So, after my movie-filled day off on Monday, I had work alllll day tuesday (10 hours. hardly anything to do. fun times). Once I got off work I relaxed a bit and then my friend Annette had been able to get me tickets to a film, and so I got to maintain my pattern of watching at least one film every day (with the only exception being day 1 of the festival, when I was not able to see anything.
Pit Stop
Written description
This film is part of the NEXT section of Sundance, which is described as "Pure, bold works distinguished by an innovative, forward-thinking approach to storytelling. Digital technology paired with unfettered creativity proves the films selected in this section will inform a “greater” next wave in American cinema". I had really wanted to see this film, and my friend Annette was able to hook me up with tickets, which was fantastic. I am so so glad I got to go. It was a beautiful, touching story. Beautifully shot and brilliantly acted, the writing was great and its portrayal of human relationships was wonderful. Left me feeling hopeful, in the end. :)
A River Changes Course
Written description
Part of the World Cinema Documentary Competition, this film was one that I had gotten a ticket for as one of my staff tickets, as I was really looking foward to seeing it. Unfortunately, being that the showing was at 8:30am and I did not get much sleep the night before, I was extremely tired, which took a bit away from the experience. It was also not how I expected it to be. Even so, I still really enjoyed the film, and I thought it was very well done. I left the film with a huge appreciation for the beauty of Cambodia and as well as a great sadness and concern for their future. If you somehow find yourself able to see this film, I would highly recommend it.
Shorts Program 4
Brief description of all 7 films
The Curse
I enjoyed this short when I saw it, and then afterwards, I was discussing the films with my friend and he realized something which made me love this one even more. Basically a woman was accused and condemned for doing something she didn't even do. Then, in trying to hush up those accusing her and prevent them from telling her whole village, she ends up doing the very thing they were condemning her for. Very interesting. Also, it was shot in an interesting location, with mostly children as the actors. I liked it.
Black Metal
Watch this short film here!
As you see from the link above, you can watch this one and make your own decision! I really really liked it. A lot.
Boneshaker
Interview with director
Unexpected surprise in this one.... it had the little girl who starred in Beasts of the Southern Wild last year! The one who is nominated for an oscar! Love her. Once again, she was great. And this was a great little film.
The Captain
So, this was a very short film, made by the same people who did Spider in 2007 and Bear in 2012. Loved Bear last year. The Captain is just as funny and messed up as the rest of their films. That's about all there is to say about that. Liked it.
Spider
Bear
Gun
I loved all the films in this line-up, but I think Gun was my favorite. Pertanent topic for our times, and I thought it was really well done.
On Suffocation
No dialogue at all in this one, and it still managed to convey a ton. Proof that you do not need words to communicate. A sad film, but well done.
You Are More Than Beautiful
Very cute little film, had some great moments.
Very glad I saw this shorts program. All of them were really well-done, and I loved them all.
Afternoon Delight
Written description
Part of the U.S. Dramatic Competition. I heard good things about this one so I decided to snag a ticket for it and saw it this morning before work. Very glad that I went. So many hilarious moments, but also very touching and telling about human emotions and relationships. Great performances by everyone involved (including the greats such as Josh Radnor, who you may know as Ted Mosby from How I Met Your Mother, Kathryn Hahn, Juno Temple, and Jane Lynch). A fantastic feature film debut for Jill Soloway. She is a wonderful writer. I think the craziest thing I learned was that they shot the whole film in 24 days. Which is incredible. Makes the fact that the film is so good even more amazing.
So now my count is 14 feature length films and 12 short films. My friend from SoCal and her brother just arrived in town (yay!) and will be here until Sunday morning so that is exciting. They have tickets to films on Saturday in SLC and will just play it by ear for the rest of the time. Hopefully they will have a great Sundance experience as well! :)
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