Donnie Darko
After 25 years, the Sundance Film Festival has become an icon of the American film industry. While the festival is not without its naysayers, it has brought me some of my favorite films. The following is a list of successful films either in box office sales or award nominations that originally appeared at Sundance. Then again, it might be on the list just because I love the film.
1989—sex, lies and videotape
The first film to make the list in chronological order is the 1989 film called "sex, lies and videotape" premiered at Sundance. The darkly disturbing picture of lovers John and Anne would put Sundance on the map. The film earned the Audience Award at Sundance and an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay later that year. Director Steven Soderbergh continues to have a successful career with films like "Erin Brockovich" and "Ocean’s Eleven." Soderbergh’s professional success makes him one of Sundance’s most famous alumni.
1992—Reservoir Dogs
Then another Sundance alumnus, Quentin Tarantino came along with a film that was big on violence and loud on laughter. Tarantino’s distinctive "Reservoir Dogs" premiered at the 1992 Sundance Film Festival after being work shopped at the Sundance Institute Directors Lab. The film became a cult favorite after its DVD release. Tarantino’s violent style continues to enthrall audiences with films like "Pulp Fiction," "Kill Bill" and "Grind House." This director/writer keeps a tight script with carefully directed shots always telling the audience exactly what he wants them to know.
1994—Clerks
Two years later the world was treated to another DVD cult classic with "Clerks." This surprising black and white comedy won crowds over in 1994. The film’s deadpan delivery of vulgar humor is hysterical. And of course, there's Jay and Silent Bob. Director Kevin Smith continues to work as a writer, director and producer in both television and film. His television credits include "Clerks" and "Reaper." Film credits include "Dogma," "Clerks II" and "Zack and Miri Make a Porno."
1996—Shine
In 1996 a film called "Shine" premiered at the festival. "Shine" is an Australian film about real-life pianist David Heifgott. The film resulted in a public shouting match over distribution rights between Harvey Weinstein of Miramax and Bob Shaye of New Line. Weinstein said Shay “stole” the picture from him. New Line won Shine’s distribution rights. After Sundance "Shine" was nominated for seven Oscars including Geoffrey Rush’s win for Best Actor.
1999—The Blair Witch Project
In 1999 the most financially successful Sundance film of all time premiered, "The Blair Witch Project." Audiences raved about the pseudo-documentary even though it was in the after midnight category. The film launched with a website and the filmmakers built on the mythology of the found-camera. The film’s handheld camera work is considered groundbreaking by some, for others it’s stomach churning. After the film made $140.5 million in theaters, it’s still Sundance greatest financial success. No wonder you can’t talk about Sundance without mentioning BWP.
2001—Donnie Darko
By 2001 the world was ready for weird and "Donnie Darko" got us talking. Jake Gyllenhall’s deeply disturbed character captured and repelled viewers. Not many people knew what to make of Richard Kelly’s disturbing tale involving a prophesying bunny foretelling the end of the world. But anyone who has seen the film knows it’s a disturbing picture of life that stays with you. Although, the film received a lukewarm reception in theaters it became DVD cult classic.
2004—Napoleon Dynamite
It took a few years for the next big film to catch on at Sundance and this time it was the comedians turn. The 2004 film "Napoleon Dynamite" enjoys a love/hate relationship with moviegoers. There are two schools of thought on Napoleon: One, the film’s deadpan humor is brilliant with genius writing and directing. Or two, the film is poorly acted, horribly scripted and Jared Hess has no clue what a film is supposed to look like. But after earning more than $40 million in the box office it’s safe to say Hess and Jon Heder are pleased with the success of “Give me some of your tots.”
2005—March of the Penguins
The only true documentary to make this list, "The March of the Penguins" premiered at the festival in 2005 as The Emperor’s March. The Antarctic penguins are beautiful in this lyrical narrative. The film was released to theaters nationwide and is one of the most financially successful documentaries of all time earning $77 million in theaters and an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. Do you need any other proof Morgan Freeman is God?
2006—Little Miss Sunshine
Sometimes it takes a family to prove how human we all are. In 2006 "Little Miss Sunshine" showed the world why road trip comedies are still funny. The dysfunctional family brought life to Michael Arndt’s screenplay and earned two Oscar nominations in the process. Alan Arkin won Best Actor for his role as the grandpa and Arndt won Best Original Screenplay. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.
2009—???
One of the most intriguing films this January was "We Live in Public." The documentary follows the life of Josh Harris. “Josh is the greatest Internet innovator, you’ve never heard of,” said filmmaker Ondi Timoner.
Harris created a community in New York City’s underground where every movement of 100 artists was captured on camera. After the community was shut down by FEMA as a Millennial Cult in 2000, he paid his girlfriend $30,000 to live with cameras in their apartment. The 32 motion activated cameras followed every movement in their apartment from the bathroom to the bedroom with a wall of constant online viewers. Eventually their relationship ended, “It was at that moment I realized I had my people,” said Harris. “And she had her people.” Describing the interactive arguments he and his girlfriend had with their online chat room viewers.
There's my best of the Sundance Fest, so pull up your Netflix queue and get to clicking.
This article is reprinted from The Forum at Westminster College. Used with Permission.
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