preoccupied with the petty troubles of the expedition and establishing what a great photographer James Balog is and his dedication to the project and how much he is prepared to suffer and punish his body to accomplish this noble challenge.  But the issues this film should be dealing with are far bigger than James Balog, his life, or any of the difficulties in making the film.  The dirty laundry of how the film was made should be kept well in the background.  His photographic work is stunning and incomparable.  He really is the Ansel Adams of the Arctic.  If he would put his work in the forefront instead of himself, I would go see anything he does.

This film offers some magnificent views of the glaciers of Greenland, Iceland, and Alaska, and it establishes without question that what is going on is well outside the boundaries of normal fluctuation.  Maybe the filmmakers thought that simply showing the glaciers and documenting the severity of their melting would be too boring, and therefore they felt they needed this human interest aspect to draw people in and hold their interest.  Actually it is the other way around.  I found myself getting impatient watching them figure out the best way to mount a camera on the side of a mountain.  I want to see the pictures they took with that camera once they finally got it to work.  So the film is worth seeing, but it gets a little tiresome and falls far short of its potential.