Uncategorized | betsyrowbottom

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

March 16, 2019

Shrill – Amen, sisters!

You know how a book or movie or piece of art rings so true that it feels like it creates a new language and way of talking about something important? To me, that’s Shrill.

I just finished, ok, devoured the first six episodes of Shrill. The characterizations of Annie, a good-natured people-pleaser who stands up for herself, and tells a personal trainer she randomly meets in a coffee shop who offers “to help her to find the small person inside of her” to fuck off. It’s beautiful.

The thing most people (men) will miss about this show is that EVERY WOMAN RELATES TO ANNIE / LINDY because WE’VE ALL HAD IT. We’ve had it. We’ve all had too many messages during our lifetime to be thinner and prettier. And even if we are not 250 lbs, we stand with our sisters who are because it’s not easy being fat in this world. And they are us, and we are them.

This anthem isn’t pro-fat and anti-skinny. It’s pro-truth. It’s pro-Do You. And everyone can find the joy in being themselves.

Lindy

Before I knew about Shrill, the Hulu show that premiered this weekend, there was the book, Shrill… which I bought and read cover-to-cover (which I very rarely do because: Squirrel! ADD) because before the book, there was a This American Life podcast. For me, that’s how I first learned and instantly loved Lindy West. Have you heard it? Do it. It’s the best This American Life podcast I’ve ever heard. And I’ve heard hundreds. It’s an incredible show from start to finish, not just Lindy’s story. Tune in.

Lindy West is a true feminist. She uses humor and relatable situations (god, a little too relatable — after having sex with a guy who asks her to leave by the back door, to avoid being seen by his total shithead roommates… ugh, the shame of dating someone who isn’t proud to be with you is… sadly, so relatable by me and so many women) to challenge women (and men) to think about they believe when it comes to relationships and being equals. When Lindy worked for Dan Savage at The Stranger, and challenged his regular fat–bashing in his column, Dan was indignant because as a gay man… How dare Lindy ever insinuate that Dan is less than evolved on being totally empathetic/unaware of the underdog? But she did. And Dan was her boss, so she had a good reason to tow the line and accept his ignorance —- but she didn’t. That takes balls. Courage. Chutzpah. Lindy West took big risks and that’s what ‘sheroes’ do. She is the real deal.

Right now, there’s a big ‘Lindy West love fest’ happening everywhere. And she deserves it. She’s tapped into the truth vein and people will follow her into battle because she has proven herself to be a leader who gets it. Who gets us. What more could we ask? Earlier today, my friend Alison posted on Instagram that she planned to watch Shrill this weekend — and I saw lots of other posts from fellow-friend-feminists. Right on, sisters.

Along with her co-founder, Amelia Bonow, Lindy is a paving the way for strong women everywhere with her other mission: legal and safe abortions. Shout Your Abortion is a site they created to help people feel empowered about their decision to have an abortion. Show me what democracy looks like… THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE.

Just do it. Buy Hulu for a month. Binge watch Shrill. And while you’re at it, watch The Handmaid’s Tale and Inside Amy Schumer, too. You won’t be taking any shit from anybody.

This show is gonna inspire a lot of people to stand up for themselves.

And look! While I was writing this… Lindy liked my post on Instagram today!!! Wow! Thank you, Lindy!!!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Tags: #Feminist, #LindyWest, #ShoutYourAbortion, #Shrill

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 »

October 22, 2012

Experience: Lights and music

Last night, I saw The xx. Have you seen them live? They were awesome. And ok, yes, like Louis CK says, that word is overused. But I will use it again. The xx was AWESOME. The music, the pacing, the set list, great choices. I was transported – and that’s kinda what I expect from a live show. The trio were moody and dark and alive. Alive. And I was ALIVE there with them. The xx totally gets that in this fast-paced world, people won’t remember you if you come out and play the songs from your album and leave. The energy of a live show (usually) isn’t enough (with the possible exception of the Jon Spencer Blues EXPLOSION – who I’m seeing tomorrow night). The xx used awesome (there it is again) lighting to punctuate every song. Flash. Bam. Pow. It was almost too much. As the lights overwhelmed every sense, I said a little prayer that no one in the audience had a seizure. It was a lot. My senses were exhilarated. That’s good because I expect exhilaration for my time and $35 investment. And I got it. Good job, The xx!

This might be a stretch, but stay with me… it made me think about the workplace. And how the workplace needs to become more experiential. Ok, maybe we don’t need a disco ball (um, but… maybe) or nonstop flashing lights but a creative space needs something memorable to experience (dare I say, exhilarating!?). Creativity thrives on experiencing something new and unexpected. Why aren’t more workplaces designed with this in mind? Everything is so safe and functional. The art (if there is any) looks drab – maybe a few earth-toned circles beside each other. Or worse, those terrible inspirational word posters “Courage: Against the Odds”. The colors are safe (mostly shades of light and dark taupe). Workspaces need sparkle. People need bright colors to make their brain feel excited. Give them a sense of whimsy.

