I think I am safe in saying that despite the emotional strafing of Film Fest Day One, I have not only survived, but thoroughly enjoyed another campaign of foreign and domestic cultural experience. This film fest business is NOT for the faint of heart, and I have the blisters and numb bum to prove it.
Despite an early gaffe in my schedule (placing on of my chosen films in the Almighty Excel Spreadsheet on the WRONG day), the VIFF this year was once again fun, exhausting provocative and enriching. I have introduced two newbies to the realm of Film Fest, as well as met up with my Von Trier battle hardened regular compatriots. Never has the casual question 'how's it going' been met with so many variances on the theme of 'good,' 'hanging in there,' 'at the half-way point...' I had a sense that everyone needed to remember to hydrate and stay focused.
Each year I am impressed by the range of talent VIFF brings together, and usually feel I haven't been able to see everything I should. Following are some of my notable moments from VIFF 2010, which is by no means a full perspective on this film fest as a whole, merely what has stayed with me past Day One:
- the British are entertaining, but in that 'keep the curtains shut, dear' way, because you sometimes don't want to be a witness to their antics, and are pretty sure you in NO WAY want to be involved. I thoroughly enjoyed both The Infidel and Down Terrace. While the first addressed the serious issue of religious conflict in a witty paradox, the second was a more straightforward gangster film with shocking moments of absurd hilarity. Again, highly entertaining, but do I want to be neighbours with any of these people? Probably not.
- just because you go to see a film in 3D does not mean it is going to make modern science any more palatable to you than it was in high school. A disappointing lack of nebula traversing in The Eye 3D.
- my yearly assumption that the French films will please me above all others came to a blatantly obvious, gear-grinding halt. I could blame my own choices, but where's the fun in that? While not one of the films was terrible, they were a bit... flat. I fully admit to not completely comprehending Certified Copy (could be that it was a co-production with Belgium and Italy...), but was underwhelmed by Around a Small Mountain, Dear Prudence and simply marvelled at the Death By Crocs ending to Snow White. Who knew that if you put hideous shoes on a woman wearing Jen-Paul Gauthier that she would suffer imminent death? Only the french...
- while I am enjoying their filmmaking evolution, I don't think I will be travelling to Mexico as a tourist anytime soon... The segments of film that composed Revolucion brought together some truly beautiful and moving images; the film segment from Rodrigo Garcia has stayed with me, but unlike Biutiful, the images are welcome. I have seen visual poetry and would gladly watch the entire film over again just to see these final minutes.
- I will continue to struggle in my comprehension of Asian cinema. I enjoyed Good Morning to the World for it's genuine approach to an increasingly isolating teenage world, but wasn't overwhelmed by the movie as a whole. My one companion assured me it was a fantastic film and I guess she's right as this was the film awarded the Dragons and Tigers prize for Young Cinema. Hunh.
- I love Stephen Fry. Wagner & Me is playing at the VanCity theatre during the festival favourites reruns - go see it. Seriously. That is all.
- Mike Leigh will still make me flinch before he does. Another Year is brilliant, original filmmaking and with an actor bringing the calibre that Jim Broadbent does, well... it's kind of an assured piece of film heaven. Then again, as the french have shown me - it's dangerous to assume. I was thoroughly involved in this film from moment one, and was slightly disappointed when it was over. Not an overly happy tale, as per Mr. Leigh's usual fare, but still such a good viewing experience.
- honorable mentions to The Robber, If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle, Turn it Loose and Born to Suffer. I enjoyed each of these films and would recommend them for viewing.
- my closing film for this fest year was an Icelandic film, King's Road, that in turn made me laugh OUT LOUD in the theatre (not necessarily a film fest regular occurrence), and scared me so bad I forgot to breathe in one shocking scene. But despite a wee bit of damage, slight scarring even, each character that would be audience supported emerged from the film story in workable form, which is pretty much my own experience at VIFF 2010.
The VIFF organization as a whole earns thanks for making such an event possible, accessible and affordable in my city. It is truly one of my favourite things about living here, as well as sharing the experience with those willing to risk mild emotional scarring with me. Until next year, ladies and gents, rest up, hydrate, and stay focused.
- written by Jennifer Le Vecque
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