"There is no city like this in the world"

I'm just going to cut to the chase.  This film was enchanting, exquisite, and pure magic from beginning to end.  Indeed, I'm sure film critics around the globe have already pointed out its plot deficiencies and flaws, but let's face it, for me it was perfection.  I love Paris.  I adore Woody Allen movies.  I love art and writing.  I'm intrigued by the search for one's soul mate, and add bonus points if it's paired with a personal journey of discovery and reflection.  AND I need to laugh . . . not some silly, Hollywood contrived "make the audience laugh here" moment, but true "human to human moment of understanding" humor.  I actually found myself giddy as the movie progressed because each scene was absolutely delightful.

Another lovely evening at the Broadway, which feels like a home away from home since I head down there so often.

Thanks Woody for intelligent writing, for confirming my faith in dreams without slaughtering disillusionment, and for making my memories of Paris more vivid than ever.  Indeed, as Gil muses in the film, "There is no city like this in the world."

Agreed.

And not many movies come along that make you smile like "Midnight in Paris" . . .

Speechless . . .

YES, another movie that literally left Chris and I speechless as the credits rolled.  Biutiful opened this weekend in SLC and we had been awaiting it's release since it takes place in Barcelona and stars Javier Bardem.  Now I can say without reservation that Bardem has solidified his position as one of the greatest actors of our time, a genius.  He is brilliantly cast in this film and handles the enormity of his character with grace and brutal honesty.

I have to say that this movie is not for everyone, and so I hesitate recommending it wholeheartily.  I found the offensive moments necessary for the development of film as art since they weren't glorified, however, there were a few folks who stepped out and unfortunately missed out on a truly beautiful experience by not allowing these integral pieces find their way into the greater puzzle.

It will be interesting to see if Biutiful will take the Oscar over another breathtaking foreign film, Incendies, which I was fortunate to see at Sundance this year.  As mesmerizing and thought provoking as I found Biutiful, I still think Incendies was the more profound overall experience.  Watch for it in theaters sometime late spring.

S U N D A N C E

“Storytellers broaden our minds: engage, provoke, inspire, and ultimately, connect us.”

 —Robert Redford, President and Founder, Sundance Institute

I need to first give credit where it is most deserved, and that is to my generous and sweet husband, who for  Christmas this year gave me a Sundance ticket package (after last year's festival I told him that would make a great gift and he wouldn't have to do a thing - definitely his kind of deal), along with the freedom of spending the weekend completely responsibility free (well, as long as I am sure to make it to church to deliver my Relief Society lesson :-).   My friend Rachel, who flies in this evening from New York, and I will spend the next 3 1/2 days reveling in the energy that is the SUNDANCE film festival.  I'm just crossing my fingers that the films we picked will be as great as the premiers I saw last year.

I love Independent films!!

This is beautiful

SUNDANCE ~ 2010

It seems that every so often there are defining moments that for one reason or another help put everything in perpective and add such clarity that it's almost impossible to explain.  Today happened to be one of those days.  After an emotionally long week dealing with teenage son issues (to be posted at a later time - stay tuned for the drama) and a stressed-out husband, I was struggling to stay positive.

Sometimes you don't realize how much you need something until you experience it and find yourself brimming with renewed personal energy, as well as enthusiasum for the human spirit.  Today I experienced a bit of an epiphany - I realized that when were depleted and even if we think we can continue creating positive energy completely on our own without vital resources, we are sadly mistaken.  It really IS so important to leave life behind for a moment and completely immerse ourselves in the things we love.  A very difficult thing for most mothers to do!

So, this morning I headed up to Park City for my first day at this year's film festival.  Let me clarify, my first day at the festival in YEARS.  I bought tickets to films I researched and thought looked wonderful (and they were), I went completely on my own, ended up meeting some amazing and creative people, and drove home so energized I could hardly contain it.

I've always loved independent films, and after today I have a newfound respect, almost reverence for these writers and filmmakers.  The creative energy that was present during the screenings and question/answer sessions after the films was contagious.  The people I listened to and even personally met (writers, editors, musicians, directors, cinematographers, and actors) were simply brilliant, and listening to the directors whose vision finally has become a reality was truly inspiring.

W I N T E R ' S  B O N E



I can't stop thinking about this film - the acting was incredible, the atmosphere the director created was palpable, the story was heartwrenching, but it was the inner strength of the main character that was so remarkable.  I was deeply moved, and felt it a privilege to sit right behind the author of the book, Daniel Woodrell, as he watched his novel take shape on the big screen.  It was a wonderful thing to see his reaction to the film and talk with him after about his feelings after he watched this movie for the first time.  It must be such a beautiful experience for an author when their work of art is transformed perfectly into another medium.

O B S E L E D I A



Absolutely charming and delightful.  I really loved this film and am looking forward to more work by Diane Bell.  She both wrote and directed "Obselidia" and I was very impressed, especially since it was her first film.  She created a unique character that was honest, humble, and vulnerable without seeming pathetic.  She also infused such beautiful ideals and philosophies into her work that really made you think and evaluate your own opinions on these topics.  The film deftly explores themes such as perfection, love, beauty, and how we view the future.  Bell was such a lovely person and it was a pleasure to hear her talk and answer questions, as well as the entire cast - what talent - can't wait to see these actors in more films in the future.

I wish I had all week to live in Park City and soak it all in, but alas, I have a family and children who need me.  Thursday, I'm headed up for another film (if anyone wants to join me, let me know - early morning), then Friday night Chris and I are going to waitlist a documentary, then Saturday afternoon I have my last film - another documentary that looks so inspiring I can hardly wait.  My energy sources will truly be overflowing by the end of the week!