Sunday, April 09, 2006
Documentaried Out
It's late. Not only did I end up writing a very long article on Full Frame this afternoon (look for it in the paper tomorrow), but I also ended up writing that review of Invisible Children. I had forgotten about it. I don't even know if it's good enough to print...we'll see.
I have a Psychology test tomorrow I haven't studied for. I think I'll probably study a little tonight, then tomorrow before class. My E 115 class was cancelled for a reason I can't remember... thank God for small mercies. Tomorrow and Tuesday, I'll be working my butt off writing two papers. I'm exhausted, but I don't think I'll be catching up on sleep until Easter break this weekend.
But you know what? It was all worth it.
Full Frame was...amazing. Between Thursday evening and Sunday morning, I saw 16 films. I feel like I OD'd. Honestly, so much stuff happened, I can't get into it all. If you want more details, read my article.
Before I say anything else, you should check this out. It played before a few of the films. All I have to say is that it's pure genius. I'd pay to see it.
To start off, I'll comment on all the movies I saw.
Sketches of Frank Gehry: This is what officially started off the festival. Directed by Sydney Pollack (director of movies like The Interpreter and Tootsie, star of movies like Eyes Wide Shut and Changing Lanes), this movie focused on famed architect Frank Gehry (who designed this). To keep a long story short: the guy is a genius. His design sketches are pretty much just a bunch of squiggly lines. Then he makes models out of poster board and tape. Basically, he takes every geometrical concept and shape and just says, "Screw it." It's crazy. At one point in the film he even says, "This looks so stupid it just might be perfect." I couldn't have said it better myself. It's a very interesting documentary, though perhaps one of my least favorites of the festival. I don't know why...it just felt kinda standard. Maybe that's just because it's Pollack's first documentary. Still good though.
a/k/a Tommy Chong: - This one was just fun. It follows the trial and conviction of Tommy Chong (you know, Cheech and Chong) after he illegally distributed "marijuana paraphernalia" to a state that wouldn't allow it. The film presents it as an unfair case, which I kinda think it was. When we're at war and fighting terrorism, something tells me the government shouldn't spend nearly so much resources and manpower arresting guys who use bongs.
Still Standing: - One of three films I saw about Katrina. It's short (7 minutes) but sweet, as it follows a Colombian grandmother whose home was completely destroyed.
After Katrina: Rebuilding St. Bernard's Parish: - Again, pretty good. This one was about the residents of St. Bernard Parish in Mississippi, which was 100% destroyed by the hurricane. It takes a look at people who want to rebuild their homes there, rather than move.
Desert Bayou - The best of the Katrina films I watched. This one was very entertaining, and sometimes humorous, as it examined a group of African-Americans who were evacuated from New Orleans and moved to Utah...which is 95% white and filled with Mormons. Talk about culture shock.
A Lion in the House - This was probably the best film I saw. It's absolutely stunning. Not to mention it's 4 hours long. If a documentary can be epic, then this is it. It follows 5 families of children with cancer....it took five years to make. When the filmmakers went into it, they didn't know which kids would survive and which would die. I can't believe some of the stuff they managed to film. This was an honorable mention for the Grand Jury Prize (which ended up going to a film I didn't see, Iraq in Fragments), for good reasons. It's incredible.
The Boy in the Bubble - Takes a look back at "Bubble Boy" David Philip Vetter, who lived his entire life in a plastic container to keep out germs. Pretty good film.
So Much So Fast - One of my favorite of the films Mason and I saw. It follows a guy named Stephen Heywood who was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) over a period of 4 years, as his body gradually becomes paralyzed and his brother searches for a cure. Not only is it touching, but it's also quite funny, believe it or not. Heywood never loses his sense of humor, even when he can't speak. And it's worth seeing just to take a look at the technology they use to help him move and communicate.... it's like something out of a science fiction novel.
Stand Like Still Living: A short documentary about a couple of people with aids in Africa. So-so.
This Film Is Not Yet Rated - The one film I had heard of and really wanted to see... it ended up being one of my favorites. It takes a look inside the MPAA ratings board, and questions whether or not it's necessary and if they're actually doing a good job. It especially focuses on films that are rated NC-17, and the reasons why. This film was hilarious. People in the audience were nearly rolling on the floor at some parts. It's very entertaining, and brings up some very interesting points about the way movies are rated. I already had a subtle dislike for the MPAA before seeing this film - now I really don't like it much at all. Admittedly, the film is extremely biased, but you do have to wonder why the raters are kept anonymous, and why it appears as though they may not actually speak for the average parent at all. Not only that, but it includes interviews with various filmmakers. I found it fascinating. Ironically, it got an NC-17 rating since it includes graphic clips from NC-17 films. Go figure.
