sex, lies, and videotape
My favorite aspect of this film was the way it was shot. Hollywood has a certain way of shooting and it seems to be the same in each movie. Most independent films take a chance in doing it a new and different way, and that's just what this film does. Sometimes actors would be talking and you wouldn't even see them in the shot; you would just hear their voices. At one point Peter Gallagher is seen straight on while sitting at a table, and in the background you hear Andie McDowell speaking her lines. I like how this is almost taboo in Hollywood to have someone speaking who is not on screen, and yet is a constant in this film.
It's also fascinating to me how these actors were unknown to the public when this film was made, and have been extremely successful since. I'm sure it's a different experience to see this film not knowing the actors, and I wish I could have done this!
Nina's Tragedies
When the film began, I was a little worried about what I was about to watch. A young boy in love with his aunt? Did they truly have this type of relationship, or was it all from the boy's perspective? It turned out to be the latter, but I enjoy how we find this out. The boy and Nina do not have many scenes together, a fact that I had not expected in the beginning. I had figured they would be together a great deal, even if strictly platonic. But it almost seemed they hardly ever talked.
Something I was not expecting was for Nina's visions of her husband to actually be a man. I had thought she was simply missing him, and creating these illusions. I am not sure if this was very Hollywood or not. I had expected that because it was an independent film, that she would not reunite with her husband. I did not figure that who she was seeing was actually him. However, I also did not think that it would end up being a real person. I enjoyed this part of the film; it could have gone in a different direction to make it seem unrealistic. I think the way it happened was perfect and completely believable.
Murderball
I LOVED this movie. I wanted it to go on for at least a few more hours. I was never bored throughout the entire time. I know I had heard about it coming out a couple of years back, but hadn't realized how amazing it was. I felt like laughing, crying, and telling everyone I knew about it all at the same time. It was so interesting to learn about the most basic aspects of their lives, such as girlfriends or living situations. How they get from place to place. The one boy who had just gotten in his accident was especially moving. It was interesting to contrast him to the others who had been in this situation for longer. The scene where he is in his wheelchair looking at his motocross bike brought on so much emotion. You could see the hurt in his eyes that just a few months before that, he was riding that bike at high mph. Now, he was forced in a wheelchair.
This film also made me want to watch movies about other sports in the Paralymics. A short montage in the film revealed volleyball, lacrosse, fencing, track, etc for people who are handicapped. It opened my eyes to sports I did not know existed for people in this position, and it only reaffirmed that these people are exactly the same as I am. While they may be missing out on certain things, they are not at a complete loss. Their competitive drive is still as strong as it was before any accident they may have had. It was such a compelling story, I could only hope the director would make more!
The Real Dirt on Farmer John
When the film started, I was immediately interested as my mother's family is from a farm town in Illinois, much like John's. I have seen several of her home videos and so to see John's made me feel that much more close to him. I may not know much about farming, but I am aware of my mother's former way of life, so to hear another personal story about it grabbed my attention.
A problem I had with the movie was how very one-sided it was. John spent a lot of the movie talking about troubles he had, explaining viewpoints of the neighbors and community, etc. However, we only saw a small portion of what actually came out of their mouths. He claimed they made him out to be almost a "psycho", and a leader of a cult. Then he showed how he had many people (young and old) out to his house "having a good time" and "flirting". In his own video footage, he did look to have a cult! I don't think rumors just come out of nowhere, and this was just one example of how I feel like his perspective was the only one we heard from.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The Carter (1/21/09)
One of the movies I was looking forward to seeing was The Carter, a documentary on rapper Lil Wayne. I've always liked his music, and had heard his life story was pretty interesting. FYI, it is.
For starters, Lil Wayne is extremely smart. He clearly doesn't like to let on this little known fact, but it's apparent right from the start that he knows exactly what he's talking about. He speaks quickly and slurs, and thus this U.S documentary had subtitles. Each scene featured him, a joint, and a styrofoam cup that we later learned contained cough syrup. Wayne does not drink, does not smoke cigarettes, but he is constantly getting and staying high, while drinking his syrup.
