Circle of Trust #3: I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale (2009)

If this is your first foray into this series, the gist of it is these are my reviews of the films distributed through Oscilloscope Laboratories and which I receive by being a member of the Circle of Trust. Here is a link to my first review to see what they're all about. This time I'm taking a look at I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale.

I first heard about I Knew It Was You shortly before its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival last year and have been looking forward to seeing it ever since. I've really enjoyed Cazale's work ever since the first time I saw The Godfather. By the the time I saw The Godfather Part 2, Dog Day Afternoon, The Deer Hunter, and The Conversation he had become one of my favorite actors. Due to the extremely niche market of the film, I knew I was in for a long wait for the film to make its way to me. Thanks to the awesome people at Oscilloscope that wait has ended and come tomorrow (11/9/10) this film while be available for purchase, but as a Circle of Trust member my wait ended last week.

I Knew It Was You tells the about the career of cult-favorite actor John Cazale, better known to the world as Fredo Corleone from The Godfather, through interviews with the phenomenal talent he worked with, the modern actors he has inspired, and the loved ones he spent his time with. Shedding the normal bio-documentary take of telling one's life story, this film shows the effect John had on everything he touched and is as personal and sweet as he himself is usually described. This fitting tribute to Mr. Cazale continues on into the bonus features on this DVD.

Starting us off is an audio commentary for the film done by the director Richard Shepard. If you have any question about the film, its pretty much answered in here from why he started the project to why someone isn't interviewed in the film. Next, is two extended interviews of which excerpts were shown in the film. The first is with Al Pacino, in which he tells few more personal stories, and the second is with Israel Horowitz, a playwright who often cast John which contains the full eulogy he wrote for him. Last and probably most hilarious are two shorts John worked on in the sixties, The American Way (which he acted in) and The Box (which he shot), both I had never seen before and plan to revisit often.

Another solid pick up from Oscilloscope, I give this film (and DVD) 4 out of 5 stars. Some might justify it as only a rental, complaining of its length (another issue addressed in the audio commentary) but its a must own for any John Cazale fan. As previously mentioned, it officially goes on sale tomorrow. Below are a few links to make sure you don't miss out on it.

The synopsis of I Knew It Was You on Oscilloscope's site (You should also be able to purchase it from here soon)

Add I Knew It Was You to your Netflix Queue

Win a copy of this DVD from the A.V. Club

Circle of Trust #2: Kisses (2008)

If this is your first time checking out the Circle of Trust, here is a link my first post in the series and what it is all about. This time I am checking out Kisses, an Irish film by writer/director Lance Daly.

Kisses follows two runaways on an adventure through the kind and mean streets of Dublin. Dylan, played by Shane Curry, comes from an abusive father and a home that hasn't quite been the same since his elder brother ran away, while Kylie, played by Kelly O'Neill, is the girl next door who comes from a home full of children and problems. Both turn in brilliant performances in this heartfelt tale that not only examines the city from the eyes of a child but connects with any viewer who has ever wanted to runaway. Daly's emotional story and characters carry a bulk of the weight but the technical aspects also shine in this Indie-Irish darling.

First, and probably my favorite part of the film, is the the changing color scale. The beginning and the end are pictured in old fashioned black-and-white while most of Dylan and Kylie's adventure is shown in full color, with transitional phases happening between each section. There are quite a few ways to read into such a stylistic choice but this reviewer see it as everyday life remembered in plain gray-scale, extraordinary events are captured in all the colors of the rainbow, and sometimes the two blend together when were not quite sure which is happening. Less in your face is the score to the film, a fantastic accompaniment to this tale. Part fantasy with magical melodies matched to the title scenes, part real world/folk grounded music with the raspy singing of Bob Dylan, and part everything in between. These and other such elements are going to have me re-watching the film every once in awhile for years to come.

