I was fortunate to be able to take advantage of the film viewing opportunities presented at this year's 28th annual festival without traveling too far. My thoughts on the films I saw over the course of the 11 days from October 6-16, 2005 are provided below:
Bee Season - ****This film, starring Richard Gere and Juliette Binoche, is opening nationwide on November 11th and is well worth seeing. While spelling bees are intertwined in the story, it is more about relationships, beliefs and mysticism. Beautifully filmed in the Oakland area.
North Country - ****A truly captivating drama that takes place in the coal mines of northern Minnesota starring Charlize Theron. Most amazing is that this story, based on real life experiences, takes place in the very recent late 1980's.
Paradise Now - ****A gripping thriller about to open in theaters. Based on the provocative story of two suicide bombers, it shows the human side of their experiences as they prepare for their undertaking. Filmed on the West Bank amidst actual violence.
A Touch of Spice - ****"...all-time biggest box office hit in Greece..."
Berkeley - ***This film transports you back to Berkeley in 1969 in a 'real' way according to audience members who were there at the time. While it doesn't have distribution yet, I predict it will, especially given the obvious parallels to current times.
The Bridge So Far: A Suspense Story - ***Humorous documentary about the not-so-humorous debacle surrounding the rebuilding of the eastern span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
The Californians - ***Enjoyable story of the meeting of development and environmental protection in the hills of Marin County starring Noah Wyle and Illeana Douglas. Cast also includes Cloris Leachman and Kate Mara (who has a beautiful singing voice).
In Memory of My Father - ***Filmed on handheld video in four days, this film portrays a dysfunctional family following the death of the family patriarch, an aged Hollywood producer. Cast includes Jeremy Sisto from Six Feet Under.
Shopgirl - ***Based on Steve Martin's novel, this film is a love story with a real world feel to it. Claire Danes and Jason Schwartzman came to the screening for Q&A afterwards which was an unexpected treat.
The Art of Breaking Up - **Final film by director Michael Deville. An energetic farce - enjoyable if that's what you're looking for.
Moon & Cherry - **Humorous coming-of-age story takes place in Japan.
my tiny universe - **"...fast-paced satire of life in Tinseltown."
Need - **A gritty portrayal of life in the Tenderloin district in San Francisco. Director Rob Nilsson uses a unique free-form style of filmmaking to weave this together.
Romantico - *Documentary about a mariachi musician.
