Wednesday
was another busy one watching films day. There were lots to do and see. I had a
meeting at 8 am so I got off to an early start. We met at The Rustic Theater and carpooled to Astrocamp.
“Black
Rock Creek” with director Melone Lumarda was indeed mystical. It was the creek we all want to walk
along. The film was seamless and I’d really like to see more of Lumarda’s work.
Director
Dina Waxman showcased her wonderful sense of the ridiculous in “The Slippery
Slope”. Unfortunately in the discussion afterward, she was unable through youth
or insensitivity to accept any comments that were not in line with her
political views.
We
sat through “The Blind Date” with director Zhandra Reyes. It wasn’t anything to
write home but I’ll try: So-so
acting, cinematography that needs a lot of work and an old plot.
“Breath
Life” was not playable.
The
Colorado countryside was incomparable in “The Flame” with director Sean Owen. I
loved the architecture of the various organizations and learned a lot about
several philosophies. Unfortunately they really could have used a more ruthless
editor as some of the segments ran on too long.
We
stopped at Gary’s Deli for a really great sandwich and took it to Silver Pines
to see “Anatomy of ‘Anatomy’” from director David C. Jones. I have seen
“Anatomy of a Murder” many times and enjoyed it every time. How the town was
affected was really interesting. I loved the old production shots. I had never
gotten an overview of the setting before. There were some editing glitches with
gaps between scenes. Nothing that still couldn’t be fixed.
We
rushed back to Astrocamp to see “Room for Rent” because I love British comedy,
films and TV. Good British comedy — this wasn’t. I will not be rushing around
to the Acorn Media Catalog. I thought, from the description, I would, at least,
be seeing an interesting set. It was supposed to be a grand English house. Nope: a typical tiny British attached
in the middle of a town. Inane
comedy at its worst.
We
stayed for “Look Closer” with director Chris Schwab. This was another film
based on media types: in this case an actor and his agent.
Are
all media types this shallow? Was this a true depiction of an actor on his way
up? Maybe I just have different values that have developed as I’ve matured. Twenty
minutes in to it I asked myself “who cares” but I was carpooling. Then the mood changed and the “moving
to New York” scene happened.
Suddenly the characters developed a little more depth. I liked the role
scenes interspersed with the actor’s life. That was a good touch. Some of the
sound track was annoying.
Back
to our favorite venue Silver Pines to see several shorts. “See Me” with director Debbie Vaughn
was well produced with good everything: sound, acting, sound.
“Camp”
with director Pete D’alessandro was more interesting that I thought it would be
when we were trying to decide which films to see especially with Scott Foster
speaking after the showing.
“Dream
Date” from director Brian Lee Brown was next. The sound was tinny and the dialog thin. I can’t remember
anything else.
We
loved “La-Haut.” The tension was terrific! It’s a very professional film about
a strong woman, a rather clueless man and an offended town. I made an immediate
connection between this town and the trouble [Paul] Black’s wells caused here a
few years back. The photography was incredible. The subtitles were good. I will
become a fan of French Films if the quality of this film and “Hans Lee and Papa
Schultz” are the standard. I am so glad this is an “International” Festival of
Cinema! Natalie Boyer led the discussion.
“The
Skull Rosary of Frao’ Ranggoh” with director Jake Lloyd was a delightful romp
with “Indiana Jones.” Well, maybe not the sharp repartee of the original but
the character development was good. It was filmed in the wilds above Burbank
and goes to show that with skilled camera angles and a lot of imaginations we
can find our dream locations anywhere. Beautiful scenery and camera work.
Off
to the Rustic for “Doonby“ with director Peter M. Mackenzie. What a great film.
The character’s always in the middle of the action and you keep wondering,
”what’s up? “At the end you find out. Will Wallace makes a great terrible bad
guy. This was a very professional film. The photography, color sound, score
were all seamless. This film is a step up.
The
last film of the day was “The Fold” with director John Jencks. The scenery was
reminiscent of “Doc Martin” but that’s where the resemblance ended. The film
unfolded into the thought provoking proposition that an individual’s personal
suffering affects those around her. All aspects of professional film making
were present.
Another
wonderful day at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema. Exhausting but wonderful.
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