In less than a week, on Wednesday, April 25th, the 10th annual Independent Film Festival Boston kicks off with an opening night screening of Mike Birbiglia's "Sleepwalk With Me" (and a post-film Q&A from producer and This American Life host Ira Glass), wrapping up 8 long days later with Lauren Greenfield's riches-to-way-less-riches documentary "The Queen of Versailles" on Wednesday, May 2nd. In between, over 130 carefully-curated films will roll on projectors at the Somerville Theatre, The Brattle in Harvard Square, and Brookline's Coolidge Corner Theatre.
As with previous years' lineups, the 2012 edition has a healthy handful of music-related documentaries. The staff, who spend endless (volunteered) hours screening hundreds of submitted films, has always made a point of including music docs in their varied schedule, and that's one of the many reasons I've never missed a single IFFBoston. Hard for me to believe it's been a decade, maybe even harder for the tireless (actually, probably very tired) crew.
So here's a quick rundown of the seven music-related documentaries screening at this year's IFFB, most of which will have their directors in attendance for post-film Q&As. Make sure you pick up individual advance tickets for the ones that strike you, or better yet, grab a full festival pass and make the most of it. Many screenings sell out early, so unless you're up for waiting in risky rush lines, play it safe...
Boston. Hardcore. Those words carry a lot of history, a lot of weight. This documentary has been in the works for awhile now, so I'm pretty psyched it's finally ready to roll. Even more psyched that it's the IFFBoston that scored the premiere. Given the deep local ties this film has, I'm not at all surprised it sold out quickly, so if you got caught off guard, you'll either have to pick up a festival pass or show up at least an hour before showtime and cross your fingers in the rush line.
As with past years, I was asked to screen a couple IFFB films early and write synopses for their program guide. "Fever Year" was one of them, and here's what I had to say...
"I’m either sweating bullets or I’m freezing all the time... but it seems like a worthy thing to do with your life."
—Andrew Bird
In director Xan Aranda’s new documentary, which covers the final months of singer/songwriter/master whistler Andrew Bird’s nonstop 2009 tour, Aranda’s subject truly embodies the old adage of “suffering for your art.” Wrestling with a low-grade fever throughout and a foot injury in the last stretch, Bird never lets his afflictions get between him, his songs, and the audiences that come to hear them. The film deftly balances biography and live footage (mostly from a two-night stand at Milwaukee’s Pabst Theatre), offering real insight into Bird’s creative process, artistic motivations, and evolution as a music maker. It’s a fascinatingly in-depth portrait of a true artist—one who is driven by a pure, singular compulsion, maladies be damned.
Highlights include early performances of songs from his just-released album, Break It Yourself (including a gorgeous duet with Annie Clark of St. Vincent), as well as fan favorites “Fake Palindromes,” “Fitz and the Dizzyspells,” and “Opposite Day.”
Screening at 7:45pm on Thursday, April 26th at the Somerville Theatre
Beware of Mr. Baker Directed by Jay Bulger, who will attend for a post-film Q&A
Peter Edward Baker - aka "Ginger". Legendary drummer for Cream, Blind Faith, and many, many others. Incorporating percussion elements of rock, metal, jazz, and African rhythms into his varied career, he's a madman behind the kit, and as those familiar with him know, not just when he's playing. His colorful, sometimes sordid past is told here in his own words, and his influence is measured by the likes of Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Charlie Watts, Mickey Hart, Carlos Santana, Neal Peart, and Marky Ramone, who all make appearances in the film.
Can't recommend this one highly enough. It's another film I was fortunate enough to screen early, so here's my write-up for the IFFBoston program guide...
Outside certain circles, only a handful of virtuoso metal guitarists have achieved the mainstream name recognition of an Eddie Van Halen, a Steve Vai, or an Yngwie Malmsteen. And, in a just world, Jason Becker would be among them. The guy couldn’t just play, he could shred—and, like most late-’80s metalheads, he did it with huge hair, tight pants, and some all-pro guitar faces. Unlike his peers, though, Jason was just as likely to toss off a Bach fugue as a vintage Clapton solo. Fans and fellow players called him a prodigy, and they weren’t wrong.
