That's right, AspenFilm is kicking off the 17th annual Aspen ShortsFest April 2nd - 6th! We've screened about 3500 short films from around the world representing nearly 30 countries and have chosen the best of the best for screening right here in Aspen. Filmmaker Magazine called Aspen's ShortsFest, which is an Oscar-Qualifying event, "one of the most prestigious festivals devoted to short films in the world."
Continue Reading Add comment March 27th, 2008
The Con Man continues his prescient dissertation on 4,000 dead American soldiers and John McCain, then segues at the end of the show into a discussion of the "King Kong" cover of Vogue featuring LeBron James and Giselle Bundchen.
The complete discussion of the five-year anniversary of the Iraq invasion, followed by a discussion of short films and Aspen Shortsfest by Filmfest executive director Laura Thielen.
Continue Reading 8 comments March 25th, 2008
March 10, 2008 (Aspen, Colo.) - Filmmakers around the world will join film audiences April 2-6 when Aspen Shortsfest 2008 arrives at the Wheeler Opera House and other venues in Aspen and Carbondale, Colorado.
Now in its 17th year, Aspen Shortsfest is considered one of the world's leading showcases for international short film and video. The centerpiece International Competition features fifty-three finalists from more than 24 countries; the live-action, animation, and documentary finalists were selected from 3,500 previewed submissions. The International Competition finalists will be presented at public screenings where they compete for more than $20,000 in cash and other prizes. With more than a third of the films screened being U.S., North American, or world premieres, Shortsfest offers viewers an unparalleled chance to see exciting new work from up-and-coming talent from all corners of the globe.
Continue Reading Add comment March 11th, 2008
If you think about the epic moments in media that draw us together as a nation—and who doesn’t ponder such things—then you must be watching “The Sara Connor Chronicles” on Fox, the latest version of the “Terminator” movie series that not coincidentally starred the Governor of California as the bad-guy cyborg from the future who learned how to love.
The latest version of a dark future centers on Sarah Connor, the mother of John Connor, the teenager who will live on into the future to lead “the rebels” against “Skynet,” the computer network programmed to destroy all humanity. But there’s a twist: cyborgs are dispatched from the future by both the older John Connor and the faceless Skynet to either protect or destroy John Connor, depending on their persuasion. They are literally programmed to terminate his life, and nothing stops them.
The trope is terrific, a chronologic displacement even the novelist Milan Kundera could love. With time travel, robots, and Armageddon, it doesn’t get any better than this. But it’s not science fiction that makes the “Terminator” series indestructible in the good ole U.S.A.: it’s the rebel yell embedded in our DNA.
Continue Reading 4 comments January 17th, 2008
In 1903 an elephant was electrocuted. This was not an accident. You see, at the turn of the century elephants used to roam free in many parts of the United States. This was just about the time that Thomas Edison, the famous inventor, was experimenting with alternating electrical current. The Edison Estate had a slight elephant problem. It wasn’t uncommon to see a dozen elephants grazing in his back yard on any given day.
Continue Reading 2 comments January 12th, 2008
So enter yet another contender to dominate Academy Award nominations. "The Kite Runner", the much anticipated film based on Khaled Hosseini's best-selling book of the same title, is a beautifully portrayed and acted film that stays true to the book and even fills in some blanks where film is not limited. Described as addressing, "Universal themes of family bonds, childhood friendship, the courage of forgiveness and the salvation only to be found in love, the story deeply touched every cultural and social background." This book and film truly have universal appeal.
If you've read the book . . . see the film. You won't be disappointed and if you haven't read the book, see the film and then read the book!
Twenty-five films have been screened by AspenFilm in the past twelve days. I couldn't see all of them but I am enriched by those I personally witnessed. AspenFilm, once again hosted a wonderful and signature Aspen event. AspenFilm's ShortsFest is in the works currently. Mark your calendars for my favorite Aspen cultural event of the year, April 2-6, 2008. Watch for these feature film's local releases wherever you are and cast your own vote come Oscar-time.
See you at the movies,
DrBill
Add comment January 3rd, 2008
The Wikipedia describes, "The atonement is a doctrine found within both Christianity and Judaism. It describes how sin can be forgiven by God. In Judaism, Atonement is said to be the process of forgiving or pardoning a transgression. This was originally accomplished through rituals performed by a High Priest on the holiest day of the Jewish year: Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). In Christian theology the atonement refers to the forgiving or pardoning of sin through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ which made possible the reconciliation between God and man."
