Sundance 2009

Day 1 - 14th January 2009

Fearlessly taking to the skies to bring you up-to-the-minute coverage of the Sundance 2009 Film Festival.

Despite having passed Arthur C. Clarke's utopian vision of space travel we must note that air travel becomes increasingly a series of human rights abuses.

Packed into the tiny space alloted and known as a "seat" I feel akin to a battery hen and have a strange desire to cluck and ovulate.

Harried staff now attempt to coerce you into purchasing a meal or a drink. Failure to do so is rewarded with a double round of Peanuts (50 cents apparently) the packets carry a warning note that the contents may contain peanuts (in the same way the aircraft may contain passengers).

Not only cramped conditions but your seat, which may be used as a flotaion device in the unikely event of a water landing, has become more board like, this presumably aids it's bouyancy but not it's friendliness to one's buttocks.

An unusual development in that I waited in vain for the baggage carousel to regurgitate my bagged life, but it turns out this is not because said bag is enjoing the Hawaiian surf but did in fact arrive on an earlier flight. This proves conclusively that time travel is possible or that paying the extra $15 for hold luggage has benefits. I shall try paying $30 on the return trip and maybe they'll launder it for me too.

Now sitting waiting for Team eyeFor I am eavesdropping a fellow setting up a production deal for director Nancy Shyer. I already don't want to see it. The fellow holding a sign at the baggage claim which read "Madsden" provided a challenging guessing game which was resolved when Virginia came into view as opposed to Michael (for which I am greatful as he scares me).

Day 2 - 15th January 2009

Mary and Max is a "clayography" animated feature concerning the curious friendship between two lonely individuals. When the story starts, Mary is an eight-year-old Australian school girl who randomly chooses a name from the New York phone book to write and ask "where do babies come from?". The recipient of the letter is Max, a middle-aged New Yorker who suffers from Asperger's Syndrome. Thus the two become pen pals as Mary grows and Max deals (or fails to deal) with his affliction.

Told with affection for its ill-matched couple and featuring a wonderful voice cast, especially comparative newcomer, eight-year-old Bethany Whitmore, playing the younger incarnation of Mary. A little more adult in tone than traditional animated fare with a touch of the Bob Godfrey's about it.

Day 3 - 16th January 2009

Moon
Somewhere in the not too distant future, mankind’s energy problems have been solved courtesy of Helium-3 mining on the far side of the moon. A lone astronaut, Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), serves as maintenance man on the mining installation in charge of automated harvesting machines that rove the lunar surface. For company, Sam has an accommodating Robot named GERTY (Voice of Kevin Spacey). Coming to the end of his three year tour of duty and anxious to get back to Earth and his wife and daughter, Sam is coming a little unglued.

Thoroughly enjoyable little sci-fi offering swathes of nostalgia for seventies and eighties buffs as the film includes nods from everything from the works of Gerry Anderson through Solaris (1972), Alien and Outland. An excellent performance from Sam Rockwell and impressively discreet visual effects from Cinesite.

Taking Chance
5:15pm Raquet Club Premier

The story of colonel Mike Stobel's decision to escort the body of a Marine killed in action in Iraq in 2004 back to his parents in Wyoming. For Mike it is a way of connecting with soldiers who have seen action when he himself has been marginalized from the fighting. While an emotional rollercoaster, the film never really connects to its real life subjects and remains detatched. I hope it wasn't intentional, but there's the most crass piece of product placement I can recall in ages as the movie aims for dignity.

Director Katz, retired Lt. Col Strobl and Mr. Bacon were on hand for a muted Q & A following the feature. Fortunately the Bacon-factor was able to inject some levity into the proceedings.

William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe
8:00pm Holiday Village Press Screening

A biography of lawyer William Kunstler, who drew the wrath of a nation by representing the likes of the Chicago 8, the Native Americans who occupied Broken Knee and tried to negotiate on behalf of the Attica Prisoners who had comandeered their prison. The documentary was made by Kunstler's daughters who seem to be trying to understand their own father who clearly courted controversy and put himself and his family in danger.

A fascinating companion piece to Chicago 10 from an earlier Sundance.

Day 4 - 17th January 2009

Existential science fiction tale concerning a astronaut who consents to allow clones of himself as replacements should he be involved in a fatality. Further emotional complications ensue as our hero lost his twin brother while a child. Director Kanji Nakajima was on hand to suggest that he wants the audience to make their own interpretations of the events that unfold. Following Andrei Tarkovsky's footsteps, the film was fascinatingly obscure, but alas, also a trifle dull.

