film | betsyrowbottom

August 24, 2023

How to ‘Telluride Film Festival’

If you know me, you know that I *never* miss the Telluride Film Festival. The 50th annual festival kicks off one week from today: August 31st in Telluride, CO. The festival not only curates the best films in the world, it’s a celebration of stories. No matter what we do to earn a paycheck, we are all storytellers. Because it’s the stories that connects us all and gives us purpose and meaning.

So… if you’ve ever been curious about attending the Telluride Film Festival… or any film festival, check out my tips and tricks. Every film fest is a little different so do your research.

Why I love the Telluride Film Festival

Telluride has premiered 10 of the last 15 Best Pictures. The films are curated from thousands of the best films inthe world, so there’s no guesswork… no matter what you see, it’s going to be pretty great. No stinkers. No Marvel movies.
The films do not compete (Cannes, Sundance, Toronto all give prizes) so the art can just be art. There’s no pressure to “be better than another film”. As we know — stories touch all of us in different ways. Comedies hit differently than dramas. At the Telluride Film Festival, the filmmakers can sit back and relax. They are there to be inspired by each other’s work, too. There’s a spirit of celebration instead of competition.
Did I mention “the backdrop” — Telluride’s purple mountains majesty!? Even though we spend the majority of our waking hours inside theaters, when we are outside, the mountains are gloriously restorative.
Tellurideide is a tiny place. It’s very easy to navigate and get from theater to theater. More times for movies!
There are no red carpets. Celebrities like being able to see films and admire the other best films of the year without a glam squad in tow. Also… See #2 – no competition.

The basics:

How to get to Telluride:

Fly in/out of Montrose, CO or Durango, CO. Denver is 6+ hour drive to Telluride through the mountains (and if you must fly to into DIA, then take route 285 — the highway takes you through about 100 miles of the Pike and San Isabel National Forest).

Insider tip: Southwest Airlines flies into MTJ from Denver a couple of times/day and often offers the best rates to get to Telluride.

Huzzah! You made it to Montrose! An epic journey already… For your next challenge: Getting from Montrose to Telluride. Hitch with other airline passengers who are driving up to Tride, take a shuttle, or rent a car, if you wish, but you won’t likely need your car when you get to Telluride. Telluride is a very easy town to walk (and more tricky to park – so walking/biking is fastest).

Where to stay in Telluride:

(Intentionally blank)

I got jokes! It’s true… There are less and less places to stay in Telluride on a budget. I am fortunate and have friends who are generous with their sofas. Network with *anybody* you know there – and hey, now you know me! And/or if your wallet allows, find a sweet place on Airbnb – there are places around… be prepared for $1,000+/night.

Location, location, location… Telluride is where you want to be. Mountain Village requires a gondola ride (FREE) but you might turn into a pumpkin when the gondola stops running at 1AM — and get stuck in town. Look for a place in Telluride.

Ok – you’ve figured out travel + lodging! Good job! Now… onto the SHOW.

This year is the 50th annual Telluride Film Festival. I’ve been attending the big “SHOW” since 2001 (so this year is #22 for me!) and I’ve learned “how to film fest” over the years.

Telluride Film Festival’s program is kept secret until the day the festival begins. Passes goes on sale March 1st every year and sell out within about 20 mins based on reputation. You will not know what you’re about to see — but really, that’s part of the fun! No marketing. No celebrity interviews. No trailers. Just art. For art’s sake. Speaking of which… there’s no prizes at the Telluride Film Festival either. No one is competing. This also adds to the specialness of the fest. Everyone is a winner! Because you’re there!

Survival kit:

Backpack – durable and lightweight – I have one like this from Patagonia
- Industrial strength lip balm (you’ll spend 30-90 minutes waiting in line before each program and at 8,750’ —– the sun is blazing hot)
- Sunscreen (see above)
- Sun hat (again, above)
- Water bottle – (again, for real… 8,750’ is no joke! ) You gotta stay hydrated. Drink at least 100+ oz of water daily to stay ahead of altitude sickness.
- Hot drink bottle – I put a new tea bag into my Stanley travel mug daily and then refill it with hot water – available for FREE at most theaters.
- Your dog-earred TFF Program – sure, it’s fun to refer to the app, but there’s nothing like a paper program to circle your planned itinerary and compare notes before the next “SHOW”. It’s also your memento that you can keep and refer to after 20+ years of attending.
- Snacks! Because actual meals are few and far between. Fruit (non-mushy kind) to throw into the backpack and/or crackers, or stuff that doesn’t make a ton of noise to unwrap is a good choice. Theaters offer candy, soda, etc – but the lines can be long and if you just want a little nosh, it’s good to have on hand. Also, the 2 grocery stores in town have limited supplies over the holiday weekend, so stock up in Montrose, if you can.
- Raincoat (preferably one that covers your butt so you don’t have to sit in wet pants)
- Small umbrella
- And yes, even a super lightweight down jacket because the temps dip 15-20°+ cooler when the sun goes down and if you’re in a theater, that cold air is going to feel a lot colder.
- Hat, mittens & scarf… check night time forecast.
- First aid kit: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Benadryl & saline spray for your nostrils (your nose will get *very dry*)
- Headlamp because the streets can be pretty dark and you definitely want good lighting for riding your bike.

Bike – you just need a little commuter bike that will allow you to get from theater to theater quickly so you can queue up for the next film or hop into the screening that is just starting – having that 10-15 mins that you’d be walking allows you to see 2-3 more films!

NOTE: You can rent a bike (daily/weekly) from Easy Rider (photo above) which is a lot cheaper than some other shops on Main St. Jonny is so old skool that there’s no website. Just a buncha cool bike dudes who fix bikes. Call the shop to reserve your bike because like most things in Telluride, bikes are also a finite resource.

Optional & nice to have:

Lightweight collapsible chair (I have this one) for sitting rather than standing in line when waiting for movies.

What to wear in Telluride:

Jeans, sneakers, a sweater & always have a light jacket. It’s a super casual town so be comfy.

Couple quick housekeeping rules.

Because these films are either World Premieres or North American Premieres, do not ever check your phone during the film. It’s really disrespectful to the filmmaker, and even if she isn’t sitting beside you, it’s distracting and disrespectful to everyone who traveled to be in that theater. Turn your phone off. Please. The only screen you need is the giant one in front of you.