So what happened? Where did he go? Why speak of his talent in the past tense? Therein lies a tale compassionately told in director Jesse Vile's JASON BECKER: NOT DEAD YET. At once tragic and uplifting—the title itself is a spoiler—it will melt your heart as it breaks it in two. It tackles big questions: What would you do if you lost everything? How much of yourself would you sacrifice for a loved one? Can pure willpower overcome physical limitation? Jason’s story is uniquely powerful, truly moving, and deeply inspirational—something many biopics strive for, but few achieve.
Screening at 9:15pm on Saturday, April 28th at the Brattle Theatre
Just Like Being There Directed by Scout Shannon, who will attend for a post-film Q&A along with subject/artist Daniel Danger
No, not technically a music doc, but one that'll strike a chord in many music fans: Gig posters and the artists behind them.
From the official website: "In the gig poster community, artists such as Daniel Danger and Jay Ryan prove that creating this artwork is a way of life, more than just a career. These artists are at the forefront of an expansion of the gig poster genre. MONDO's reinvigoration of "the film poster as an art form," and Gallery 1988's theme based exhibits are only two ways in which this artwork is reaching a greater public. In a community with strong roots, dating back to the 1960s, this expansion is controversial- refreshing to some, sacrilegious to others."
The soundtrack sounds killer, too, with tracks from Okkervil River, Tokyo Police Club and Spoon.
If you grew up in the 70s, and paid any particular attention to pop culture, you knew about Paul Williams. The diminutive songwriter and performer was seemingly everywhere for awhile there, and if you couldn't see him, you were hearing his songs sung by the likes of Karen Carpenter, Barbara Streisand, and yes, a certain frog named Kermit. Eventually, though, Williams just sort of... disappeared. Off the radar. Well, as the director of this documentary discovered, he's very much still alive, and the film exploration of his past and present is getting raves all around.
Bonus: Watch a clip of Williams performing "The Rainbow Connection" with a cast of many Muppets, just last week at Carnegie Hall during a tribute show called "Jim Henson's Musical World".
Screening at 7:00pm on Tuesday, May 1st at the Coolidge Corner Theatre
Under African Skies Directed by Joe Berlinger, who will attend for a post-film Q&A
An in-depth look at the recording of, controversy surrounding, and influence of Paul Simon's renowned 1986 "Graceland" album on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Features interviews with Simon's collaborators (and detractors), footage of Simon's recent return to Africa, and clips of the original Graceland live performances. Director Berlinger was the man behind the camera for acclaimed documentaries "Metallica: Some Kind Of Monster" and the West Memphis Three "Paradise Lost" films.
A gift for one of my Boston-based readers, courtesy of the now-officially-underway Independent Film Festival and Warner Bros. Records' new all-vinyl online record store, Because Sound Matters.
This Sunday evening, the IFFB will be hosting the New England premiere of the Stephin Merritt / Magnetic Fields documentary "Strange Powers" at the Brattle, and not only do I have a pair of screening tickets to hand out, but I've got an accompanying slab of twelve-inch wax to sweeten the deal: A pressing of the band's latest album, "Realism", on vinyl, with an accompanying compact disc inside for easy transport.
So, if you were thinking this whole (very much welcomed) vinyl resurgence thing was a passing phase, well, the WB opening BecauseSoundMatters.com might just put those doubts to rest. The mega-corp has done more than dip a toe in the pond, they dove in and started a site solely devoted to black platters, offering up exclusives, pre-orders, and yes, even apparel. In a time when the big boys are cutting back, the Warners have put some money and promo muscle behind vinyl, and that's saying something. If you know me, and this site, then you know I'm not one for banner ads. But allow me to give out free Magnetic Fields vinyl to someone? Well, ok, ya got me.
Live near Boston? Want to see that screening for free with a friend? Want that MF vinyl? If the word "Yes" just popped into your head three times in a row, then here's what you need to do: Send an email to giveaways [at] bradleysalmanac [dot] com titled "Yeah! Oh, Yeah!" before Noon sharp this Saturday, April 24th. That's when I'll pick a random winner, get their mailing address, and put their name on a couple passes to the 7:30pm screening of "Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields" at Harvard Square's wonderful Brattle Theatre. Just make sure you're free that night before you enter so the tix don't go to waste. Given the band's Boston roots, it'll likely sell out.
