With Winter having us in her icy grasp, stay in and watch these cool, new Indies this month.
Available Now:
"A Film With Me In It"- Arriving on IFC's On Demand, comes a bitter Irish Comedy about a drunk, talentless scriptwriter and an actor who can't act, suddenly making a movie up on the fly to get out of trouble for some unforeseen accidents. Wowing Audiences and Industry insiders at last year's Toronto Film Fest, led to its eventual release on VOD. Dylan ("Shaun Of The Dead") Moran stars in this all Black, no Tan cocktail of outrageous laughs, Indie film satire and sick thrills.
"Coffin Rock"- A drunken tryst with a deranged drifter by an unhappy housewife sets up this Aussie psychological Thriller. Soon discovering she's pregnant, our Heroine is caught in the crossfire between her husband and her increasingly unbalanced lover, thus ensuing a battle of more than just wills. Out now on Region 2 Pal DVD from England at CD WOW! US.
"Lorna's Silence"- The Dardenne Brothers, creators of award winning French films such as "Rosetta", "The Son", & "The Child", make movies centering around a main character who must evolve despite the ugly situations they find themselves entrenched in. This new feature is no different, but still captures some flashes of profound beauty the bros. are known for, at least in critic circles.
"Storm"- January's choice for Film Movement's DVD of the Month Club, debuts a cerebral Political Drama about the Hague and the fictional trial of a Yugoslavian commander who may have committed war crimes against Bosnia. Brief, resonant glimpses into the inner-workings of a tribunal provides some relief from the harrowing, man-made atrocities on screen.
"Trucker"- Pretty Michelle Monaghan plays against type as a no-nonsense, tractor-trailer Momma stuck watching her 11 year old son after her ex is laid up. Small-budgeted Indie also features Nathan ("Waitress") Fillion, Joey ("Chasing Amy") Lauren Adams and Benjamin ("Pinero") Bratt in more believable roles. One of Roger Ebert's Top Ten Picks for 2009.
Next Week:
"Amreeka"- An excellent portrayal of Arab immigrants facing daily racsism in middle America, made this an easy vote for nominee in the Best Feature category of this year's Indie Spirit Awards. First-time Director Cherien Dabis displays wry smiles with knowing tears, co-starring Hiam ("Lemon Tree") Abbass in this Canadian produced tale of U.S. prejudice.
"Big Fan"- Robert D. Siegel, the writer of "The Wrestler" and one of the creators of "The Onion", has made a new feature about one man's mundane life and how he chooses to live it. Patton Oswalt inhabits his role of a N.Y. Giants face-painter/parking lot attendant who still lives at home with his mother. More a character study Drama than Comedy, the film still works by making the viewer feel some compassion for Patton's lovable loser.
"Departures"- 2009 Oscar winner for the Best Foreign film. The story revolves around an unemployed Concert Cellist finding his niche as an Undertaker, even though no one else seems to understand. Richly detailed and soul affirming, this Drama shows whatever occupation one does for a living, it should be done with respect and care. Also on Roger Ebert's list.
"Downloading Nancy"- Hard to believe (supposedly fact-based) account of bored housewife, Maria ("The Cooler") Bello web-surfing a would-be killer, Jason ("Your Friends And Neighbors") Patric, to take away her pain. Grim and thought provoking, with added layers by Music Video Director Johan Renck. Who uses a weird digital transfer that gives film a unique, washed-out miasma of depression that clings to every frame.
"The Hide"- Catch this exclusively from England on Region 2 Pal DVD. Based on a British play, this low-key pot-boiler builds tension to a successful climax involving two characters on a Suffolk mudflat. Birdwatcher Alex ("In The Loop") Macqueen is interrupted in his hobby by a disheveled intruder. Soon, a small relationship forms, leading the men to discover what they have in common, before the shocking denouement.
"Sorority Row"- Lensed right here in Pittsburgh, this remake is a throwback to '80's Slasher flicks with gore, bad acting and a little exploitation. Starring Rumer Willis, Audrina Patridge and Carrie Fisher as vapid sisters (new or old) trying to figure out the "who" in this mildly amusing "Who-done-it ". Available in a Pal format, a Month before its stateside release on DVD here.
"You, The Living"- Nobody else does Experimental filmaking blended with sharp Satire like Swedish Director Roy ("Songs From The Second Floor") Andersson. Funny but bleak ( just like the sets), his films are short vignettes about ordinary people trying to find some semblance of order in their otherwise chaotic worlds. Another of Roger Ebert's Top Ten Indies of 2009.
...Look for Part 2 soon!
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