This is it! This is not a drill! The SHOW is about to begin!

AM: Review the program and make a plan for what you MUST SEE and then prioritize those screenings. Remember: the last days of the festival, there will be lots of “TBAs” so you will get more chances to see what’s popular.

Day 1: Films begin after the Main Street Feed – so this is really a ½ day for movies.

PM: Join the Main Street Feed – this is the first big event of the festival. It’s great people-watching and always delicious! Often catered by La Cocina.

PM: Check out the late night films, most of the audiences go to bed early so often it’s a good idea to see those 9PM / 10PM screenings.

Day 2: THIS IS IT! ALL DAY FILMS. Tell your butt to prepare to sit for A LONG TIME!

Most films start at 9AM, if you *really* want to see it, get in line* by 7:30AM. Lines will be long all day.

*NOTE: Talk to people in line. “What have you seen that you LOVED?” Ask people what’s been their favorite. I’ve learned so much about what films to see and which to avoid by simply talking to people in line.

*A quick note about the lines. Refer to your TFF program for how the lines work. I’m not going to share everything here because theaters vary with their “queue protocols”. If you’re in line an hour before the film starts, theater volunteers will give you a paper queue to hold your place. That allows you to walk around, grab a quick bite (this is one of the many times that you’ll be happy to have a bike!) or just lay in the grass and watch the slow moving white puffy clouds in a resplendent gleaming blue sky above.

Day 3: Things start to calm down a bit now – you should have more luck getting into screenings.

Day 4: Same – more chill. Remember to stay hydrated! Drink water! Have a meal! For god sakes, you can’t survive on movies alone… oh, yes, you can.

Day 5: There are 5 GLORIOUS days this year because it’s the 50th so Day 5 is a BONUS! Enjoy the last day of movies, movies, movies!

Then go to the Closing Picnic in Town Park. It’s fun to chill and sit on the grass and take in all the views that you’ve missed over the past 5 days indoors. 🙂

Day 6: Ok, technically, there is NO Day 6… but a few films stick around for the “After the Film Fest – Film Fest” on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – so see everything you missed! And go for a hike! Get up into the mountains. Real life is just around the corner. Start the countdown for next year’s Telluride Film Fest in 359 days…

After the festival, there are 2 things that you can do that will increase your joy factor immeasurably:

Do yourself a favor and write some reviews. It’s fun! And it will help you to remember what you saw.
Stay in touch with the people you met in Telluride. I have acquaintances who I follow their Instagram throughout the year. And I have dear friends who I met by volunteering for the Telluride Film Fest who have become lifelong friends. We see each other outside of Labor Day weekend now because we share a lot more than our love for movies!

Feel free to click around my blog to see the films I loved most. I started writing reviews in 2014, the year of Birdman, Foxcatcher, Life Itself and Wild Tales! 2014 was a truly great year at the Telluride Film Festival.

What will we see this year!?? Stay tuned.

Some of my best memories from the Telluride Film Festival…

(…See the theme? Every photo shows people I love most from this festival — we come for the GREAT movies… but it’s the friendships that keep us returning every Labor Day weekend)

Posted in art films, film, film festival, film festivals, film review, telluride film festival | Leave a Comment »

Tags: academy awards, film festival, telluride, telluride film festival

September 24, 2019

2019 Telluride Film Fest Recap

In queue at the Werner Herzog Theater in Town Park

Telluride was HOT this year. Like actually hot. 80°. I usually pack wool socks and cashmere sweaters, but this year, standing in sun-drenched queues was like hiding out in rhinos. Speaking of hot — so, did Telluride premiere the Best Picture of 2019 this year? Hard to say. Nobody predicted Green Book last year — the first year in a dozen that Telluride didn’t have the North American premiere of the Oscar’s best film. I’m not sure if we had the Best Picture this year or not but my favorite of the 2019 festival was: The Two Popes (currently 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and Variety review here). My review and trailer below.

List in alphabetical order:

The Aeronauts B

Diego Maradona A

Family Romance, LLC B

Judy B

The Kingmaker A

Lyrebird C

Marriage Story A

Motherless Brooklyn B

Pain and Glory A

Parasite A

Portrait of a Lady on Fire A

The Report B

Tell Me Who I Am A

The Two Popes A+

Uncut Gems A

Waves C

The Aeronauts B

This film is about a lady pilot in 1862. Rad. “Pilot” a hot air balloon because airplanes weren’t even invented yet. Airplanes didn’t come along for 40+ years. The Aeronauts is a 2019 biographical adventure film written and directed by Tom Harper and stars that dynamic English duo: Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne (co-starred in The Theory of Everything). This is a movie (as opposed to a film) and feels very Disney – suspenseful with a strong girl-power message.

Trailer: The Aeronauts

Diego Maradona A

Diego Maradona is directed by Academy-Award winner Asif Kapadia (Senna + Amy). He depicts people on their way up and up and up… and then the inevitable fall. The only difference in Diego Maradona is – he doesn’t die tragically as a young man. Somehow. And truthfully, I didn’t know anything about Diego Maradona, which didn’t impact my ability to enjoy his story and this documentary. Kapadia looked through thousands of hours of raw footage from 1980-1995 to create a time-capsule of Maradona’s rise and fall as an Argentine footballer (soccer player) who was worshiped on and off the field. He led Napoli from the bottom of the stats (think: The Bears) to its first league title (think: The Packers in 2011).

Trailer: Diego Maradona

The portrait: The Man, The Legend inside of the Werner Herzog Theater

Family Romance, LLC B

Noteworthy: Werner Herzog introduced this film at the screening I attended and said they shot about 300 minutes, and used about 80 minutes. Not bad. The film is weird, like most Werner films and funny. The acting feels almost like a reenactment, instead of a film. Quirky. Weird. Oddly watchable.

Trailer: Family Romance, LLC

Judy B

Renee Zellweger plays Judy Garland beautifully and will probably get an Oscar nomination for her performance. The story was good, but lacked a little emotional umph. Personally, I love Renee in comedies — Did you see her in Down With Love? Loved that movie and told her that when we spoke for a few minutes after the screening. She said she loves the amazing Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (who doesn’t —- me, too!).

