Well, I missed a day, but that's only because I've been super busy with screenings. I had four the day before yesterday, and 5 yesterday. All in all, I did see some interesting films, but only one really stood out.
The Cove is a documentary about dolphins that are killed in a small Japanese town. They ruthlessly kill 23,000 every year, and do it out of site of the public. A group of activists went in commando style and documented the event. It was one of the most horrific things I've ever witnessed. As you all know, I'm not one of those tree-hugging, recycle everything down to your underwear, save the spotted owl kind of people, but this had a profound affect on me. I mean come on people - who doesn't love Flipper! http://www.savejapandolphins.org/covelearnmore.php
But on to lighter fare - I saw a film yesterday directed by John Kransinski - you may know him as Jim from The Office. It was an interesting film and a departure from what you'd expect from him. While I didn't think it was a great film, it was interesting and tried to make insights into post-feminism masculinity. It's not something you'd want to take a date to, or attend if you're looking for a bright happy sunshine movie. John was there, and seemed very nice. I saw him later in the day attending a film Ed Helms (Andy from The Office) was in.
For those of you reader who normally attend this festival and are feeling bad about missing out this year, I wouldn't feel too bad. It really is a odd year. From what I hear, there are few films that have tremendous buzz. People are talking about a few films more then others, but there is no Little Miss Sunshine from what I can tell this year. Main Street doesn't seem quite as busy, and the give aways are few and far between.Screenings are crowded, but it does seem like wait listers always have a shot at getting in. We'll see how the back of the festival goes, but from the look of the first half, you haven't missed too much.
Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't say something about the transition of power our country went through yesterday. I know that many of you voted for Obama, and I've no problem with that. For what it's worth, I've been critical of both Bush as a president and McCain as a candidate - I think we on the right can, and should, have done much better. But as we enter this new era, I don't wish him ill. In fact, I wish him all the best. For him doing well means that we all should do well.
But I can say that I won't abandon the beliefs that I cling to, nor the ideals that I've come to recognize as being worthy to pursue. And I would ask the same of all of you. We can't, as many seem to be willing to do, just let him operate without careful consideration and a watchful eye. It's nice to see so many in the nation experiencing this euphoria of hope, but we all must temper that with vigilance. To quote Bruce Springsteen, "Blind faith in anything will get you killed." I urge us all to have hope that things may get better, but not loose sight of the fact that our leaders, more then anyone else, need to be accountable. Don't just accept what MSNBC, CNN, and Fox tell you - go out and discover what's really going on. Most of you know how I feel about some of the previously mentioned networks, and their relentless campaign to elect Obama and destroy McCain and especially Palin. But we most hold them accountable too - we must show them that we want truth and objectivity...not biased reporting with an agenda.
While yesterdays ceremony was nothing less then historic, I couldn't help but feel a little left out. After all, he wasn't my choice...but then neither was McCain really. While I am tremendously proud of my country for finally having the courage to elect an African-American president, I am still a bit apprehensive about the future. Maybe this man will have the courage to do what Bush wasn't able to do - reach across the aisle and work with those of us on the other side. Maybe he will be able to accomplish great things that will cause the partisanship that has engulfed our nation to completely dissipate. I hope so.
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I completely agree on the Obama front, man. I voted for him and believe in the hope for a better future for our country as a whole. However, I am absolutely realistic in the idea that "the wedding is not the marriage". While the election of the country's first African-American President is an historic occasion, it would be stupid of me to think that he is the end-all be all savior. The measure of a man's character is found not in the intent to do good things, but in the good things done, as intended. I'm hopeful, but we'll see what kind of legacy he leaves behind in 4 years.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I think I would like Sundance more this year, simply because it isn't as crowded... sadness.
ReplyDeleteSay hi to Zooey Deschanell for me if you see her.