In just a number of hours, the 8th annual Independent Film Festival of Boston kicks off with an opening night at the Somerville Theatre, then spreads to a few other area cinemas for a week-long celebration of all that is good about goin' to the movies. Lovingly (and tirelessly) curated by an all-volunteer staff, it ranks very high among the reasons I love this town, and I haven't missed a single IFFB yet.
In years past, I've done run-downs spotlighting a film or two that I'm looking forward to during each day of the fest, but this year I'm going to switch that up a little bit. The reason? Well, the music. There's lots of strong music-related content this year, so I'm going to hit that list and close out with a few other films I'm looking forward to...
Since their second edition in 2004, the IFFB has always made sure that music documentaries are a component of the fest, and each year usually brings at least one that's directly up my alley - In 2004 we had "Dig!", 2005 brought "Amazing Grace: Jeff Buckley", 2006 gave us the one two locally-flavored punch of Pixies doc "loudQUIETloud" and Mission of Burma's "Not A Photograph", 2007 delivered "Silver Jew", then "Joy Division" in 2008, and most recently, "I Need That Record!" and the locally-made "Speaking In Code" last year. That's not even a complete list of all the music-related films they've shown (and that I've been compelled to see).
Well, this year up's the ante: A documentary focusing on my favorite songwriter of all time? Oh yes. How about a film centered on a Boston-connected curmudgeon (and his band), hailed as one of the best contemporary songsmiths working? Roger that. Want to learn more about the only British rock-band-frontman with a style of facial hair named after him? Yeah, they've got that. The struggle of a Boston-based writer during his attempt to reunite a seminal UK band, with the input of a half-dozen other famous fans? Uh-huh. Throw in a look inside the origins of the Muslim punk scene, and you've got yourself one seriously varied music-doc itinerary. Hell, this list could comprise a mini-fest on its own...
Screening on Monday, April 26th at 7pm at the Somerville Theatre Director Gil Reyes in attendance
If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I'm terribly non-committal (i.e. wishy washy) when it comes to picking favorites. But my favorite songwriter? Yeah, it's Elliott. His death hit me like no other, had a far greater effect on me than the loss of any other cultural figure. He's probably had the most direct impact on my life than any other person I've never met. So to say that I'm looking forward to this particular film is a bit of an understatement.
Screening on Sunday, April 25th at 7:30pm at the Brattle Theatre Magnetic Fields member/manager Claudia Gonson in attendance (I think) (and if I had to wager, other MF'ers will be there, too)
By all accounts (and recorded evidence), Stephen Merritt is a prickly fellow. Cantankerous, droll, crabby - consult your thesaurus, and yeah, he's probably been called that. But as far as I'm concerned, he's earned that right, what with all the irresistibly catchy tunes he's crafted with his various projects - The Gothic Archies, Future Bible Heroes, alongside Lemony Snicket - but most prominently with his mates in The Magnetic Fields. Able to dip his toe in whatever style he damn well pleases, he's a modern master, and in concert his generally dour manner comes across as divine comedy when combined with his longstanding foil, singer/keyboard player Claudia Gonson. I think she'll be at this screening for a Q&A or intro or something (songs, maybe? we can hope.), and given the band's strong Boston ties, I picture a crowd filled with friends and bandmates (both former and current).
Screening on Friday, April 23rd at 10pm the Somerville Theatre Director Wes Orshosk in attendance
Ian Fraser Kilmister. His facial hair is as legendary as his playing in Motorhead. I mean, do any other festival-related celebs rate their own action figure? I think not. (oh, if only they'd made Deadwood figs). The biggest surprise about this documentary is that one didn't already exist. If you love Lemmy, if you've ever rocked out to "Ace Of Spades", how can you miss this?
(That said... I'll be missing it, but only because it's up against the Bill Hicks documentary. Tough one, that.)