I thought the way The Carter was filmed was fantastic. The director jumps from scene to scene, and then back again to different interviews Wayne has participated in. Most of the time, he wasn't answering the questions of the director, but other interviewers from on the road. One asked him about his cough syrup and was promptly asked to leave the room. It was clear that Wayne wasn't offended by the question, as he never hides his cup, but that he was experiencing a power trip and enjoyed the look on the interviewer's face.
While I liked the way this film presented itself, I can honestly say I didn't enjoy much of its content. Wayne seemed cocky the entire time, and while I can see why he would be, I didn't see any reason why I should respect him as a music artist. He joked about his first sexual experience; one that he referred to as him being "raped" at age 11. I didn't see anything funny about this fact, but he sure had a fun time retelling the story to his friends, laughing the entire time. When asked what he would do as President, he said he would "of course" make marijuana legal, put cocaine back in Coke, and eliminate child support (among other things). Keep in mind he has a 12 year old daughter at home who thinks of him as king of the world. His attitude wasn't one I appreciated, and I felt he was using this documentary to show the world how "cool" he was. It was a great film, but one that shed light on someone I didn't end up liking very much.
For starters, Lil Wayne is extremely smart. He clearly doesn't like to let on this little known fact, but it's apparent right from the start that he knows exactly what he's talking about. He speaks quickly and slurs, and thus this U.S documentary had subtitles. Each scene featured him, a joint, and a styrofoam cup that we later learned contained cough syrup. Wayne does not drink, does not smoke cigarettes, but he is constantly getting and staying high, while drinking his syrup.
I thought the way The Carter was filmed was fantastic. The director jumps from scene to scene, and then back again to different interviews Wayne has participated in. Most of the time, he wasn't answering the questions of the director, but other interviewers from on the road. One asked him about his cough syrup and was promptly asked to leave the room. It was clear that Wayne wasn't offended by the question, as he never hides his cup, but that he was experiencing a power trip and enjoyed the look on the interviewer's face.
While I liked the way this film presented itself, I can honestly say I didn't enjoy much of its content. Wayne seemed cocky the entire time, and while I can see why he would be, I didn't see any reason why I should respect him as a music artist. He joked about his first sexual experience; one that he referred to as him being "raped" at age 11. I didn't see anything funny about this fact, but he sure had a fun time retelling the story to his friends, laughing the entire time. When asked what he would do as President, he said he would "of course" make marijuana legal, put cocaine back in Coke, and eliminate child support (among other things). Keep in mind he has a 12 year old daughter at home who thinks of him as king of the world. His attitude wasn't one I appreciated, and I felt he was using this documentary to show the world how "cool" he was. It was a great film, but one that shed light on someone I didn't end up liking very much.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Brief Interviews with Hideous Men (1/20/09)
Finally, me and John Krasinski meet! I knew the day would come, I just didn't know when. I will tell you, in person he has gorgeous hair and the skinniest legs I have ever seen on a man. I do not care, his personality and humor as just like his alter ego Jim, and I am in love. Mmmm.
I wish I was as enthusiastic about his film as I was meeting him. I didn't hate it, but I wish it could have gone on for a few more hours. Once again, I feel like it asked a lot of questions and I never received the answers. I understand that, unlike Hollywood films, independent ones are intended to make you think, make you question, etc. This movie, however, seemed to jump all over the place and never stayed in one spot and explain each situation.
That said, this movie was made fantastically. Krasinski shows his talents aren't just in acting, but in directing as well. He picked a great cast that conveyed everything he wanted them to. They each were convincing in their roles as a man taking advantage of a vulnerable girl, or a man haunted by abuse in his past. The main actress did a great job of barely speaking any words throughout the film, and yet you felt like you knew and understood her. I didn't quite understand all of her intentions with the experiments she was doing, but for some reason I didn't have to understand why. With her attitude and few words, you believed that she believed in each of the men she interviewed. You may have not known why some said what they said, but you believed them.
I look forward to viewing more of Krasinskis' work. He does a wonderful job of mimicking a book's telling of a strange and yet very normal story. He took the simple task of men speaking their feelings to this woman, and made it into the complex story that it is. He helps us learn what is behind each story, and what it means to its teller.
