My SXSW Film Picks
Some of you may remember that during last year’s SXSW, I was on the edge of my own sanity. It was too much stimulation, not enough hours, too little sleep, and just terrible transportation. With that experience in mind, I tried to get my life in order for this year’s experience. I rented a place in East Austin on AirBnB with my brother Tim (solving the distance issue) and got a week’s pass on B-Cycle (solving the transportation issue).
Then I set out with a much more streamlined approach to both sessions and film. I think I saw somewhere around full-length films and probably a dozen short films–lots of good stuff, a few that were not exactly my cup of tea (but I can see how they are likely to be indie darlings), and lots that I’d recommend. Here are just the ones I can remember at this moment. (Four days back in NYC, and I’m still pulling myself back together!)
SXSW Film Documentary Picks
City of Gold – This excellent documentary on food critic Jonathan Gold (pictured above center) explored his relationship with the food scene in LA and how his uniquely human approach to food criticism has affected the level of conversation around food culture in America. Food lovers will definitely want to check it out.
Mavis! – Jessica Edwards’ first full-length feature explored the fascinating life of singer Mavis Staples of the Staples Singers, her start as a young woman in her family group up through her recent work with Jeff Tweedy. Touching, interesting, and fun.
Made in Japan – The story of Tomi Fujiyama, a Japanese country western singer with a heart of gold who hopes to sing one more time at the Grand Ole Opry, this documentary was charming and fun to watch. Plus you’ll fall in love with Tomi.
Other top documentary picks: “Knock, Knock, It’s Tig Notaro”, “Brand: A Second Coming”, “Deep Web”. Documentaries are my favorite, so I saw a ton that I really liked.
Drama Picks
Gloria – A biopic about the Mexican pop singer Gloria Trevi, whose rise was as meteoric as her personal life was turmoiled, this dark and captivating film was masterfully directed. (Director Christian Keller pictured above bottom.)
Mr. Robot – Not a full-length feature, but the first episode of an upcoming series, Mr. Robot plunges us into the world of hackers in a way that is neither trite nor too technical. Plus Christian Slater hits the right notes as a mysterious hacker boss who may or may not be trusted.
Comedy Picks
The Little Death – This super-quirky Australian film explores 5 couples’ relationships through the lens of sexual proclivities and, along the way, challenges our expectations of romantic comedies. Definitely worth seeing!
Trainwreck – Amy Schumer’s first full-length film with Judd Apatow is everything you’d expect. It’s just crass enough, but it ends sweetly (but perhaps a little too earnestly). Lots of fun little performances from many great comedic personalities.
Get Hard – I know. It’s a big budget movie with Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart. Really, Zontee? But yes, I actually rather enjoyed this film the way I enjoyed my burger and fries from the McDonald’s SXSW tent–with the knowledge that I should be remorseful, but with joy at the pleasant taste of free guilty pleasures.