Hey folks, Harry here... Must concur with Annette's review of CAT'S MEOW... wonderful film. Just a delight, I'll be writing my own up here in a few minutes (ahem) but now here's AICN's own lovely wet minx.... Annette Kellerman....
Hey everyone! Annette Kellerman here, with a quick look at opening night at SXSW 2002. It's been FOREVER since I've written but a fest like SXSW deserves a little extra attention. There are so many cool-looking films at this year's fest, I'm here to make sure nothing on my watch gets left out.
To start things off this year, we headed to the Paramount to see Peter Bogdanovich's THE CAT'S MEOW. Now I know Harry has gone on and on (and on) in the past about how much a grandiose theater such as the Paramount lends to a cinematic experience. This could not be more true with a period piece like THE CAT'S MEOW.
Set in the flapper-filled, prohibition-era, roaring 20's, Bogdanovich wisks us away on a yacht party hosted by none other than WR Hearst himself. As if thats not cool enough, guests on board include Charlie Chaplin, early film mogul Thomas Ince, famed gossip columnist Louella Parsons, as well as Hearst's longtime mistress, actress Marion Davies.
The tone of the film is set early on, with each character's personal agenda clearly in check. I really hate spoilers, and with this film I lucked out because although the story is strong, the fantastic performances are what sealed the deal for me.
Kirsten Dunst as Davies really surprised me. I know she's been good in other stuff, even great most of the time, but Bogdanovich nailed it on the head in his intro when he mentioned that this is her first grown up role. I really didn't feel like I was watching a little girl anymore. She could be worthy of my Kurt Russell child-to-adult acting crossover award! Seriously, she was great.
Also great-Jennifer Tilly's comedic timing! In a much dowdier role than I've usually seen, Tilly sparkles.
The real stand-out performance however, belongs to Eddie Izzard's portrayl of the auteur's auteur, Charlie Chaplin. Seen here in the light of his much-publicized immoral shenanigans, Izzard manages to completely maintain the legend's integrity, despite his apparent lack of restaint.
As Thomas Ince, Cary Elwes once again plays the toothy, back-slapping movie mogul, much like his character in SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE. Fortunately, I can't get enough of this character.
Finally , in MY favorite performance of the film, Joanna Lumley of Absolutely Fabulous fame, vamped about the yacht as novelist Elinor Glyn. She is the sort of omniperesent passenger who oversees all of the drama as the ship and story take their course. She appears cold as can be, yet offers warm words of advice when needed. I love AbFab, but this Joanna Lumley is definitely more JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH if you know what I mean.
Overall, I really dug this film. The story is very amusing and was, evidently, told to Bogdanovich by Orson Welles many years ago. So, years later when the story crossed his path again, Bogdanovich says he knew he had to make the movie. And there ya go- if that isn't enough movie lore to get you to the theater for this one, then the top-notch performances surely will!
Next on the list was the documentary JOURNEYS WITH GEORGE. Now whatever your political views may be, this totally unique perspective on the commander in chief cannot be missed. NBC news producer Alexandra Pelosi caputres the behind-the-scenes antics of President Bush's press corps during his campaign. Filmed more like a home movie than a documentary, JOURNEYS WITH GEORGE chronicles the many bumps and turns of the campaign, including the presidents various pre-election blunders that fueled many Daily Show moments of zen. Pelosi, a young and hip descendant from a long line of influential democrats provides witty questions and commentary throughout. She also learns some lessons about the do's and don'ts on the campaign trail from the veterans of the press corps along the way. In her several one on one impromptu interviews with Bush, there are no formalities. The then- Texas govenor mugs for the c! amera at nearly every opportunity, making for quite a bit of unique footage. I don't know if I've ever seen such a true look at a president before. Really interesting stuff that I'm sure will make it to either your local theater or video store. It deserves to be seen.
Well, the rest of my night was spent at the Alamo Drafthouse with Lloyd Kaufman!! Yes, Lloyd (master of his own Troma universe) is in town this year for a retrospective on his films. How cool is that? We watched CITIZEN TOXIE and had a fantastic time. Lloyd even awarded Harry his very own Troma Diploma!
Well, that wraps up the first night for me. I hope to squeeze in some more reviews at some point this week.
Until next time,
Annette.
