Kevin Smokler
@weegee.bsky.social
Writer, Documentary Filmmaker, Inveterate Recommender
New Book: BREAK THE FRAME: CONVERSATIONS WITH WOMEN FILMMAKERS
https://tinyurl.com/yc5r894h
www.breaktheframebook.com
www.kevinsmokler.com
New Book: BREAK THE FRAME: CONVERSATIONS WITH WOMEN FILMMAKERS
https://tinyurl.com/yc5r894h
www.breaktheframebook.com
www.kevinsmokler.com
I love Richard Linklater, I love his movies and his willingness to make all different sorts and...I just don't get French New Wave. Or at least some of its pillars. I've seen BREATHLESS 3 times and never fails to leave me cold.
Richard Linklater on the French New Wave
YouTube video by CRITERION
youtu.be
November 14, 2025 at 5:47 PM
I love Richard Linklater, I love his movies and his willingness to make all different sorts and...I just don't get French New Wave. Or at least some of its pillars. I've seen BREATHLESS 3 times and never fails to leave me cold.
It's why I always say living in San Francisco and not liking to eat is a bit like living in New Orleans and not caring for, I don't know let's say, music.
It’s the Food That Makes San Francisco Feel Like Home
Chefs, bakers, and bartenders talk about the meals, sandwiches, and treats that welcome them home in the Bay Area
sf.eater.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:45 PM
It's why I always say living in San Francisco and not liking to eat is a bit like living in New Orleans and not caring for, I don't know let's say, music.
Nitro coffee from the tap. Foamy head. Served straight up in a pint glass (via @danyelsmith.bsky.social )
15. What is your favorite non alcoholic drink?
November 14, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Nitro coffee from the tap. Foamy head. Served straight up in a pint glass (via @danyelsmith.bsky.social )
BEING EDDIE is a new documentary on Netflix about Eddie Murphy, who rightfully gets credit for being a comedy legend and trailblazer in black culture but not for being as fundamental to Generation X as Kurt Cobain
Being Eddie | Official Trailer | Netflix
YouTube video by Netflix
youtu.be
November 14, 2025 at 5:23 PM
BEING EDDIE is a new documentary on Netflix about Eddie Murphy, who rightfully gets credit for being a comedy legend and trailblazer in black culture but not for being as fundamental to Generation X as Kurt Cobain
Final words from Dawn Porter, whom I had the honor of interviewing for my book BREAK THE FRAME: CONVERSATIONS WITH WOMEN FILMMAKERS
"Not what are the twists and turns of the surprise of tomorrow? You have to find that deeper story."
See all of her documentaries. They are magisterial
"Not what are the twists and turns of the surprise of tomorrow? You have to find that deeper story."
See all of her documentaries. They are magisterial
Dawn Porter | Producer, Director, Writer
Known for: Trapped, Gideon's Army, Luther: Never Too Much
www.imdb.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Final words from Dawn Porter, whom I had the honor of interviewing for my book BREAK THE FRAME: CONVERSATIONS WITH WOMEN FILMMAKERS
"Not what are the twists and turns of the surprise of tomorrow? You have to find that deeper story."
See all of her documentaries. They are magisterial
"Not what are the twists and turns of the surprise of tomorrow? You have to find that deeper story."
See all of her documentaries. They are magisterial
If you really want to talk to somebody, you can't shout at them. So I'm looking for those points of understanding and a lot of that is trying to address my own limitations and biases...More than thinking about fixing somebody else, I'm trying to fix myself" -- Documentary Filmmaker Dawn Porter
November 13, 2025 at 7:55 PM
If you really want to talk to somebody, you can't shout at them. So I'm looking for those points of understanding and a lot of that is trying to address my own limitations and biases...More than thinking about fixing somebody else, I'm trying to fix myself" -- Documentary Filmmaker Dawn Porter
"Our job is about relationships...And sometimes I put stuff in that people don't want. And I have to know that they're going to be mad at me after b/c the story that you write in your life about your life is not the story that everybody else sees." -- Filmmaker Dawn Porter in my book BREAK THE FRAME
November 13, 2025 at 7:45 PM
"Our job is about relationships...And sometimes I put stuff in that people don't want. And I have to know that they're going to be mad at me after b/c the story that you write in your life about your life is not the story that everybody else sees." -- Filmmaker Dawn Porter in my book BREAK THE FRAME
#DYK? There is a mystery behind the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, i.e a mass grave discovered in the city thought to be part of a coverup of the extent of the tragedy
RISE AGAIN: TULSA AND THE RED SUMMER (2021) is Dawn Porter's incredible documentary about it (Prime Video, Rental)
(4/?)
