Search Pop Culture Guide
Includes blog.
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And here’s a clearer image of the shirt:
The Darjeeling Limited
Opening Night
Wes Anderson, US, 2007; 91m
A Fox Searchlight release
preceded by
Hotel Chevalier
Wes Anderson, US, 2007; 12m
Who was there: Wes Anderson introduced the film and brought on a bunch of his actors: Adrien Brody who looked very dapper (is he still a model for Zegna?), Jason Schwartman who hobbled on with a cane as he recently broke a couple of toes playing soccer shoeless, Bill Murray and Anjelica Huston who came on arm in arm, Amara Karan and I think Waris Ahluwalia. At this point, I can’t remember who else. Wes Anderson did give a nod to Owen Wilson saying they hoped he was doing well. Wes Anderson also noted that he loves the NYFF and often attends as many films as possible. In fact, I’ve seen him around as an audience member. You can tell he’s a fan from his movies because of his visual and other references. EDIT: I’m pretty sure Roman Coppola, co-writer and co-producer, was in attendance that night. END EDIT
EDIT 10/29 – I just remembered this tidbit: Wes Anderson kept DJ LTD for one extra night just so it could open at the NYFF first before opening officially the following night. I’ve never heard of that happening before. I thought it was cool especially since I was there. I suppose I might’ve been annoyed otherwise. END EDIT
How was it: I liked it a lot! Very charming. The short was really good and contributed much to the feature story so it doesn’t quite make sense why it just doesn’t precede every showing of the movie. Owen Wilson was sublime. He is so appealing and does it so effortlessly. Enjoyed Jason Schwartman and Adrien Brody as well. I was disappointed I couldn’t make it to the Wes Anderson talk later on in the fest due to other obligations. Darn it. At least I saw opening night!
EDIT: 10/25 Actually, the short, Hotel Chevalier, is being shown before the feature now for all showings. Yay. Great move! So everyone from here on out will be able to see parts 1 & 2 right then and there. Of course, it was previously available for free on iTunes. But this way works better.
Also, since I wrote this original entry, I’ve seen The Darjeeling Limited two more times in the theater. It was a convergence of events that led to this. Anyway, I found it worth-seeing and enjoyable both times. So now I’ve seen it 3x in the theater. I think that will probably be it for this round.
2nd EDIT: I’ve also learned that Wes Anderson paid for Hotel Chevalier himself and that Jason Schwartman and Natalie Portman did it for free. So cool! It totally paid off artistically for them. Apparently Natalie Portman regrets the nudity. But really, she shouldn’t. She was really strong in this short. Also, I was totally oblivious to the less than positive reviews about Darjeeling Limited and had only read the supportive ones. I have to say, upon 2nd viewing, it was really complete. It’s a story about bereavement, brothers working through their intra and interpersonal issues. It’s quirky, it’s funny, it’s warm, it’s sad. But it is really full and satisfying to watch. I like his nods to Satyajit Ray in the music and visuals. END EDIT
4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
Cristian Mungiu, Romania, 2007; 113m
An IFC First Take release
Who was there: The director and producer. They did a Q&A afterwards.
How was it: Very good. I didn’t realize that terminating pregnancies was actually legal and encouraged in most communist countries. Romania was actually an exception under the rule of Ceaucescu. They said the reception was very positive in Romania. Many women had similar stories to tell and found it cathartic to see the movie and then share their experiences with the director, et al.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Julian Schnabel, France/US, 2007; 112m
A Miramax Films release
Who was there: Julian Schnabel. He gave a rambling but interesting intro and same with his Q&A. I liked what he had to say.
How was it: Excellent. Very moving. I hadn’t read the book but a fellow PCA said the book was more compelling. Afterwards, I read some of the book online and had to agree it was incredibly powerful to read Jean-Dominique Bauby’s words knowing what he went through to write them.
Blade Runner: The Final Cut
Retrospective
Ridley Scott, US, 1982/2007; 118m
A Warner Bros. release
Who was there: NOT Ridley Scott or any of the actor but many of the Oscar-Nominated Special Effects people and producer-types were there. They conducted the best Q&A ever. My favorite questions of the festival: 1) That dove still looks totally fake. How do you account for that? Answer: It was on purpose for stylistic continuity. 2) I own the original Vangelis soundtrack and the second soundtrack released 10 years ago. I heard music in this version of the movie that I do not own. Will this soundtrack be released soon? Answer: Yes! They are just working on some copyright issues.