Just like people will pay to see a band because the EXPERIENCE warrants the cost of the ticket, people will bring their talent to a place that gives them the EXPERIENCE they seek in which to be creative and productive.

So do yourself a favor and look for a place that feels right when you step inside your potential workplace. Does the space feel conducive to being productive and creative — or are you already telling yourself that you can look beyond the taupe carpeting as long as they meet your asking price?

Every experience has its price.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Tags: awful workplaces, boring jobs, cool workspaces, job search, The xx

June 6, 2012

One thing

I think I’ve figured out why people do not choose to start companies. Mostly because it’s really hard. Harder than you even imagine. People reject you constantly. It’s tiring pitching your idea to everyone you meet. And people reject you constantly. Constantly. This leads to lots of questions and internal demons who chant – this is never going to work. This mountain is too steep. There’s too many unknowns on this path. Oh, yeah, and the pay sucks (well, just until you IPO and you have more money than you ever imagined).

So. Getting a (good) job at a good company with good pay looks pretty damn good. Well, except when you have a job and you fantasize about starting your own business.

Grass is always greener. Life is a challenge on both sides. Seems like there’s always a better life, a better way. When you look around, people seem to have it a little better. Or do they? Really? I believe the trick to a good life – is finding that one thing (you know, like Curly said in City Slickers…)

Curly: Do you know what the secret of life is?
[holds up one finger]
Curly: This.
Mitch: Your finger?
Curly: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don’t mean shit.
Mitch: But, what is the “one thing?”
Curly: [smiles] That’s what *you* have to find out.

When you have that one thing in your grasp, and you know you’ve found it, then stop searching. Let that one thing be enough. Feel gratitude. Appreciate the beauty of your life because it’s fleeting. Because what Curly didn’t tell us is that one thing – it changes. Keep up.

Posted in Entrepreneur, Job Search, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

April 19, 2012

Attention: Grumpy job seekers!

How’s the job hunt going?

Are the calls pouring in?

No? Really?

Yeah, well, I sense your frustration. So does everyone else.

I get it. Looking for a job sucks but you’re bringing me down. Best not to regale recruiters with horror stories about looking for a job. But, this is common sense, right? Oh, you’d be surprised! Perhaps it bears mentioning that it’s best not to talk about how the people you’ve reached out to don’t even know what a Curriculum Vitae is. Best not to talk about how you find yourself surrounded by dummies is not an endearing way to start a conversation. Listen to me… I’m focusing on the negative, talking about what you don’t want, instead talking about what you do want. Let’s focus on what you want.

You want:

A great job where you are aligned on every level. Matching your skills is just one part of the equation. Look for place when you also share values (do you want to make the world better!? then find an organization that does, also, so you can double your impact AND be happy while working there).

You want:

A place where respect is important and mutual to all parties. Don’t settle for a company that canceled the first 3 meetings. Trust your gut. If you are getting the sense that the company is run by flakes, then tell them you are pursing other opportunities. It’s ok to move on. You are wasting effort chasing every lead.

You want:

A job you love.

So go get a job you love. Don’t settle. Life is too effen short.

Posted in Job Search, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Tags: job search, job tips

March 17, 2012

What’s wrong with me?

I met someone recently who upon learning that I’m not married, said, “How could that be? What is wrong with you? Are you crazy?” I stared blankly at him, a bit shocked, then replied, “No, I’m not crazy”. Perhaps in an attempt to backpedal, he quickly added “but you’re a catch. I don’t understand.” He then proceeded to tell me that he never should have married his wife (oh yeah, did I mention… he’s married). He said that he knew it was a mistake before his wedding day, but he went through with it anyway. And now, all he really wants, is to fall in love. It’s what’s been missing from his otherwise successful life. It’s hard to feel bad for the guy who, at least from the outside, has everything. Only he knows he is lost and longing for a different life, growing resentful of passing birthdays and watching the grains of sand fall a little faster through the hourglass as he recounts the big decisions of his life and wonders how it could have turned out differently if he had not denied his intuition.

That conversation left me wondering, too. Maybe I am crazy… to believe that living an authentic life where genuineness, intuition and optimism have truly been my compasses to follow. Perhaps people place no value on my choices because they haven’t followed their hearts so they think anyone who does, is just nuts. There are so few examples where people actually create a life (job, spouse, adventures) where they follow their hearts – above all else. Maybe there aren’t enough everyday examples for people to believe it actually happens in real life. It’s so rare, they make ‘feel good’ movies about peoples’ stories where they persevered and followed their gut.

