Korla

This film popped up on one of my local (SF Bay Area) PBS stations, and the name was odd enough to catch my eye, so I DVR'd it, and eventually, because it was taking up a lot of space, I watched it, not expecting much. Silly me. It's a delight. First, the story it tells is fascinating, about a man who creates, and lives for fifty years, an imaginary character, in order to have a career that would otherwise be impossible. Second, the archival footage and commentary are enthralling, especially to a Californian. There are scenes of LA in the forties and fifties that are to die for, and if you don't wish you could visit Kelbo's Restaurant on Pico (Google it, I dare you) after watching this, you're on the wrong planet. How did I not know about this guy before? There's a dark side to the story that emerges in the final third - and in these early days of the Trump-Bannon era, are a bit chilling - but still, if you don't laugh and cheer at this, you need new batteries in your pace-maker. I seldom award more than seven stars to a movie, but this one is a solid eight!