Season 1 - The Photos

Hi everyone,

To see the photos that I've uploaded go to the following address:

http://tsm4.blogs.friendster.com/photos/sundance_2006/

Thanks again for reading!

Your 2006 Sundance Film Festival correspondent,

Ted

Season 1 - The Recap

Hi everyone!

Well, I survived the ten days of Sundance without catching any of the colds or flus that were going around while I was there. Of course, now that I'm back home, stuffy head, fever, and overall soreness have reared their ugly heads. At least it let me enjoy my time in Utah.

But here, in my Daytime NyQuil-induced stupor, let me recap my first year as a Sundance Film Festival volunteer. It was certainly exhausting, but it was all worth the lack of sleep to be part of the grand-daddy of independent film festivals. It was such a pleasure to meet so many other volunteers and filmgoers. It was such an easy venue to talk with strangers on the shuttle buses, on the street, and in the theaters, because most everyone was there to enjoy these films and it was fun to discuss your opinions together.

Yes, I did have some celebrity sightings, but, as some of you have noted, I could have stalked these celebs much better than I did. That wasn't my goal, so I was happy with randomly coming across stars when I did. Yes, it's too bad that I wasn't one of the many people who saw Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake gallivanting around town, and it's too bad that apparently Gwyneth Paltrow walked right in front of us at our box office and I didn't even notice, but that does not negate the wonderful time that I had.

Apparently my movie-going at Sundance was not the same as the jury and other audience members, because of all of the Sundance award winners, I only saw one of them (and that one I didn't like). You can view the list of Sundance award winners here ... http://festival.sundance.org/2006/festival/press.aspx, but below is the list of films that I saw, ranked, in my opinion, from best to worst:

1. Stay ****1/2

2. Friends with Money ****1/2

3. The Illusionist ****1/2

4. The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros ****1/2

5. Lucky Number Slevin ****

6. The Descent ****

7. The Night Listener ****

8. Alpha Dog ****

9. All Aboard! Rosie's Family Cruise ****

10. Man Push Cart ****

11. SherryBaby ***1/2

12. Forgiving the Franklins ***1/2

13. Adam's Apples ***

14. Half Nelson ***

15. Flannel Pajamas **1/2

16. The Darwin Awards **

17. Right at Your Door (which won an award for cinematography) **

Normally, I try to see short film programs during film festivals, but this time I stayed with features and documentaries, since all of the short films are available to watch on-line until June. I'll take my time and watch some of those now that I'm home. You can check them out at http://festival.sundance.org/2006/watch/index.aspx.

So, thank you for reading my Sundance tales, and if I have inspired anyone to take a couple weeks to work at next year's festival, you can find a volunteer application at http://festival.sundance.org/2006/utilities/volunteers.aspx.

Your trusty Sundance correspondent,
Ted

PS - Pictures should be available in the next couple days.

Season 1, Episode 10 - 1/29/2006

Hi everyone!


Well, I'm about to check out of the volunteer villa here at Sundance. It has been amazing 10 days - I've met and worked with some great people, seen some great (and some not so great) films, and enjoyed this wonderful festival.

My final movie review is for "Alpha Dog" which I saw yesterday afternoon. Overall, I liked it, although parts of it annoyed me. This film answers the question of whether or not Justin Timberlake is an actor (He's not - he basically plays himself, with more cursing.) The story involves a lot of cursing. Oh yeah, and I guess there was some plot about young gangsters who kidnap a rival gangster's kid brother and all of the repercussions of that. Besides JT, it starred Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone, Emile Hirsch, and Ben Foster (who plays a much different character than he did on "Six Feet Under") among many others. 4 stars (out of five).

For those of you who see this film later in the year, please let me know if you become distracted during the scene where Sharon Stone plays an older and fatter version of herself. (If you weren't going to be distracted, you will be now that I'm bringing it up.) The prosthetics department does a fairly good job of adding bad skin and heft to the beautiful and skinny actress. However, during the entire scene, I kept thinking "you missed a spot." Her entire face is made up to be bloated and dirty - except for this perfect area of skin between her nose and her mouth. I dare you to watch that scene without fixating on that flawless patch of skin.

