Mid-Academy Screening Focal Point
December 26th, 2006 at 03:52pm DrBill 180
We are seven days and nine films into AspenFilm's Academy Screening 2006. The momentum seems to be just picking up now. OK, we've had a few factors to consider like "The Blizzard of 2006", that wasn't such astounding news locally weather-wise, but has had an impact on Aspen because holiday travelers have not been able to make all of their connections to even get here. Of course we are ever grateful for snow in abundant quantities to enhance our wintry image, Christmassy-look, and stellar Four-Mountain venue, but we really didn't get THAT much snow locally. So much about the snow, what about the movies? My favorite film thus far is, "The Illusionist". I know that this was released nationwide months ago, but I didn't get to see it because I was blogging the twenty-one films in September at AspenFilm's FilmFest and it had left town by the end of the fest. "Good things come to those who wait", my father used to say, and indeed my patience was meet with reward. Edward Norton who plays Eisenheim, the unusually gifted magician with seemingly supernatural powers, happens to be one of my most respected contemporary male actors. I remember some ten years ago first seeing him in, "Primal Fear", his feature debut opposite Richard Gere and hoped that he would be noticed and indeed his career has been impressive. Five years ago Norton was cast with DeNiro, and Brando in, "The Score" and I became a decided fan. He has been nominated for two Academy Awards (Primal Fear and American History X) and won a Golden Globe along with numerous other awards for his performances. The film, Frida, for which he wrote an uncredited screenplay, was nominated for six Academy Awards and won two. Norton stars in and is a producer of, "The Painted Veil", a film that will screen here on Friday, December 29th. So, yes, I am a Norton fan, but, "The Illusionist" stands on it's own. Like I've been describing food that I especially enjoy lately, it is fresh, clean, warm and it's components compliment one another rather than compete. Speaking of delicious components, Jessica Biel is well cast as Eisenheim's love interest, ethereal muse and very easy on the eyes. I do agree, as the distributor describes, The Illusionist is a "stunning romantic thriller". If you missed it, look for it on DVD or at your favorite video rental in the coming months.
So, I describe the momentum until know as lacking because of light attendance at the Friday, December 22 screenings. However between the weather, prior release of "The Illusionist" and in the case of the other Friday night film, "Days of Glory", prior screening in Aspen in September at FilmFest, it could all be an illusion. "Days of Glory", by the way was one of my most favorite films from FilmFest and I looked forward to seeing it again. The Cannes Best Actor award that went to the ensemble cast of this film was even more understandable after a second viewing. I encouraged a number of friends to see this film and was surprised that the warring masked the intimacy, sensitivity and beauty of this provocative and unusual film for several of them.
There was a late addition to the schedule for Christmas evening, December 25th, "Avenue Montaigne" and Clint Eastwood's new WWII films, "Letters From Iwo Jima" and Flags of our Fathers" will screen at the Wheeler Opera House on Tuesday, December 26th and Wednesday, December 27th respectively. These screenings are in addition to what is scheduled for those nights at Harris Hall. Choices, choices . . . you learn quickly in this town that you just cannot do it all. Check out the schedule of remaining films at www.aspenfilm.org.
This is sure to be a busy week with the airlines catching up and New Years ahead, but do yourself a favor and enjoy a cinematic dose of Academy Screening!
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