Movie #1705 " Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin" was the least intriguing film I saw at the festival (out of 5 films). I thought it would be more creative and insightful from the description of it (and the trailer I viewed). It is just a discussion on this female science fiction writer's books -- and in an attempt to pull the audience in, it sometimes shows the story line with paint strokes, animation, etc. But this doc relies too heavily on interviews --- I thought I would get some insight into her life and her books, and I did, a bit, but after the plots of several of her books were revealed, I discovered she's more a fantasy writer, and the stories didn't seem that interesting to me. I did get a suggestion or two on a book title I might look into, because she is considered somewhat of a feminist before her time (esp. in science fiction) -- one book in particular sounded cool, and more sci fi, because it concerned a genderless society and the positives and negatives of that idea (I think the title was "The Left hand of darkness" --- One idea was suggested to the "teacher" part in me (i.e. I would consider using in a classroom) --- there's evidently a story of hers concerning a society that is all based on happiness, except it only exists because one child is locked up and mistreated. If he weren't there being abused, the rest of the world would be happy no more ---- there's a section in the film that shows a teacher using this in a classroom, and the kids were having a great discussion on if they would continue to live in this happy society (knowing about this little child being abused), or walk away from it, or confront the situation and help the kid escape (and then there would be no more happiness for the rest of the people). To me, it sounded like a nice story to pair with something like "The Lottery" --- anyway, that's all I came away with, but it was enough to give it 3 stars out of 4. This is an American Masters film so it may appear on t.v. in the future? or available to be streamed? For me, I am going to look for that story --- I didn't get the title, and this film made me want to read it!
PS: the synopsis below makes this film sound much better than it was. I wish the Hogwarts part was really focused on in the film -- the book "Earthsea" did not sound like Rowling to me from what was said in this film ---- If you have read it, please let me know how it compares.
"THE WORLDS OF URSULA K. LE GUIN" 1 hour 8 mins documentary 2018
- Decades before Hogwarts, Ursula K. Le Guin invited young readers to wizard school in her classic Earthsea fantasy series, and dazzled the science fiction world with masterworks like The Left Hand of Darkness and The Dispossessed. Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin tells the groundbreaking author's story in her own words, sprinkled with stunning animation and commentary from literary luminaries like Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, David Mitchell, and Michael Chabon. Produced with Le Guin's participation over ten years, Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin is a breathtaking journey through the late writer's career and her worlds, both real and fantastic.
Director: Arwen Curry
Writer: Arwen Curry
Stars: Michael Chabon, Neil Gaiman, Ursula K. Le Guin
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