I'll write a final Missives wrap-up tomorrow. Until then...

Ted

Season 1, Episode 9 - 1/28/2006

Hi everyone,

A couple more movie reviews from yesterday and today.

During my volunteer shift yesterday, I was able to see most of one of the screenings of "Forgiving the Franklins." This was an odd little film about a conservative Christian family who are in a car accident and then they live in a near-death state where their thoughts of original sin have been removed. They become very free and open and liberal, much to the shock and dismay of their neighbors. It was very funny at times as it skewered both liberal and conservative values. 3 1/2 stars (out of five).

I just saw a showing of a Filipino film called "The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros." This was really well-done and it would be great if it gets picked up for U.S. distribution. The story is about a young, feminine Filipino boy named Maxi who falls in love with a local police officer. There is a lot of conflict with this because his family is in trouble with the law. The movie was both funny and tragic. 4 1/2 stars.

I will write my final thoughts and reviews once I return home tomorrow.

Your Sundance correspondent,
Ted

Season 1, Episode 8 - 1/27/2006

Hi All,


Sorry that I missed out on sending the Missives yesterday - just never found myself near a computer yesterday.


The Festival is starting to wind down. You can tell that there are fewer people walking around the streets of Park City and there are certainly fewer celebrities to see. Most of the movies have screened multiple times, so many of the directors and stars no longer do Q&A sessions after the movies. There is one more movie that will premiere tonight - Alpha Dog, starring Bruce Willis and Justin Timberlake (yes, that Justin Timberlake - apparently he acts now). I'll be trying to see that flick tomorrow.


So, a couple nights ago, I was able to see "The Darwin Awards" but it really wasn't worth it. The plot involved stupid people doing stupid things and dying because of them. Actually those scenes were quite funny and if it had just been series of those scenes, it may have been better, but they had to put in a story of two insurance investigators (Joseph Fiennes and Winona Ryder) and how they figured out how these things happened. It was quite a disappointment. 2 stars (out of five).


Yesterday, I tried to get into a documentary, which has had lots of buzz, called "Wordplay" about Will Shortz, the writer of the NY Times crossword puzzles. Unfortunately, it was playing a small theater and was not able to get in off of the waitlist. Later that day, I attended a screening of a horror film called "The Descent." The story was about six women who begin descending an unexplored cave and then come across a bunch of blind humanoid creatures who start attacking them. That description sounds pretty lame, but it was such a scary film. Great camera work and lots of "jump out of your seat" moments. I liked it a lot. 4 stars.


Also yesterday, I saw a film called "Man Push Cart" about a Pakistani immigrant who lugs around a food cart around New York City. This immigrant develops a variety of relationships with different customers and fellow vendors. There was some touching on the hardships that a Muslim living and working in NYC after 9/11 (especially one who has to carry around a propane tank for his job). It was a well-done film and you could really care about this character. 4 stars.



Today I took a break from seeing any movies. My roommate/theater manager, Jeromy, and I decided to take some snowboarding lessons. Neither one of us had ever snowboarded before and we decided that we should take advantage of some of the great slopes that Utah has to offer. We found a lesson package at a nearby resort that included the lessons, lift tickets, and equipment rental. We had such a good time. Our instructor was great and really took us along in baby steps. We certainly fell down a lot, but that was to be expected. By the end of the day, we had mastered getting on and off the ski lift and we had started getting into doing some turns down the hill (I mean mountain - really we were on a mountain). It was a fun day, but we're both going to be sore tomorrow (actually I'm already a little sore).


So, we have two more volunteer shifts to go (tonight and tomorrow night) and then I head back home on Sunday. I will try to send out another volume tomorrow, and I will send some of the pictures once I get back home.


