SXSW - Day One
SXSW - Day Two
SXSW - Day Three
SXSW - Day Four
SXSW - Day Five
Day six was hump day during the festival and was the first group of films my good friend Nathan Minger was able to join me for. He was pretty tired and it was his first day in Austin, so we didn't see as many films as I would have normally seen, but we saw some great ones.
The Films
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THIS MOVIE IS BROKEN
I was a moderate fan of Broken Social Scene before seeing this. I had heard some of their songs prior to the film and knew about them, but this film helped my interest grow. The reason I was so excited to see this flick was because of the concept. Basically, it's a concert film for BSS combined with a narrative film. So, the filmmakers filmed a concert of Broken Social Scene's in Montreal (I believe) and then filmed a scripted "feature" film that ties into the concert film.
The narrative part of the film tells the story of Bruno and Caroline, who just woke up next to each other after having a one night stand. However, Bruno has been into Caroline for a long time and has always tried to make a move. After they wake, he finds out that she's moving to France for school and he must think of a way to spend her last day in Canada together and to reveal his true feelings to her. That's where the concert plays in.
My biggest problem with the film is that the story isn't that interesting. It's an awesome idea to make a concert film more entertaining (if you're not that into straight concert films, that is), but if this movie was on its own without the greatness of Broken Social Scene to back it up, it would have been generic and on the verge of rubbish.So, as a film, it's pretty forgettable, but as a concert film with that little touch of story, it's pretty entertaining. It's a nice break from the music.
I give the film a 7 out of 10.
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GET LOW
I knew very little about this movie before waiting in line for the screening. I read the synopsis, but all I really knew was that Bill Murray was going to be there in person and that was enough for me. Then, come to find out, Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek was attending as well. Score!
The film tells the story of a small town and the hermit, named Felix Bush (Robert Duvall), who lives on the outskirts. His reputation isn't the best as many stories have been spread over the years. Felix decides to throw a "funeral party" for himself pre-death so that he can hear all the stories that have made him a legend. So, he goes to Bill Murray's Frank Quinn, the local funeral director, to make it happen.
It's a really touching film, showing how perspective plays into what people spread about others. One little rumor can explode and ruin someone's reputation. In some cases, this sort of spreading of lies can make someone more myth than man. That has certainly happened to Duvall's Felix.
Everyone is at the top of their games in this flick. Duvall gives a layered, mysterious performance that pulls you in and makes you curious to find out more. Murray is great as always and plays the comedic relief terrifically. Sissy Spacek plays her role rather sweet, her character (Mattie Darrow) being someone who cared for Felix before the incident that ruined his life took place. Spacek has a way of playing Mattie as being reserved, but still obviously having feelings for Felix, allowing them to show every once in a while. They were all just great.
This is certainly a character piece that's very, very charming. I'd love to see it again.
I give the film a 9 out of 10.
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SUCK
This movie is great. It tells the story of a rock band, touring through Canada, and their struggle with their female bassist (I think?) who has just become a vampire. Seeing how much everyone loves her and how awesome she rocks, members of the band start to debate if they should all make the jump to the vampire lifestyle. Gigs in shitty bars, thirst for blood, a vampire hunter played by Malcolm McDowell, and eventually a battle with the original vamp who turned them are nothing for a rock n roll band.
This movie is just good times. It obviously doesn't take itself too seriously and is more comedy than horror, but it works rather well, especially seeing how vampires these days are being played too melodramatically. I applaud the filmmakers for making vampires fun while giving a rock n roll flair and filling this flick with tons of laughs.
I give the film an 8 out of 10.
That's a wrap on day six!
