I’m ready for another dance!
I’m about to embark on another magical Sundance adventure. I’ve been attending since 1994 (my very first Sundance screening was a moody thriller called “A Pure Formality”), and at this point, I don’t know how to stop. Sundance is like cinematic crack! Yeah, there are a lot of hoops you have to jump through if you really want to see a specific film, but having an opportunity to take in a screening of a potential classic from a new voice that could potentially be around for years to come makes the chaotic, grinding nature of the fest more than worth it.
Sundance offers up films from all around the world, and while I love the premieres, midnight selections, and special events, it’s the unexpected gems from the mysterious newcomers that are really worth noting. There’s something to be said for being a part of a cinematic experience that serves as the initial spark for a wave of buzz that will eventually spread like wildfire.
Sundance 2016 is now in full swing, and while there are countless films I’m looking forward to, here are a few that are of particular interest.
CHRISTINE
Not to be confused with the John Carpenter-directed Stephen King adaptation of the same name, “Christine” stars Rebecca Hall in a story revolving around Christine Chubbuck, a 1970s news anchorwoman who committed suicide during a live TV news broadcast. Directed by Antonio Campos, it promises to be a hypnotic and haunting depiction of a professional woman at a crossroads. Interestingly enough, Sundance is offering up a documentary called “Cate Plays Christine,” a film that covers the same subject in a decidedly different manner. I plan on seeing that one, too!
OTHER PEOPLE
After a breakup, a struggling comedy writer moves back home to help take care of his sick mother. While there, he must survive contention at the hands of his conservative family all while trying to convince himself that he’s in perfect emotional standing. “Other People” stars Jesse Plemmons, Molly Shannon, and June Squib. It was directed by SNL writer Chris Kelly and promises to be a picture perfect blend of comedy, drama, and family dysfunction. One thing is certain: this is a great cast!
SING STREET
Sometimes, Sundance can be a crap shoot. You simply don’t know what you’re in for until the lights go down and the movie begins. Through my years attending this venerable fest, I’ve missed many a break-out hit. One such hit was the 2006 musical “Once” from director John Carney. Following one of the screenings, star (and The Frames vocalist) Glen Hansard even performed a live set. And I missed it! When I eventually did get around to seeing “Once” later on in the year, I immediately fell in love with it. In fact, it was my favorite movie of 2006.
With “Sing Street,” Carney spins tale around a Dublin based teen in the ’80s who forms a band and heads to London in the hopes of hitting it big. It looks fantastically entertaining, and even if it’s half as good as “Once,” it’s going to be a winner.
Of course, these picks barely scratch the surface. The list goes on and on and on! For detailed information on Sundance 2016, click here.
Watch for Sundance coverage here at The Independent over the next 10 days.
