A Brief Recap of 2006

It dawned on me this morning that I should probably preface these little film reviews with a disclaimer. First, I am no expert and don’t profess to be one (I just get a little full of myself during Sundance.) I tend to prefer Independent Films in general, plus we tend to experience what we call the “Sundance Factor.” You’re in Park City, freezing your buns off, but unlike Oregon, the sun is shining; the City is packed: buzzing with adrenaline and excitement; you’re hearing from the directors and actors after each film; when you are not watching a movie, you are talking about movies; etc. It all adds up to a unique experience that puts a positive spin on just about everything.

Also, many Sundance movies are very heavy, so when you do happen to see one of the few comedies – they are way more funny and appreciated than they would be at home. Case in point, this first movie from 2006:

Kinky Boots

This is a British film in a similar vein as The Full Monty. Only this time it is a son trying to save his family’s shoe factory and teaming with a cross-dressing, cabaret singer to do it. It’s the stodgy and the flamboyant thrown into a work environment together. It’s got the usual understated British humor and a lot of heart.

Thin

This documentary followed four girls with eating disorders through 6 months at a residential treatment center. Full of alarming facts and difficult to watch, it puts faces to this illness and really illustrates what a struggle it is for these girls. A few of the girls were there to answer questions and talk about their continuing struggles.

Sherrybaby

Maggie Gyllenhaal (a Sundance regular) stars as a drug addict just released from prison. She is trying to get her life back on track, but really doesn’t know how. She tries to reunite with her 5-year old daughter, only to discover her sister and her husband want to continue raising the child. Gyllenhaal gives an amazing performance in this painful and emotional movie.

Somebodies

Not a movie we discussed much after the fact. It is a quirky tale of a couple of college-age guys who are pretty typical: totally nonchalant bout life and its responsibilities, just looking for the next good time. It takes place in Athens Georgia and the best part is the off-the-wall church the lead character attends. I’m thinking a couple of 40-something white Moms are just the wrong demographic for this movie, either that or it really wasn’t that good.

Steel City

This was a movie about a dysfunctional family (a Dad, his brother and his two adult sons) trying to survive in a depressed steel town. Dad is incarcerated, the youngest son is drifting aimlessly, the oldest son is married and having an affair and the uncle wants everyone to be more responsible for their actions. There aren’t many movies that focus on male relationships and maybe it’s because they are difficult to watch. This one was that, but was also suspenseful in a way that kept you engaged.

Eve and the Fire Horse

This delightful film, directed and written by first-timer Julia Kwan (A Chinese-Canadian) was about a Chinese immigrant family and centered on their two young daughters. This is what I love about Sundance … this was the first feature film for the director, the two young girls had never acted before, the story was completely unique and it all came together in this quiet gem of a film.

Little Miss Sunshine

This film made it to the box office and so probably most of you have seen or heard of it. We absolutely loved it, partly due to the “Sundance Factor” and partly due to the fact that the cast was there afterward and they were clearly having a good time. Whether you liked it or not, you have to admit that starting with a Dad who is motivational speaker (and a bad one at that) is a hysterical premise. Have I mentioned yet how much I like Greg Kinnear?!

Adam’s Apples

This Danish flick was way out there, a dark comedy that takes place almost entirely at a small country church. A wacky cast of characters is thrown together, and what results is an exploration of the struggle between good and evil. This is definitely not a mainstream movie, but it had its funny moments.

Clear Cut: The Story of Philomath, Oregon

Peter Richardson, A Philomath High School graduate, turns the camera on a controversy that took over his home town. For more than 40 years, a local timber family has given college scholarships (no strings attached) to every Philomath student who graduates from high school. Unfortunately, the foundation is now up in arms about the liberal bias (read: “anti-logging”) being taught at the high school and further perpetuated in college. What resulted was an intense fight (that even caught the attention of the national media) involving the school board, the foundation and the students. For those of us who live in Oregon it clearly illustrated the dichotomy between our urban and rural areas, and underscores the challenge of having an economy based on an out-moded industry.

Factotum

This film was a huge undertaking. The director and screenwriters attempted to translate Charles Bukowski’s second novel and several short stories into a movie. I read some of Bukowski’s work after the fact, and it turns out his writing is as dark and anguished as the movie was, so I guess they did a pretty good job. Matt Dillon starred and I have a whole new perspective on him after seeing him in the Q & A – A) he’s beautiful (already knew that) and B) he’s smart and articulate (apparently he reads heavy duty stuff like Bukowski regularly.) Lili Taylor (I’ve loved her since Mystic Pizza) and Marisa Tomei were also in it. I’m always amazed that those actors can watch themselves frolicking naked on the screen and then come out and answer questions from the 200 people who just saw them naked.

Off the Black

Nick Nolte plays Ray, an alcoholic high school umpire who has failed in almost every aspect of his life. When a troubled teen vandalizes his house, Ray gets even by forcing him to pose as his son at his high school reunion. Nick Nolte gives a stunning performance and Trevor Morgan is excellent as the teen.

Wrestling with Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner

As the title states, this is a documentary about playwright Tony Kushner who wrote Angels in America. The film covers three years from 9/11 to 2004 and shows his work as a political activist and outspoken voice for tolerance (he is Jewish and gay) and social justice. After the film, you are left with a deep respect for Mr. Kushner and his passion. You are also appreciative to the director for doing her subject justice and letting us in on his life.

Shorts Program 1

Six films ranging from 3 to 30 minutes that include a metaphorical tale about drug use using bugs (way creepy), a story of a 14-year-old’s wedding to a polygamist (creepy for different reasons), and a hysterical film about a guy who takes a girl to the Holocaust Museum for a first date (turns out this is not such a good idea.)