The Kallys: Film: Best of 2023
Following on from my recent blog posts about my favourite TV & Streaming content and my favourite podcasts, of the year, I wanted to capture a list of my favourite films of 2023. In truth I have watched less films this year than previous years, so I won’t make a list that includes Barbie and Oppenheimer (even though both are excellent and you should see them). Instead my list is focused completely on the world of documentary filmmaking, as I have gravitated more to these types of stories of late. As before, this list takes the form of my completely subjective awards: the kallys®. Once again, I created this little downloadable cheat sheet so you can refer to the list of films later, and pat yourself on the back for your excellent taste in films (and your terrific taste in downloadable links) So, that’s the pre-amble, now it’s on to the main feature. Presenting the kally awards® for outstanding achievement in documentary film and cinema
Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming with David Letterman (Disney+)
What do you get if legendary late night host David Letterman comes to Dublin to hang out with Bono and The Edge from U2? You get this entertaining travelogue about our most famous Irish artists being charming, silly and creative. We wander by the sea, hear hit songs in new arrangements and a singsong in McDaids, and we even have some sea swimming (with not a dry robe in sight.) Personally I loved it. It’s worth saying that Bono is someone who sharply divides opinion in Ireland; you either love him or you loathe him. I’m decidedly in the love column. This documentary (and Letterman) are clearly so inclined as well. The impish charm of Bono and The Edge is a joy to behold, as is Letterman’s childlike glee, but the thing I enjoyed most was the way it captured Dublin. At the end of the day, this is probably a documentary for U2 fans, but theres much to love about it for anyone with an interest in art & creativity.
Running With Our Eyes Closed: Jason Isbell
Another music documentary that I loved; This time focused on former Drive By Truckers guitarist and songwriter Jason Isbell, whose solo work I adore. The film is directed by Sam Jones who made the brilliant Wilco documentary “I am trying to break your heart” and last year’s remarkable Tony Hawk documentary. This doc has a lot of his usual style and substance, while telling the story of Isbell’s destructive relationship with booze and the vital role that his wife and bandmate Amanda Shires has played in his transformation. The film shows us a mercurial talent who has battled his own demons and continues to transform them into great art. Its definitely a film for existing fans, but it would be hard to watch this and not be taken in by his spirit and dedication to his craft in the face of everything. This is an artist who cares deeply about his work and offers a real glimpse into his creative process.
Telemarketer$ (HBO/Sky)
In a story that spans several decades we get a true crime story with a twist about the lucrative and corrupt world of telemarketing scams. At the centre of the story is Patrick J. Pespas, a fast talking, rogueishly charming telemarketer (and addict), and his friend Sam Lipman-Stern, who embark on a Michael Moore style takedown of their former telemarketing employers. There’s murkiness and madness at every turn, and it offers a proper insider look at how these moneymaking machines operate, both fascinating and maddening in equal parts. There’s almost a homemade amateurish feel to the whole thing (because it essentially was) but, as a result, it also has a real air of authenticity to it. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it for anyone interested in a world we don’t often get to witness up close.