North Korea: A Day in the Life: - A pretty good short, from what I saw of it at least. I was in the back and for the first half these people's heads were in the way and kept me from reading the subtitles. Not cool.
Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple: - Very good. In the program, this was just labeled as a "Sneak Preview"; we didn't know what it was until seconds before the screening. Basically, we were the first audience to ever watch it. And it's just downright creepy. It examines the Peoples Temple cult of the 60s and 70s and its leader, Jim Jones. Both are infamous for performing the largest mass suicide in American history. The scary thing is, the movement actually had a lot of good ideas. But Jim Jones... that guy just wasn't right in the head. Scary stuff.
The Refugee All-Stars - This film went on to win an award, and Mason and I talked briefly with one of the directors. It focuses on a group of refugees from Sierra Leone who formed a band to keep their spirits up. As I watched it I was sorta in that place between consciousness and unconsciousness for some of it (sleep deprivation does that to a guy), but from what I do remember and managed to absorb, it was good.
The Intimacy of Strangers - A fascinating 20-minute short that consists entirely of cell phone conversations that were secretly recorded. You come away with the feeling that even though these people were strangers, they were somehow linked, and even though many of them claimed to be in intimate relationships, the fact that they were on their cell phones seemed to undermine that. Very good. It won the President's Award for best student film.
John and Jane Toll Free - A humorous look at a few people in India who work at those call centers. You know, the ones that call up Americans offering free stuff. Telemarketers. Customer support. That kinda thing. I enjoyed this film a great deal. It really has a lot to say about globalization and how America is presented to developing countries - as a perfect country where everyone is rich and happy.
Crisis: - A film from decades ago that captured JFK during the integration issue with the University of Alabama. I was once again in my not-quite-awake mode, so I didn't really absorb it or enjoy it. Interesting, but not one of the better documentaries I saw.
Also, since we had press passes, Mason and I were able to gain access to a lot of cool stuff.
We went to the opening night party on Thursday night, but that was kinda boring. We didn't know anyone, and there wasn't much going on except for the free food.
On Friday, I went to a press conference with Sydney Pollack. That was pretty interesting, and it helped me get a lot of quotes for my article. I ended up seeing Pollack several times that day, often standing inches away from him, but I didn't speak to him. I was too much of a coward. He sorta had this demeanor around him that suggested he wasn't the kind of celebrity that likes to talk to fans. In fact, he didn't seem very enthusiastic about his film at all. Maybe that's just his personality. Anyways...whereas a lot of the documentary filmmakers were frequently talking to members of the press, the only time I saw anyone talking to Sydney they were sitting down, like they had an appointment. I also think I heard a women try to talk to him or get an interview, but he told her he didn't have time. So yeah. I didn't talk to him, but I did stand in his presence. Maybe that counts for something.
Today I went to another press conference, this time with Danny DeVito. He was very enthusiastic, and funny. He was there simply to announce Jersey Docs, a company he's started that will distribute documentaries online for download and viewing through a broadband channel called ClickStar. It's something he and Morgan Freeman have wanted to do for a long time, and the goal is to serve documentarians and offer them a venue to distribute their films to a wide audience. He also said its their attempt to ensure the film industry doesn't "go the way of the music industry", with the extreme amount of piracy going on. It's basically a way for people to access films online by paying for them legally. It sounded pretty cool. I later saw him again at the awards ceremony. He presented the Grand Jury Award.
Before I go collapse, here are a few of the pictures I took.
Sydney Pollack at the press conference.
More Sydney!
The Opening Night Party. Look, food!
The filmmakers of "The Boy in the Bubble" and "So Much So Fast.
The filmmakers and a one of the guys in "A Lion in the House," with his family.
Danny DeVito and the CEO of ClickStar.
More Danny!
Even more Danny!
And....yup, more DeVito goodness!
Guess who?
And finally, the picture you've all been waiting for... the highlight of today...
Danny DeVito next to a hot and sexy guy!
Yes, he really is that short. I'm about a head taller than him. This picture was taken at the awards ceremony - he went around to some of the tables and talked to people. When he came to my table, he came right to me. Maybe he had seen me at the press conference or something, I don't know. Anyways, I shook his hand, asked him a question or two about his Jersey Docs thing (read: tried to act professional and not drool on his shoes in awe), then got this picture. He seemed like a very nice guy, and was very upbeat and funny - the kind of person you'd have fun hanging out with even if they weren't a celebrity.