How was it: Great. If you liked it the first time, you’ll like this cut. Harrison Ford is so cool. The look is really cool and the story still thought-provoking.
The Orphanage
Juan Antonio Bayona, Spain, 2007; 100m
A Picturehouse release
Who was there: The director, the producer, the cinematographer, the lead actress. They were all first-timers and did a stellar job.
How was it: Such a pleasant surprise. I literally jumped out of my seat a few times and I don’t scare easily in films. I recommend this one to people who like a good ghost story.
Married Life
Ira Sachs, USA, 2007; 90m
A Sony Pictures Classics release
Who was there: Ira Sachs, Chris Cooper, Patricia Clarkson and I don’t know who else.
How was it: The period (late 1940’s) was so precisely executed. Pierce Brosnan made it look so easy. He was charming and slightly sleazy and pathetic. Of course Chris Cooper and Patricia Clarkson were strong. Rachel McAdams was very blonde and attractive as her role required.
Secret Sunshine
Lee Chang-dong, South Korea, 2007; 142m
Who was there: The director.
How was it: Interesting. The actress had won at Cannes so I was curious to see what she put out there. I’ve only peripherally watched Lee Chang-dong’s other films but heard that they are better than this one. I thought the actress did a good job in a hard role. If you want to see a non-extreme modern Korean movie, this one will give you a taste. But I guess you should consider renting Oasis or Peppermint Candy first.
The Man From London
Béla Tarr, Hungary/France/Germany, 2007; 135m
Who was there: No one.
How was it: Well, right before it started, a fellow PCA leaned over and said, this director inspired Gus Van Sant to make Gerry and Elephant. I appreciated both of those movies but I know people who hated them, especially Gerry. They have a narrative but they are very arty. Watching them is like being asleep and dreaming the story. So, visually, the movie was interesting. The story was very basic. It was interesting to see Hungary as I’ve never been. But it was less than brilliant. Many people left before it was over. I heard that Bela Tarr’s other movies are considered better and even genius. I’m glad I saw a sample of his work but this is definitely not for everyone.
I’m Not There
Todd Haynes, US, 2007; 136m
A Weinstein Company release
Who was there: Todd Haynes, Christine Vachon, author of Shooting to Kill, the amazing Cate Blanchett, the cute Marcus Carl Franklin, Michelle Williams and I don’t remember who else. I have a vague memory that Richard Gere was there too.
How was it: I’ve been wanting to see this ever since I first heard of it. I admit I was dubious about Cate Blanchett. There was Oscar buzz about her depiction of Bob Dylan. I have to say, she was fantastic! This movie was also very arty. It is not a mainstream movie. It is a real film festival entry. You have to let it wash over you and just take in whatever you take in from it. This is not really a biopic. This is a stream of consciousness about Bob Dylan. I liked it very much.
Alexandra
Alexander Sokurov, Russia, 92m
Who was there: No one.
How was it: I heard of Russian Ark and saw The Sun so I had some idea of what to expect. Alexander Sokurov creates incredible visuals but is also extremely arty. This movie was actually quite accessible although I thought it was going to be a spy movie at one point. It was actual a slice of life in Chechnya. I liked this much better than The Sun. It was easier to follow and I could still appreciate the beauty of the cinematography.
No Country for Old Men
Centerpiece
Joel and Ethan Coen, US, 2007; 122m
A Miramax Films release
Who was there: No one. Bummer.
How was it: Amazing! But be aware that the book was very violent and the movie is true to the source. Josh Brolin was impressive. Tommy Lee Jones was great. Javier Bardem had a hard role depicting a psychopath. He is sufficiently creepy. The use of the landscape, in this Western, set in 1980, is excellent. I would see this again.
Flight of the Red Balloon
Hou Hsiao-hsien, France, 2007; 113m
An IFC First Take release
Who was there: No one.
How was it: Worth seeing if you like Hou Hsiao-hsien or Juliette Binoche. It is also not a mainstream film. It is very much “inspired by” ideas of Paris, The Red Balloon, Hou Hsiao-hsien’s own sensibility.