The DVD, however, is a little less impressive with minimalist features, but that isn't to say they are interesting features.. The film comes with the standard fare of outtakes, a making of featurette, and commentary track but with its own little spin. Both the outtakes and featurette are less technically minded and more of seeing the production through the kid's eyes and in place of a director's commentary we get to listen to the two star enjoying the film, showing their chemistry even off screen and just having a good time.

Overall giving the film a 4 out of 5 stars, since I really enjoyed it and Oscilloscope continues its lengthy hot-streak in choice for me, but giving the DVD only 3 out of 5, fans of the film will enjoy it for the film and a once through on the features but not much there for others. I definitely recommend everyone check out the film although it might not capture every one as it has me, always been a sucker for those Irish films, but coming in at 78 minutes it is a great film to just put on and relax. If your still or now interested in the film check out the links below to get it into your hands.

Check out the trailer on YouTube

Add the film to your Neflix queue

Buy the film from Oscilloscope Laboratories or check out the rest of their films

Or try your hand at winning it from one of these two great sites: Cinespect and Film Junk

Circle of Trust #1: La Loi (The Law) 1959

This is the first entry for what is going to be a regular series on my blog, almost monthly, and one I am really excited about. As I have mentioned quite a few times before I am in love with the film distribution company Oscilloscope Laboratories. Every one of their films that I have seen is awesome and based on their upcoming releases I don't see that changing in the near future. Along with selling their DVDs through their online shop they also offer membership to a DVD club of sorts where they send you their releases automatically.

Called the Circle of Trust, membership nets you Oscilloscope's next 10 DVD releases about a week before they go on sale for the price of $150. Now I know that sounds like a lot, but for the value your getting it is really quite a deal. Each DVD comes out to fifteen bucks (had to break out the old calculator on that), is loaded with special features, and comes in a beautiful case (the cover art for The Law is featured below.) The next thing that jumps to mind is "but I don't know what movies I will be getting for that money", a somewhat true statement. Oscilloscope updates with news about their latest acquisitions as soon as there are acquired so you can sort of guess what movies you will be getting from them. Additionally, in my opinion, if I was having anyone pick out DVDs for me besides myself I would want it to be them. They have yet to distribute a terrible film from so I know they won't end up making me watch one, something I can't even say for the closest of friends. As an added little perk, members can also purchase a copy of each older Oscilloscope release at half price from shop, something I plan on taking advantage of quite a bit. Now, on to my review of the first DVD I received as a member, Jules Dassin's The Law.


The Law is a tale of lust, love, justice, and control all happening in a small Italian fishing village named Porto Manacore. With multiple story-lines and an amazing ensemble cast, The Law focuses primarily on two individuals. The first is Mariette (played by the gorgeous Gina Lollobrigida, seen above), a young female house keeper looking for love and freedom, and the other is Matteo Brigante (played by Yves Montand), a gang leader gaining power and status in the town so he can totally control it once the current Don passes. Part Italian neorealism and part soap opera, the film presents of an interesting blend of romanticism and politics that few films nowadays seem to attain.

In addition to its engaging story and brilliant acting, the film's technical aspects aren't to shabby either. From a great out doors long-shot early in them film (introducing us to many of the minor players) to the intense, close-up bar scene when the gentlemen play the drinking game The Law (providing insight into the community and from which the title comes) no shot seems to be without powerful meaning from behind the camera as well as in front of it. The spectacular backdrop of the southern Italian coast didn't hurt either, as it adds to how epic the film feels and looks.

In true Oscilloscope fashion the DVD comes with some great extras. Two critical essays on the DVD cover, an alternate ending, two television clips discussing the film and the book it was based of off, and a great little documentary about The Law as it is played today in southern Italy. While I didn't listen to the commentary track from film critic David Fear I look forward to checking that out next time I decided to take a trip back to Porto Manacore.

I am giving this film (and DVD) 4 out of 5 stars, as I really enjoyed it and I think it has something for everyone if your willing to look for it. Released on DVD yesterday, it is available for purchase from the previously linked Oscilloscope shop and for instant viewing through Netflix.