THINK YOU KNOW YOUR PARENTS? YOU MIGHT BE WRONG.Byline: Glenn Whipp Film Critic `For over 50 years, they managed to make it look easy,'' filmmaker Doug Block Doug Block (born in 1953 in Port Washington, New York) is an American independent director, cameraman and producer. Doug Block's documentary credits include:
Then Mina dies unexpectedly and, shortly afterward, Mike marries his former secretary, throwing everything Block thought he knew about his folks into doubt. Block makes documentaries -- and shoots wedding videos -- so it was natural that he'd lug (1) (Linux Users Group) A formal or informal organization of Linux users who gather together virtually or in person to exchange information and resources. Some groups maintain mailing lists and send out newsletters for their members. his camera to his childhood home in Long Island once Mike and his new bride, Kitty, put the house up for sale. He didn't expect to find a movie, nor did he expect to find his mother's diaries, a massive collection of writings that cataloged a shadow history of his family's life. The film's promotional tag line tag line also tag·line n. 1. An ending line, as in a play or joke, that makes a point. 2. An often repeated phrase associated with an individual, organization, or commercial product; a slogan. Noun 1. is: How much about your parents do you really want to know? And, yes, as ``51 Birch Street'' peels away some of Mike and Mina's secrets, it does play as something of a mystery -- and a tense one at that. ``Why do I suddenly care that Kitty was a guest at my bar mitzvah Bar Mitzvah (bärmĭts`və) [Aramaic,=son of the Commandment], Jewish ceremony in which the young male is initiated into the religious community, according to tradition at the age of 13 years and a day. in 1966,'' Block wonders. On one level, he wants to learn the truth; on another, he knows ignorance is bliss. But the movie's considerable strength lies in the evolution of Block's relationship with his father. The two were never close. Block was drawn more to his mercurial mercurial /mer·cu·ri·al/ (mer-kur´e-il) 1. pertaining to mercury. 2. a preparation containing mercury. mer·cu·ri·al adj. mother than his stoic dad. Block's camera helps open communication between the two. Suddenly the son can ask the father questions that otherwise would have gone unspoken. The answers speak volumes about marriage and the mores of couples who married after World War II. Ultimately, Block undergoes a shift in perspective that too many grown children never make -- seeing their parents as struggling, fallible fal·li·ble adj. 1. Capable of making an error: Humans are only fallible. 2. Tending or likely to be erroneous: fallible hypotheses. human being instead of simply Mom and Dad. Only when you get beyond those titles and see your parents as people can a connection truly be made. Block's movie is firsthand evidence. It will likely prompt a few phone calls home. Glenn Whipp, (818) 713-3672. glenn.whipp(at)dailynews.com 51 BIRCH STREET - Three stars (Not rated: adult themes) Director: Doug Block. Running time: 1 hr. 28 min. Playing: Landmark's Westside Pavilion in West Los Angeles
In a nutshell: Filmmaker thought his parents were happily married. He learns otherwise and comes away with a new respect and understanding for mom and dad. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Filmmaker Doug Block explores his parents' marriage and family life in his new documentary ``51 Birch Street.'' |
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