Trailer: Judy

The Kingmaker A

This film makes a strong argument that Donald Trump and Imelda Marcos are related. Or maybe The Don is Imelda’s spirit animal. She should put him in her dilapidated zoo. Lauren Greenfield (who directed Generation Wealth on Netflix now and The Queen of Versailles, has uncensored access to Imelda Marcos. Yup, the lady with all the shoes. She’s back. Even more out of touch. Even more excess. Corruption. Greed. Total disregard for the constituency.

No trailer yet.

Winner: Best film festival t-shirt

Lyrebird C

I won’t remember the name or anything about this film in two years. There wasn’t much to remember or love about this film. Lyrebird is clunky and lacked style/vision. I didn’t care much about the characters or what happened to them. I liked Vicky Krieps performance, but that could be leftover from how much I loved her in Phantom Thread. Talk about style and vision! PTA knows all the tricks.

No trailer yet for Lyrebird. Just as well.

Marriage Story A

Anyone who knows me (well), knows that I love me a good, sad breakup movie. I’ve seen Kramer vs. Kramer about 50 times. It’s gut wrenching and real and I eat that shit up. Marriage Story is the poor man’s K vs. K. Absent was Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, and the 2019 version is Adam Driver and ScarJo. They’re good, but nuance is missing (as it is from almost all scenes directed by Noah Baumbach). How do you add nuance? I am not sure. But I can tell when it’s not there. Even the title of the film — not much nuance. You know? Laura Dern (as Nicole/ScarJo’s attorney) delivers a mid-movie monologue that provides some great comedic lines.

Trailer: Marriage Story

Motherless Brooklyn B

During the introduction to Motherless Brooklyn, the film was described to me and the rest of the packed theater as a “masterpiece”. Um. No. First, it’s unfair to say right before a film, because you’re expecting The Godfather and Motherless Brooklyn is not The Godfather. But, like I said… that’s not really fair. Ed Norton wrote, directed and plays a private detective afflicted with Tourette’s Syndrome, as he ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend. It’s meh. It’s another film that I won’t remember 3 years from now. Damn, good movies (aka: masterpieces) sure are hard to make.

Trailer: Motherless Brooklyn

Pain and Glory A

Pedro Almodóvar’s shares a beautifully personal story about a filmmaker who is afflicted with Woody Allen-level ailments: headaches, backaches, a tendency to choke on any solid food – and general depression. Antonio Banderas steps up to the role he was born to play. He should be nominated for an Oscar for it, and might even win but the film will have limited theater-run. See it in a theater for the full sensory experience.

Trailer: Pain and Glory

Parasite A

Parasite is the best South Korean black comedy thriller film you’ve ever seen. First, this is the only film that my friend Dan told me to ‘Run, don’t walk to see Parasite’. And I did. And it’s great. It’s great for lots of reasons, but my favorite reason is that you’ve never seen this film before. Every plot twist your brain is working on, you’re wrong. It’s going to be fresh and new and I’m not going to tell you anything. Just take my word for it. Or don’t take my word. It won the frickin Palme d’Or at Cannes – 2019.

Trailer: Parasite

Portrait of a Lady on Fire A

Portrait of a Lady on Fire — this is the film that I go to the Telluride Film Festival for. Because even if I happen to see a poster for this film in the lobby of my favorite art-house theater (the Oriental in Milwaukee) or even the trailer, I’m not sure I’d know how great this film is and take myself to the theater. But this film is quiet and nuanced, and the story builds and unfolds at the right pace. That said, it would be a difficult one to get through on TV at home.

Trailer: Portrait of a Lady on Fire

The Report B

We’ve seen these political cat and mouse films before. All The President’s Men did it best. Even The Post is a bit more suspenseful than The Report. These are tricky stories to tell. Adam Driver does a good job and the film is watchable; because unfortunately, we (humans) need to learn over and over that torture doesn’t work (as much as we wish it did… it just doesn’t) so the story feels fresh and new. As the end credits explain, no one was ever charged or censured, and many of those involved in the use of “enhanced interrogation techniques” (EITs, more commonly known as torture) at CIA black sites around the world did not merely remain on staff; they were promoted.

Trailer: The Report

Tell Me Who I Am A

This is one of those ultra brutal docs that I will never forget. Like Act of Killing, a Telluride Film Festival selection in 2013 and a documentary that won every award because it’s great and the access to its subjects is unbelievable. What makes a great documentary? Truth. And relatability. This film is about truth and lies. And how the power of truth will set you free. It’s tragic and dark, but love and truth is there, too. Watch it. It will remind you the power of truth and family. And how family secrets will tear you apart. A universal story that anyone can relate.

No trailer released yet.

My fab Film Fest fam

Still with me? Ok — well, here’s my pick for Best Picture!

The Two Popes A+

Confession: I’m a lapsed catholic. And I think it’s relevant to share in my review of The Two Popes. See, I’m not fan of the Catholic faith. My big gripes: 1) Women seen as second-class citizens. Women are less than men — lack of women in powerful positions. Priests. Bishops. Popes. Hello. It’s 2019 and for some reason, the Church is not subjected to equal-opportunity gender laws. 2) Gross displays of wealth in churches despite the Church’s stated mission to “live like Jesus” and spread resources among people who need food, shelter, etc. 3) Duh… sensible birth control — that women control. Yup, abortion… see #1. Ok, but despite (maybe because of) my beliefs about the Catholic Church, I loved The Two Popes. It was my favorite film of the festival. Top prize. And I wasn’t alone. A lot of people said it was their favorite, too. Ok, here comes the disclaimer. To see this film at home is to diminish your chances to see it’s full splendor. Because it’s a quiet story and watching it on Netflix at home while you do laundry and check FB, you’ll miss everything great about it. It’s a shame that this film won’t be seen in theaters because it deserves to be seen in the dark and quiet (ok, I’ll say it — a sacred) space. If you say this film isn’t amazing — I blame the environment, not the film. If Netflix releases The Two Popes in a theater near you, it will be brief, but go and pay the $10. It’s worth it.

Trailer: The Two Popes

Adam Sandler and the Safdie brothers discussing Uncut Gems

Uncut Gems A

Hold onto your butts. Place your bets now. Adam Sandler will get nominated for an Oscar for this performance. He plays Howard Ratner, a jewelry store owner and gambler who is on the verge of winning big and losing big and winning big and… during this 2-hour thrill ride. I heard a few people say “I don’t like Adam Sandler… I won’t like it” and I get that but this film is worth seeing. Adam Sandler transforms himself in this role; you’re not watching Billy Madison.