I wish I was as enthusiastic about his film as I was meeting him. I didn't hate it, but I wish it could have gone on for a few more hours. Once again, I feel like it asked a lot of questions and I never received the answers. I understand that, unlike Hollywood films, independent ones are intended to make you think, make you question, etc. This movie, however, seemed to jump all over the place and never stayed in one spot and explain each situation.
That said, this movie was made fantastically. Krasinski shows his talents aren't just in acting, but in directing as well. He picked a great cast that conveyed everything he wanted them to. They each were convincing in their roles as a man taking advantage of a vulnerable girl, or a man haunted by abuse in his past. The main actress did a great job of barely speaking any words throughout the film, and yet you felt like you knew and understood her. I didn't quite understand all of her intentions with the experiments she was doing, but for some reason I didn't have to understand why. With her attitude and few words, you believed that she believed in each of the men she interviewed. You may have not known why some said what they said, but you believed them.
I look forward to viewing more of Krasinskis' work. He does a wonderful job of mimicking a book's telling of a strange and yet very normal story. He took the simple task of men speaking their feelings to this woman, and made it into the complex story that it is. He helps us learn what is behind each story, and what it means to its teller.
Adventureland (1/19/09)
Adventureland was truly a disappointment at Sundance. It starred an unknown teen star who was trying to be Michael Cera, but failed. It also seemed to be a commercial movie trying to be an independent film (fail). I had trouble finding the story amongst all the characters weird quirks and unexplained actions. I felt like they shed light on certain parts of character's lives, but never furthered why they were this way. Kristen Stewart's character clearly had a troubled relationship with her father, but why? There were a few scenes that showed their relationship but never any details on how it came about. The movie continued to be this way in most aspects. Scenes that never lead anywhere. Why is Kristen Stewart with this older, married man? How did that start?
In my opinion, there were only two good things about this movie: Bill Hader, and Kristen Wiig. The two hilarious SNL actors were the only that saved this movie from being a complete disaster. Only there for comic relief, they made the audience finally come back to life. I think these two actors are extremely talented and was happy to see them not be brought down by the rest of the film.
I'm sure this movie will make its way to theatres, and will be viewed by the same young adult audience that saw Knocked Up. I'm not sure how the directors will decide to sell the movie, as an independent film from Sundance or a film by the people who brought you Superbad. Either way, my guess is that they will leave the theatre just as disappointed as I did.
In my opinion, there were only two good things about this movie: Bill Hader, and Kristen Wiig. The two hilarious SNL actors were the only that saved this movie from being a complete disaster. Only there for comic relief, they made the audience finally come back to life. I think these two actors are extremely talented and was happy to see them not be brought down by the rest of the film.
I'm sure this movie will make its way to theatres, and will be viewed by the same young adult audience that saw Knocked Up. I'm not sure how the directors will decide to sell the movie, as an independent film from Sundance or a film by the people who brought you Superbad. Either way, my guess is that they will leave the theatre just as disappointed as I did.
I Love You Phillip Morris (1/18/09)
I'd like to start this post by saying BEST MOVIE AT SUNDANCE! It may make its way to a theatre near you, so get excited. It's amazing as fuck.
I am absolutely in love with this film. I always love Jim Carrey whether he is in a comedy like Dumb and Dumber or a more serious Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; he's a genius. He added enough comedy and drama to this movie that it contained a little bit of both. In the movie, his character was involved in a great deal of money troubles, and I was glad that the story was narrated from his perspective. You knew he was doing these things that would end him up in jail, but yet his reasoning seemed to erase the "wrong" from the situation. You knew he was only doing these things to be with the person he loved, and because he was so sincere, you found yourself rooting for him not to get caught.
Most people advertised this movie as almost a Brokeback Mountain because the two main characters are gay. The fact of the matter is, homosexuality has nothing to do with this story at all. This story could happen to anyone, and that's why I like it so much. Most movies with characters from minority groups are about the fact that they are minorities. This movie however stars two gay men dealing with issues completely separate of their sexuality. During the Q&A, someone asked what else they were doing for the homosexual community. Carrey paused, a little taken aback by the question. He answered with, "Accepting and supporting." He understood that this movie wasn't meant to make strides for the homosexual community, it was meant to be a movie. I would hope that if this movie is ever released, that its audiences would also realize this.
