Our last day at Sundance 2011 and we saw three very different movies. We all agreed that we like every movie better after the Q & A session that follows each movie. We call this the “Sundance Factor.” Keep that in mind as you read my reviews.
Another Earth
Part tragedy, part science fiction, Another Earth explores the opportunity to right a dreadful wrong. It begins with the discovery of a new planet -- completely identical to earth, right down to the folks that live there. On the night the planet is discovered a young girl causes a tragic accident. As she struggles to get her life back on track and make amends to the man whose life she destroyed, the rest of the world is tuned-in to unfolding news about this new planet.
This is a smart film. I love the way a real-world situation is juxtaposed with this big “what if?” scenario. The characters are relatable and it plays as two-stories-in-one until the end when they come together. The very young, very hyper Director, Mike Cahill, was hugely entertaining in the Q and A, including a Sundance first where he stopped to zip his fly in front of 1200 people. My sister swears he was joking around, but I’m not so sure.
Possibly coming to a town near you, see it with friends so you can have your own “what if” discussion.
The Cast and Crew of Another Earth
Director, Mike Cahill, who was very excited to be there.
Take Shelter
It’s never easy watching a film about mental illness and this film is no exception. It is, however, a brilliant portrayal of one man’s decline into irrational fear and the impact that has on his family. Punctuated with special effects and ghoulish nightmares, the audience is placed in this man’s head as much as possible. Set in rural Ohio, the film is an actualized rendering of the impending doom that the filmmaker senses many Americans are currently feeling. The tension in the film was such that I had to remind myself to breathe.
Casting was right on. Michael Shannon played the main character, Curtis and it didn’t seem to be too much of a stretch. He seemed as disquieted in person as his character was in the film. I particularly loved how his wife’s character was written. Played with subtlety and grace by Jessica Chastain; she was a strong, take charge woman, who stayed by her man even when he was at his least lovable. Their deaf daughter was played by Tova Stewart, a young student from the nearby School for the Deaf. Her first role ever, she came across as a seasoned professional.
I think this film has already found distribution, so if you like an edge-of-your-seat, psychological thriller featuring a loving, hard-working family in a small town, be sure to check it out.
Jessica Chastain and Tova Stewart
Michael Shannon
We Were Here
Chronicling the gay revolution in San Francisco starting in the 1970s, this documentary is an intimate and deeply personal portrait of the Aids epidemic. From the nurse who dedicated her life to caring for Aids patients and helping to find a cure, to the men who lost countless partners and friends; the story is told chronologically through interviews and hundreds of archival photographs. Bottom line, it’s sad, very sad.
If I thought it would make a difference, I would love to force every one of those protesters from the Westboro Baptist Church to watch it.
No comments:
Post a Comment