Anyways....that does it for now. I don't think I'll be watching any documentaries for a while...that is, until next year's Full Frame.
I have a Psychology test tomorrow I haven't studied for. I think I'll probably study a little tonight, then tomorrow before class. My E 115 class was cancelled for a reason I can't remember... thank God for small mercies. Tomorrow and Tuesday, I'll be working my butt off writing two papers. I'm exhausted, but I don't think I'll be catching up on sleep until Easter break this weekend.
But you know what? It was all worth it.
Full Frame was...amazing. Between Thursday evening and Sunday morning, I saw 16 films. I feel like I OD'd. Honestly, so much stuff happened, I can't get into it all. If you want more details, read my article.
Before I say anything else, you should check this out. It played before a few of the films. All I have to say is that it's pure genius. I'd pay to see it.
To start off, I'll comment on all the movies I saw.
Sketches of Frank Gehry: This is what officially started off the festival. Directed by Sydney Pollack (director of movies like The Interpreter and Tootsie, star of movies like Eyes Wide Shut and Changing Lanes), this movie focused on famed architect Frank Gehry (who designed this). To keep a long story short: the guy is a genius. His design sketches are pretty much just a bunch of squiggly lines. Then he makes models out of poster board and tape. Basically, he takes every geometrical concept and shape and just says, "Screw it." It's crazy. At one point in the film he even says, "This looks so stupid it just might be perfect." I couldn't have said it better myself. It's a very interesting documentary, though perhaps one of my least favorites of the festival. I don't know why...it just felt kinda standard. Maybe that's just because it's Pollack's first documentary. Still good though.
a/k/a Tommy Chong: - This one was just fun. It follows the trial and conviction of Tommy Chong (you know, Cheech and Chong) after he illegally distributed "marijuana paraphernalia" to a state that wouldn't allow it. The film presents it as an unfair case, which I kinda think it was. When we're at war and fighting terrorism, something tells me the government shouldn't spend nearly so much resources and manpower arresting guys who use bongs.
Still Standing: - One of three films I saw about Katrina. It's short (7 minutes) but sweet, as it follows a Colombian grandmother whose home was completely destroyed.
After Katrina: Rebuilding St. Bernard's Parish: - Again, pretty good. This one was about the residents of St. Bernard Parish in Mississippi, which was 100% destroyed by the hurricane. It takes a look at people who want to rebuild their homes there, rather than move.
Desert Bayou - The best of the Katrina films I watched. This one was very entertaining, and sometimes humorous, as it examined a group of African-Americans who were evacuated from New Orleans and moved to Utah...which is 95% white and filled with Mormons. Talk about culture shock.
A Lion in the House - This was probably the best film I saw. It's absolutely stunning. Not to mention it's 4 hours long. If a documentary can be epic, then this is it. It follows 5 families of children with cancer....it took five years to make. When the filmmakers went into it, they didn't know which kids would survive and which would die. I can't believe some of the stuff they managed to film. This was an honorable mention for the Grand Jury Prize (which ended up going to a film I didn't see, Iraq in Fragments), for good reasons. It's incredible.
The Boy in the Bubble - Takes a look back at "Bubble Boy" David Philip Vetter, who lived his entire life in a plastic container to keep out germs. Pretty good film.
So Much So Fast - One of my favorite of the films Mason and I saw. It follows a guy named Stephen Heywood who was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) over a period of 4 years, as his body gradually becomes paralyzed and his brother searches for a cure. Not only is it touching, but it's also quite funny, believe it or not. Heywood never loses his sense of humor, even when he can't speak. And it's worth seeing just to take a look at the technology they use to help him move and communicate.... it's like something out of a science fiction novel.
Stand Like Still Living: A short documentary about a couple of people with aids in Africa. So-so.
This Film Is Not Yet Rated - The one film I had heard of and really wanted to see... it ended up being one of my favorites. It takes a look inside the MPAA ratings board, and questions whether or not it's necessary and if they're actually doing a good job. It especially focuses on films that are rated NC-17, and the reasons why. This film was hilarious. People in the audience were nearly rolling on the floor at some parts. It's very entertaining, and brings up some very interesting points about the way movies are rated. I already had a subtle dislike for the MPAA before seeing this film - now I really don't like it much at all. Admittedly, the film is extremely biased, but you do have to wonder why the raters are kept anonymous, and why it appears as though they may not actually speak for the average parent at all. Not only that, but it includes interviews with various filmmakers. I found it fascinating. Ironically, it got an NC-17 rating since it includes graphic clips from NC-17 films. Go figure.
North Korea: A Day in the Life: - A pretty good short, from what I saw of it at least. I was in the back and for the first half these people's heads were in the way and kept me from reading the subtitles. Not cool.
Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple: - Very good. In the program, this was just labeled as a "Sneak Preview"; we didn't know what it was until seconds before the screening. Basically, we were the first audience to ever watch it. And it's just downright creepy. It examines the Peoples Temple cult of the 60s and 70s and its leader, Jim Jones. Both are infamous for performing the largest mass suicide in American history. The scary thing is, the movement actually had a lot of good ideas. But Jim Jones... that guy just wasn't right in the head. Scary stuff.
The Refugee All-Stars - This film went on to win an award, and Mason and I talked briefly with one of the directors. It focuses on a group of refugees from Sierra Leone who formed a band to keep their spirits up. As I watched it I was sorta in that place between consciousness and unconsciousness for some of it (sleep deprivation does that to a guy), but from what I do remember and managed to absorb, it was good.
The Intimacy of Strangers - A fascinating 20-minute short that consists entirely of cell phone conversations that were secretly recorded. You come away with the feeling that even though these people were strangers, they were somehow linked, and even though many of them claimed to be in intimate relationships, the fact that they were on their cell phones seemed to undermine that. Very good. It won the President's Award for best student film.
John and Jane Toll Free - A humorous look at a few people in India who work at those call centers. You know, the ones that call up Americans offering free stuff. Telemarketers. Customer support. That kinda thing. I enjoyed this film a great deal. It really has a lot to say about globalization and how America is presented to developing countries - as a perfect country where everyone is rich and happy.
Crisis: - A film from decades ago that captured JFK during the integration issue with the University of Alabama. I was once again in my not-quite-awake mode, so I didn't really absorb it or enjoy it. Interesting, but not one of the better documentaries I saw.
Also, since we had press passes, Mason and I were able to gain access to a lot of cool stuff.
We went to the opening night party on Thursday night, but that was kinda boring. We didn't know anyone, and there wasn't much going on except for the free food.
On Friday, I went to a press conference with Sydney Pollack. That was pretty interesting, and it helped me get a lot of quotes for my article. I ended up seeing Pollack several times that day, often standing inches away from him, but I didn't speak to him. I was too much of a coward. He sorta had this demeanor around him that suggested he wasn't the kind of celebrity that likes to talk to fans. In fact, he didn't seem very enthusiastic about his film at all. Maybe that's just his personality. Anyways...whereas a lot of the documentary filmmakers were frequently talking to members of the press, the only time I saw anyone talking to Sydney they were sitting down, like they had an appointment. I also think I heard a women try to talk to him or get an interview, but he told her he didn't have time. So yeah. I didn't talk to him, but I did stand in his presence. Maybe that counts for something.
Today I went to another press conference, this time with Danny DeVito. He was very enthusiastic, and funny. He was there simply to announce Jersey Docs, a company he's started that will distribute documentaries online for download and viewing through a broadband channel called ClickStar. It's something he and Morgan Freeman have wanted to do for a long time, and the goal is to serve documentarians and offer them a venue to distribute their films to a wide audience. He also said its their attempt to ensure the film industry doesn't "go the way of the music industry", with the extreme amount of piracy going on. It's basically a way for people to access films online by paying for them legally. It sounded pretty cool. I later saw him again at the awards ceremony. He presented the Grand Jury Award.
Before I go collapse, here are a few of the pictures I took.
And finally, the picture you've all been waiting for... the highlight of today...
Yes, he really is that short. I'm about a head taller than him. This picture was taken at the awards ceremony - he went around to some of the tables and talked to people. When he came to my table, he came right to me. Maybe he had seen me at the press conference or something, I don't know. Anyways, I shook his hand, asked him a question or two about his Jersey Docs thing (read: tried to act professional and not drool on his shoes in awe), then got this picture. He seemed like a very nice guy, and was very upbeat and funny - the kind of person you'd have fun hanging out with even if they weren't a celebrity.
Anyways....that does it for now. I don't think I'll be watching any documentaries for a while...that is, until next year's Full Frame.
# posted by Andrew Johnson : 4/09/2006 11:15:00 PM 