This movie is based on a true story (as the opening credits state, "This happened. Really, it did.") and was adapted after the book by the same title. I look forward to reading it, as the film did such a magnificent job.
Here's a few pictures of Jim and Ewan and the cast. I also got a somewhat awesome shot of the back of Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy's heads haha! Plus, after they left, I swiped the reservation paper that says "Jim Carrey" that yes, he sat on! I'm good.
I am absolutely in love with this film. I always love Jim Carrey whether he is in a comedy like Dumb and Dumber or a more serious Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; he's a genius. He added enough comedy and drama to this movie that it contained a little bit of both. In the movie, his character was involved in a great deal of money troubles, and I was glad that the story was narrated from his perspective. You knew he was doing these things that would end him up in jail, but yet his reasoning seemed to erase the "wrong" from the situation. You knew he was only doing these things to be with the person he loved, and because he was so sincere, you found yourself rooting for him not to get caught.
Most people advertised this movie as almost a Brokeback Mountain because the two main characters are gay. The fact of the matter is, homosexuality has nothing to do with this story at all. This story could happen to anyone, and that's why I like it so much. Most movies with characters from minority groups are about the fact that they are minorities. This movie however stars two gay men dealing with issues completely separate of their sexuality. During the Q&A, someone asked what else they were doing for the homosexual community. Carrey paused, a little taken aback by the question. He answered with, "Accepting and supporting." He understood that this movie wasn't meant to make strides for the homosexual community, it was meant to be a movie. I would hope that if this movie is ever released, that its audiences would also realize this.
This movie is based on a true story (as the opening credits state, "This happened. Really, it did.") and was adapted after the book by the same title. I look forward to reading it, as the film did such a magnificent job.
Here's a few pictures of Jim and Ewan and the cast. I also got a somewhat awesome shot of the back of Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy's heads haha! Plus, after they left, I swiped the reservation paper that says "Jim Carrey" that yes, he sat on! I'm good.
The Greatest (1/17/09)
The Greatest is a film starring Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarandon as two grieving parents who have just lost their teenage son in a car crash. I was lucky enough to sit in the very same row as both Pierce and Susan! Btw, Pierce is sexier in person than in any of his Bond movies. Yum.
The Greatest was definitely one of my favorites of the festival. It was shot in just 25 days by a first time director. Something I noticed when watching my films was that the majority of them were directed by women, which I found fascinating. The crash occurs immediately in the beginning, and then goes directly to a scene at the funeral. One of the most amazing shots is of Pierce, Susan, and the younger brother of the boy in the car on the way home from the service. It is a straight on shot of the three of them that lasts for literally 5 minutes. Just watching the expressions on the actors faces, you can feel their grief and still shock of the situation. Leaving the funeral of such a close family member is unimaginable, especially for someone like me who has lost no one close to her. I have no idea how this feels, but thanks to the amazing acting of the three actors, I could feel their emotions. The father, who is trying to block out any emotion and concentrate on something else completely. The mother who can't hardly believe the past 24 hours of her life. And the brother, who was just forced to grow up from a 15 year old to an adult. The fact that the shot lasts for such a long time without any changes is such a powerful way to convey what this family is going through.
I cried several times throughout this movie, but most of all when the younger brother finally lets his emotions out after holding them in for so long. The whole movie he pretends to be okay with the situation, and act as if him and his brother were never really that close. He finally lets loose that his brother wasn't an asshole, wasn't a jerk. He, in fact, was the perfect older brother.
The score of this movie was fantastic. I have been trying to find it all over the internet (unsuccessfully). It made every moment that much more powerful, and really brought out the emotions that much more. The actors alone made this movie what it is, but with the help of the score, their actions were enhanced greatly.
Here is a couple of pictures of Pierce and Susan, the quality isn't that great thanks to bad lighting, but you get the idea!