Your Sundance correspondent,

Ted

Season 1, Episode 7 - 1/25/2006

Hello everyone,

Ok, I'm tired once again. After our shift last night, our condo hosted a party to celebrate one of the roommate's (Nathan) birthday as well as to showcase the musical stylings of another roommate, Jeromy, and his friend Jeremy (whose alter ego is called Vince Diamond). When a party begins at 2am and I try to get up for an 8:30am screening, that is just a recipe for exhaustion. It was a fun party, but most of us are paying for it today.

The movie I saw this morning was called "Right at Your Door" and unfortunately, it was not worth going to so early in the morning. The plot involves a series of dirty bomb attacks on L.A. and how that affects one couple - the guy is sealed in their house, while the woman has been contaminated and cannot be let back in. It sounded like a good concept, that's why I wanted to see it, but it just was pretty slow and not that interesting. 2 stars (out of five). Afterwards, I went back and took a nap. I'll be trying to another movie this afternoon called "The Darwin Awards" starring Joseph Fiennes. Review in the next volume, if I get in.

Last night during work, I sold a wait list ticket to the actor who plays Jackson on "Gilmore Girls." Unfortunately, I didn't know the actor's name, so I didn't want to say "Hey, you're Jackson from Gilmore Girls." Doubly unfortunately is that I actually could have said that because I've looked him up on the Internet Movie Database (http://www.imdb.com/) and his real name is actually Jackson. Darn, well now I know.

As an addendum to a previous volume... about a half hour after I sent out Volume 5 (where I spoke of seeing "The Illusionist" co-starring Paul Giamatti), I actually ran in Mr. Giamatti on the street, where he was having some press photos taken. As they were moving to a new location, I went up to him and told him that I had just seen his movie and that he had done a terrific job. He replied, "Thanks man, I really appreciate it. And hey, watch out for that dog shit," which we were both walking towards. Seems like a very nice guy, and very conscientious as well.

I'm going to go get in line for the next movie. Lining up for movies is a big part of the Sundance experience. Depending on the popularity of the move, a.k.a. the "buzz" that you hear about the film (I'm talking so "L.A." after a few days here) you may need to line up a couple hours before the screening time. It's not usually too bad, as you can talk with your fellow filmgoers in line or catch up on some reading.

Until next time...

Ted

Season 1, Episode 6 - 1/24/2006

Hi everyone,

So today I decided to really catch up on some sleep rather than getting up to see an 8:30am movie. I think it was a smart plan - I'm not dragging at all at this point (but that will probably change again tomorrow when I return to the early morning movie schedule).

The volunteer work is still going alright, but I don't think that we have completed a full shift without any computer glitches. But it's been fun to see all the people coming in for the movies and it's exciting to make peoples' days when you let them in off of the wait list. Last night, our theater showed a documentary called "Everyone Stares" about the early days of the band The Police, which was directed by Stewart Copeland, the Police's drummer. People kept wondering if Sting would show up, but no luck. Stewart Copeland was there and he and his entourage devoured the pizza that was supposed to be for us volunteers. Grrr!

Today, my movie watching included "Stay" which was directed by Bobcat Goldthwait. This was a truly hysterical movie about a woman with a sick and disturbing sexual secret from her past and the results of revealing that secret to her fiance and family. It was truly twisted, but I liked it a lot. Bobcat was there and very funny about being called a "filmmaker." I didn't know the two main stars, Melinda Page Hamilton and Bryce Johnson, but they were both cute and there for the Q&A. One of the supporting characters was played by Jack Plotnick, who I recognized from when he played Barrett on Ellen's sitcom. He was also there for the Q&A. 4 1/2 stars (out of five).

I also watched "All Aboard! Rosie's Family Cruise" which was a documentary about Rosie and Kelli O'Donnell's first cruise for gay and lesbian families. It was fun and well-done and there were many emotional moments in it as well. It's scheduled to be broadcast on HBO in April. Rosie, Kelli, and their kids were there for this premiere. 4 stars.




Until the next update...

Ted

Season 1, Episode 5 - 1/23/2006

Hello all,

Ok, I've gotten a little more sleep (but not that much more) and I'm feeling a little more alert today. Didn't fall asleep during any screenings so that's better than yesterday.