RISE AGAIN: TULSA AND THE RED SUMMER (2021) is Dawn Porter's incredible documentary about it (Prime Video, Rental)
(4/?)
Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer (2021) ⭐ 6.7 | Documentary
1h 30m | TV-14
www.imdb.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:40 PM
#DYK? There is a mystery behind the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, i.e a mass grave discovered in the city thought to be part of a coverup of the extent of the tragedy
RISE AGAIN: TULSA AND THE RED SUMMER (2021) is Dawn Porter's incredible documentary about it (Prime Video, Rental)
(4/?)
RISE AGAIN: TULSA AND THE RED SUMMER (2021) is Dawn Porter's incredible documentary about it (Prime Video, Rental)
(4/?)
Will never be able to thank Dawn Porter enough for including this moment of the late civil rights hero Rep John Lewis dancing to Pharrell's "Happy" in her Lewis doc GOOD TROUBLE
(3/?)
(3/?)
Rep. John Lewis dances to "Happy" at campaign event in Georgia
YouTube video by CBS News
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Will never be able to thank Dawn Porter enough for including this moment of the late civil rights hero Rep John Lewis dancing to Pharrell's "Happy" in her Lewis doc GOOD TROUBLE
(3/?)
(3/?)
Even though stuff about the Kennedys seems tailor made for people over 70 or residing east of Cleveland, Dawn Porter's 2018 4 parter BOBBY KENNEDY FOR PRESIDENT (Netflix) is thrilling. Like a James Ellroy or E.L Doctorow novel about an important yet misunderstood historical moment.
Bobby Kennedy for President (TV Mini Series 2018) ⭐ 8.1 | Documentary, Biography, Drama
1h | TV-MA
www.imdb.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Even though stuff about the Kennedys seems tailor made for people over 70 or residing east of Cleveland, Dawn Porter's 2018 4 parter BOBBY KENNEDY FOR PRESIDENT (Netflix) is thrilling. Like a James Ellroy or E.L Doctorow novel about an important yet misunderstood historical moment.
A little more about the great documentary director Dawn Porter whom I interviewed for my book BREAK THE FRAME: CONVERSATIONS WITH WOMEN FILMMAKERS (1/?)
November 13, 2025 at 6:05 PM
A little more about the great documentary director Dawn Porter whom I interviewed for my book BREAK THE FRAME: CONVERSATIONS WITH WOMEN FILMMAKERS (1/?)
The 3 most common questions on the ASK SF subreddit are
1) How do you afford it?
2) Where should I have x/y/z special meal?
and
3) I'm in town for 48 hrs. Can I fit in a drive to Mexico?
What are the three most common questions about your town? (Note: Making stuff up is legit)
1) How do you afford it?
2) Where should I have x/y/z special meal?
and
3) I'm in town for 48 hrs. Can I fit in a drive to Mexico?
What are the three most common questions about your town? (Note: Making stuff up is legit)
November 13, 2025 at 5:58 PM
The 3 most common questions on the ASK SF subreddit are
1) How do you afford it?
2) Where should I have x/y/z special meal?
and
3) I'm in town for 48 hrs. Can I fit in a drive to Mexico?
What are the three most common questions about your town? (Note: Making stuff up is legit)
1) How do you afford it?
2) Where should I have x/y/z special meal?
and
3) I'm in town for 48 hrs. Can I fit in a drive to Mexico?
What are the three most common questions about your town? (Note: Making stuff up is legit)
I would be ok with the phrase "Epstein Files" becoming "But...her emails" for next few elections at least.
November 13, 2025 at 5:54 PM
I would be ok with the phrase "Epstein Files" becoming "But...her emails" for next few elections at least.
Man, the possibilities this opens up are astounding. I would pay a queen's ransom to have someone design a crossword mixed with, say Burger Time.
are you working?
you should procrastinate more
i've got you covered
behold "Tiled Words", which is like a crossword mixed with ...
... Tetris
item #2 in my latest "Linkfest" newsletter, free to read/subscribe to here: buttondown.com/clivethompso...
you should procrastinate more
i've got you covered
behold "Tiled Words", which is like a crossword mixed with ...
... Tetris
item #2 in my latest "Linkfest" newsletter, free to read/subscribe to here: buttondown.com/clivethompso...
November 13, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Man, the possibilities this opens up are astounding. I would pay a queen's ransom to have someone design a crossword mixed with, say Burger Time.
Queue 6 verses of "The Monkees had no talent. They didn't write their own songs" and then start singing the words "Elvis Presley, The Supremes, Frank Sinatra" in the key of D Minor.
Micky Dolenz will honor the Monkees' 60th w/ a tour — including an L.A. gig on the anniversary of the TV show's debut.
