Betsy Sherman
More homages to 1971’s magnificent bursts of cinematic iconoclasm.
The documentary strikes a remarkably rich vein, covering not only music, fashion and a late-1970s social critique, but also matters of race, class, gender, mental health and spirituality.
In its day, Ingagi raked in the crowds with a promise of weird African animals and “wild” women, and a teasing of bestiality.
The filmmakers use their story to point towards a way to help us navigate through our own polarization; it has something to do with each of us widening our perspective to take in more than just our immediate experience.
Our demanding critics choose the best films (along with some disappointments) of the year.
Director Rubika Shah ends her film on this high note, but no one watching could conclude that the struggle is over
The documentary has a “why me?” element to it, with a dark comic edge, but it isn’t a pity party.
A fuller accounting of the creative contributions of women to the film industry in its early decades is still fighting for a place in mainstream awareness. The documentary Be Natural is a valuable battering ram in that fight.
“They were pieces of shit when we shot ‘em, but later on they became relics.”
Film Feature: Best Movies (With Some Disappointments) of 2019
Our demanding critics choose the best (and the most disappointing) films of the year.
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