Hey folks... Harry here... ALRIGHT, let's get DOT THE I here in Austin pronto! I'm up for it. Right now, the best young actor working in cinema is Gael Garcia Bernal. Hearing that DOT THE I is this year's MEMENTO in terms of type of film... AWESOME. Great to hear. Also, it seems that THE UNITED STATES OF LELAND is a fairly awesome film as well. Alright, nice to hear these things!
Hey Harry!
Wow! I'm certain that I just hit three of the best films of the festival. Can things get any better? (Parking, maybe!)
THE UNITED STATES OF LELAND (Matthew Ryan Hoge) * * * *
Easily one of the strongest films at this year's festival, I'm hoping it wins either the Grand Prize or the Audience Award on Saturday night. Ryan Gosling (whose breathtaking performance two years ago in THE BELIEVER deserved even more recognition than it received [and who also turned in a pretty tight act in last year's THE SLAUGHTER RULE]) with THE UNITED STATES OF LELAND is sure to cement his standing as one of the premiere new talents of the last few years. He is aided by equally strong performances by Don Cheadle and Kevin Spacey. Gosling plays Leland Fitzgerald, a well-educated, well-traveled 16-year-old who murders a young mentally challenged kid. Why did he do it? THE UNITED STATES OF LELAND is about the frustration of trying to understand whys in a world that has none. The real power of this film comes from its provocative, yet thoughtful script that resonates locally while pondering globally. Newcomer writer/director Matthew Ryan Hoge [even though he didn't show up for the Q&A today... what's with that?] is going to be a name to watch in the coming years.
ALL THE REAL GIRLS (David Gordon Green) * ?
One of the clunkers of today's screenings; even Ebert dashed out early. David Gordon Green (who did George Washington) stumbles during his second feature while trying to achieve a new sense of realism in a relationship film. Instead, we're left with banal writing and performances that have all the energy of end tables.
THE MUDGE BOY (Michael Burke) * * * ?
Workshopped at the Sundance Institute, and guided with the help of executive producer Stanley Tucci, THE MUDGE BOY becomes a powerful emotional journey not only for its protagonist, but for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider. Emile Hirsch (in a startlingly different role than either the soggy EMPEROR'S CLUB or even the innovative but unfortunately-named DANGEROUS LIVES OF ALTAR BOYS) is Duncan Mudge, a sensitive boy desperate for acceptance in a world where males must conform to ready-made gender scripts of cruelty in order to become a "man" and gain admission into the group. Yet, Duncan is, as he is told, "different." After the death of his mother, he tries to regain maternal plentitude by wearing her hat or coat, riding her bike, or caring for her favorite chicken. Be ready to hear audience gasps accompanying several harsh moments. Nevertheless, THE MUDGE BOY is an emotionally wrenching triumph.
dot the i (Matthew Parkhill) * * * *
This year's MEMENTO: a mind-bending journey into the space between film and life, or reality and illusion. By the end of the film, you won't believe there's a difference. Gael Garcia Bernal (AMORES PERROS, Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN, THE CRIME OF FATHER AMARO) plays Kit, a man in a restaurant who is kissed by Carmen (Natalia Verbeke), in, we are told, a French tradition for intended brides on a night out with their girlfriends. But the kiss continues long after it should, constructing a troubling situation for them, Carmen's fiancé Barnaby (James d'Arcy), and a mysterious stalker. Rich with references from such popular movies as THE GRADUATE, dot the i is a film lover's dream. Or reality.
Until next time... this is Memento Man, signing off!
