The Films Of Jay Rosenblatt, Volume I 2009
Distributed by Jay Rosenblatt Films, order via Transit Media, PO Box 1084, Harriman, NY 10926; 800-343-5540
Produced by Jay Rosenblatt
Directed by Jay Rosenblatt
DVD, color, and b&w, 85 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Experimental Films, Short Films, Film Studies, Media Studies
Date Entered: 01/12/2010
Reviewed by Sebastian Derry, Temple UniversityThis collection comprises 5 award-winning films made during the years 1990-2000. Rosenblatt works with found and archival footage to create personal, compelling films that explore universal themes of birth, death, sex, suicide, gender, and evil. But far from being didactic, these works pulsate and vibrate with warmth, humor, and life. They seek to reflect upon and to make sense of an often senseless world, and affirm Rosenblatt to be a compassionate and consummate filmmaker.
Of all the films in this collection the highlight surely, is Human Remains. Here are profiled five of this century’s most ruthless and despotic leaders—Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Franco, and Mao. Rosenblatt pulls back the curtain, and through first-person narration each one reminisces, revealing various thoughts, feelings and memories. The effect is amusing and heartbreaking, sobering and chilling all at once.
The Films:
- Restricted (1999) 1 min.
- Short of Breath (1990) 10 mins.
- The Smell of Burning Ants (1994) 21 mins.
- Human Remains (1998) 30 mins.
- King of the Jews (2000) 18 mins.
Bonus material: Brain in the Desert (1990) 5 min.
Highly recommended for all libraries.