Mondovino
This is the 'wine' film that everyone should see at least once. There is obviously an agenda and it is probably one that you don't agree with. I however do. An interesting array of people throughout and some rather funny and frightening this are said and done.
What is does have: 'Candid' interviews with winemakers and winery owners from around the world. Throw in a couple of critics (Parker's time on screen seems pretty even handed - James Suckling is a total ass), and the ever-necessary consultants (the dude from Enologix is pitiful and Rolland is scary - Le Monde compared him to Mephistopholes). Total running time: 2h15m. Could have probably shed a few minutes here and there.
What is doesn't have: Balance. Not so surprising, show a 'documentary' in the last 15 years that does. Any real love for California. This is without a doubt the source for the majority of the criticism Mondovin has received. Most people can't get enough Cult Cabs. Nossiter doesn't seem that impressed. Hottie Actress and marketable quips.There is no Sandra Oh or some dude in a mid-life crisis screaming about the F******* Merlot, so if that's what your looking for, look elsewhere. There are some great lines (responding to a comment about what makes great wine) like 'Those are clichés for journalists'. And about the hottie, for the record, There's Something About Alix (de Montille).
At the end of the day, this really is a Michael Moore-esque film about the current state of wine. Much like Moore, to see one of his films is to watch an exercise in proving a foregone conclusion. If you see a Moore film and agree with it, you probably did before you saw the movie. Nossiter's film is much the same way. Where as I think Moore to be a jack-ass, I agree with the picture presented by Nossiter. But guess what, I did before I saw the movie.
Either way, check it out and form your own opinion.
And drink more French wine. It's good for you, good for me, and good for them.
What is does have: 'Candid' interviews with winemakers and winery owners from around the world. Throw in a couple of critics (Parker's time on screen seems pretty even handed - James Suckling is a total ass), and the ever-necessary consultants (the dude from Enologix is pitiful and Rolland is scary - Le Monde compared him to Mephistopholes). Total running time: 2h15m. Could have probably shed a few minutes here and there.
What is doesn't have: Balance. Not so surprising, show a 'documentary' in the last 15 years that does. Any real love for California. This is without a doubt the source for the majority of the criticism Mondovin has received. Most people can't get enough Cult Cabs. Nossiter doesn't seem that impressed. Hottie Actress and marketable quips.There is no Sandra Oh or some dude in a mid-life crisis screaming about the F******* Merlot, so if that's what your looking for, look elsewhere. There are some great lines (responding to a comment about what makes great wine) like 'Those are clichés for journalists'. And about the hottie, for the record, There's Something About Alix (de Montille).
At the end of the day, this really is a Michael Moore-esque film about the current state of wine. Much like Moore, to see one of his films is to watch an exercise in proving a foregone conclusion. If you see a Moore film and agree with it, you probably did before you saw the movie. Nossiter's film is much the same way. Where as I think Moore to be a jack-ass, I agree with the picture presented by Nossiter. But guess what, I did before I saw the movie.
Either way, check it out and form your own opinion.
And drink more French wine. It's good for you, good for me, and good for them.
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