Today I went to a movie called "Flannel Pajamas" starring Justin Kirk (from "Angels in America") and Julianne Nicholson (who I haven't seen in anything before). It was just alright. It followed the courtship and marriage and then separation of their two characters. It was well acted but the story had some jarring transitions from them getting along to despising each other. The stars and director were there for a Q&A as well. 2 1/2 stars (out of five).

Also went to a new Edward Norton movie called "The Illusionist" about a 19th century magician who is in love with a duchess and what he does to be with her. Very cool story and great film overall. It also starred Jessica Biel and Paul Giamatti, who were both there for a Q&A session. (Unfortunately, Edward was off shooting a movie somewhere.) Hopefully there will be a distribution deal and everyone can see it. 4 1/2 stars.

Did a little walking around and saw Armistead Maupin out on the street, but that was about it for non-Q&A sightings for the day.

Until next time...

Your Sundance correspondent,

Ted

Season 1, Episode 4 - 1/22/2006

Hello everyone!

Well, it actually felt a little warm outside today. The sun was out and it may have actually hit the 30s! It's a heat wave (especially when I'm still layered in clothing for 20 degree weather)!

My second night of volunteering went much better than the first. We're starting to the get the hang of things and the computer was actually working so that was a plus. I didn't get a chance to see her, but Gwyneth Paltrow was in our theater, because she had co-directed one of the shorts. Michael Rappaport was also in our theater last night as he was the star of our second feature. I was able to see some of his Q&A session, but I missed out on a funny moment with him. I was taking a bathroom break and apparently he came into our lobby about halfway through the screening and yells, "Hey, is this where the movie is screening?", thus interrupting and disturbing his own movie. Stupid bladder!

For the first time today, I was denied entrance into a movie I was trying to see. It was bound to happen eventually, but it was still disappointing. Apparently "Thank You For Smoking" is a hot film.

I did get to see a couple movies today (well maybe one and a half). This morning I saw "The Night Listener" starring Robin Williams and Toni Collette. It was a creepy little film, which can't really be described without giving too much away. Both of their performances were good and Toni was there for a Q&A along with the co-screenwriters, Armistead Maupin and Terry Anderson. 4 stars (out of five)

The other movie I saw (or half saw because I was exhausted by the time I got there and I may have dozed a little) was called "Half Nelson" and starred Ryan Gosling (who is off shooting a movie somewhere and wasn't at the screening) as a teacher who is also a crack addict. The story relates to his struggles and the bond that he forms with one of his students who stumbles upon him doing crack in the school bathroom. The student was played a young girl named Shareeka Epps who was just brilliant. It's too bad that I wasn't alert for the whole thing. I give it 3 stars (but perhaps it was actually better than that).



This afternoon, I stopped in at a Queer Brunch that was being held near our theater. John Waters and Rufus Wainwright were there (not together). I told Rufus that I enjoyed his two shows and he said thanks and then got pulled away by someone else. "Excuse me! I think I was talking here!" Oh well.

I'm going to try to get a nap in before my next shift. Yawn... Bye for now...

Ted

Season 1, Episode 3 - 1/21/2006

Hi All!

It's another cold and snowy day here in Park City, but still having a great time. When we last left the Missives, I was heading off to a concert at the Music Cafe. Caught a couple of great acts - Imogen Heap is a singer that I've just recently been hearing about and she put on a great set (although the sound quality in the venue didn't do her any justice). After her, I got to see part of set by Rufus Wainwright (before I had to head out to my volunteer shift), one of my favorite singers. He's doing much better in concert these days (I've seen him about five times previously) now that he's more sober (He used to be quite messy). I caught both of these performers for a second time this afternoon.

My first shift last night was plagued with glitches (computer system not working, people coming in after we had closed our register , etc.) but we made it through. Luckily we only had one screening, so we were able to take our time with everything. Tonight will be a test with two separate screenings.