Trailer to be released on Sept. 24, 2019

Waves C

This film missed its mark for me. The pacing was wrong. It felt heavy-handed, over-directed. It’s overly melodramatic (which is usually my favorite!) but it felt manipulative. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, who has received a lot of praise for his work. I was like “meh”.

Trailer: Waves

20740BE7-33EB-4290-8EA5-FE52884350FC IMG_7387(1)

See you in August 2020, Telluride. If not, before. I’m looking at you, MountainFilm.

Posted in art films, film, film festival, film festivals, film review, Oscar Films, Road Trip, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Tags: adam sandler, best films of 2019, diego maradona, Film Reviews, netflix, Oscar Buzz, safdie brothers, telluride film festival, the two popes

September 20, 2018

2018 Telluride Film Fest recap

Version 2

Telluride Film Fest #45 has come and gone. And this year, like an athlete trains for an Olympic event, I am just as committed… to sitting in the dark and eating popcorn and seeing films. Not just any films, the Telluride Film Festival thoughtfully curated films.

I watched 18 films in 5 days. Meals and showers are overrated.

Birds of Passage B
Border B+
Can You Ever Forgive Me? A+
Cold War A+
Dogman A
The Favourite A+
First Man B
Fistful of Dirt B
Free Solo A
The Front Runner B
Girl A+
The Old Man & the Gun B
The Other Side of the Wind B
Roma A+
Shoplifters A
Trial by Fire A
White Boy Rick B
The White Crow A

Birds of Passage B

This film has many of the familiar drug-world ideas we know (a crime family that keeps getting sucked in further and further, The Godfather), with a new twist: family ties that justify bloody drug war meets an indigenous Colombian culture, the Wayuu tribe. This film feels like it should be studied in a film theory class. It’s flawless in its authenticity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cbzb4pXZT0

Border B+

This film by director, Ali Abbasi is not what you think it is. Whatever you think it is, it’s not that. As a border patrol guard, Tina can sniff out the bad guys. Spoiler alert: the interspecies sex is unforgettable. If you like super weird stories, you’ll dig Border.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpwPp0DYyg0

Can You Ever Forgive Me? A+

Can_You_Ever_Forgive_Me_poster

I would watch this film again now. I loved it. Melissa McCarthy will surely be a contender for Best Actress for this role. She is great, as she always is, in this film about Lee Israel, a small-time crook who forges letters from famous writers. The pace and wit of this film (and depth of characters) is what The Old Man & the Gun missed. It’s funny and the details of everyday life are accurate and tell the story (her agent has 80% used-up toilet paper rolls in her bathroom cabinet – I mean… come on, this is a perfect detail of The Perfect Party Hostess). Marielle Heller directs and I hope she will be recognized for her vision to make this film feel real, gritty, but never cheesy. I’ll be seeing this one again when it shows in theaters.

Prediction: Academy Award Winner for Best Actress Melissa McCarthy + Best Film Nominee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvJIaNsf_bY

Here’s a little clip from the Q&A with Richard E. Grant, Melissa McCarthy and Marielle Heller about directing professional theatrical cats.

Cold War A+

Every film fest needs a great love story. Cold War is that. Sexy, romantic, black and white so the scenery and drama of the era feels authentic. This film is coming to the Milwaukee Film Festival — yay! So maybe I’ll get to see it again!

Prediction: Academy Award Nominee for Best Foreign Film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvPkDdFeTk8

Dogman A

I love this movie. I love the lovable goofball; the main character, Marcello (played by Marcello Fonte, an amateur actor who is beautifully directed by Matteo Garrone (directed Gomorrah, Telluride Film Fest 2008). Marcello is a dog-groomer who turns to drug-dealing to make ends meet. This story turns super brutal due to a super stupid thug. I watched the bloody parts with my eyes and ears closed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bpm547O4J0w

The Favourite A+

the favourite pic

Ok, so here it is: The Favourite was my favorite. With stellar performances from Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz and — my prediction for Best Supporting Actress winner: Olivia Colman who is utterly pitiful and totally watchable as Queen Anne. It’s a romp. It’s delightful. It’s silly. It’s savage. It’s everything you want from a 18th century period film where the characters are not well-behaved ladies who simply wear pretty hats and pretty corsets. These are the women you want fighting a war for you because they play dirty.

Prediction: Winner of the Academy Award for Best Film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYb-wkehT1g

First Man B

Intergalactic planetary porn. It’s not porn in the sense that you see Ryan Gosling get down with The Queen, Claire Foy (who plays Neil Armstrong’s wife). It’s porn because space is photographed as dangerous and sexy and rocky and hot. This is a space movie for people who really, really like space exploration. This is a really good simulator for space flight.

Prediction: Academy Award Nominee for Best Film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4GtJB5WAlQ

Fistful of Dirt B

Splash meets Alien, meets Finding Neverland. Ok, there are some serious clues in that synopsis. This movie gets a lot right. Visually, the place looks bleak (this was the first major feature film shot after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico) and the little boy, Yei gives a great performance.

No trailer available

Free Solo A

alex

Afraid of heights? Well, this movie is going to terrify you. The setup: a brave man, Alex Honnold, is the first and only guy to successfully “free solo” El Capitan, the 3,000+ foot rock wall in Yosemite. Free solo means exactly what you think it means. No ropes. Free climbing. Alex Honnold is totally bananas. And the amazing camera angles allow you to be bananas, too. Spoiler alert: Alex lives. But it doesn’t matter because you’ll be on the edge of your seat.

Prediction: Academy Award Nominee for Best Documentary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urRVZ4SW7WU

The Front Runner B

I wanted to love this, because I love Jason Reitman (Juno, Up In the Air, Thank You For Smoking, Young Adult) but this isn’t his typical movie. The Front Runner refers to Gary Hart (played by Hugh Jackman) running for president in 1988 (and the sex-scandal that unraveled his campaign). In the era of the Trumpster Fire we have now, this story is cute, quaint, the way things used to be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAOYDcnVx6E

Girl A+

See this film. It’s really special. The reason I cried (yup, me) was because the story is universal. A parent (loving and supportive dad) and kid (“I know how to do it myself” teenage daughter) try to navigate being different in a world that doesn’t support different. It’s heartbreaking and truthful – which are my drugs of choice. Lukas Dhont won Cannes Camera d’or for best first feature. Whoa. If this is his first film — imagine what he will do next!?