Screening on Saturday, April 24th at 8pm at the Somerville Theatre Director Robert Patton Spruill, subject/producer Geoff Edgers, and former Del Fuegos member Warren Zanes (who is featured in the film) in attendance
(I wrote the synopsis for this one in the IFFB's program guide, so I'll paste some of that here)
Every real music fan has a favorite band - but it's a very rare fan who single-handedly attempts to reunite them years after they've packed it in. In director Robert Patton Spruill's documentary, that rare fan is Geoff Edgers, a Boston Globe staff writer and dedicated follower of the Kinks. Edgers was driven to embark on a risky and time-consuming quest to get the Davies brothers and their old bandmates back in the same room to play some songs. He enlists some pretty impressive Kinks fans for moral (and musical) support, including Robyn Hitchcock, Sting, Paul Weller, Peter Buck, and Zooey Deschannel (and if you think it was impossible for Zooey to appear even more endearing than she already seems to be, well, think again).
Screening on Thursday, April 22nd at 7:15 at the Somerville Theatre Director Omar Majeed in attendance
Chronicles the highly unusual, and relatively recent, genesis of the Muslim American punk scene. Most musical movements eventually get documented in various books, but this one flips that convention on its head - Michael Mohammed Knight's 2003 novel, "The Taqwacores" came first, and the scene soon followed.
And another film that, while not a documentary, deserves a mention in an IFFB 2010 music post...
Screening on Thursday, April 22nd at 10pm at the Somerville Theatre
A mockumentary chronicling the rise of an obscure UK rapper and his manager who enlist the help of, believe it or not, the Arctic Monkeys.
And, lastly, I'll bullet-point a few non-musical highlights of my personal festival schedule...
The opening night film, which starts in just a couple hours, is Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini's "The Extra Man", starring Kevin Kline and Paul Dano (from "Little Miss Sunshine" and "There Will Be Blood"). Kline will be there in person, and is being honored with the IFFBoston 2010 Career Achievement Award. And don't ask him to do Otto from A Fish Called Wanda... he's gotta be sick of that by now.
The one and only John Hawkes, an actor I've loved even before he embodied the wonderful Sol Star in Deadwood, is coming to town to attend the Friday night screening of Winter's Bone. You might also know him from former IFFB selection "Me and You and Everyone We Know", or even from the current season of "Lost". Can't wait to see him in person, and I'll be wearing my "Star & Bullock Hardware" t-shirt with pride.
Even though she was just here a couple weeks ago to attend the Boston Comic-Con, actor/director Amber Benson (aka Tara from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is returning to attend the screening of her new film "Drones" (which was co-directed by Adam Busch, aka Warren, aka the guy who killed Tara). The film stars another familiar Buffyverse face, Jonathan M. Woodward (who has appeared in no less than three Whedon shows), as well as Mr. James Urbaniak, who himself attended the IFFB a few years back.
Director Todd Solondz is coming to show his latest work, "Life During Wartime". The film has a conceit that sounds very Solondz-ish: He brings back characters from his previous films and casts them with different actors. Should be interesting, at the very least.
I mentioned above that I'm skipping "Lemmy" to catch "American: The Bill Hicks Story". Fellow fans of Hicks' comedy, which was more biting social commentary than funny ha-ha, know why I had to make this choice.
Going to try and catch one or two of the Short Film packages this year, but the one I'm most looking forward to is the animation block. Check that out.
Another short film that intrigues me? "Athena". Why? Well, Harry Dean Stanton and David Thewlis, that's why.
Last I heard, there's a slim chance that James Franco will show up for the closing night film, a screening of his behind-the-scenes SNL documentary, "Saturday Night". Even if he's not there, that's pretty much a can't miss flick for me.
Keep up with the IFFB this week on both Twitter and Facebook. I would recommend that you buy a full festival pass, but they're already sold out, so make sure you buy your individual tickets in advance, so you don't get shut out.
Alright, time to head over to the Davis Square and pick up my pass. I'll update some hyperlinks as soon as I get a chance. See ya at the Somerville...
