(This week my wife went to Arizona to join her sister-in-law for a few days of ‘spa-ing.’ And so I saw these three ‘small’ films over a two-day period.)

Alamar (‘To The Sea)   ***1/2:

Part documentary, part fiction (?), this simple story is lovely.

It is a tale, told mostly through the lens of the camera with a minimum of words, of  five-year old Natan who spends some time (weeks, months?) with his Mexican father (Jorge) before he goes (returns?) to live with his Italian mother in Rome.

Not much else happens in this short (73 minute), beautifully filmed tale of a father and son bonding. But what does happen will clearly affect Natan for the remainder of his life. And I was touched by it.

Waste Land   ****1/2:

This film is all documentary and follows Brazilian artist Vik Muniz on a journey that seems unlikely and unpleasant. But it is the opposite.

The artist goes to Jardim Gramacho on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro and there films a way of life that seems unimaginable. He meets, gains the confidence of a group of pickers, photographs them, and turns the photographs into art using refuse from Jardim. 

What happens from there, I’ll leave for you to discover yourself.

The film is neither dark, nor horrifying, nor is it depressing. And I believe what Vik discovers and what you will witness will remain with you long after you leave the theater.

Both of the films mentioned above have won numerous awards in 2010.  I don’t suspect either of the films will be around very long, nor will they be shown in many theaters or cities. But if you see them advertised, can get a copy of them, or find a way to see them, I suspect you will enjoy them. I particularly recommend Waste Land and would be interested in knowing your reactions to it.

Carlos   ***1/2

I saw the short version of this film last night.  Initially, it was a three part, almost six hour mini-series made for TV. Now there is an 165 minute film version that has been carved from the mini-series.

It is the ‘story’ of Carlos (the Jackal), the Venezuelan terrorist (Illich Ramirez Sanchez) who for more than 25 years was able to remain a shadowy figure and create havoc in a variety of places in the world. He was finally captured in the 1990s and now is in prison in France.

I’d read a good deal about the film since it’s showing at Sundance and had looked forward to seeing it, finally catching it the other night for it’s only showing at the Avalon.

In some ways I was disappointed. I suspect the longer version is better, as cutting it by almost two-thirds means that much is lost, particularly in the latter part of Carlos’ life. It may be that I had expected a more engaging, complex (romantic?) character.

Illich Ramirez Sanchez, the real life Carlos, tried to prevent the release of the miniseries/film and has said that it is inaccurate and filled with lies.

Whatever the truth of the matter, I think this is another film that is worth seeking out (if the subject matter is of interest) and judging for yourself .

Note:  For those of you who live in DC, know that the West End Cinema, 23rd St. NW, between M & N, has reopened as an ‘Independent Art House Cinema’ (Click Here for more info).  Also, The Avalon Theatre has become  a ‘non-profit film center’ with many more films than appear in the newspaper/Internet listings of films and show times. Click Here for more info.