Prediction: Academy Award Nominee for Best Foreign Film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdzu26tnUTc

The Old Man & the Gun B

This movie is a love letter to Robert Redford, and it’s Robert Redford’s love letter to movies. Sissy Spacek plays Redford’s girlfriend in this charming little bank robber with a heart-of-gold love story. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s charming and fun. And like any Robert Redford bank robber story, you never cheer for the cops. Casey Affleck, who plays the bad guy law enforcement, understands that he is witnessing something special.

Prediction: Academy Award Nomination for Best Actor Robert Redford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7rlUe-Thvk

The Other Side of the Wind B

I wanted to love this film because my friend, Dan Hanley LOVED this film. This film took 48 years to complete which is an amazing feat, no matter what the outcome is. To follow this film, you gotta be a real film buff. Dan watches F for Fake a few times a year and loves Orson Welles. To me, this film had no narrative throughline that I could track. It’s a series of bright colors, a recurring naked lady and party montages with the amazingly charismatic John Huston and a young Peter Bogdanovich. I didn’t get it but it sure was fun watching Dan love this film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMWHBUTHmf0

Roma A+

Roma is great. It will be distributed by Netflix, which is a bit of a shame because this film deserves to be seen on a big screen. The film is so rich in black and white (a subtle nod to the black and white-ness of the film narratives) textures and story. The question I kept asking myself is — this is a future-award winning film, maybe the best film of the year… So, are Netflix films eligible for Oscars? Yes, if the film is released at a Los Angeles County movie theater, it can show at one theater and be eligible for Academy Awards. Roma should be a strong contender. Alfonso Cuarón (who came to Telluride with Y Tu Mamá También in 2001 – my first year in Telluride!) has a wonderful gift for subtle storytelling. Often missing in cinema. Confident, personal storytelling.

2016 Telluride Film Fest recap

14264017_10153676994081637_7823479916633810662_n

As I’ve done in other years, I’d like to share my thoughts about this year’s program at the Telluride Film Festival. 2016 marks my 15th year at the festival. The festival has changed a lot over my tenure and while I could gripe a lot about all the changes I don’t like, the quality of the films is still great. And Telluride *never* disappoints. Labor Day weekend, Telluride and many of my favorite people welcome me with open arms. Cinema Paradiso at 9,000 feet!

20151023_Moonlight_D08_C1_K1_0121.tif

The list of 17 films I saw at this year’s Telluride Film Festival:

Arrival

Bleed for This

Bright Lights

California Typewriter

Chasing Trane

The Graduation

The Ivory Game

Jerry Lewis: Man Behind the Clown

La La Land

Lost in Paris

Manchester by the Sea

Moonlight

Neruda

Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer

Sully

Toni Erdmann

Una

_____________________________________

Let’s start with my super favorites. Run (RUN!) to the nearest theater when these films are released:

Moonlight A+

Moonlight is a great film from a soon-to-be well-known director, Barry Jenkins. Side note: I love Barry Jenkins. Not like fan love. Like love-love. Barry and I met about 13 years ago at the Telluride Film Fest and we’ve both returned every year since. We’ve both done grunt work that a film fest requires and like me, Barry loves films and deeply cares about the community of the Telluride Film Festival. Unlike me, he created a film that may be nominated for a few Oscars in 2016. Wow! The film focuses on Chiron through his challenges as a mostly silent young boy being raised by his struggling addicted mother. The story is beautifully told and I’m excited for it to find it’s audience. I believe a film like this has the power to connect people who also feel isolated because their story hasn’t been told. I’m super excited for Moonlight’s Oscar buzz and success. Well done, Barry Jenkins!

2006: Barry Jenkins and I (wearing my hair)

Manchester by the Sea A+

Loved this film. Kenneth Lonergan’s first feature, You Can Count on Me is one of my all time favorites. Lonergan may well be the best screenwriter of his generation. He has the most incredible insights about emotionally damaged people. His observations and the performances he beckons are right on the money. Casey Affleck plays Lee Chandler, a man who lives in silent isolation when his brother dies suddenly and he is named as guardian. This film is funny, smart, sad. All my favorites.

Toni Erdmann A+

Loved loved loved this movie. There’s not too many movies that are this emotionally charged and still fun to watch! I laughed until I cried. Then I cried. Then I laughed some more. Toni Erdmann has everything. A complicated father-daughter relationship story that is very well told. Woman director (YES!), Maren Ade hits this one out of the park. Can’t wait to see all 162 minutes again.

Arrival A

Keeping with Telluride’s tradition of revealing Best Picture for the past 6 years (2010 – The Kings Speech, 2011 – The Artist, 2012 – Argo, 2013 – 12 Years a Slave, 2014 – Birdman, and last year, Spotlight), Arrival is my best guess for 2016 Oscar for Best Picture. It’s got everything. Mystery. The meaning of time (on earth and beyond).

Wakefield A

Part Rear Window and part — I don’t know what — because this funny, creepy, emotionally-revealing film isn’t like any other film I’ve ever seen. Wakefield, adapted from a short story by E.L Doctorow, writer/director Robin Swicord masterfully tells the story of a jealous and selfish husband (Bryan Cranston) who has figured out a way to keep an eye on his world without actually living in his world. Bryan Cranston will likely be nominated for an Oscar for this wacko character.

Una A

Tough subject matter. But this film is emotionally right on the money with it’s depiction of an angry young woman who is seeking understanding from her abuser. Rooney Mara plays a 20-something trying to come to terms with the sexual abuse she experienced as a 13 year old. Una is surprisingly watchable (actually, gripping). It’s by-no-means a feel-good movie, but it’s extremely well done.

California Typewriter A

For the last several years, I’ve seen my last film at the Sheridan Opera House. A special little theater in Telluride and this film delivered. First, I loved the people in this documentary. Quirky. Funny. Real people. And “Dear Santa, I want a typewriter“. Think this doc did what it set out to do. Well done, Doug Nichol.

The Ivory Game B

This documentary tells the story of the uphill battle of protecting elephants despite the rising prices and desire for ivory in China (where it’s still legal to sell ivory). With costly helicopter shots of Africa’s sweeping vistas, The Ivory Game is filmed more like an action film than a sleepy ‘talking-head’ documentary.