Director Kanji Nakajma, hot from a luncheon with Mr. Redford, plumped for an existential Q & A session, in which he asked the audience for their interpretations of events. This prompted an exploration of Buddhist philosphy and the ramifications of mist. I was briefly tempted to enquire 'Is it bigger than a breadbox'.

A family tries to come to terms with their grief after their son is killed in a car accident, which is complicated further when the son's three month pregnant and homeless girlfriend arrives on their doorstep.

Film plays the emotions as you'd expect. Great performances from the youthful cast, particularly Carey Mulligan as the girlfriend and Johnny Simmons as the second banana son whose sense of humour thins the treacle. Pierce Brosnan and Susan Sarandon try hard as the angst ridden parents. I'm sorry, I have a hard time watching an ex-James Bond cry. Come on, pull yourself together man, Sean Connery would never behave like this, you'll be singing Abba songs in some musical next, as if.

During the course of the day espied Werner Herzog boarding a bus, and another bus I was on was almost capsized when some claimed to have spotted David Hasselhoff causing a stampede to the windows. I'm sure the 'Hoff would be pleased to know he's more of a draw than the director of Fitzcarraldo and Grizzly Man.

Day 5 - 18th January 2009

Paul Giamatti (Paul Giamatti) is having trouble with playing a stage role in Uncle Vanya - the part is getting to him. Paul's agent jokingly suggests he look at a New Yorker magazine article concerning a medical procedure to remove the soul. Desperate to alleviate his distress, Paul, with great trepidation approaches the clinic. Succumbing to the sales pitch, Paul undertakes the procedure. This helps his mental state, but completely ruins his stage performance. This is also the beginning of his problems. Turns out the clinic is involved in illegal trafficking of souls from Russia. Then Paul's soul goes missing.

Quirky comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously, souls manifest themselves as small nondescript lumps! Coasts along on Giamatti's charm. Director notes that she had Woody Allen in mind for the lead role originally and that probably tells you what you need to know.

Press & Directors meet 'n' greet
In another first, the directors out numbered the press at this informal junket, and we managed to interview/chat to a good number of folk, many of whom queued up to talk to us! Among the throng, William Kunstler Disturbing the Universe co-directors, Emily and Sarah Kunstler. Grace director, Paul Solet, who cheered me by being a fan of 70s and 80s horror. Finally Martin Todsharow, music composer on the excellent German film, Lulu and Jimi. This ego boost was short lived, however, as our credentials failed to impress the door staff for Jim Carrey's promo party for I Love You, Phillip Morris.

Victoria Day
8:45pm Holiday Village II Press Screening

A look at the life of Canadian/Russian teen, Ben Spektor (Mark Rendall). Set in 1988, Ben's main interest in life is ice hockey, but this is beginning to shift towards the opposite sex. That obscure object of desire turns out to be the sister of one of his hockey team mates. Complications ensue when this team mate disappears after a Bob Dylan concert.

Well observed slice of life with outstanding turns from the whole cast. The only problem, is that the slice is all you are given...there should be more!

Day 6 - 19th January 2009

Don't Let Me Drown
6:00pm Holiday Village II Press Screening

Concerns a forbidden ethnic relationship between a Mexican boy and an African American girl in the poor areas of New York post the events of 9/11. Shades of Romeo and Juliet in this well-observed milieu, so well-observed in fact that one feels one might be watching a documentary.

It occurs to me that The Greatest, Victoria Day and Don't Let Me Drown - are all the same film just observed among different social classes.

Day 7 - 20th January 2009

There's this inauguration thing going on which is probably more important than the stuff going on here. I note that both Biden and Obama flubbed their wedding vows, but I don't think that is in any way ominous.

Bret Easton Ellis' tale of the 80s sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll culture focusing on three vaguely interweaving tales. Despite everyone having a good time, all the time, nothing good happens. The Rourke (as in Mickey Rourke) just has to poke his head round a door to steal a movie.

As everyone involved is too throughly self-centered to realise that their world is imploding it is difficult to have any sympathy for anyone.

The sorry tale of total bastard, Michael Peterson who reinvented himself as Charles Bronson for bare knuckle brawling purposes. Guilty of minor thuggery in his brief sojourns in society, he has spent 34 years institutionalised with no sign of further reprieve. Why? Because this guy is always spoiling for a fight. With anyone. Anywhere.

Tom Hardy brings an energy to the character like a kick in the bollocks making making all other movie hard men look as though they belong on the Muppet Show. A phenomenal performance, and I will now forgive him for being too weenie in the last Star Trek movie.