The Greatest was definitely one of my favorites of the festival. It was shot in just 25 days by a first time director. Something I noticed when watching my films was that the majority of them were directed by women, which I found fascinating. The crash occurs immediately in the beginning, and then goes directly to a scene at the funeral. One of the most amazing shots is of Pierce, Susan, and the younger brother of the boy in the car on the way home from the service. It is a straight on shot of the three of them that lasts for literally 5 minutes. Just watching the expressions on the actors faces, you can feel their grief and still shock of the situation. Leaving the funeral of such a close family member is unimaginable, especially for someone like me who has lost no one close to her. I have no idea how this feels, but thanks to the amazing acting of the three actors, I could feel their emotions. The father, who is trying to block out any emotion and concentrate on something else completely. The mother who can't hardly believe the past 24 hours of her life. And the brother, who was just forced to grow up from a 15 year old to an adult. The fact that the shot lasts for such a long time without any changes is such a powerful way to convey what this family is going through.
I cried several times throughout this movie, but most of all when the younger brother finally lets his emotions out after holding them in for so long. The whole movie he pretends to be okay with the situation, and act as if him and his brother were never really that close. He finally lets loose that his brother wasn't an asshole, wasn't a jerk. He, in fact, was the perfect older brother.
The score of this movie was fantastic. I have been trying to find it all over the internet (unsuccessfully). It made every moment that much more powerful, and really brought out the emotions that much more. The actors alone made this movie what it is, but with the help of the score, their actions were enhanced greatly.
Here is a couple of pictures of Pierce and Susan, the quality isn't that great thanks to bad lighting, but you get the idea!
Friday, January 23, 2009
A Quiet Little Marriage (1/17/09)
We were fortunate enough on our trip to be able to intern at another film festival in Park City called Slamdance. It's purpose is to be an even more alternative outlet for filmmakers who are rejected from Sundance. A lot of amazing filmmakers go from Slamdance to Sundance to finally mainstream. Even some well-known actors like the It's Always Sunny cast and Simon Baker were in films this year. One of the ones I saw was A Quiet Little Marriage, starring the waitress (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) from Sunny, with a pretty sweet cameo by Charlie Day.
The movie was really good, with amazing performances by two mostly unknown actors. The happily married couple hits a crossroad when the wife wants a baby, but the husband isn't ready. Drunkenly, the wife decides to manipulate her diaphragm by poking a hole in it. Eventually, the husband realizes her deception and begins his own form of manipulation: he starts his wife (unknowingly) on birth control pills by putting them in her coffee.
I really like this film in how taboo the subject is. Most couples probably have this dilemma of when to have a baby, and this film takes it a step further when the characters take action. You watch as the couple is so in love and seem to be in such sync, and yet behind each other's backs, they are taking place in the utmost form of deception. When the two finally catch on, they both are horrified at the other's actions. The wife starts packing to move out, yet it is she who began the entire situation. She looks at her husband in disgust, but it was her who wanted to bring a child into the world without her husband's consent. It's interesting how she looks past the work that a child takes, or how this big decision isn't one she can leave her husband out of. It's also interesting how the husband, instead of simply confronting his wife, decides to take part in deception himself. He could have easily stopped her, but instead he goes behind her back, much like she did to him. The film is great in how it looks at a couple who say "I love you", but whose actions speak louder than words.
Once again, I was able to be up close and personal with my sunny friends! Here's them at the Q&A after the film.
The movie was really good, with amazing performances by two mostly unknown actors. The happily married couple hits a crossroad when the wife wants a baby, but the husband isn't ready. Drunkenly, the wife decides to manipulate her diaphragm by poking a hole in it. Eventually, the husband realizes her deception and begins his own form of manipulation: he starts his wife (unknowingly) on birth control pills by putting them in her coffee.
I really like this film in how taboo the subject is. Most couples probably have this dilemma of when to have a baby, and this film takes it a step further when the characters take action. You watch as the couple is so in love and seem to be in such sync, and yet behind each other's backs, they are taking place in the utmost form of deception. When the two finally catch on, they both are horrified at the other's actions. The wife starts packing to move out, yet it is she who began the entire situation. She looks at her husband in disgust, but it was her who wanted to bring a child into the world without her husband's consent. It's interesting how she looks past the work that a child takes, or how this big decision isn't one she can leave her husband out of. It's also interesting how the husband, instead of simply confronting his wife, decides to take part in deception himself. He could have easily stopped her, but instead he goes behind her back, much like she did to him. The film is great in how it looks at a couple who say "I love you", but whose actions speak louder than words.