La La Land B

I like singing and dancing. I like looking at Ryan Gosling. This fun and surprising opening scene will be talked about for a while. La La Land is a fun ride about falling in (and sadly) out of love. Don’t expect Gene Kelly or Ginger Rogers, because Ryan and Emma are not. But it’s a modern love story with a nod to vintage love stories.

Jerry Lewis: Man Behind the Clown B

A look at the comedic genius of Jerry Lewis. A clown for the ages. Loved Gregory Monro’s depiction of Jerry Lewis and his life’s work.

Bright Lights B

I loved the film, Postcards from the Edge. I feel like Bright Lights is the story behind the story. Part Grey Gardens, part Terms of Endearment, it’s funny and weird and love-filled. I’m a big fan of mother/daughter stories because I’m pretty crazy about my mom. Debbie and Carrie are true entertainers who bravely reveal themselves in this love story.

Lost in Paris B

Wes Anderson goes to Paris! Kinda. I loved the silliness this “when everything goes wrong” journey. Bright colors and playfully stylized, Lost in Paris is fun to watch.

The Graduation B

This is an intense film (reminded me of The Past, another Telluride Film Fest film from 2014) where not much happens, but you feel like something worse is about to happen. The Graduation is about a father who’s overbearing parenting reminds us all to keep our eyes on our own papers.

Chasing Trane B

John Coltrane was a master of his craft and this film shows us how much family, joy and music he packed into his short life. Coltrane died at 40, but this film exposes his struggles and triumphs.

Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer B

Whoa. Do not invite Norman for dinner. This guy is a wheeler dealer like no one you’ve ever seen before onscreen. He makes Glengarry Glen Ross look like a picnic. Coffee (and peanuts) are for closers. Always Be Closing, Norman. Yikes.

Neruda B

Biopic of Chile’s acclaimed poet and leftist senator, Pablo Neruda. Cat and mouse chase between Neruda played by Luis Gnecco and the detective, Gael Garcia Bernal who has come to Telluride a few times over the years. Photo below of us 12 years ago.

2004: Gael Garcia Bernal and me.

Sully B

Ok, anyone who knows me knows that I’m not a popcorn-movie-film-goer. I’m a total film snob. But. Sully is pretty good. It helps A LOT that this is an extraordinary story. A pilot landed a plane with 155 people on board on the Hudson River! Wha!!? It’s amazing. There are some problems with the movie, but overall, this is a good film.

Bleed for This C

Boxer movie. Not much new here. Miles Teller does a good job in this true story, but the film fell a bit flat for me.

And here are a few more of my favorite moments from this year’s Telluride Film Festival:

Posted in film, film festival, film festivals, film review, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

September 13, 2015

2015 Telluride Film Festival recap

Labor Day weekend has come and gone. Summer is officially over, but don’t despair because there are lots of good films to see before we ring in 2016. This year’s Telluride Film Festival had some sure contenders for best picture. This year was light, as I only saw 13 films (reviews below) but this year was different for us (volunteers and staff) because lots of us “lifers” didn’t return. There are many reasons why, but I’m not going to dwell on what was missing and instead focus on the quality of the films.

Prediction: Suffragette – 2015 Academy Award for Best Film

Watch trailer here.

Suffragette release date: October 23, 2015. Here’s how the film describes itself: A drama that tracks the story of the foot soldiers of the early feminist movement, women who were forced underground to pursue a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an increasingly brutal State. These women were not primarily from the genteel educated classes, they were working women who had seen peaceful protest achieve nothing. Radicalized and turning to violence as the only route to change, they were willing to lose everything in their fight for equality – their jobs, their homes, their children and their lives. Maud was one such foot soldier. The story of her fight for dignity is as gripping and visceral as any thriller, it is also heart-breaking and inspirational.

Ladies. This is our story. Sure, Bridesmaids is also our story, but this film gives women their history (and power). I’ve watched many films over the years that depicted the atrocities Jews endured during the holocaust, black people during slavery and felt empathy, guilt and sadness for the people in the groups that were violated. But Suffragettes (women who fought for equal rights), are my people. Women. I am a woman in 2015 who has benefitted from the women of the suffrage movement. Suffragette depicts our story. Maud, played by Carey Mulligan, is an exhausted factory worker who is lured into the movement by her co-worker. Some of the film is typical, anti-hero stuff. Just like Maud has her eyes opened to a new way of thinking, I did, too. I don’t usually get sucked into would-be inspiring films, but this one hit me between the eyes like a 2×4. I wept. These women fought for our right not only to vote, but to be recognized as equal to men and I felt overwhelming gratitude. There are lots of ways to repay these women’s courageous acts. Here are a few 1) see this movie — extra credit: see it opening weekend; 2) encourage your friends, daughters, mothers to see this movie — extra credit: share on social media; 3) vote and make our voices heard. Or you can just do what I did, and call your mother and bawl like a baby.

2015 films I saw:

45 Years A

Anomalisa A

Beasts of No Nation C

Black Mass B

Carol B

He Named Me Malala A

Heart of a Dog B

Picture B

Room A

Spotlight A

Steve Jobs A

Suffragette A + + + +

Taxi A

45 Years

The wind howls throughout this film from beginning til the end. During the Q&A of this film, I learned that writer/director, Andrew Haigh said that there are actually 27 different wind sounds (after listening to many more) that are layered onto the dialogue. The backdrop is drained of color which just intensifies the film’s moody, chilly feel. Starring Charlotte Rampling, who should be nominated for this film, plays a woman who discovers a deeply buried secret about her 45 year marriage.

Anomalisa

Disclaimer: I love Charlie Kaufman. Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind are two of my favorite films so I’m not objective about this film. Charlie’s Anomalisa is a combination of everything I love about his stories. It’s surreal, it’s sad and tells the truth about how every relationship is doomed from the start. I loved it! It is a perfect depiction of the pessimistic view that all relationships will repeat the same outcome because nothing is new and everyone is the same. Over and over. So, stay married, you might as well.

