Sundance Journal: Day 9

I’m happy to report that many of the features that were selected for Sundance (and which I happened to have caught) were indeed great films, but those that left me truly smitten were a select few. Here are four of my favs which you should place on your must see lists for the coming year.

Dito Montiel wrote the novel, the screenplay and made his directorial debut with this autobiographical coming-of-age account which translates onto the screen as an especially profound, emotionally jarring and disjointed – sort of like the ensemble of afflicted characters. Great performances (winner of the special Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Performance), interesting visual aesthetics with an affinity towards an urban look, this reminded me of 1995’s The Basketball Diaries but with more grit and less of a romantic reflection of growing up in a tough hood.

Status: Seeking Distribution

Things aren’t so “black and white” in this film – which is perhaps why Ryan Fleck’s urban drama is such a strong feature. First conceived as a short film called Gowanus, Brooklyn back in 04, this powerfully conveys a support system not commonly found in such opposites. Ryan Gosling and newcomer Shareeka Epps shares the duties of the main protagonist and the narrative explores their separate yet similar worlds with a rare kind of realism. The film’s strong climax and even poignant ending begs a must be viewed later this year.

Status: Bought by THINKFilm.

Art-house fans will obviously appreciate the director’s experimentation in both the film and video formats – but after having screened this one twice, Michel Gondry’s third feature is not only cutting edge but is also impressive because of its underlying emotional depth.

Status: Bought by Warner Independent Pictures.

When I think of this year in Canadian film I have titles like C.R.A.Z.Y, A History of Violence, Water and Where the Truth Lies, but I’m stabbing myself for not having caught this piece of Canadiana when I had the opportunity to back in early October of last year. Julia Kwan’s coming of age film from a childhood perspective is a gem that is smart, funny and sincere – it also boosts some beautifully shot sequences and will bring viewers to a place which we don’t visit enough in the theaters.

Status: Seeking Distribution

Nick Cassavetes’ Alpha Dog
Read review here.

Jason Reitman’s Thank you for Smoking
Read review here.

Neil Burger’s The Illusionist
Read review here.