Tens of thousands of people recently emerged on Utah – for the Sundance Film Festival. From January 16-26, movie-lovers and more importantly, people who truly appreciate the art of film, were entertained, forced to think, and gained a greater appreciation for films and filmmakers.
I was able to be one of those people. And while I only saw three movies, I was inspired by the work put into each of the films and the caliber of writing, directing, producing and acting that has become a shining part of independent film.
Here’s a little review of what I saw. All three movies are likely to hit theaters, whether in limited release or nationwide so keep an eye out for all three.
Confidence
Director: James Foley
Executive Producers: Eric Kopeloff, Marco Mehlitz, BurEberhard Kayser, Scott Bernstein
Producers: Marc Butan, Michael Paseornek, Michael Burns, Michael Ohoven
Coproducer: John Sacchi
Screenwriter: Doug Jung
Editor: Stuart Levy
Cast: Edward Burns, Rachel Weisz, Dustin Hoffman, Andy Garcia, Paul Giamatti, Luis Guzman
James Foley's Confidence is not just another independent film. In fact, you have to remind yourself that your aren’t seeing it with all the other typical Friday night moviegoers because this film truly has all the qualities of a Hollywood blockbuster yet without being a typical Hollywood blockbuster.
While there is plenty of action, there is also a strong story. The film opens with an elaborate con job that introduces us to an amazing cast of characters who each fall seemingly naturally into their roles. Never predictable, the movie keeps you on your toes through the final frame.
The Singing Detective
Director: Keith Gordon
Executive Producer: Stan Wlodkowski
Producers: Mel Gibson, Steven Haft, Bruce Davey
Associate Producer: Kevin Lake
Screenwriter: Dennis Potter
Cinematographer: Tom Richmond
Editor: Jeff Wishengrad
Production/Costume Designer: Patricia Norris
Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Robin Wright Penn, Jeremy Northam, Katie Holmes, Carla Cugino, and Mel Gibson
When introducing the film, director Keith Gordon called this movie something along these lines: a musical, thriller, mystery, psychological drama, detective, lip syncing, film noir, etc. etc. In other words, there is no way to limit this film as a drama, musical, thriller or anything else. So many elements mix to create a film like no other, except maybe the original, Dennis Potter's TV miniseries, The Singing Detective (1986).
The new movie is actually Potter’s “reimagining” of the series for film, which he completed shortly before his death. Robert Downey Jr., Mel Gibson and Robin Wright Penn break out of the box, giving amazing performances.
I was able to be one of those people. And while I only saw three movies, I was inspired by the work put into each of the films and the caliber of writing, directing, producing and acting that has become a shining part of independent film.
Here’s a little review of what I saw. All three movies are likely to hit theaters, whether in limited release or nationwide so keep an eye out for all three.
Confidence
Director: James Foley
Executive Producers: Eric Kopeloff, Marco Mehlitz, BurEberhard Kayser, Scott Bernstein
Producers: Marc Butan, Michael Paseornek, Michael Burns, Michael Ohoven
Coproducer: John Sacchi
Screenwriter: Doug Jung
Editor: Stuart Levy
Cast: Edward Burns, Rachel Weisz, Dustin Hoffman, Andy Garcia, Paul Giamatti, Luis Guzman
James Foley's Confidence is not just another independent film. In fact, you have to remind yourself that your aren’t seeing it with all the other typical Friday night moviegoers because this film truly has all the qualities of a Hollywood blockbuster yet without being a typical Hollywood blockbuster.
While there is plenty of action, there is also a strong story. The film opens with an elaborate con job that introduces us to an amazing cast of characters who each fall seemingly naturally into their roles. Never predictable, the movie keeps you on your toes through the final frame.
The Singing Detective
Director: Keith Gordon
Executive Producer: Stan Wlodkowski
Producers: Mel Gibson, Steven Haft, Bruce Davey
Associate Producer: Kevin Lake
Screenwriter: Dennis Potter
Cinematographer: Tom Richmond
Editor: Jeff Wishengrad
Production/Costume Designer: Patricia Norris
Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Robin Wright Penn, Jeremy Northam, Katie Holmes, Carla Cugino, and Mel Gibson
When introducing the film, director Keith Gordon called this movie something along these lines: a musical, thriller, mystery, psychological drama, detective, lip syncing, film noir, etc. etc. In other words, there is no way to limit this film as a drama, musical, thriller or anything else. So many elements mix to create a film like no other, except maybe the original, Dennis Potter's TV miniseries, The Singing Detective (1986).
The new movie is actually Potter’s “reimagining” of the series for film, which he completed shortly before his death. Robert Downey Jr., Mel Gibson and Robin Wright Penn break out of the box, giving amazing performances.
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