The Illusionist & Sunday In Telluride

This morning I attended Sylvain Chomet’s The Illusionist. It was an unproduced script by famous filmmaker Jacques Tati, and I’d like to think Tati would be happy with Chomet’s work. ¬†Chomet essentially makes an animated Tati film, complete with comedic setpieces, little to no dialog (most of it is inaudible mumbles), and great use of the entire screen.

The best moments in the movie are those that seem to clearly be Tati. ¬†Consider the scenes where the “Illusionist” is mistaken as a car mechanic, and takes watch of a rich man’s car. ¬†Or the scene where “The Illusionist” catches the young girl holding hands with a boyfriend, and hides in a movie theater, only for Mon Oncle to be playing on screen at the same time. ¬†Both scenes tell separate stories, and give you the same sense of enjoyment that you had while watching his other movies. ¬†That’s not to say that the movie has flaws.

Despite no official dialog in the movie, there is a simple story to it. ¬†The Illusionist, going from town to town impresses a young girl, who I thought was his daughter until I was told otherwise after the film. ¬†He looks out for her, continues to impress her with his tricks, and treats her like a father should. ¬†However, once the young girl develops a love interest, the movie quickly ends, and in a very bleak way. ¬†It seems rushed to me after the rest of the movie took its time in developing the relationship. ¬†I’m curious if that’s why Tati never produced the script on his own, or if there were any changes made. ¬†Nonetheless, it warrants a look for those who are fans of Tati.

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-I’ve now been in Telluride for four nights as I write this blog. ¬†I’ve taken a different approach to the festival then I have in years past. ¬†Instead of trying to fit in every movie I can, I’ve taken a more laidback approach. ¬†I see what I truly want to see, and no more then that. ¬†The weather has been the best its ever been in the six or seven years I’ve attended. ¬†Although only one movie has truly amazed me (127 Hours), I still think this will be one of my favorite times attending the festival. ¬†Everyone that attends the festival is easy to talk with and laidback.

-A movie that seems to be getting smiling faces and consistent remarks is Justin Chadwick’s The First Grader.

–The King’s Speech, Tabloid, The Way Back, Biutiful, Never Let Me Go, 127 Hours, and Black Swan are getting enough requests that they’ll be getting additional showings in the large venues tomorrow, which were all empty slates until the end of the night on Sunday. ¬†In fact, The King’s Speech will also be playing outside for anyone to see. ¬†Outside of the “special previews” from 127 Hours and Black Swan, I think The King’s Speech will be the movie that benefits the most from the festival.

-Despite the altitude sickness in the first showing of 127 Hours, another fainting was reported in the second showing. ¬†Rumors are spreading that the victim fainted during what will be the infamous cutting scene. ¬†I hope that’s not what the movie gets remembered for as there’s much more to it then gore factor.

-Tomorrow’s panel has a good mix of directors. ¬†Aronofsky, Romanek, Assayas, and Tom Hooper.

-Thought I saw Inarritu and Carey Mulligan speaking with each other. ¬†That’s a director/actress mix that I’d love to see happen.

One more day! ¬†I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my reviews and thoughts in Telluride.