I’m gathering the energy to attend my first biffma event — that’s the Berkshire International Film Festival. I’ve gone to surprisingly few events of this kind, given my overall movie madness.
So far nothing has blown me away; and the works have been reasonably engaging. The Answer Man’s a romantic comedy about a reclusive pissed off author of a book that transformed spirituality in the 80s. I liked the dichotomy of someone who has a deeper understanding and is fundamentally not at peace in the most blatant of ways. And I found some of the man’s answers helpful.
I’ve seen short shorts and long shorts. There was a 20 minute piece about the perils of crossing the Mexican border that was well done. And of course that’s followed by a sci-fi piece that’s so obtuse that the Exit signs offered healthy competition for one’s attention.
I felt critical of the documentary on film criticism. It brought up valid questions in a boring, corny style. Although it was a revelation to discover that Andrew Sarris and Molly Haskell are married. Didn’t know about the Kael-Sarris feud. Learned a thing or two about the history of film criticism. Overall it was useful but lacked wit.
Later today: James Gandolfini In the Loop, and Who Do You Love? about Chess Records.
Film festivals can recreate the sort of pressure that I would feel in a comedy club. There’s an explicit intention which is contrary to the spontaneity with which I participate in the moviegoing experience. Is that the problem? Is there any problem?