Thoroughly disturbing and powerful, we had one presumably hardened press personage, chunder in the aisle. I'm not sure if we are supposed to feel sorry for Bronson or not - I certainly don't and as to the brutality of the system that creates and enhances such a creature - well in this case they may have a point.

-phew-

Eco-friendly documentary focusing on nine Americans who have done their bit to further the cause and along the way celebrate early activist, Rachel Carson.

Worthy, but preaching to the choir, with cutesy 50s footage and more pertinent 70s imagery which proves we've progressed not a jot since the energy crisis of that era.

My second eco-motivated documentary of the day. This one champions the fish in our oceans, a resource we are gourmandising to extinction. Apparently Mitsubishi are one of the big villains of the piece, and I shall now feel guilty everytime I climb into my Galant. Oddly Bird's Eye and Wal-Mart now number among the good guys as they only fish 'sustainable sources'.

Day 8 - 21st January 2009

Finally caught up with Paul Solet's Cronenberg-like body horror, Grace, the tale of an unusual birth and even more unusual baby. Oodles of body fluids and creepy-icky atmosphere aided by a convincing performance from Jordan Ladd.

Film did provoke some laughs, but also some heartfelt WTF's and at least one retch - is this a new Sundance record?

BMI Sundance Snowball Event
The annual Snowball event which usually sports live bands, featured audience participation this year. I'm afraid I've been allergic to such things, since I once inpersonated a tree in a Music, Movement and Mime aged 6, and was so realistic a small dog relieved itself upon my trunk.

The event was an opportunity to interview rising Scottish talent, Adrian McDowall and Finlay Pretsell, terrific lads, both.

We also spoke at length to character actor Malcolm Stewart who is a Sundance triple threat appearing in Grace, Moon and Helen.

Finished the day with this Robin Williams comedy which I didn't hold out much hope for courtesy of the title and Mr. Williams penchant for over sentimentality. It cheers me to report then, that World's Greatest Dad, is one of the funniest films I've seen in years. A black, black comedy about a father who uses a personal tragedy to further his own career. The bonus is also the most sincere look at teenagers at I can recall in forever too. Constant big laughs. A gem. Well done Bob Goldthwait!

Day 9 - 22nd January 2009

Interviewed Grace director, Paul Solet, officially this time. I admire his passion and enthusiasm for genre projects.

The Only Good Indian
5:30pm Holiday Village 1 Press Screening

Curious pseudo-western concerning the attempted westernising of Native American Indians. Story focuses on square peg, "Charlie" (Winter Fox Frank), who runs away only to be caught by Cherokee bounty hunter, Sam Franklin (Wes Studi). An incident during the journey sets a relentless local sheriff on their trail.

Set somewhere in the early part of the 20th century, and with an eye for period detail, a worthy story that aspires to the epic but doesn't quite make it.

Oddity of the day, I called a contact number to enquire if I Love You, Phillip Morris had a distributor, and proceeded to get forwarded around most of Hollywood, including Jim Carrey's agent. The result was that several buyers were interested.

Treevenge
Hilarious 16 minute short concerning the day that Christmas trees decide that they've had enough and seek revenge on human kind for hacking them down. Their bark is definitely worse than their bite.

Just when you'd thought you'd seen every permutation of the living dead here's a refresh...oh...wait...there was Shock Waves and the Frozen Dead with similarities to this one, nevertheless goofy, blood splattered fun for not all of the whole family.

Day 10 - 23rd January 2009

A kind of Spanish road-trip version of No Country for Old Men road trip spiced by the presence of Carmo.

Adam picked up the Alfred P Sloan award for its science references this evening... they said it was selected “for its credible and moving portrayal of an engineer with Asperger's Syndrome whose passion for science helps him in his struggle to achieve a meaningful relationship.”... although the cynic in me notes that the science is really a manifestation of the character's affliction. If the film had continued past its end credits, I might have agreed.

Oddity of the day, apparently the morning showing of The September Issue had double sold out, resulting in a large number of ticket holders being turned away and then to add insult to injury being told that they could get refunds on Main Street (a bus ride away). Oops.

Big Fan
Complications arise for nerdy New York Giants fan, Paul (Patton Oswalt) when having pursued his favourite player to a bar, the two come to blows. Thus setting up a dilemma for him especially when his mother and brother are urging him to sue.

Genial but slight comedy with a splendid turn from Oswalt and almost a guest star turn from Michael Rapaport as a rival fan.

Spoke to a jury member for the Alfred P. Sloan award and discussed science in the movies - her fave - Contact. I offered up the original Andromeda Strain, but she noted its sexist attitude. Deep Impact was another film she gave a nod too.

