2008 Telluride Film Festival Buzz Films

The Telluride Film Festival has been ranked among the top film festivals in the world, being compared to Cannes and Sundance. This was my second year working the concessions stand at the historic Sheridan Opera House, and the 35th overall year of the festival. Telluride is famous for keeping a tight hold on the film schedule, not releasing the lineup until the week of the festival. Over 40 total films are packed into the three and a half day festival. The organizers for Telluride have a knack for picking critically acclaimed and Oscar contending movies, and this year was no different.

Adam Resurrected: Jeff Goldbloom was on hand to help support his new movie, directed by Paul Schrader and based on the novel by Yoram Kaniuk (both of whom were also in attendance). Adam Resurrected follows the story of a famous German clown who also happens to be a Holocaust survivor and mental patient. Jeff Goldbloom turns in a brilliant performance as the main character. Adam received somewhat mixed reviews from festival-goers. While most found it to be rather good, some said it was simply boring and bizarre. I personally enjoy somewhat bizarre films, so it was a hit for me. Adam takes leaps through time and metaphor, and while it leaves clues for the audience, it doesn't make things obvious. The audience is left to make their own meanings out of much of the movie, which for some can be enjoyable while others are annoyed by it. Either way, watch for Goldbloom's performance to receive plenty of critical acclaim. Unfortunately it may be a while before mass audiences get to see Adam Ressurrected, as it is currently slated for a January 2009 release.

American Violet: This movie tells the story of a small Texas town whose police force arrested a large number of African-Americans overnight for inflated and false drug charges - in the year 2000. This movie, based on the true story, shows that racism is still an important and prevalent issue. With Barack Obama's bid for the presidency, I expect this movie to garner a lot of attention. While a release date has yet to be set, I wouldn't be surpirsed if distribution for this film is pushed through as quickly as possible. American Violet is very moving, but not quite the tour de force that other Telluride films were. None the less, the story and subject matter are sure to captivate audiences. The cast is mostly unknowns and character actors, which Tim Blake Nelson (O, Brother Where Art Thou) playing an ACLU lawyer.

I've Loved You So Long: Set for limited release in the U.S. on October 24th, 2008, I've Loved You So Long was one of the top buzz films from the 2008 Telluride Film Festival. Coming out of France, this movie was directed by noted author Philippe Claudel. Kristin Scott Thomas stars and will most likely be the only familiar face to American audiences - and I must say her French is impressive. The story follows Thomas' character as she returns form a mysterious 15 year absence to stay with her sister's family. As the story unravels we discover much about what it means to have true compassion, and the importance of family. Thomas turns in an Oscar worthy performance, and I've Loved You So Long will likely receive a nomination, if not a win, for Best Foreign Language Film come Oscar time.

Waltz With Bashir: Like last year's Persepolis, Telluride again brings an animated film telling the true story of the complicated Middle-Eastern modern political situation. Israeli filmmaker and former soldier, Ari Folman, held the U.S. premier for his film this year at Telluride. Waltz With Bashir is the first ever "Animated Documentary." Waltz is the story of how Ari began to investigate why he could not remember anything from the Israeli-Lebanon war in the 1980s, and how his investigations not only led to personal revelations, but to healing for many of those involved. Be warned, this is an extremely depressing movie, focusing on the Lebanese Christian Militia's massacre of muslim Palestinians during the Lebanese war. The animation makes perfect sense as the film investigates what memory really is, moving seamlessly from dreams to memories to sections which almost feel like music videos. The style of the film is breathtaking, and it's hard not to get completely caught up in it. At the same time, the story is what really takes precedence, and by the end of the movie we are left wondering how the incident in Lebanon in the 1980s parallels stories of war today and throughout history. Ultimately Ari questions if a nation created with memories of a massacre is any more adept at recognizing massacres in the future. Waltz With Bashir is set for a late December U.S. release.

Slumdog Millionaire: Every year film goers look for those special movies that make the tireless popcorn consumption, strict time scheduling and cramping legs all worth while. Danny Boyle's new film (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later) was that film for the 2008 Telluride Film Festival. This film received the best reaction I have probably ever seen for any film, and rightfully so. It follows the story of a young man who appears on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. This was a sneek-preview film, meaning it wasn't even on the main schedule. I think that part of why I enjoyed this movie so much is that I didn't know much about it going in, and in keeping with that I don't want to say much more about this movie. All I can say is that is amazing, and it is going to be freaking huge. See it as soon as you can. This film features an almost all Indian cast and is slated for a late November 2008 U.S. release.

While many of the films at the 2008 Telluride Film Festival will likely go on to receive a lot of critical and commercial success, I've picked out the five that seemed to have the most buzz among festival goers. I would also recommend checking out The Good, the Bad and the Weird and Flame & Citron. I'm sad to see this year's Telluride Film Festival come to an end, but on the other hand I am ready to take a (short) break from buttered popcord and Mr. Pibb.