So. Ok. I’ve concluded that maybe there is something wrong with me. I want to create a life in which I love my man with 100% of my big open heart and not hold back 20% because it’s smarter playing the odds and assuming that it will end someday. I want to be loved 100% by a man who knows how to give to people he loves with an open heart without fear of being duped or rejected. I want to earn a paycheck doing work that I really believe in, bringing joy (and example, to do the same) to people who also want to make the world better. Is there something wrong with that?

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Tags: authenticity, good life, life questions

January 27, 2012

I’m not going to chase you.

I’ve spent a good part of my life advising people on various subjects… ok, true, much of the advice, has been totally unsolicited. But there is one subject that my friends and family ask me about: their stalled job search. I got a call from my cousin’s husband yesterday and he fired questions at me like, ‘How do I get a recruiter to call me?’ ‘How do I get my foot in the door at X?’ and ‘How do I chuck my boring job and find a better one?’. I thought some of the advice I shared with him, might also benefit you!

As with anything, there are probably really big things you can do to change the trajectory of your career (life!?), but I’m going to share a few really simple things you can do. I’m not going to give you magic tips on what key words to put in your resume or which font will get the most call-backs. I’m going to go ahead and assume you know about spell-check.

If you invested time in a tedious and endless application process (albeit a necessary evil), do yourself a favor and:

1) Answer your frickin phone. This seems simple. You want to talk to recruiters. Recruiters don’t want to chase you. If you notice an unknown number, or a number you don’t recognize, answer in your most professional voice “Hello, This is Betsy!” Answer the call, expecting it to be a recruiter. Sound enthusiastic and focused. Do not ignore that call. Answer your phone. The lowest hanging fruit get picked. Might not be the shiniest apple. Or the sweetest. Ok, enough of the fruit metaphor. You get it. Answer your phone.

2) Listen to your voicemail. What the what!? You already ignored my first point!? Dang. You’re one tough customer. Ok, maybe you were in the middle of a really, really, really important meeting. Or a 20 minute midday shower. For whatever the reason, you missed the call. Ok. Correct your mistake. Listen to your effen vmail immediately. Return the call within the hour — at the latest! That recruiter is over-scheduled with other applicants. S/he might be difficult to reach. By missing your window, ahem, you might have already blown your big chance.

3) Empty your voicemail. This is related to #1 & #2. And again, it seems really simple… but if I didn’t experience so many auto-messages from that vmail lady when she says “I’m sorry, the person you are trying to reach has a mailbox that is full”. Ugh!! Seriously!? Do you think I’m going to call again? I’ve got 100 other applicants. I’m not going to chase you.

You’re going to figure it out.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Tags: close the deal, job search tips, job seeker, recruiting 101, the good jobs

January 24, 2012

Let’s face fax.

Today is significant. Why? Well, one could argue that EVERYDAY is significant… but today really is. TODAY is the day that Betsy Rowbottom is being launched into the world. Well, technically, that happened in the ’70’s, but I’m talking about http://www.betsyrowbottom.com/ which is almost as exciting! I’m not an early adopter (clearly) in some areas… My baby blog was born today.

When is the last time you heard the phrase, “I’ll fax that to you!”? Today, as we celebrate http://www.betsyrowbottom.com/, let’s stop and ponder the relatively fast demise of fax machines. Remember when the early fax machines were only slightly smaller than a high MPG automobile? Where are they now? Landfills? Fish habitats? http://www.betsyrowbottom.com/ is virtual. I kinda love virtual stuff. Fish can live in coral reefs where they are supposed to, blogs can’t hurt them (Well, except for those amazing food blogs with the beautiful photos of delicious recipes that glorify eating fish). I’m looking at you, Matt! http://mattbites.com/

The pace of pop culture is speeding up because the speed of information is speeding up. Early adopters keep moving. I want to be an early adopter in everything, but that feels overwhelming. For now, I’m content to use technology in meaningful ways to me. That way, it stops feeling overwhelming and it just feels right.

Long live http://www.betsyrowbottom.com/!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Tags: blog, early adopter, fax, mattbites, technology

betsyrowbottom

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories

Meta

Archive for ‘Uncategorized’

2019 Telluride Film Fest Recap

Shrill – Amen, sisters!

2018 Telluride Film Fest recap

2016 Telluride Film Fest recap

Experience: Lights and music

One thing

Attention: Grumpy job seekers!

What’s wrong with me?

I’m not going to chase you.

Let’s face fax.

Tags

Calendar

Archives

Blogroll