Father Geek here, all alone, holding down the fort at The World Geek Headquarters Compound in Austin. Harry, Quint and a couple of other local crew types are out in Las Vegas braving 105 degree tempatures to check out the flicks at CINEVEGAS. Harry's also serving as a film judge for the fest. I'd say that was cool, but somehow the word seems inapproiate to the circumstances they find themselves in out there. I, on the otherhand, find myself basking behind our barbwired enclosure in the obscure glory of a relative cool spell. Its only 92 here in central Texas. Well, here's a bit sent in to me today...
This is Adam from Zboneman.com. I'm here at the 4th CineVegas Film Festival. This is actually the first year I've attended and it's been a lot of fun. It's a lot less crowded than Sundance. You only need to show up about thirty minutes before a screening and you wont have a problem getting in. I've seen three screenings so far and here's a brief look.
SUNSHINE STATE
First of all, about fifteen minutes before the screening started, I spotted Harry crutching his way into the theater. Harry, I have the utmost respect for you and what you do, but you really looked tired. Get some sleep before you kill yourself.
On with the review.
John Sayles is probably one of the top three best screenwriters of the last twenty years. While Sayles does dabble in the land of Hollywood every now and then, it is his work in the independent world that really soars. And if being an incredible writer weren't great enough, Sayles has emerged as one terrific director as well. From Brother From Another Planet to Limbo, Sayles has a resume as diverse as they come.
With the new ensemble Sunshine State, Sayles has captured the sites and sounds of Northern Florida, as several characters' lives intertwine in very dramatic and unexpected ways.
Sunshine State is a slow moving character study, but Sayles proves that a film doesn't have to move like a bullet train to be effective.
In fact, my one major gripe with this picture is that I wanted to spend more time with these characters.
Each performance here is stellar. Angela Bassett, Edie Falco, Timothy Hutton, Alan King, Bill Cobbs, James McDaniel, Gordon Clapp, and Miguel Ferrer are all superb and all bring something unique to the table. And the whole cast shines thanks to Sayles who takes a Robert Altman approach to his material.
What's most fascinating about Sunshine State is that I thought I had it's characters figured out, but I didn't. As the film progressed, a little more of each character was revealed, and for me, that was the pleasure of this film.
Sayles proves that a film maker can always do things his way if he really
makes an effort. Sunshine State is another winner for this legendary
screenwriter/director.
POOLHALL JUNKIES
Newcomer Mars Callahan gives us a glimpse into the world of pool hustlers, in a film that resembles both The Hustler and The Color of Money. Granted Poolhall Junkies is far lighter than those films, going for a tone that is quite reminiscent of Swingers and Good Will Hunting (although this project was first written nearly eleven years ago).
Callahan plays the hustler in question, a likable guy who, despite trying to leave pool behind, always finds himself back in the game. He certainly possesses the talent to be one of the best, but doesn't always seem to have the confidence. Chazz Palminterri is his father figure, a sleaze ball of a man who uses Callahan to get ahead in life. Allison Eastwood is a bore as Callahan's love interest. An energetic and scene stealing Christopher Walken shows up as Eastwood's uncle and Callahan's confidence booster.
Poolhall Junkies has it's share of flaws. When the film is in the pool hall, it pulsates with liveliness and a true love of the game, but when it strays away and turns to stories of relationships and other such drama, the picture falls flat.
The pool sequences are impressive in that we are given many wide shots of players shooting so that we actually see the ball being hit and going into the pocket. No intrusive editing here. Callahan is a real pool player and he has a knack for the lingo and feel of the game (although much of the cinematography and editing style here remind me of the works of Martin Scorsese). Christopher Walken has one of the most talked about shots in the game, and even co-star Rick Schroder holds his own.
In the end, Poolhall Junkies plays like an underdog movie. It's sort of like Rocky playing pool. Callahan the actor and director is adequate. He shows much knowledge when concentrating on the game but his dramatic range is limited. Callahan the pool expert, however, is the reason to see the movie. It's hard to watch the last seconds of this movie and not get a smile on your face. Even though I knew who would win the big game, I was satisfied with the conclusion.
Following the film, Callahan spoke to the crowd with an inspirational story
about survival. This guy is only in his early thirties and recently had a
tumor removed. This was the first screening of the picture and it meant a
lot to him. Given that he nearly died six months ago, he's looking pretty
good. Now that's an underdog story.
SPUN
Video director Jonas Akerlund (Music, Ray of Light) has fashioned one crazy movie. Taking place over the course of about four days, Spun follows a group of speed freaks as they engage in a series of adventures.
Jason Scwartzman stars as junkie looking for a fix, but gets more than he bargained for when he hooks up with fellow junkie Brittney Murphy.
Spun is a dizzying blur of a movie hell bent on disorienting the audience and making them feel as if they are in the same state as the film's characters. Does it work? Absolutely!
Spun isn't interested in a straight forward narrative. I had no idea where the hell this movie was going. Truthfully, I found much of the movie very funny, but what starts off as a bizarre comedy, turns into an extremely tragic look at a group of lost souls desperately searching for answers about who they are and where their going.
While Spun certainly has shades of Requiem for a Dream, it's ultimately a unique movie experience. A commentary that is both hilarious and painfully sad. This film is much deeper than it appears at the surface.
Akerlund has assembled a great cast. Most notably a spunky Brittney Murphy, a disillusioned Jason Scwartzman, a hyper active John Leguizamo, a spacey Patrick Fugit and an eccentric Mickey Rourke (in one of the best performances of his career).
Akerlund directs this film at a furious pace and his MTV style editing benefits this picture because of it's subject matter.
This movie is also extremely explicit. I was fortunate enough to see an uncut version which will, no doubt, be butchered after it's screened for the MPAA.
There was no Q & A following the screening, but I did have an opportunity to speak to some of the cast. Patrick Fugit was very polite and it was strange seeing him in a film like this. I expect we'll be seeing good things for him. I also bumped into Peter Stormare. This guy is nuttier in person than he is in the movies. In addition to playing a drugged out cop, he actually sang a couple of songs for the flick's soundtrack. He was billed as Blond from Fargo in the end credits.
Spun was bold and audacious. While it will certainly be hated by many, there will be people out there who love it. Count me as one of the later.
That's it for the moment. I'm checking out Bubba Ho-tep later. It features Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis as a twosome who do battle against an ancient, evil Egyptian force. Next week, I'll attend a screening of Casino. With any luck, Scorsese will be there. There's also a sneak preview going on. I've pressed members of the staff to reveal the title, but their not saying. I'm sure Harry knows. For the time being, I've only heard rumors, the big one being that it might be the new P.T. Anderson picture. Oh well. I dig surprises so we'll see come next week. Anyway, I'll send more reports later.
Adam Out!