Beasts of No Nation

I had high expectations going into this film, and my takeaway is… maybe writers shouldn’t be directors and cinematographers, too? Cary Fukunaga (True Detective) was all three. This film is missing an emotional core that I could grab hold of. I wish the film was based in a real place, instead of a general African country. I like the main character, Agu (played by Abraham Attah) and wanted him to survive, but the graphic violence and way too long battle scenes were too gory and repetitive for me to keep my eyes open.

Black Mass

Johnny Depp (minus his Jack Sparrow ponytail) will surely be nominated for his role as Jimmy “Whitey” Bulger, crime boss who was captured in 2011. It’s a story about Whitey’s unchecked rise to power in South Boston underworld, while his brother, William, was president of the Massachusetts State Senate and one of the most powerful politicians in the state. One question: Why didn’t they just cast Ray Liotta? Production could have saved a few bucks on the skullcap and light contact lenses.

Carol

Story: Carol is the 2015 lesbian version of Brokeback Mountain with more art direction. I liked the pretty film, but I feel like I missed out on the characters’ obsession of the book (The Price of Salt). Like all the Telluride Film Fest films, lots of people had differing opinions and loved this film. Rooney Mara will surely be nominated (and Cate Blanchett, too) for her stellar performance as a woman who can’t decide what/who she wants. She’s like Julia Roberts in Runaway Bride. She takes her eggs however her mate takes his eggs. Only instead of eggs, she’s in love with a woman while engaged to a man.

He Named Me Malala

Wow. See this story if you want to be inspired by a girl who isn’t afraid of anything. When Malala was 11 years old, she was targeted and shot in the head by the Taliban. Since then, she became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. She’s a fascinating person… and not a typical teenager. I wish she had her own reality show so she could reach millions of young girls who desperately need a role model like Malala. She is an advocate for educating girls and the picture of strength and courage. Girl power! Attention Milwaukee! It’s playing at the Milwaukee Film Festival October, 1^st:

Heart of a Dog

Artist, Laurie Anderson explores what it feels like to lose your best friend. This beautiful film is all about loss. Losing a parent. Losing a dog. 9/11. This is moving visual, avant-garde picture begins with home movies of her dog, Lollabelle, and ends with the questions that everyone faces with coming to terms with death.

Picture

Crazy, weird. Sneak preview of the most arty of art films. It’s basically a repetitive black and white image of an American Indian woman playing a drum on a beach for 68 minutes with other expressionism images flashed in-between. I disliked it after 20 minutes, but after 45 minutes, I was happy for the break of story and characters and ended up feeling like it was the perfect palate cleanser. Don’t look for this to play at your local mall. Or anywhere. It’s so weird (new?), there isn’t even an IMDB listing.

Room

Trapped in a room for seven years, this mother tries to protect her son from the evil that captured her. Part: ‘Life is Beautiful’ (telling her 5 year old that they live in “room” and space is all around), and part gritty awful dark ‘Silence of the Lambs’, this film is… dark. And with light at the end of the tunnel. Watch for Brie Larson to be nominated. This film will make her a big star.

Spotlight

Watching this film, I was constantly reminded of ‘All the President’s Men’. Unlike a fallen president, priests are the focus of this story when the 2001 Boston Globe’s investigative team called “Spotlight” discovered that not just one priest molested a boy, but the whole Catholic church was covering up hundreds of priests abusing thousands. It’s an awful story but Mark Ruffalo gives a great performance. The story full of twists and turns, making for a drama that’s thrilling and grounded in substantial gravitas.

Steve Jobs

I know what you’re thinking – another Steve Jobs story? Ugh. But. This is a good movie. For one thing, this one doesn’t have Ashton Kutcher… And Aaron Sorkin wrote it (read: lots of walking and talking). It’s West Wing with more techie talk. A fast-paced biography about a seriously emotionally-challenged guy who is mostly awful, but made some well-designed products. Michael Fassbender will probably get a nomination for best actor.

Suffragette

A++++

Full review above with one more thing to note. The cast is mostly women – but so is the crew: Sarah Gavron directs. Written by: Abi Morgan (who wrote Shame). Brendon Gleeson (loved him in 28 Days Later and In Bruges) co-stars, too. This movie is perfect. You will walk about 10′ taller. Grab your girls and see it on opening weekend. See it with the same ladies you saw Sex In The City with — and pack tissues.

Taxi

Queen Latifah is not in this one. Different movie. I promis this film is much, much better. This is the most unexpected film of 2015’s Telluride Film Festival. This is in the same class as previous festival surprises like The Band’s Visit (2007) and Wild Tales (2014). Taxi invites us to spend the day with filmmaker, Jafar Panahi and his revolving passengers. Is this a documentary? Kinda. It’s real enough to be. By making this film, Jafar Panahi is defying his Iranian government who banned him from making films. Ignoring his house arrest sentence, Panahi depicts himself driving this cab on the streets of Tehran telling stories of political heroism and human absurdities. Winner of Berlin’s Golden Bear 2015. I hope this film is released because it’s quite a ride. Sorry. Couldn’t help myself.

More non-film highlights:

Best surprise: Seeing my favorite filmmaker, Alexander Payne at the Cornerhouse.

Best offscreen actors: Seeing my favorite bozos and seeing movies with them

Best photobomb: Rooney Mara

Best French guy: Serge Bromberg! Serge brings the “je ne sais quoi” to the Telluride Film Festival. His love for preserving films is contagious.

Best live performance: RAP RAP RAP RAP RAP RAP. Before the staff film, on Thursday night, Apoc rocked the mic with his new single “Brand New Thing” — this is it. Can’t wait til this is released. Get ready for the Apoc Revolution. Until then… check out his other awesomeness.

Best improv: Charlie Kaufman (left) fielding questions about puppet sex in Anomalisa.

Second best surprise: Official Car of Telluride Film Festival: Tesla. Uh-huh. All my favorites. Joy overload.

Best VIDEO moment: Meryl Streep talking about what the woman’s movement to vote and equal rights mean to her.

Until next year, I love you, Telluride.

Want to see more? Download the full program guide here.