Movies I've seen:

Saw "Lucky Number Slevin" this morning which was very good. A bit of violence, but it was a cool movie with a lot of misdirection about the characters (sort of like "The Usual Suspects") with a big reveal at the end. It starred Josh Hartnett and Lucy Liu (who were there for a Q&A and I was a little closer for pictures this time), along with Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and Ben Kingsley. Liked it a lot (but at 8:30 in the morning, the violence was a bit shocking). 4 stars.

After that I saw a rather depressing movie called "SherryBaby," starring Maggie Gyllenhaal. It was about an addict who is out on parole and trying to get her life back together, but it doesn't go so well. It was really well done and well-acted, but it certainly is not a feel-good movie. The director and a bunch of the cast were there for a Q&A. It was certainly a shame that I didn't notice Jake there to support his sister. Oh well. :) 3 1/2 stars.

Time to head to work again. Until next time....

Ted

PS - I've been asked about sending some pictures along with the Missives. I am accessing my e-mail from public computers, so I can't upload the pictures I've taken. I'll be sure to send some pictures once I return home.

Season 1, Episode 2 - 1/20/2006

Hi again,

Still here in Park City, but still haven't worked a shift (that will be in a few hours). Just wanted to let you know what's been going on since Vol. 1.

Saw a couple movies:

Adam's Apples -- a Danish film about a neo-nazi who gets out of prison and goes to live at a church and all of the dealings that he has with other people living there. A lot of odd characters and some sudden violence, but it was pretty good. 3 stars (out of five).

Friends With Money -- an excellent flick which opened the festival last night. I saw the early morning showing of it today and liked it a lot. It stars Jennifer Aniston, Joan Cusack, Frances McDormand, and Catherine Keener about a single woman (Aniston) who works as a maid while all of her friends are living wealthy. Excellent acting, great story. It will be released to theaters on April 7th. I'd recommend it. 4 1/2 stars (I have to save the five star in case there's something better).

Celebrity sightings:

John Waters was in the crowd waiting to enter the movie this morning (but apparently you can see him all the time in P'town during the summer).

After Friends with Money screened, the director, Nicole Holofcener, had a Q&A session and she brought some of the cast, including Aniston, Cusack, Jason Isaacs, and Greg Germann. That was cool, but I've now learned that I should try to get a seat as close to the front as possible for these photos ops that might turn up. I got some far away shots of the above people. You live and learn.

Heading now to see if I can get into see some musical acts. Info in Volume 3 if I can get in.

Until next time...

Ted

Season 1, Episode 1 - 1/19/2006

Hi all,

Some of you know that I am attending the Sundance Film Festival (http://www.sundance.org/) this year as a volunteer. I thought I would write up an account of my activities here -- good movies I've seen, celebrity sightings, etc.

I arrived in Park City yesterday and after a few logistical snags during the check-in process, I moved into my home for the next 10 days - a condo that I'll be sharing with five other guys. This totally felt like "The Real World" where some people arrived at different times and you were always anxious to see who else would show up next. "This is the true story (the true story) of six strangers, picked to live in a loft, work together and (not) have their lives taped, to find out what happens when you stop being polite and start getting real. The Real World - Park City."

I'll be working at the box office of the Prospector Square Theater during the midnight shift (8pm-2am), along with my five roommates and four other people. This schedule has its good and bad points. We're not working as many hours as other shifts and we should be able to see a lot of movies during the day (Volunteers get standby tickets to all of the movies showing outside of your shift). However, we will miss out on all of the night life and parties going on around Park City during the festival.

So far, we've been to the Volunteer Opening Night party, which had some good food and some good (and bad) karaoke. Today was spent in training mode to get us up and running for our first shifts. I must say that the training was somewhat haphazard and it didn't make it seem like we're ready to work yet, but we'll be starting tomorrow regardless. Luckily, I'll be working with a veteran box office person who should be able to guide me along.

Tonight, there are volunteer screenings of a couple movies that I am going to try to check out. I'll let you know if they are any good in Volume 2 of the Missives. So far, I've seen no one famous, but the festival is young (the first screening is tonight and it gets in full swing tomorrow).



Until next time...

Ted