Cinema-loving ladies and gents, the 2009 Independent Film Festival of Boston is upon us. Without fail, I start to get excited about this sucker from the moment the dates are announced, moreso as the full lineup is unveiled, and I don't lose that feeling until the final frames of the closing-night film. From this coming Wednesday evening, April 22nd, through Tuesday night the 28th, I'll forego the rock shows and switch into all-movie mode, and I absolutely cannot wait.
Each year the IFFB seems to get a little bit better, in a variety of ways (from the schedule to the guest list to the web site), and it's no different this time around. For this, the seventh edition, they've added the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston as a new venue, and if you check out the interactive schedule, you'll notice a vast improvement in its features. Filters, sorting, pop-ups for film info and theater locations - everything is easy to find, and being able to print out your own customized schedule is hugely appreciated. Head on over and check it out.
For past fests I've done both a highlights post and a full film list here on the 'Nac, with official site links and trailers - sometimes before the IFFB site was ready - as a way to make myself research every film and ensure I didn't miss out on anything. This year, though, their spiffy online schedule has made it so easy that my own link-gathering was a little redundant. Instead, I'm just sticking with my own anticipated highlights. So here's a list of the films that jump out at me, a few for each day of the fest, which includes (of course) some music-related movies alongside those with intriguing premises from notable creators.
Before I get to that, some things you should know...
Some of the best films I've caught at past IFFB's are due to recommendations from Program Director Adam Roffman, who usually points out a couple "don't miss" flicks that I might otherwise overlook. This year, he's taking his recommendations to the IFFB Blog, so keep an eye out there. His first pick, "Birdwatchers", wasn't even on my radar until reading his words, and it's now going on my own schedule. His second and third selections are now up as well.
While I attempt to tackle the narrative and documentary features below, time prohibits me from digging into the short film selections. So make sure you check out this easy link to all six of the Short Film Programs that are offered throughout the week, and dive into all of their deets. The packaged short categories are: Animation, Documentaries, Comedy, Twisted, Global, and Dramatic. There's also a program for Boston University's Center for Digital Imaging Arts on Saturday afternoon.
Buy tickets to individual screenings here, or full festival passes here.
And now, my personal picks for the 2009 IFFBoston. It was not easy to trim this down, believe me, so be sure to go over the full schedule with a fine-tooth comb on your own so you don't miss something I happen to skip here...
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
The opening night film this year is from the man responsible for the brilliant "Brick", one of my favorites flicks of 2005. It took writer/director Rian Johnson three years to follow it up with "The Brothers Bloom", and he scored quite the killer cast: Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, "Babel"s Rinko Kikuchi, Robbie Coltrane, Maximilian Schell, and narrator Ricky Jay. Johnson will be in attendance to chat about the film, maybe the intervening years and, hopefully, what he's got ahead. After "Brick", he's got my loyalty for life. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at the Somerville at 7:30pm on 4/22)
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
I tried to limit myself to picking a max of three per night, but failed utterly. The lack of cloning technology will prevent me from seeing all these, but I can't resist recommending them...
The second night brings a couple of distinctly local-flavored films, including the premiere of Amy Grill's techno music documentary "Speaking In Code", which connects the dots from the birth of techno music 20 years ago through it's state today. Local places and faces play a prominent part, including Boston-based DJ (and Weekly Dig A&E editor) David Day. Amy will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A, and it's a safe bet that David will be there, too. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at the Somerville at 7pm on 4/23)
Shot in and around Boston, the drama "Children of Invention" makes its New England premiere on Thursday as well. Randolph, MA native Tze Chun wrote and directed this story of two children left to fend for themselves after the disappearance of their mother. It's already received critical acclaim after a strong Sundance showing, and will be screening twice during the IFFB. Tze Chun and producer Mynette Louie will be there both nights. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7:15pm on 4/23 and 7:30pm on 4/24, both at the Somerville).