Go Go Tales
Abel Ferrara, US, 2007; 96m
preceded by
Death to the Tinman
Ray Tintori, US, 2007; 12m
Who was there: Abel Ferrara and a bunch of his actors including Willem Defoe. Abel Ferrara and Sylvia Miles took over the Q&A from Scott Foundas. It was hilarious.
How was it: Well, it was a mess but it was an intriguing one to watch. This is also an experimental type film, like a drama school exercise. But Willem Defoe is fascinating as always. Matthew Modine was also fun to watch. Bob Hoskins is a pro. Slyvia Miles is hilarious. I think this might be another one for true blue fans only. But again, that Q&A was amazing. It was worth the price of the ticket.
Paranoid Park
Gus Van Sant, US, 2007; 85m
An IFC First Take release
preceded by
No Part of the Pig Is Wasted
Emma Perret, France, 2006; 19m
Who was there: Gus Van Sant came alone although I think his actors were at the other showing. He got a warm welcome and gave a good intro and Q&A.
How was it: I liked it a lot. It was interesting to see Gus Van Sant’s most recent movie and contrasting the experience to seeing his first feature when it was re-released, Mala Noche, a couple of months ago. I would recommend Paranoid Park. It is adapted from a YA book. The lead actor does a good job of portraying an adolescent trying to find his way and finding himself in a morally difficult situation. The Portland skater culture is its own character. I think people looking for a strong conclusion will be somewhat dissatisfied but it is definitely thought-provoking.
Redacted
Brian De Palma, US, 2007; 110m
A Magnolia Films release
preceded by
Cherries
Tom Harper, UK, 2007; 15m
Who was there: Brian De Palma and his lead actors looking fresh and hip. De Palma gave an interesting intro but no Q&A. The actors seemed to stay for the entire movie or they came in at the end and accepted our acknowledgement of them. They were very casual with the audience sticking around to chat with whoever wanted.
How was it: It is so hard to judge or completely digest a movie, book, etc. that relates to current events. I need time to understand my reactions, etc. I guess technically it was good. He did a good job of using different types of media ([fictional] home video, news footage, security camera footage) to piece together his narrative. The actual event was terrible and I believe an isolated one. It isn’t an indictment of everyone and everything to do with the war going on. But it is clearly an anti-war movie. I guess it isn’t anything new from De Palma. He has often conveyed to the audience, don’t trust what you see or hear even because there’s always more going on even in a silly movie like Snake Eyes. Blow Out is another one. Even Brian De Palma said he has said the same message himself in Casualties of War. So, I think more time needs to pass before people can weigh in on this one fully. It is not a light movie though so know what you’re getting into before you see it.
Useless
Jia Zhangke, Hong Kong 2007; 80m
preceded by
Franz Kafka’s A Country Doctor
Koji Yamamura, Japan, 2007; 20m
Who was there: Jia Zhangke who gave a wonderful intro and Q&A.
How was it: This was also a great surprise. I was not expecting to appreciate this documentary as much as I did. I’ve seen a couple of his other films and he’s highly praised by critics for his social commentary about modern China. Useless effectively and entertainingly does this better that any of his other movies. This is also a very arty film even though it is non-fiction. Jia Zhangke doesn’t put a narration over the images. He just lets the ambient noise speak for itself for the most part. He does interview the designer Ma Ke and some of the other participants in the second and third parts but he doesn’t employ fancy camera-work or lots of music to tell us how he feels or how we should feel. This documentary really speaks for itself.
Persepolis
Closing Night
Marjane Satrapi & Vincent Paronnaud, France, 2007; 95m
A Sony Pictures Classics release
preceded by
The Vulnerable Ones
Bent-Jorgen Perlmutt, Democratic
Who was there: Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Paronnaud, Catherine Deneuve and her daughter Chiara Mastroianni and others but I don’t recall exactly. Marjane Satrapi introduced the film but there was no Q&A.
How was it: I was expecting a lot based on the reviews. It was impressive. The actual story, knowing it is an autobiography, is riveting. Marjane Satrapi did not intend it to be animated as she wrote and drew a graphic novel first. So I will give her a break on the animation. It was interesting enough I thought. I would recommend this film because of the subject matter and how current it is. It will definitely stay with you afterwards.
And that’s it. I saw 18 movies in the fest. I’m not even mentioning the movies I saw in between – non-festival movies. I will get to those later if they seem worth talking about. Oh, I will just mention one that I liked in particular:
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