Once again, I was able to be up close and personal with my sunny friends! Here's them at the Q&A after the film.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Documentary Shorts (1/17/09)
I was to go to at least one shorts program this trip, and apparently I chose the completely rando one, Documentary Shorts. It had about 5 different shorts, most of which were 5-10 minutes with the last one being about 40. They ranged from stories about the biggest shopping mall in the world to a man who got off to chopping off fingers and toes. The ending one was basically an E! True Hollywood Story on John Cazale, an actor who only did five films (each earning him Oscar nods) and died of lung cancer at 42. He was Fredo in the Godfather films, and starred alongside greats like DeNiro and Pacino.
The short program was very eccentric. The first was about storage units and the meanings held in each. I didn't really enjoy the film, as it didn't explore what the characters kept in their units, or the lives of the characters at all. It turned out to be very boring, and lasting 3 minutes too long.
The ones dealing with atomic bombs and internet censorship were interesting, but nothing that I hadn't seen on YouTube. I was waiting to see the director go farther with the film, and make it different than all the others I'd seen. The ideas were great, but need to be taken a step further.
The man chopping off his fingers and toes was disgusting, and was clearly only there for shock value. The film was made poorly, and in my opinion could have been made by any amateur. I think the director thought by just having this strange man, he'd have an alternative short.
I did enjoy both the mall and John Cazale shorts. The mall made me laugh; such a pointless skyscraper! I feel bad for those who have to work there. I like the Godfather films, and so Cazale's piece was quite interesting. I loved hearing from greats like Streep and Pacino, and was pleased to hear the story of an actor who clearly did not get enough credit in his short life.
The short program was very eccentric. The first was about storage units and the meanings held in each. I didn't really enjoy the film, as it didn't explore what the characters kept in their units, or the lives of the characters at all. It turned out to be very boring, and lasting 3 minutes too long.
The ones dealing with atomic bombs and internet censorship were interesting, but nothing that I hadn't seen on YouTube. I was waiting to see the director go farther with the film, and make it different than all the others I'd seen. The ideas were great, but need to be taken a step further.
The man chopping off his fingers and toes was disgusting, and was clearly only there for shock value. The film was made poorly, and in my opinion could have been made by any amateur. I think the director thought by just having this strange man, he'd have an alternative short.
I did enjoy both the mall and John Cazale shorts. The mall made me laugh; such a pointless skyscraper! I feel bad for those who have to work there. I like the Godfather films, and so Cazale's piece was quite interesting. I loved hearing from greats like Streep and Pacino, and was pleased to hear the story of an actor who clearly did not get enough credit in his short life.
Spring Breakdown (1/16/09)
After waiting in line and barely getting a ticket, I was lucky enough to find myself seeing the world premiere of Spring Breakdown, a film starring Parker Posey, Rachel Dratch, and Amy Poehler. The three women, who were less than popular in high school, find themselves at Spring Break, surrounded by college students wearing only bikinis. Special guest appearance by Kristin Cavallari from Laguna Beach haha!
This movie was extremely commercial, and not one I'd thought I'd find at Sundance. I believe it has already been picked up by a studio, so everyone can expect to see it in theatres! This movie was the first premiere I'd seen, so it was very exciting knowing I was one of the first people ever to view this film. It was your typical SNL film, with cameos by everyone from Will Arnett to Jane Lynch, a completely underrated actress. I was also lucky enough to sit about 2 rows behind Amy Poehler and Rachel Dratch, so I got to hear them laugh throughout the entire film (That's Amy in the gray beanie!)
I found the film to be hilarious and thoroughly enjoyed it. Amy Poehler and Rachel Dratch are comic genius', and the only thing missing from the film was Tina Fey. These comedians always come up with new ways to make audiences laugh, and I always wonder how they do it. Hilarious jokes that I could never have thought up, and extreme one-liners that make you wonder, "Did she really just say that??" In one scene, Poehler discovers that there is a talent show near the end of the week and asks her newfound "sorority girl" friends what their talents are.