After nearly stealing 2007's "Into The Wild" with just a few scenes, veteran actor Hal Holbrook takes center stage in "That Evening Sun" as farmer Abner Meecham, returning to his homestead after an unwanted stay in a nursing facility. His return home is not an easy one, as he finds his farm leased to a contentious stranger by his son (the brilliant Walton Goggins, Shane from "The Shield"). While the film first screens on Thursday, Mr. Holbrook and co-star Barry Corbin will only be attending the Sunday screening with director Scott Teems (who will be at both). (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7:30pm on 4/23 and 3pm on 4/26, both at the Somerville )
I'm a sucker for a good detective story, and I'm also a sucker for anything with Amy Ryan ("The Wire", "Gone Baby Gone", "The Office") in it. Throw in fellow Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road") and I'm so very there. Noah Buschel's "The Missing Person" puts an old-school, hard-drinkin', chain-smokin' private dick up on a modern-day shadowing case, and I expect a few twists and a couple of turns. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 9:45pm at the Somerville Theatre on 4/23)
True-crime character-study "Bronson" points the camera at Tom Hardy's powerful portrayal of real-life UK prison inmate Michael Peterson, who famously changed his name to 'Charles Bronson'. This is another of IFFB program director Adam Roffman's personal recommendations, and sounds like the perfect late-night capper for the fest's second (or fourth) day. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 10pm on 4/23 and 9:45pm on 4/25, both in Somerville)
Friday, April 24th, 2009
Dubbed an "anti-rom-com", Mark Webb's directorial debut "500 Days Of Summer" stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt (one of my favorite actors, thanks to his work in both "Brick" and "The Lookout") and indie-darling Zooey Deschanel. As if that wasn't enough to get me there, the twotrailers give us a peek at a choreographed, outdoor dance number, shows She & Him singer Zooey with a microphone, and throws in my favorite Smiths song ever. Hello! (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7pm on 4/24 at the Somerville)
Bestor Cram's documentary "Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison" dives deep into the story surrounding Cash's legendary 1968 performance, interviewing his bandmates, inmates, and friends. Given the subject and the music he made, it won't surprise me if the film is great -- what's truly surprising is that it took this long for such a doc to get made. Director Cram will be attending the screening for a Cash-flavored Q&A. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7:15pm on 4/24 at the Somerville)
Comedian Patton Oswalt takes center stage in Robert Siegel's "Big Fan" as an obsessive NY Giants fan whose encounter with one of their star players takes a distinctly nasty turn. If you're at all familiar with Kevin Corrigan or Michael Rappaport, you know they're perfectly cast as fellow football freaks. The film was nominated for this year's Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, and Oswalt just picked up the best actor award at CA's Method Fest. Writer/director Siegel (who also wrote "The Wrestler") and Kevin Corrigan will both be at the screening. (IFFB page / IMDB entry / Screening at 9:15pm on 4/24 at the Somerville)
It shouldn't be a shock that "Chip On My Shoulder", chronicling the 20-year history of Boston hardcore legends Slapshot, was one of the first of this year's films to sell right out of advance tickets. Their fans are legion, their influence on the local hardcore community can't be overstated, and most of the people involved in the doc's creation are from the area. This screening, marking the film's world premiere, promises to be one hell of a party. Directors Ian McFarland and Anthony Moreschi (themselves longtime local musicians) will of course be there, along with Slapshot themselves. (MySpace page / IFFB page / Screening at 7pm on 4/24 at the Brattle)
A small Canadian town, a fading shock-jock on the morning DJ shift, and... the walking dead? Perfect ingredients for a midnight screening, I'd say. Director Bruce McDonald's "Pontypool" promises suspense over gore, tension over torture, a zombie flick with brains. Mmmmm... brains. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at midnight on 4/24 at the Brattle)
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
The name Dennis Lambert, the subject of son Jody Lambert's documentary "Of All The Things", might not be familiar to many, but the songs he wrote in the 70s probably are ("Baby Come Back", "Ain't No Woman [Like the One I Got]", "Rhinestone Cowboy"). More successful as a songwriter than a solo artist, his own 1972 album was ignored here, but unexpectedly became a massive hit in the Philippines. The doc chronicles Lambert's reluctant return to the spotlight as a Filipino promoter convinces him to visit for a tour, 30 years after the success he never got to experience. Jody Lambert will be at the screening to talk about his dad. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 5:15pm on 4/25 at the Somerville)
Adam Scott (who I'm totally digging in new TV comedy "Party Down") stars in writer/director Lee Toland Krieger's "The Vicious Kind", a tension-filled family drama that takes place over a New England Thanksgiving. Dark humor (much of which, I'd imagine, comes from the excellent J.K. Simmons, who plays the dad) and awkward moments should abound, particularly given the dramatic leanings of executive producer Neil LaBute. Krieger will be on hand for the screening. (IFFB page / IMDB entry / Screening at 6:45pm on 4/25 at the Somerville)
