Indie # 6 – America’s Heart and Soul

I saw this film purely by accident. I needed to kill time between work and another appointment, and this film’s time span fit the slot. It only stayed in theatres for 2 weeks, supporting the concern over how even Indie films are being forced to have big opening weekends in order to survive.

A documentary by Louis Schwartzberg, this 84 minute gem has captured the most beautiful photography of America I’ve ever seen. His use of time-lapsed photography is brilliant and amazing. I’ve experimented with various lenses and cameras, but don’t think I have the patience for time-lapsed photography! However, it serves him well because so many scenes–from sunrise over snow-capped mountains to a flower unfolding in bloom–are absolutely majestic. So glad I saw this on the big screen, even though it’s worth viewing on DVD.

The entire movie is comprised of 3-4 minute interviews with people from all walks of life, talking about dreams/hopes/freedom. Some famous people appear (Ben from Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Patty Wagstaff, and others) but mostly it’s the local folks, peppered throughout the USA.

One of my favorite snippet behind the scenes is Minnie Yancey, the rugmaker in Appalachia. Her main quote: “I’ve been broke many times, but I’ve never been poor.” When I researched the making of this movie, I learned that she wasn’t originally scheduled to be in the film. Louis Schwartzberg got lost driving through Kentucky and stopped at a local store to get directions. She told him how to get back to the main highway and he put her in the movie. It’s one of the best interviews, in my opinion.

Go see it when you’re in need of a little inspiration or you want to see how beautiful Americana can be with the right amount of time and the right camera lens!

The Boondock Saints. Starring Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, Willem Dafoe.

While watching this movie w/the commentary, I learned it was not released in the USA due to its violence and the close proximity to Columbine. However, the film did well overseas and has become a cult classic on DVD.

Can you say vigilante?

While vigilante themes are nothing new, this movie has superb performances and Willem Dafoe’s detective character was quite original and amusing. He listens to opera while researching a crime scene, he sends his subordinates out for coffee and errands every time they answer a question wrong, and he’s human enough that we feel for him.

Troy Duffy, the writer/director, went the extra step with Dafoe’s character, giving him traits and quirks as well as street smarts. The result, an originality aura and the audience likes him. There was some snappy dialogue as well.

While I love watching behind-the-scenes featurettes, interviews w/cast, etc., I’m not usually patient enough to watch the commentary, except when it’s a Tom DiCillo film. Perhaps because he includes tidbits and reasoning for scenes, and is entertaining to listen to. Other film commentaries seem to be written for the Valium crowd.

I was pleasantly surprised by The Boondock Saints. For those of you who don’t like bullets and blood, be forewarned. I only say this because of movies I’ve had to walk out of due to the torture element. I can cope with a great deal on screen, but no torture. Not even a hint of it. But if bullets don’t bother you, this is a great film to check out on the Indie List.

More tomorrow!

Indie #4 – Roger Drawdy & The Firestarters – Irish Band

I was fortunate enough to see them play at the Savannah Irish Festival in Feb 08. I saw them by coincidence. Or perhaps not. Read blog archive on this topic.

They perform heavily in the Midwest. While I love America’s heartland as much as anyone, I’ve never had the desire to live there. However, on occasional Friday evenings I find myself wishing I could be in an Irish pub, drinking a Black & Tan, and seeing this high-energy band perform again.

The passion they have for their craft is both mesmerizing and inspiring. So many of us go through the daily motions of life, never taking time to savor the moments. This band radiates with an energy and hungry passion for life that’s on fire. Upbeat tunes one moment, soulful ballads the next. Haunting lyrics, beautiful melodies.

My manuscript-in-progress has Irish themes, so this band has become the book’s soundtrack. Their songs are the backdrop as I type out pages, hoping to keep the muse nearby. Often the storytelling lyrics help shape a mood I’m trying to create with a character.

My thanks and kudos go out to Roger Drawdy, who has displayed infinite patience with my music, Irish culture, and miscellaneous book research questions. You are an artist, in every sense of the word, and I am continually awed and inspired by your talent.

View their website.

View their MySpace Page.

Happy Monday!

Indie Recommendation #3 – Jindabyne. Starring Gabriel Byrne and Laura Linney.

This film only played a few weeks in Atlanta during a busy time for me, and I was upset to discover that it disappeared quickly, making me wait for the rental. However, it was worth the wait. (FYI – So is Delirious, Indie Recommendation #1)

“Jindabyne” takes a writer’s driving question “What If?” and makes an interesting case from both viewpoints. What if all you want is a happy time away with your family, yet you come across something tragic? Do you ignore it and go about your business? Do you embrace that tragedy into your heart and do something? What if public pressure gets in the way? Can these opposing viewpoints tear apart a family, and if so, how?

In many ways, this reminds me of a Woody Allen film (although without the angst). It’s one of those moral questions type of films, the type where you should gather with friends and sip cognac afterward while you discuss your opinions.

I do admit that Gabriel Byrne and Laura Linney are 2 of my favorite actors, and I’d pretty much go see them in any movie. But this one is worth viewing, if only to ask yourself that question:

What would YOU do?

Indie #2 : Bonneville, 2006.

I’ll be honest. This is well and truly a “chick flick.” But if you can get past that fact, and a few items in the script which may not be realistic, this was a film about everything I love. Friendships, travel, remembering a loved one, and adventure. While not her work, this movie reminded me of Kris Radish’s books.

Starring Joan Allen, Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates and Tom Skerritt. Even the song, “Catch the Wind” by Donovan was perfectly timed during this film’s scenes. I think this one has left theatre but will eventually be on rental. Get friends together and watch. This is a good one.

And let’s face it, Tom Skerritt, even at 75 years old, still has one of the most attractive faces on film.

Until tomorrow!