"I can't read!"
"I don't have a gag reflex!"
SNL films will always make audiences laugh, and that's exactly what this film does. I am still curious how it made its way to Sundance, with a full cast of recognizable names. I'm not complaining; it was great!
Dratch and Poehler, talking to us!
This movie was extremely commercial, and not one I'd thought I'd find at Sundance. I believe it has already been picked up by a studio, so everyone can expect to see it in theatres! This movie was the first premiere I'd seen, so it was very exciting knowing I was one of the first people ever to view this film. It was your typical SNL film, with cameos by everyone from Will Arnett to Jane Lynch, a completely underrated actress. I was also lucky enough to sit about 2 rows behind Amy Poehler and Rachel Dratch, so I got to hear them laugh throughout the entire film (That's Amy in the gray beanie!)
I found the film to be hilarious and thoroughly enjoyed it. Amy Poehler and Rachel Dratch are comic genius', and the only thing missing from the film was Tina Fey. These comedians always come up with new ways to make audiences laugh, and I always wonder how they do it. Hilarious jokes that I could never have thought up, and extreme one-liners that make you wonder, "Did she really just say that??" In one scene, Poehler discovers that there is a talent show near the end of the week and asks her newfound "sorority girl" friends what their talents are.
"I can't read!"
"I don't have a gag reflex!"
SNL films will always make audiences laugh, and that's exactly what this film does. I am still curious how it made its way to Sundance, with a full cast of recognizable names. I'm not complaining; it was great!
Dratch and Poehler, talking to us!
Humpday (1/16/09)
The first film I've seen is Humpday. It was a documentary-type film that followed two men who had been friends a decade ago, but had since parted ways. Ben is in a seemingly flawless marriage, and Andrew hasn't been able to stay in one place. They are reunited, and on the first night Andrew takes Ben to a party with, to put it loosely, some very alternative people. After several beers and hits to the bong, both men begin discussing the festival in Seattle called "Humpfest". It accepts only pornographic films, and gives the prize to the most artistic. The two men decide that the most artistic type of porno would be two straight men doing the deed. They drunkenly agree to the endeavor, and are left the rest of the movie to soberly make the decision. Should they or shouldn't they? And why?
I absolutely loved this movie. I was a little hesitant after reading the description of the film, but had decided to go anyways. I thought the writing was some of the best I'd ever heard- it sounded so normal and day-to-day, as I would imagine the scene would take place in real life. At the end of the film, the director let the audience know that there was absolutely no dialogue written for this movie. All of it was complete improv. I was truly taken aback, and grateful for the casting director to pick the actors she did. They were stereotypical heterosexual men who, in my mind, were reacting to something the way most heterosexual men would.
The movie was extremely funny, and I found myself laughing throughout the whole film. You could tell that these actors got along famously, and because of that the movie came across as if we were just watching a group of friends in a not-so-normal situation. The film created a normalcy of this situation, and I think the filmmaker is a genius for making this so. I didn't realize how outlandish the story was until I began explaining it to friends. This was a great first film to see, and I hope that people continue to look past the basic description and enjoy it for the movie that it is.
I absolutely loved this movie. I was a little hesitant after reading the description of the film, but had decided to go anyways. I thought the writing was some of the best I'd ever heard- it sounded so normal and day-to-day, as I would imagine the scene would take place in real life. At the end of the film, the director let the audience know that there was absolutely no dialogue written for this movie. All of it was complete improv. I was truly taken aback, and grateful for the casting director to pick the actors she did. They were stereotypical heterosexual men who, in my mind, were reacting to something the way most heterosexual men would.
The movie was extremely funny, and I found myself laughing throughout the whole film. You could tell that these actors got along famously, and because of that the movie came across as if we were just watching a group of friends in a not-so-normal situation. The film created a normalcy of this situation, and I think the filmmaker is a genius for making this so. I didn't realize how outlandish the story was until I began explaining it to friends. This was a great first film to see, and I hope that people continue to look past the basic description and enjoy it for the movie that it is.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sundance
I've decided to keep a blog of this trip for a variety of reasons, but most notably that at the end I have to turn in responses to all the films I've seen, and this way I can recommend all these great films to my great friends!