“I want to look back and share with the fans the sheer joy of what the Monkees accomplished — and what it all still means to so many”
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-... #Monkees
“I want to look back and share with the fans the sheer joy of what the Monkees accomplished — and what it all still means to so many”
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-... #Monkees
Micky Dolenz Announces '60 Years of the Monkees' Tour
Micky Dolenz is hitting the road next year for a special tour celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Monkees.
www.rollingstone.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Queue 6 verses of "The Monkees had no talent. They didn't write their own songs" and then start singing the words "Elvis Presley, The Supremes, Frank Sinatra" in the key of D Minor.
Do not fear. The trailer for DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 (coming May 1) has Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci returning as well (via @ninametz.bsky.social )
The Devil Wears Prada 2 | Teaser Trailer
YouTube video by 20th Century Studios
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Do not fear. The trailer for DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 (coming May 1) has Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci returning as well (via @ninametz.bsky.social )
#DYK? Dawn Porter's newest documentary is 2024 POWER OF THE DREAM, about the WBNA's 2020 season of activism. Here's the trailer. This movie looks incredible.
Power of the Dream - Official Trailer | Prime Video
YouTube video by Prime Video
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 4:57 PM
#DYK? Dawn Porter's newest documentary is 2024 POWER OF THE DREAM, about the WBNA's 2020 season of activism. Here's the trailer. This movie looks incredible.
I am exactly 12 days ahead of the curve for the first time in my life since I downloaded SUPER MARIO GALAXY for the Switch earlier this month and now it's going to be a movie!
Whom is voicing the star bits?
Whom is voicing the star bits?
November 12, 2025 at 4:50 PM
I am exactly 12 days ahead of the curve for the first time in my life since I downloaded SUPER MARIO GALAXY for the Switch earlier this month and now it's going to be a movie!
Whom is voicing the star bits?
Whom is voicing the star bits?
Continuing with our recs for documentaries by the great Dawn Porter, who I had the honor of interviewing for my book BREAK THE FRAME
THE WAY I SEE IT. About WH Photographer Peter Souza and how we see the presidency in images ( Apple TV Rental)
For any photo buff
www.imdb.com/title/tt1129...
THE WAY I SEE IT. About WH Photographer Peter Souza and how we see the presidency in images ( Apple TV Rental)
For any photo buff
www.imdb.com/title/tt1129...
November 12, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Continuing with our recs for documentaries by the great Dawn Porter, who I had the honor of interviewing for my book BREAK THE FRAME
THE WAY I SEE IT. About WH Photographer Peter Souza and how we see the presidency in images ( Apple TV Rental)
For any photo buff
www.imdb.com/title/tt1129...
THE WAY I SEE IT. About WH Photographer Peter Souza and how we see the presidency in images ( Apple TV Rental)
For any photo buff
www.imdb.com/title/tt1129...
Amazing! Congrautlations to everyone!
Taking a second to shout-out some of the brilliant work @salon.com published in 2024-25 on the culture desk, which have been recognized as finalists for the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards:
November 12, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Amazing! Congrautlations to everyone!
Lest you think the great Dawn Porter is only down for documentaries on the political and pressing, she's also in the director's chair for NEVER TOO MUCH, the documentary about the late great Luther Vandross (HBO Max)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2Dz...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2Dz...
Luther: Never Too Much | Official Trailer (2024)
YouTube video by Luther Vandross
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Lest you think the great Dawn Porter is only down for documentaries on the political and pressing, she's also in the director's chair for NEVER TOO MUCH, the documentary about the late great Luther Vandross (HBO Max)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2Dz...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2Dz...
#DYK? Dawn Porter's documentary 37 WORDS (on hulu) about Title IX opens with the first on camera meeting b/t Billie Jean King and Gloria Steinem. Why is this important? Second Wave Feminism in America did not see athletes as part of their efforts. Corrected since. See below...
November 11, 2025 at 4:50 PM
#DYK? Dawn Porter's documentary 37 WORDS (on hulu) about Title IX opens with the first on camera meeting b/t Billie Jean King and Gloria Steinem. Why is this important? Second Wave Feminism in America did not see athletes as part of their efforts. Corrected since. See below...
While we are on the subject of Dawn Porter (whom I had the honor of interviewing for my book BREAK THE FRAME) her first documentary GIDEONS ARMY (2013), about young public defenders and really, the people who do the front line labor of democracy is a must watch. (Apple TV rental) The trailer:
Gideon's Army (Trailer)
YouTube video by YouTube Movies
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:39 PM
While we are on the subject of Dawn Porter (whom I had the honor of interviewing for my book BREAK THE FRAME) her first documentary GIDEONS ARMY (2013), about young public defenders and really, the people who do the front line labor of democracy is a must watch. (Apple TV rental) The trailer: