SXSW 2010 - Day Three
The little gem and a film stopping short.
I've been taking the bus to the festival. Sure, I could sit here and describe the things I am seeing during the bus ride like MCM (Mole Cheek Man) or .. well, I should describe him. He had this big mole on his cheek. Not so much wide, as it was tall. I couldn't help but think about shaving. He had some significant stubble, so you know he's stuck shaving twice a day at the least. How. How? How has he avoided the temptation of just taking the razor and slicing it off? I was stuck on that thought for a solid 25 minutes. Morbid? Not enough sleep? Sure, these are possible excuses for this train of thought, but really I just want a straight-edge and two minutes with that mole. Apparently this is where your mind can drift after many movies and a bus.
Sunday morning brought KN (Knee Cap) into my life. Keep in mind, I'm not making fun and don't even know if it slows him down, but check out the knee. Then check out the guy checking out the knee. I love the bus. Plus, with everyone talking on the phone, you get to hear conversations like, "I don't know where the death certificate is, Dude!"
Oh, you were here to read about movies? My bad.
First up - Happy Poet
Bill, an out-of-work poet, puts his heart, soul, and last few dollars into starting an all-organic, mostly-vegetarian food stand. New friend Donnie promotes the business and helps Bill pursue Agnes, a poetry-lover who frequents the stand. Curtis, an enigmatic life-philosopher, buoys Bill's spirits with his positive attitude and love of vegetarian food. Complications with the business jeopardize these budding friendships and threaten Bill's dreams for a hot dog-free future.
Pauls debut feature film, MOTORCYCLE, made in three parts during film school, premiered in competition at the 2006 Slamdance Film Festival, and went on to play at film festivals around the world, including Thessaloniki, SXSW, and Rooftop Films. In addition to writing, directing and starring in THE HAPPY POET, Paul also acted in GRETCHEN, and MARS, which is also premiering at SXSW 2010.
This is the little gem I was looking for. Big fan of this film. The humor comes from the non-humor of Paul Gordon. Incredibly dry, yet you cheer for him to succeed.
Then I went and waited for my number one priority of the festival - Saturday Night
Have you ever wondered how a sketch was chosen for Saturday Night Live? Or why some actors are in more sketches than others? With John Malcovich hosting the episode and unprecedented access to the behind the scenes action, watch as Franco takes an observational approach in documenting what it takes to create one full episode.
James Francos short film Herbert White premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and then went on to screen at the Berlin Film Festival in February. SATURDAY NIGHT is his first foray into documentary filmmaking and is proud to have its world premiere at South By Southwest. Later this year James will direct Ham on Rye based on the novel by Charles Bukowski.
Big fan of this documentary, but then again I haven't missed an episode of "Saturday Night Live" for a long, long time.
I was fifth in line for this one, I waited from 4:35 to 7:00. Again, I'm a big fan. Also, five "friends" cut in line with me for this one. A little much, yes. But no one complained thanks to a pillar that put them out of view until it was too late. Bill Hader comes off as the star of this documentary.
I could watch three docs a year doing this exact same thing.
Last movie of the night - Electra Luxx
Pregnant porn star Electra Luxx (Carla Gugino) is trying to make a living teaching sex classes to housewives. But her life is thrown into disarray when a flight attendant (Marley Shelton) with ties to Electra's past approaches her for a favor. Chaos ensues as fiancees, private investigators, a twin sister and even the Virgin Mary force her to face up to an unexpected series of decisions and revelations.
Sebastian Gutierrez was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. His feature credits include, as screenwriter: THE BIG BOUNCE (starring Morgan Freeman and Owen Wilson), GOTHIKA (starring Halle Berry), SNAKES ON A PLANE (starring Samuel Jackson) and THE EYE (starring Jessica Alba). As a director: JUDAS KISS, HBOs SHE CREATURE, RISE and last years SXSW world premiere WOMEN IN TROUBLE.
The bottom line it's a big cast in a sequel where I had never heard of the first film - Women in Trouble.
One hour and ten minutes into the film, the projector died. The director put on a good show, stalling for time as they were trying to get things fixed, but it wasn't meant to be. No ending. I can't exactly say I cared. The film is more soap opera than anything else. Sex is a well-played backdrop, I just needed more. Especially after a day of waiting.
It was the best day of films, and I only saw 2.75 of them. I found my little film to love (Happy Poet) and the one I truly cared about held up (Saturday Night).
Tomorrow, I've got some small films and then MacGruber. Train wreck? HIGH-larious? Tune in tomorrow to find out.