Final days of Sundance 2013

The rest of Sundance went by crazy fast, as it always tends to do. By the end of it, I had seen 22 feature length films and 14 short films. Insanity, I know. They do all start to blur together, which provides another good reason to have this blog - that way it helps me keep everything straight in my head. Here are my thoughts on the final batch of films I saw.

Charlie Victor Romeo    
Written description
This was one of the New Frontier Films in the festival. I had not really planned on seeing it. This was just one of those films that happened to be playing at a time when I could see it, so I decided why not try to get a ticket? It played right after Pandora's Promise, which I was still trying to digest, so I was unsure if I should really be attempting another film. But I was easily able to acquire a ticket, and so was my friend, so I decided to take that as a sign, and I went ahead and stayed for the film. I am extremely glad that I did. Between this and Pandora's Promise, Thursday ended up being one of my best days of the festival. Pandora's Promise made me question my previously held beliefs about a topic close to my heart, and this film affected me much more than I expected it to.It was in 3D, which I was not expecting. The set was simple - just the cockpit of a plane, few dashboard instruments and a black backdrop. Nothing to distract you from the main point, which was the people who's real-life conversations were being depicted. You were shown a glimpse into these peoples' worlds, which made the outcome of each of the accidents depicted (there were 6 in total) that much more upsetting. Shows how everything can change in an instant, even when you do everything correctly. Enjoy every second of life, because you just never know what is going to happen. Also, I always loved flying but now I am slightly scared. Guess I've just joined ranks with a large portion of the population.

The Spectacular Now
Meet the director
This was part of the US dramatic competition section of the festival. It was one of the few non-documentary films that I was really interested in seeing. Was not disappointed. I think the best part of the film is the performances by the two main leads. They are both insanely talented. It is a very funny, emotional, fairly true to real-life story, which doesn't often happen when you see stories about high school relationships. Although I had a few issues with it, I am still very glad I saw it, and I would recommend it to others. :)

Life According to Sam
Meet the directors
Part of the US Documentary competition at the festival. One of the few inspirational, feel-good documentaries that I saw this year. Such a fantastic story and such a truly inspiring family. I had wanted to see the movie playing after this one, which was Toy's House, but I chose to stay for the Q&A for this film, which made it so I was unable to see Toy's House. And I am completely okay with that. Sam, the boy in this film, was there via skype with his parents. It was awesome getting to hear more of what he had to say. I will certainly try to follow more of this story as it unfolds. Hopefully they will continue to find medicines to help treat the disease and hopefully ultimately find a cure for it.


Prince Avalanche 
Written description
Part of the Premiere section of Sundance. After seeing Life According to Sam and missing out on Toy's House, I was unsure what film I wanted to try to see. I was vacillating between '99% - The Occupy Wallstreet Movement', and 'Upstream Color'. I also had to factor in time to make it to Halley, which I had tickets for at 5:30. My friend really wanted me to see Upstream Color, but I honestly did not feel like I was in the right mindset. I heard it was good but really bizarre, and I knew that Halley was going to be a tough one to watch so I just kinda wanted something fun and easy. That is why I ended up deciding to go see Prince Avalanche. Really glad that I did. It was really funny, and overall a good story, I thought. Pretty sure it got bought so perhaps you guys will get to see it. :) My favorite line - "Don't sleep with the same girl more than three times in a row. That's when you start to develop feelings. Which is when you....feel...things".


Halley
Written description
Halley was another one of the New Frontier films. Can't believe I actually saw two from that category this year! Really liked the film, but definitely not for everyone. Probably not for your average movie-goer. Very difficult to watch. But beautifully shot and a completely unique plot line, which makes you think. Glad I saw it, also really glad that I did see Prince Avalanche before it, rather than Upstream Color. If I had tried to watch upstream color and then Halley, I probably wouldn't have been able to make it through.


In A World...
Meet the director!
This was part of the US dramatic competition. It also won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for US dramatic. Well-deserved. A wonderful film - hilarious, touching, well-made. It was an all-around great film. Funniest thing I saw this year at Sundance (although I suppose that isn't saying much, since I tend towards the depressing documentaries). Also, Lake Bell is fantastic. Love her.

The Square
Written description 
Part of the World Documentary Competition, this film was the audience award winner for the world doc category.  Very glad that it won something so I was able to see it, because it was one I had wanted to see, but the times of the screenings never worked out with my schedule. I understand why it won the audience award. It was a very powerful film, featuring many brave people. The Q&A afterwards was really great as well. The director was still there, along with one of the producers. Definitely a film that everyone should try to see.

And with that, my Sundance 2013 experience came to an end. It never ceases to amaze me just how quickly the 10 days of the festival fly by. I think it went smoother (from the credentials side anyway) this year than it did last year, which is partially why I was able to see so many films. Pretty sure I saw more films in the past two weeks than I will see for the rest of the year. :) Definitely glad I got out here one last time to experience the festival. I feel extremely lucky indeed.