Day 11 - 24th January 2009

Drizzly Man
Amazing, scored Awards ceremony tickets with alarming ease, on this grey, rainy day in Park City

Push and The Cove picked up the big awards of the night, so I can't comment as I didn't see either of them. Awards show was stolen by the irrepresible Charlyne Yi from Paper Heart who noted that she was nervous and sweaty and smelly...

Push for success at Sundance

Lee Daniels' film wins dramatic prize, while Brits do well in world sections.
by Amber Wilkinson.
Sunday, 25 January 2009.
It came as no surprise to many of the assembled press when Push: Based On The Novel By Sapphire was named the Dramatic Competition award at Sundance..
The superbly acted film, which also won an acting prize for Monique, clearly appeals more to US critics than British ones..
On the Brit front, it was a good night, with Rough Aunties (Kim Longinotto), An Education (Lone Scherfig) and Afghan Star (Havana Marking) all winning plaudits..
Proceedings were introduced by Ken Brecher (Sundance Executive Director). He said: "When we began this festival, George Bush was the president of the United States" [boos from the crowd] "and we ended it with Barack Obama" [cheers all round]. .
The main host was Jane Lynch (The L Word). She followed in the footsteps of last year's host, William H Macy, weaving the festival's film titles into a story, which she promised would touch on Prop 8 - and so she did, in risque fashion..
She warned recipients that the award weighs "around 17lbs... and a word of advice, don't be tedious"..
Geoff Gilmore also presented, he said: "It's been an inspiring film festival, I think in a moment when we really needed it..
"We've come of age and independent film has come of age as well.".
Applauding the risk-taking, he added: "The success of the festival is a tribute to all the filmmakers sitting here.".
He also took time to thank the 1585 volunteers (and so say all of us). They announced an inaugural Gayle Stevens Volunteer award (in tribute to a long-term volunteer who passed away this year). It went to Debbie Read..
NHK International Filmmakers Award (already announced): Diego Lerman,Lucile Hadzihalilovic, David Riker, Kenji Qurata .
International (already announced): Lies by Jonas Odell.
US award (already announced): Short Term 12, Destin Daniel Cretton.
Alfred P Sloan (already announced): Adam, D: Max Mayer .
Dramatic Competition Grand Jury Prize: Push; Dir: Lee Daniels.
Directing Award US Dramatic: Cary Fukunaga for Sin Nombre.
Documentary Competition Grand Jury Prize: We Live In Public, dir: Ondi Timoner .
Special Jury Prize Cinematography Dramatic: Adriano Goldman for Sin Nombre.
Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award.
: Paper Heart; Screenwriter: Nicholas Jasenovec .
Directing Award US Documentary: Natalia Almada for El General.
Special Jury Prize Documentary Editing Award: Karen Schmeer for Sergio.
Special Jury Prize Cinematography US Doc: Bob Richman for The September Issue.
Audience Award US Doc: The Cove; Dir: Louie Psihoyos... Rick O'Barry calls on NHK to allow doc to be shown in Japan.
Audience Award US Dramatic: Push; Dir: Lee Daniels.
Special Jury Prize for Docs: Good Hair; Dir Jeff Stilson.
Special Jury Prize for Excellence in Independent Cinema: Humpday.
Special Jury Prize Acting: Monique.
Audience Dramatic Competition.
Audience Documentary Competition.
World Dramatic Competition Grand Jury Prize: La Nana (The Maid); Dir: Sebastián Silva. .
World Cinema Directing Award: Oliver Hirschbiegel for Five Minutes Of Heaven..
Special World Cinema Jury Prize (acting): Catalina Saavedra for The Maid .
Special World Cinema Jury Prize for originality: Louise-Michel; Dir: Gustave de Kervern, Benoît Delépine .
Special Jury Prize (cinematography): John De Borman for An Education..
Special Jury Award (screenwriting) Jury were: "awestruck by power and sensitivity of screenwriter's work": Guy Hibbert, for Five Minutes Of Heaven.
World Cinema Audience Award Doc: Afghan Star; Dir Havana Marking .
World Cinema Dramatic award: An Education; Dir Lone Scherfig.
World Documentary Competition: Jury said they were "humbled by the films". .
World Cinema Grand Jury Documentary: Rough Aunties by Kim Longinotto.
Special Jury Prize: Tibetan Song, D: Ngawang Choephel (he served 18 years in jail for filming in Tibet)..
Special Jury Prize for Cinematography: John Maringouin for Big River Man..
World Cinema Jury Prize Documentary Editing award: Burma VJ Janus Billeskov Jansen, Thomas Papapetros..
World Cinema Directing Award: Havana Marking for Afghan Star.