SF International Film Festival vol.1

Okay, I've only had a chance to hit up a couple of the films that make this years lineup. Here's a quick rundown...

Apres Vous (After You)
is a hilarious french comedy by director Pierre Salvadori. It's a little slapstick, a little situational, and a little tragic. All of the makings of a great touching comedy. The performances were strong by the leads, especially Daniel Auteuil who can play anything, and I mean anything. The story begins with a late date and a shortcut through the park that places our lead at the right time and place to prevent a suicide. The humor with which Salvadori depicts this scene is a template for the rest of the film, on one hand, uncomfortable, but on the other, tragically hilarious. It's a delicate line which the director does with great skill and ability. A must see once this film picks up distribution. And it will, it's the only french comedy I've seen in the past ten years that had me rolling in the aisles with laughter.

Final Score: 10/10 with a 5/5 on the Dancing Monkey scale. Somehow I have a feeling that this will be remade as a hollywood film which will strip it of all it's charm and humor.

Depuis qu'Otar est parti (Since Otar Left)
On a much more somber note, the film by Julie Bertuccelli is a bittersweet look at three generations of women living in the post Independence Republic of Georgia. We went with friends from the republic, and they were a little saddened to see the depiction of Georgia as so bleak, however, I believe that the filmmakers intent of depicting the poverty and pride of the people of Georgia, as well as the beauty of their lives came across resoundingly. The performances were slightly wooden, but with the effect of pushing the premise of the film which is based on a lie into ever more dramatic tension. Overall it was a beautifully crafted story that was visualized well and took you on an emotional roller coaster with the main characters which is what you want out of any good drama, right?

Final Score, 8/10 with 1/5 on the Dancing Monkey scale. I felt the performances could have been a little more dynamic. But the film rests firmly on the strength of the script and the scenic elements. The single dancing monkey is based on the "teen frustration with small town life" which is so hollywood circa nineteen-eighty-footloose.

Both are very worthy films. Go see them and give the cast and crew some money. Now!