Thursday, January 11, 2007

Some Sundance, Some Slamdance, Some Just Like to Dance

There are a few films in the upcoming festival hoopla worth noting.

At Sundance this year:

1. On the Road With Judas. "Based on a real novel, written by a writer, played by an actor, about the real characters and the actors playing those characters in this story." In the manner of Stranger Than Fiction, Adaptation, and The Truman Show? In any case, it might be fun to see idiosyncratic Aaron Ruell (lest we need reminding, Kip) in a different role, "a New York businessman who is also secretly a computer thief." Hmm, interesting?
   
2. The Go-Getter. (Also here.) "Left with an aching instinctual itch to explore America after a traumatic loss, a curious teenager named Mercer suddenly steals a car in Oregon and develops a life-altering telephonic connection with the forgiving and mysterious girl he took it from..." Admittedly, I don't know much about this film, but that sounds very interesting—you know—the whole Western-mythos-fantasy thing. My interest in the film was piqued by a recently-made acquaintance from church who worked on the film. Plus, there's my whole unabated crush on Zooey Deschanel...
3. Manufactured Landscapes. "Directed by Jennifer Baichwal, focuses on the work of photographer Edward Burtynsky and his portraits of the transformation of landscapes due to industry and manufacturing." My artistic sister met Burtynski through a mutual friend of theirs, Daniel Everett: "Daniel introduced me, and he's incredibly nice, mild, and well-spoken." I don't know the whole story (I need to find out more), but I remember a fascinating conversation with my sister about all this over the holidays. I was under the impression that Everett worked on the film, but that is not made clear at imdb.com. Just the same, I can only imagine how interesting this documentary will be, based on my sister's praise. (I assume this is a sample of Everett's work, since he and my sister, I believe, know each other through BYU's art program.)
   

At Slamdance:

1. American Fork. This one obviously hits home for some of us: "In a supermarket in the armpit of the Mountain West..." I've blogged on this one before, over here, and over here. It's true, though, I did feel that way, what growing up in Orem, UT. So I'm very curious how this one will play out. But I gotta say, I'm busy being distracted by other things... going to the Slamdance site... THAT'S FREAKIN' MARY LYNN RAJSKUB, none other than my other mad crush... you know... Chloe from 24?! (Only the best intensely dramatic show on television, about or driven by plots that pertain to patriotism, rogue federal agents and/or terrorism.) How did I not notice this before? I mean, I realized there were other actors of some renown. Well, there are plenty of things I could say about this film, but I just have to end it where I did...
   
   (Notice this was the only film under this Slamdance heading. That's STELLAR.)
   

Then of course, there's the home-fried LDS Film Festival lineup, with a whole slew of interesting expectations—including awaited previews of Tim Skousen's The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang and Ryan Little's The Outlaw Trail. And who knows what other lovely surprises might crop up? (Think *amazing* soundtrack.)

p.s. Do you think it's any coincidence that Zooey rhymes with Chloe? Pshaw, me neitha'.

posted by Rhapsidiomite @ 6:31 PM
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