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SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL: Day 8
The Producer's tale
Though Sundance officially concludes tomorrow night with the awards,
this was my last full day covering the Festival.
It was a day of cancellations, first by Andie McDowell, then by
Australian director Rachel Perkins [thanks for the 1 hour notice
guys] and then a pair of documentary directors. But that was fine
and dandy.
It gave me a chance to escape the snow and slush, and catch up
on the best film of the festival, and the one that most defined
why most of us are here in the first place: The Kid Stays in
the Picture.
A visually arresting masterpiece based on the tumultuous life
of Hollywood producer Robert Evans. The man behind such classic
seventies gems as Love Story, The Godfather, The Conversation
and Rosemary’s Baby, had a wild up-and-down existence. King of
Hollywood on the one hand, dragged down by scandal and drug addiction
on the other and now back to where it all began: on the backlot
of Paramount.
Evans symbolised the best and worst of American cinema, and this
brilliant film, narrated by Evans himself, encapsulates those
extremes. Directed by Brett Morgen and Nanette Burstein, The Kid
Stays in the Picture combines various cinematic techniques and
digital effects to bring Evan's fascinating tale to life.
Though a documentary, it feels like a narrative feature and has
all the elements of such: Humour, drama and genuine poignancy.
Most important, it’s the story of a man impassioned by moviemaking,
and without that passion, the likes of Sundance would not exist.
What a fitting film to close a Festival defined by its ability
to remain diverse and challenging.
As the snow eases here at Park City, this remains one of the best
Sundances I have attended. As for my favourites, xx/xy
for its realism and sense of character; Cherish for its
charm and quirkiness; One Hour Photo for its sheer audacity
and Robin Williams’ bravado performance; and The Kid Stays
in the Picture.
Until Sundance 2003 --- enjoy the movies!
AWARDS
Bloody Sunday Shares The World Cinema Audience Award
Paul Greengrass depiction of the Seventies tragedy in Northern
Ireland shared the World Cinema award with Gabriele Muccino The
Last Kiss, produced by Domenico Procacci.
Full
awards here
| Day 1 |
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Malkovich's directorial debut is a "masterpiece". |
| Day 2 |
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Differing views of the "Mean Streets". |
| Day 3 |
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Jennifer Anniston Charms while Robin Williams loses his idealism |
| Day 4 |
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Christina Ricci and Robin Tunney romantic comedies. |
| Day 5 |
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That Ricci girl again; Rhys Ifans goes ape. |
| Day 6 |
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Sundance bloodied but unbowed |
| Day 7 |
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Catching up with shiny Globe-winners |
| Day 8 |
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The Producer's Tale - Producer Robert Evans |
| Awards |
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The Award Winners |
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