DrBill's Aspen FilmFest 2006 Blog Day 5

September 30th, 2006 at 08:50am DrBill 180

I suggested that perhaps a theme that might have been revealing itself was shifting but, talk about a slap in the face . . . JESUS CAMP, Friday's first offering at noon got my blood boiling and that was the intention of this powerful documentary. This expose' certaily gave Evangelical Christianity a voice, but the message that came across, even to this open mind, is frightening. We've all heard terms like indoctrination, brain-washing and mind-control, words we usually associate in a negative context with cultism. I am not one to use these words casually, but I can just as easily ascribe them to Jesus Camp as to an Islamic terrorist camp. Different content of course, but same intensity, emotionalism, control and rigor! Outrageous!
This is an important documentary exposing the growing influence that any radical movement can have on our freedoms, especially when cloked under a supposedly spiritual guise. This will be seen by many as controversial at least, some as blasphemy and by others as an incredible and important revelation! This boils down to US vs. THEM! Please . . . be enlightened! This film will likely be distributed and released nationally. Please see it and react!

The Second film ventures into comedy. Thanks for the relief!
PUCCINI FOR BEGINERS, from screenwriter and director Maria Maggenti, is as the program descrbed, a quick-witted, light-hearted comedy. The foundation for the relationship exploration, much turmoil, struggle and unlikely turn of events that present is a self-described lesbian woman who gets dumped by her lover and ends up involved with a man, suffering in an uninspired, empty relationship himself. The plot and comedy thickens when Allegra, the lesbian, has a relapse and gets involved with a new woman. This woman is new to the girl-on-girl experience, fueled by a timely break-up with a man. It ends up that the new man and the new woman for Allegra are the recent partners who splt up. A hopeless triangle and some pretty funny scenes are inevitible. This was an entertaining, well acted, well directed film and clever, tight script, but this dude is not likely to be including Puccini for Beginners on his favorites list.

Friday's third offering, the "surprise film", was very much a surprise and a disappointment. OFFSIDE, an Iranian film from director/producer/editor Jafar Panahi is supposed to have it's US debut at the New York Film Festival next week, but Laura Thielen, Aspen FilmFest's own amazing executive director, managed to sneak this one in under the wire!

Soccer is a huge sport and part of life in many parts of the world including Iran. Eight years ago Iran qualified for the World Cup and of course upon the return home of Iran's team, there was major celebration. In Iran it is illegal for women to enter a sports stadium, however an exception was made at that time and 5,000 women showed up for the party. This catalyzed much debate about this law. The controversy and this fimmakers daughter's interest as a soccer fan, spurred him on to explore and push this issue through film. Jafar describes, "Every restriction is the result of many other restrictions. If we look at one limitation in particular, it prompts us to consider many more. My films work in the same way. I take a relatively simple subject and try to develop all the issues surrounding it . . . one small problem ends up representing a greater problem on a larger scale in society. We all aspire to the same values and that is why we must irradicate oppression."
This film has a very honorable subject and intention and I found it totally annoying in its' presentation.

The next film IRA AND ABBY, was a laugh-a-minute dramady by Jennifer Westfeldt. Incredible casting, acting, writing, direction, editing and look! Judith Light is an incredible actress in my book anyway and she sizzled in this great role for her! Judith, a part-time Aspen local was present and participated in Q & A at the Wheeler following the film. The light-hearted feel of this film had some similarities to the old sitcom, Dharma and Greg and film, Meet the Fockers. This film will surely get distribution, so keep an eye out for it and be willing to laugh at yourself in any and every way that relationships challenge us and teach us about ourselves.

THE US VS. JOHN LENNON was the 10:30 PM film last night. I was spent and bailed for a good nights sleep. I had seen segments of this film in recent months and was uninspired. I may here a different take on it today. The line outside the Wheeler, all the way down the block to the Crystal Palace, was a testament to the interest in this film.

Today, another four films are slated and award of the Independent by Nature award presentation to Harrison Ford.

10:30 AM is BE WITH ME, "an ode to love, destiny, and ultimately hope."

2:00 PM A LAND OUT OF TIME, a documentary about what is described as, "The biggest land-grab in American history."

5:30 PM HARRISON FORD

8:00 PM DAYS OF GLORY, "A gripping war tale with a powerful message recounts the largely forgotten story of the Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian recruits who bravely fought for France against the Nazis in WWII.

10:30 PM SHUT UP AND SING, a documentary about the Dixie Chicks in the aftermath of their outspoken comments of George Bush.

Another big day at the Wheeler is before me, so check out DrBill's take on Day six tomorrow!

Entry Filed under: Movies, Aspen