Ok, so if there was one documentary at this year's fest that was made just for me, it would be this one: "I Need That Record!", directed by 22 year-old Brendan Toller, takes a look at the decline (and as the subtitle says "Or Possible Survival") of the independent record store. I've spent a good chunk of my life (and my money) in these hangouts, worked at a few, and long-ago dreamed of someday opening one of my own. It's with equal parts nostalgia and selfishness that I hope for their success, and this film looks at the reasons behind their decline and the challenges they face. The many familiar talking heads (and one actual Talking Head) interviewed include Fugazi's Ian MacKaye, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, Minutemen/Stooges bassist Mike Watt, and even Newbury Comics' owner Mike Dreese, and a couple of CT-based stores are spotlighted. While director Toller isn't listed on the fest site as attending, he mentioned to me via email that he'd be there. It inspire (and unsettles?) me that someone who wasn't even born when I bought my first 7" has created a film about my favorite places. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7pm on 4/25 at the Somerville)
A hometown hero is "The Lost Son Of Havana" in director Jonathan Hock's documentary about Boston Red Sox pitching great Luis "El Tiante" Tiant and his emotional return to his native Cuba, 46 years after having to choose baseball over his homeland following the Bay of Pigs invasion. Narrator Chris Cooper and producers Peter & Bobby Farrelly will join Hock at the screening, and if we're lucky, maybe we'll catch a glimpse of the man himself. (IFFB page / IMDB entry / Screening at 8pm on 4/25 at the Somerville)
When I first saw the description for "Grace", my reaction was equal parts revulsion and "Whoa, I need to see that!". Mission accomplished, synopsis. I'll keep my own summary to three words: Hungry. Zombie. Baby. Need more convincing? Well, a couple of audience members passed out at the Sundance screening. I'll be at the Brattle for the midnight creep-out, and so will director Paul Solet. It's a special sort of homecoming for former Emerson student Solet, who grew up near the theatre in Cambridge, and hopefully a packed and rowdy crowd will be on hand to welcome him and his, uh, undead baby, back to town. (IFFB page / IMDB listing / Screening at midnight on 4/25 at the Brattle)
Sunday, April 26th, 2009
As a relatively new dad who's spent time with his little guy at the Boston Children's Museum, I'm very much looking forward to Laura Longsworth's documentary "Luckey". The film doesn't just chronicle the creation of the wonderful three-story climbing structure in the museum's center, but tells the tale of designer and sculptor Tom Luckey, who suffered a tragic fall at home before his structure could be built, and who vows to finish it. It's a story of art, expression, perseverance, and most of all, family. Director Longsworth will be in attendance at this Sunday afternoon screening. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 2:45pm on 4/26 at the Somerville)
Alex Karpovksy's "Trust Us, This Is All Made Up" is a study of the art of improvisation between two seasoned Second City pros: TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi. The film documents the creation and performance of a special one-night show (but really, they're all one-night shows), and should appeal not just to those who want to examine the process and unique experience of comedic improv, but those who are just lookin' to laugh. Karpovsky will be in attendance, improvising answers during a post-screening Q&A. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 5:15pm on 4/26 at the Somerville)
As the tragedy of hurricane Katrina unfolded, one of my first and foremost thoughts was of all those domesticated animals left behind by the thousands of evacuees. I remember the first interview I saw with someone who was devastated because of the pet they were forced to abandon, and my heart sank. Then came footage of lonely pets perched on barely-visible rooftops. Geralyn Pezanoski's documentary "Mine" follows animal rescue workers as they dive in to save every creature they can, and the aftermath of finding either their original owners or happy new homes. Guaranteed to be an emotional rollercoaster ride for animal-lovers, but hopefully the joy outweighs the heartbreak. Director Perzanoski will be on hand at both screenings to discuss the film, which received the Audience Award for Best Documentary at this year's South by Southwest. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 1:45pm on 4/25 and at 5:30pm on 4/26, both at the Somerville)
In the presence of greatness: Brian Cox comes to Boston for "The Escapist", directed and co-written (specifically for Cox) by Rupert Wyatt. The cast is absolutely top-notch, as Cox is joined by Damian Lewis (who will always be "Band of Brothers" Major Winters to me), Joseph Fiennes, and Seu Jorge for this gritty prison-escape drama. If the fact that Mr. Cox will be in the room doesn't guarantee your attendance, then the trailer surely should. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 8:15pm on 4/26 at the Somerville)
Monday, April 27th, 2009
Monday night is ICA Night for IFFB09, as both screenings take place, for the first time in the fest's seven-year history, on the Boston waterfront at the Institute of Contemporary Arts/Boston.