Posted in film, film festivals, film review | 1 Comment »

Tags: academy awards, alexander payne, art films, best films 2015, Jafar Panahi, meryl streep, sarah gavron, suffragette, telluride, telluride film festival, tesla

October 20, 2014

2014 Telluride Film Festival recap

For those of you who know me, you already know that I love the Telluride Film Festival. I’m a “lifer”. When I moved to Telluride in 2001, I had no idea how much I’d fall in love with the town, people — and the Film Festival. I haven’t missed a film fest since. And this year’s program exceeded my expectations, as it does every year. I saw 15 films in 4 days. When my dad was alive, he asked me to write reviews of the films I saw at the film festival. He had no intention of ever watching them (“Go to a movie theater? Nah, the floor is too sticky.”). But for whatever reason, he enjoyed reading my take on the films. My dad died a few years ago, so I haven’t written reviews lately, but I liked our ritual, so this year, I’m writing for you.

2014 films I saw:

‘71

Birdman

California Split

Dancing Arabs

Escobar

Foxcatcher

The Gate

The Imitation Game

Keep On Keepin’ On

Life Itself

The Look of Silence

Mommy

Rosewater

Where Eagles Dare

Wild Tales

My favorite of 2014: Foxcatcher.

Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum & Mark Ruffalo. Directed by Bennett Miller (Moneyball, Capote)

This film works on so many levels. It’s an amazing true story that follows John DuPont, an heir to one of America’s largest family fortunes. Miller lets the story unfold. For the first 45 minutes, I wasn’t sure where the narrative was going. It’s suspenseful and builds slowly (which drives some people nuts). It’s a truthful depiction of the “haves” and “have-nots” and how the game is stacked unfairly from the start. Like the fox that is released for a fox-hunt, where the humans have guns and resources, ultimately, the fox is outnumbered and he is easy prey.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1100089/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Grade: A

‘71

First, lemme say. This is a good film. And a really great year…

’71 shows what life was like in Belfast for a “left-behind” British soldier and residents during the height of the Catholic vs. Protestant violence.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2614684/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Grade: B

Birdman

Will blow your mind. Michael Keaton will probably win an Oscar for this role. Edward Norton & Zach Galifianakis are also great. Directed by Alejandro González (Babel – eh, and Biutiful, ugh) but this film is on a new level of film-making craftsmanship. It’s a story about redemption and second chances – and all the devious ways that our alter egos attempt to thwart our plans to live well.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2562232/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Grade: A

California Split

1974. And oh boy, is it ever 1974. Elloit Gould and George Segal in one of the best “buddy” films ever – because it’s not formulaic, it’s just fun. Robert Altman directs this classic tale that includes orange-throwing, goons, bets on naming all the Seven Dwarves (Dumbo is not one). Got to hear stories from Joseph Walsh (screenwriter) and George Segal about making the film in 1974 . Super magical moment. Only in Telluride.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071269/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Grade: A

Dancing Arabs

A story about an Arab boy who is conflicted about attending a prestigious Jewish boarding school in Israel. Not one of my super favorites.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2841572/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Grade: B

Escobar

Unlike previous years, there weren’t many “sneak previews”, but Escobar was one. Starring Benicio del Toro as Escobar. This is a typical cat/mouse chase. Scared white boy running from powerful Mexican drug czar. Feel like I’ve seen this story before.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2515030/

Grade: B

The Gate

Suspenseful. A story that also takes place in 1971 when a French ethnologist studying rural Buddhism in Northern Cambodia was captured and accused of being a spy for the CIA. He is imprisoned and experiences the atrocities of war.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3480146/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3

Grade: B

The Imitation Game

I’m not going to tell you much about this film because I believe you will see it. This film will get a wide release and has a good chance at winning Best Picture this year. Telluride has shown the Best Picture for the last 4 years. (12 Years a Slave, Argo, The Artist and The King’s Speech) and this is the best hope for this year. It’s really good. It’s got everything: WWII, technology/history, and the protagonist is gay. The Academy will love it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2084970/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Grade: B+

Keep On Keepin’ On

Quincy Jones produced this documentary about Clark Terry, a jazz legend who first met Quincy when he was a kid and became his teacher and mentor. It’s a great story about the power of teaching and connecting with students. A little encouragement goes a long way.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2674040/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Grade: B

Life Itself

I love this film. I cried like a baby. And I never cry. Not in movies. Not in life. I’m no crybaby. This film is a wonderful, truthful, optimistic story. I didn’t expect to love the film or Roger Ebert – who’s life is depicted, but I do.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2382298/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Grade: A

The Look of Silence

This is the companion / follow-up to the documentary, The Act of Killing. Might be the best documentary ever made. Just sayin. The Look of Silence is also excellent. The film attempts to tell “the other side of the story” – from the perspective of the victims who experienced a genocide in 1965 in Indonesia. And even though, it’s almost 50 years later, people still miss those they lost.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3521134/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Grade: A

Mommy

Over-rated. This film was way too dramatic and over-directed. I didn’t love it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3612616/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Grade: C

Rosewater

Directed by Jon Stewart who I was really hoping to meet, but didn’t. The film is good, and Gael García Bernal does a great job. I wondered if Stewart wanted to tell this story out of some feeling of responsibility for what happened to the Iranian-born journalist who was imprisoned for what he said on The Daily Show in 2009.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2752688/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Grade: B

Where Eagles Dare

I fell asleep during this one. I sorta recall snow, gondolas, Clint Eastwood… wasn’t enough to keep my eyes open.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065207/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Grade: N/A – I can’t score this – wouldn’t be fair

Wild Tales

This was the last film I saw of the 2014 Film Fest – and it was AAAMAZING! Such a fun ride. Funny. Smart. It’s 6 shorts, that are totally unrelated, except that each story is more outrageous than the last. Revenge is sweet, and sometimes, it’s really funny. If this film gets released, strap in and see it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3011894/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Grade: A

Best short film: Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared: This 3 minute film is nuts. You might want to smoke drugs before you watch it. Ready? Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtkGtXtDlQA You’re welcome.

Posted in film, film festival, film review | 2 Comments »

Tags: academy awards, art films, best films of 2014, film, film fest, telluride film festival

betsyrowbottom

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories

Meta

Archive for ‘film’

How to ‘Telluride Film Festival’

Why I love the Telluride Film Festival

The basics:

Survival kit:

This is it! This is not a drill! The SHOW is about to begin!

Some of my best memories from the Telluride Film Festival…

2019 Telluride Film Fest Recap

2018 Telluride Film Fest recap

2016 Telluride Film Fest recap

2015 Telluride Film Festival recap

2014 Telluride Film Festival recap

Tags

Calendar

Archives

Blogroll