HOW THE WEST WAS WONDERFUL
What a week.
Met some fantastic people and saw some exceptional films. What more could you ask for? In fact, a number of the shorts actually managed to over-shadow many of the features. And that was so cool to see. Not because they were shorts, but because the features were damn good.
I personally saw two exceptional works that deserve a mention. A short film called CROSSBOW (by director David Michod) and REWIND (director Atul Taishete.)
These films were simply as good as anything, ever made, by anyone. Remember, in the early years of the medium, the short format was the ‘only’ format. Chaplin. Sennett. Roach. Keaton. The genius’ and giants of the medium.
Unfortunately, such a format has long since been reduced to that of a ‘film school’ tutorial. Something you do until you get the chance to go out and make a ‘real’ movie.
Well, I’ll tell ya. ‘Iron Man’ entertained me. But ‘Crossbow and Rewind’ floored me. Spun me. Inspired me. Provoked me in ways far greater than any experimental filmmaker or feces eating, cross dressing ‘performance artist’ ever could.
Anyone can light their dick on fire and call it art. The art councils have become so overrun with the most moronic, closed minded people on the planet that you just want to puke. But it’s true. Get sodomized by a horse and the elitist, artsy fartsy Lib’s hail it as *’breathtaking’.
(Think I’m kidding? Click here. *Variety)
I don’t call getting f*cked up the ass by a horse, ‘breathtaking’.
I call it the art department at UC Berkeley.
But, that’s me. Never drank the cool-aid in College. And so, perhaps I’m not as ‘open minded’ as many of my contemporaries. (Probably the reason I’ve never been invited over to mix the bowl at the BC Arts Council.) But hey, who’s complaining.
Still. What a weekend.
It’s also been a long time since I ever laughed so hard. Madison Graie and I fell in love with a little film called CUTE COUPLE by Courtney Moorehead Balaker. A simple, brilliant little wonder of a film. So smart. So clean and beautifully directed. The actors, sublime. It won AUDIENCE FAVORITE and we were so happy to see it take honors. It truly deserved every single vote.
Now, surprisingly… not every bit of magic this weekend took place at 24 frames per second. And so I just wanted to say, kudos to the cast and crew of THE BALLAD of CAT BALOO at the JACKSON HOLE PLAYHOUSE. This was one of the funniest and most entertaining ‘live’ evenings I’ve had in 20 years. Taking a break from the film festival for just a few hours, Madison and I hit up the local ‘dinner theatre’ and were treated to a night of entertainment to rival ANY thing we’ve ever seen in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto or Vancouver. Simply magical. First rate. All pro.
What a weekend. What a festival.
Thank you again Cevin Cathill and everyone over at the Jackson Hole Film Festival. And to the people of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Your hospitality was second to none. Genuine, warm and so very much appreciated.
See you next time.
THE BALLAD of CAT BALOO as a stage play? Wow.
My parents let me see the Jane Fonda/Lee Marvin film in 1965 ( I was only eight), and it’s stuck with me ever since.
Is it a regional production or in tryouts before heading to Broadway?
I opened a link for all the movies you mentioned and was delighted to see that Crossbow is from Australia!! I would love to see Centigrade at an Australian film festival. I must say, my friends who have seen Centigrade think it’s top notch! (I’ve lent them my copy)
I refer to your comment below and sadly even Australia is not immune from this type of crap “Anyone can light their dick on fire and call it art. The art councils have become so overrun with the most moronic, closed minded people on the planet, but it’s true. Get sodomized by a horse and the elitist, artsy fartsy Lib’s hail it as ‘breathtaking’. “
Recently an art display was banned here because it was photos of children in sexually provocative positions, and all the elitist, artsy fartsy Libs hailed it as a travesty (that it was banned) Well, I’m not sad to say in my opinion the ‘artist’ can be thrown in jail for being a pedophile and you can call me closed minded as much as you like and I won’t change my mind. As far as I am concerned it can stay banned for eternity. There may be a slightly movable line between what most people think is acceptable sexual practices, but I’m sure bestiality and pedophilia is something most sane people will agree should be relegated to criminal behavior.
As always Colin, your blog is thought provoking and entertaining. Sometimes I read it and think, you could offer me the world and I wouldn’t trade places with you for a second, and sometimes I’m green with jealousy, at the moment I’m rather an interesting shade of green!
I’m glad to hear the Jackson Hole Playhouse is still delivering the goods. Remember when we saw Seven Brides for Seven Brothers there during our 1988 road trip? That show kicked major ass. Fun times. Seems like yesterday but it was 20 years ago. As Charlie Brown would say … “Aaaagh!”