First things get a little meta for a movie about the movies, or more specifically, a movie about those who write about the movies. Gerald Peary's documentary "For The Love Of Movies" is an unashamed ode to the professional film critic, an in-depth history of movie criticism that tackles the first 100 years of cinema-fueled opinion, and examines the impact of the internet now that every movie blogger's a critic. Director Gerald Peary will be on hand, and may or may not welcome your in-person criticisms. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 7pm on 4/27 at the ICA/Boston)
Thematically perfect for an ICA showing, director Doug Pray's "Art & Copy" takes a look at the place where culture and commerce collide: Modern day advertising. He profiles the creative minds behind some of the most ubiquitous ad campaigns of our time, and examines the often blurry line between business and art. The director will be in attendance for a post-film Q&A. (Official site / IFFB page / Screening at 9:15pm on 4/27 at the ICA/Boston)
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
The film that brings the 7th edition of the Independent Film Festival of Boston to a close is directed by... Bobcat Goldthwait? I'll admit that I was clueless about the comedian's directorial work since 1991's "Shakes The Clown", but he's built up a healthy (mostly tv) resume since 2000. His latest film work is "World's Greatest Dad", starring Robin Williams, Daryl Sabara, and the damn-funny Morgan Murphy, and Goldthwait will be present on Tuesday night to take questions. And probably not do his amazing Bono impression. (IFFB page / IMDB entry / Screening at 8pm on 4/28 at the Coolidge)
In less than a week, on Wednesday, April 25th, the 10th annual Independent Film Festival Boston kicks off with an opening night screening of Mike Birbiglia's "Sleepwalk With Me" (and a post-film Q&A from producer and This American Life host Ira Glass), wrapping up 8 long days later with Lauren Greenfield's riches-to-way-less-riches documentary "The Queen of Versailles" on Wednesday, May 2nd. In between, over 130 carefully-curated films will roll on projectors at the Somerville Theatre, The Brattle in Harvard Square, and Brookline's Coolidge Corner Theatre.
This Sunday evening, the IFFB will be hosting the New England premiere of the Stephin Merritt / Magnetic Fields documentary "Strange Powers" at the Brattle, and not only do I have a pair of screening tickets to hand out, but I've got an accompanying slab of twelve-inch wax to sweeten the deal: A pressing of the band's latest album, "Realism", on vinyl, with an accompanying compact disc inside for easy transport.
In just a number of hours, the 8th annual Independent Film Festival of Boston kicks off with an opening night at the Somerville Theatre, then spreads to a few other area cinemas for a week-long celebration of all that is good about goin' to the movies. Lovingly (and tirelessly) curated by an all-volunteer staff, it ranks very high among the reasons I love this town, and I haven't missed a single IFFB yet.
Cinema-loving ladies and gents, the 2009 Independent Film Festival of Boston is upon us. Without fail, I start to get excited about this sucker from the moment the dates are announced, moreso as the full lineup is unveiled, and I don't lose that feeling until the final frames of the closing-night film. From this coming Wednesday evening, April 22nd, through Tuesday night the 28th, I'll forego the rock shows and switch into all-movie mode, and I absolutely cannot wait.
