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Reviews
The Carpenters (1941)
Pre-war manifesto wrapped in guise of colorful entertainment
Someone should put this one on a collection of WWII animation, though the only known print may (or may not) be in the garage of its late director. Paul Fennell said that there was nearly a riot in the aftermath of the Westwood premiere, as this very pro-war animated cartoon made its debut several months prior to the U.S. entering the global conflict and the country's sentiments were then far from united on the subject. In fact, shouts of "Warmonger!" were heard in the night from some departing patrons. "The Carpenters" is absolutely worth a look, if only for its historical significance and high level of craft. Paul Fennell later made many interesting wartime animated films for the U.S. government, with a young and talented crew, most of which unfortunately aren't available for viewing at this point anywhere. Fennell later ran his own TV commercial studio and lived into the 1980s.
By the Side of the Road: 911 in America (2005)
"By the Side of the Road": Great time capsule
This energetic, freshly conceived documentary provides a unique and valuable time capsule through spontaneous interviews with ordinary citizens across America in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy. It's also far more than that. It reminds one that good films should be about brains and talent; not money. Watching "By the Side of the Road" one recognizes just how much has been lost during the ensuing four years. I would love to see a follow-up to this project, tracking down every one of its participants and comparing their current feelings with their original insights. "By the Side of the Road" stands out as an example of authentic, accessible guerrilla film-making, distinguished by new behind the lens talent as well as by its healthy lack of an overriding corporate agenda.