by KE Monahan Huntley
Why do all short films have to have weird undertones of death and sorrow?” — overheard at the Avatar screening at Slamdance
Fortunately I’m an Angeleno. This precludes the anxiety that attacks all convinced they must attend Sundance films during the festival — for the decent to fair will show up quite soon thereafter at a local L.A. theater.
Lucky 13 opening night party tix at Star Bar.
American Zombie held its world premiere in Park City, Utah, “Where zombies come to preserve their limbs.” Grace Lee films evil dead undoings with great gravitas. What’s fun is the director’s faux behind-the-scenes working relationship with John Solomon, whom she advises, “We don’t use storyboards in documentaries.”
X-Dance
Another great Kate (Wheadon) hooks us up with Jolt Cola and popcorn to watch City, Park City. Just as Daniel Craig is mondo Bond in the spectacular Casino Royale opening sequence, Shaun White is suave and mauve as he evades assassins and intrigue navigating the Park City Mountain Resort. The James Bond parody opens Jim Mangan’s snowboard showcase starring the Park City All Stars and Friends sick tricks.
Shimmer: The Roxy Team riders shear gold waves. They do not have to conquer; surfing is portrayed as an organic process. After the screening, I asked Lisa Anderson what it’s like to mentor the young girls, “I’m like the mom, I see their path,” then gives and inscrutable shrug.
“You’re Crashing, but You’re No Wave” or “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun?”
Eats and Greats
Swilling beer at The Owl Bar at the Sundance Institute. This 1890s watering hole was frequented by Butch Cassidy and The Hole in the Wall Gang — moved to Utah from Wyoming. Gorgeous Victorian rosewood bar.
Big Celeb Sighting
It’s Astro’s orbit, all the time,as this handsome Harlequin Great Dane trots up Main Street, accepting pets and pats and big love from sweet winter white coat clad Sienna Miller.
Astro shops in the eerie Park City Main Street Mall, former home of NoDance.
As much as we love the festivals in Park City, the Sutton, Vermont M.U.F.F. is every film buff’s dream destination!
Cookie (IFC documentarian): So, ah, did you enjoy the festival?
Vladimar Petrovich (Distributors for Petrovich Kino): Film festivals are more complicated than KGB politics. I’ll have to go back to assassinations to relax. — The Festival
Publishing a Park City report in summer is sorta like celebrating Christmas in July . . .
1.22.08
Cut & color appointment at Hair by Kim. Car radio breaking news, Heath Ledger is dead. Swerve away from Paparazzi swarming Britney Jean outside Capella Salon. Nobody walks in L.A. Safe in hair chair, peruse Star Magazine headline, “Inside Britney’s Tragic Freefall From Madness.” Kim’s assistant and infrequent visitor to The Hills, the beauteous Abrea, keeps tabs on Brit, reports in of the punch-out at next-door Starbucks. No need to go to Park City to celebrity spot, just stay in L.A.
1.25.08
“I heard all about it.” “Heard what?” “Zach Braff.” Sundance scenesters exit Burbank Airport. Cheap seats on Jet Blue up and away we go, just as the festivals come to a close. Dennis Wong takes us to Little World in SLC for authentic Chinese. For the 1.29.08 exit, it will be Tony Caputo’s Market & Deli for much anticipated meatball sandwiches and a walk about the Mormon Tabernacle.
Up on Main Street the raucous carouse. Fuse party girls hand out church key party favors. Slamdance ends, no Joy (Saez) in sight.
1.26.08
Eccles Theatre CSNY Déjà Vu. “We have all been here before.” The footage of the troubadour activists intercut with Iraq travesty, political commentary, and new voices of dissent unfortunately lacks a clear narrative and well-defined focal point. Yet, the power of “four balding hippies'” brilliant harmonies, performed without artifice, rings clear as a bell.
1.27.08
The delicious owners of Main Street Deli extend the breakfast hour for favorites: bacon, egg, and havarti cheese sandwich and French toast. Mmmm. Astro makes his annual celebrity splash at the Entertainment Weekly headquarters Kimball Art Center. WGA strike signs line windows.
Sundance screen test. Dennis: “Producers approached Sidd. He was wearing a blue coat and they asked him to walk back and forth fifteen times. It was for Entourage’s sophomore season episode, “The Sundance Kids.”
Fun with Dick and Jane watching the SAG awards. Avid Sundancer, Jane recommends Phoebe in Wonderland and Stranded. Chefette Michelle’s dinner table discussion revolves around mutual obsession of Modern Marvels. After dinner screening of The Warriors director’s cut. Can you dig it?
1.28.08
White out. Dynamite blasts to clear avalanches of the corn snow.
Nature abhors a vacuum.