Paul Williams Still Alive

We’ve only just begun. Singer and songwriter Paul Williams (right) poses with the Unpaid Film Critic after a screening of “Paul Williams Still Alive.”  Photo by Gary Joseph

Until I saw director Stephen Kessler’s insightful and funny new documentary “Paul Williams Still Alive,” Williams, the Oscar and Grammy winning song writer and singer had not been on my radar for a good thirty years.  As a result, I was grateful for the documentary’s title, which assured me that Mr. Williams is, in fact, still with us.

Williams and Kessler made an appearance at the Angelika Film Center last Friday, following the film’s 7:30 showing.   Williams did not disappoint, neither as a documentary subject, nor as a warm, open, modest and gracious human being.

Albert Brooks at Film Society of Lincoln Center

Albert Brooks, who appeared at the Film Society of Lincoln Center on January 8.

Albert Brooks, comedian, actor, writer and movie director appeared at the Film Society of Lincoln Center on Sunday, January 8 to discuss his career.  It was an evening of film clips, stories, anecdotes; an event that presented a varied and comprehensive look at Brooks’ work acting in the films of other directors, including Martin Scorsese, Sidney Lumet, Steven Soderbergh, James L. Brooks (no relation) and others. Brooks was interviewed by Scott Foundas, Associate Program Director for the Film Society.   The event took place at the Walter Reade Theatre.