The Indie Film Corner: '360' and 'The Queen of Versailles'
Arts/Contributors
By Dennis Tavernetti
"360" from The World Series presented by Emerging Pictures in HD at USCB Center For the Arts on Friday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Synopsis: "360" is a dramatic thriller that dazzlingly weaves together the stories of an array of people from disparate social backgrounds through their intersecting relationships. It combines a modern and dynamic roundelay of stories into one, linking characters from different cities and countries in a vivid, suspenseful and deeply moving tale of love in the 21st century. It starts in Vienna, and the film beautifully weaves through Paris, London, Bratislava, Rio, Denver and Phoenix and back to Vienna.
Ratings & Reviews: Just released so ratings are early. Internet rating sites, IMDb: 6.5; Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 19/Audience: 36. Less than good marks. Critics: NPR: "… visual flair to burn"; Entertainment Weekly: "deftly pleasing …"
Previewer Comments: This just-released film is a drama with a very high powered cast; but to most viewers, it never reaches its potential. It follows the stories of couples and their sexual encounters around the globe. What goes around comes around is the theme in an ever changing round of human relationships that are empty and not fulfilling, nor lasting. We end up hoping for better outcomes, only to be denied them, at the last second or two, as the characters seem to always to take the wrong path; or perhaps it is fate. The film reminds us about how much better our own relationship are, even if they are not perfect!
Rated: R for sexual content.
"The Queen Of Versailles" from the Documentary Series presented by Emerging Pictures in HD at USCB Center For the Arts on Friday, August 31 at 4 p.m.
Synopsis: "The Queen of Versailles" is a character-driven documentary about a billionaire family and their financial challenges in the wake of the economic crisis. With epic proportions of Shakespearean tragedy, the film follows two unique characters, whose rags-to-riches success stories reveal the innate virtues and flaws of the American Dream. The film begins with the family triumphantly constructing one of the biggest houses in America, a 90,000 sq. ft. palace. Over the next two years, their sprawling empire, fueled by the real estate bubble and cheap money, falters due to the economic crisis. Major changes in lifestyle and character ensue for all.
Ratings & Reviews: Internet rating sites, IMDb: 5.5; Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 95/Audience: 75. Good marks. Critics: New York Times: "Marvel at the ornate frame, mock the vulgarity of the images if you want, but let's not kid ourselves … it is also a mirror"; Entertainment Weekly: "… succulently entertaining."
Previewer Comments: This film is one of those we should all go to see to keep our own tendencies for "success," trappings and greed in check. It is truly bigger than life, but yet it is their dream and their life, cut short by the housing bubble. You may likely have disdain for this family who are in the top 1 percent of U.S. wealth, yet somehow also feel badly that their dream did not turn out; perhaps because we all dream for things of gold and perfection, instead of what we should be dreaming for — health, love and true happiness for others.
Rated: PG.
Tickets for adults are $7, seniors $6, students $5.
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