Sundance is literally one of the best experiences of my life. I can't believe I've only been here since Wednesday, and that I still have a week to go. Each time I step into a theatre and the film begins to play, I am taken to a completely different place than I've ever been before. I have a feeling that seeing movies back home will be quite the downgrade.
So far, I've seen five films. These include three Sundance and two Slamdance. I haven't been disapointed yet! I'll have seperate blogs for each film, so if you're curious please read them! I have found that these films are so far ahead of anything I've ever seen before, and yet am relieved that they do not flood the mainstrem.
I'm sure a lot of you are wondering about celebrity sitings, and let me tell you there's been a lot! The very first night we were here, we were invited to a filmmakers party by the Slamdance festival. I was able to meet and hangout with my favorite television actor, Charlie Day of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He was extremely nice and very easy going, and it seemed like I was talking with just a normal person! No that celebrities aren't normal... :) I was also able to meet most of the cast, Kaitlin Olson who plays Sweet Dee, and Rob McElhenney who plays Mac. I knew that if this was happening all in the first night, there would only be more to come!
Some other actors spotted (and met) by myself and classmates have been Mariah Carey, Christie Brinkley, Lucas from HSM, Ashton Kutcher, Michael Cera, John Krasinski (who's producers of his film live in the room next door!), Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Jane Lynch, John Cleese and many more! While this trip isn't all about celebrities, it definitely is a huge perk I enjoy!
Me and my class are living in extremely nice condos in Park Station, and are about 5 minutes from Main Street/Park Avenue. It's literally perfect location to go and see films, and to enjoy the nightlife. Our condos are very nice, complete with flat screen TVs, two bathrooms, and a beautiful kitchen! I have four roommates and am very lucky to have been put with the best people on the trip! :)
I hope to continue updating on any day to day happenings, but mostly my reviews on the great films I've been seeing! I recommend this trip to EVERYONE. As I said before, I'm having one of the best times of my life here, and really don't want it to end!
Sundance is literally one of the best experiences of my life. I can't believe I've only been here since Wednesday, and that I still have a week to go. Each time I step into a theatre and the film begins to play, I am taken to a completely different place than I've ever been before. I have a feeling that seeing movies back home will be quite the downgrade.
So far, I've seen five films. These include three Sundance and two Slamdance. I haven't been disapointed yet! I'll have seperate blogs for each film, so if you're curious please read them! I have found that these films are so far ahead of anything I've ever seen before, and yet am relieved that they do not flood the mainstrem.
I'm sure a lot of you are wondering about celebrity sitings, and let me tell you there's been a lot! The very first night we were here, we were invited to a filmmakers party by the Slamdance festival. I was able to meet and hangout with my favorite television actor, Charlie Day of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He was extremely nice and very easy going, and it seemed like I was talking with just a normal person! No that celebrities aren't normal... :) I was also able to meet most of the cast, Kaitlin Olson who plays Sweet Dee, and Rob McElhenney who plays Mac. I knew that if this was happening all in the first night, there would only be more to come!
Some other actors spotted (and met) by myself and classmates have been Mariah Carey, Christie Brinkley, Lucas from HSM, Ashton Kutcher, Michael Cera, John Krasinski (who's producers of his film live in the room next door!), Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Jane Lynch, John Cleese and many more! While this trip isn't all about celebrities, it definitely is a huge perk I enjoy!
Me and my class are living in extremely nice condos in Park Station, and are about 5 minutes from Main Street/Park Avenue. It's literally perfect location to go and see films, and to enjoy the nightlife. Our condos are very nice, complete with flat screen TVs, two bathrooms, and a beautiful kitchen! I have four roommates and am very lucky to have been put with the best people on the trip! :)
I hope to continue updating on any day to day happenings, but mostly my reviews on the great films I've been seeing! I recommend this trip to EVERYONE. As I said before, I'm having one of the best times of my life here, and really don't want it to end!
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