Do you perceive that we have a serious subject at hand here? Yes, we do. This beautiful film is based on the book of the same name by British writer Ian McEwan and adapted by screenwriter, Christopher Hampton. Director Joe Wright comments, " Atonement, although set in the past, has contemporary relevance. It is about everyday experiences, relationships, emotions, choices and decisions . . . I sought to interpret a period story in such a way that the modern-day audience is able to see beyond the time and setting of a story and into the story itself."
The setting is Britan in the mid 1930s. Elaborate and luxurious trappings abound at the estate where this story begins. A sin of deceit and outright jealousy, entraps the mutual object of two sisters affection. Stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy portray their roles masterfully. Keira Knightley is perfectly cast and costumed in this roamantic and tragic period piece. McAvoy's character , Robby, is a writer. The film was exquisitely punctuated by the sound of typewriter keys, reflecting present intensity or urgency and providing the vehicle of segue from one scene or venue to the next, a very creative and appropriate tool.
This is one of those, "Venus vs. Mars" films where afterwords in the lobby men were observed scratching their heads in attempt to understand what had just been witnessed, while women kept right in stride throughout every circuitous hint and travail of this illustrious drama.
Lessons about the far-reaching consequences of lies and deceit pervade. You will want to see this film.
Add comment January 3rd, 2008
The 2007 AspenFilm Academy Screenings are quickly coming to a close but finishing strongly. No exception to this is Sean Penn's entry, "Into the Wild", the story of Chris McCandless, a 24 year-old hiker and wannabe naturalist who turned from society as we know it to answer the question, "What is true wildness?" This film, made with Chris' family's support, documents the passion that this young man had for the truth that only nature can reflect to us. At times an emotional challenge because of the honesty with which Penn approached this project, I welcomed being moved to tears and welcomed the surfacing of that wild man inside myself who at times wonders how I can settle in such comfort in my own life without relative risk and testing my mettle, like Chris did. I could say that this is a man's film but would surely invite protest from local "mountain women."
I first became aware of this story when screening films for FilmFest in August '07 when I came across a film titled, "Call of the Wild". That film, a bit crude in its documentary style but a first effort for that filmmaker who I do not recall, stirred me as well. He protested in his film that Sean Penn and crew were on his tail and crowding his own attempt to document Chris' life and ultimate death from starvation in 1992 at his abandoned, "Magic Bus" camp in Alaska.
Sean Penn's image does not speak to a sensitive side but this film honors and celebrates Chris McCandless, his passion and mission in a most revered manner. Bravo Mr Penn!
Add comment January 3rd, 2008
I am searching within my own optimistic, positive consciousness to find something constructive to expound upon about this film that I found to be baffling and confusing if not absurd. The premise of a 70-something man being rendered crisp by a lightning strike only to miraculously heal and go through an age reversal and bizarre encounter after encounter is not only far out but the script and strange reflections consistently left me wondering from moment to moment if I had fallen asleep and missed an important piece. This was a stressful film and equally so to endure viewing. I left the theatre asking if there were "Cliff Notes" available for this yet? My question was met by nods in agreement with the statement that my question asked.
I do have to say that the special effect of the lightning strike was amazing and Tim Roth, for whom I have much respect as an actor, did a great job. if there was something to "get", i didn't "get it."
Add comment January 1st, 2008
"Sleuth", the remake of the 1972 film of the same name and starring Michael Caine again but in the role more fitting of current generation. I found "Sleuth" to be a fascinating study of relationships and trust/distrust between men. Kenneth Branagh brilliantly directs Caine and Jude Law to profound performances. The setting is Caine's character's home where a meeting has been arranged between Caine's character and his wife's lover played by Law. Let the games begin. Each take turn in enrolling one another in a selfish and dangerously exciting scenario. Caine and Law's acting is celebrated in this extreme thriller. Caine must have had the time of his life paying opposite Law in the role he himself portrayed twenty-five years ago opposite Lawrence Olivier. Law is outrageous and wonderful and Caine equally engaging, kept me on edge throughout the 86 minute film. I am moved to find the 1972 version on DVD. Loved this film and it's images keep showing up in my mind four days and four films later.
Continue Reading Add comment January 1st, 2008
