Ben Stiller and Jennifer Jason Leigh in GREENBERG photo courtesy IMDb

We love artsy movies that look and feel like novels so we took off this weekend to go see Greenberg. It was a strange movie, there are horrible painful emotional moments, but they are there on purpose.  I was surprised to find out that Jennifer Jason Leigh actually created the story and produced the film.  Even though the story had a male lead, I could hear a woman’s voice throughout, it was her story and the brilliant Noah Baumbach crafted the screenplay.  Here are some of his other films:

1. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) (screenplay)
2. Margot at the Wedding (2007) (written by)
3. The Squid and the Whale (2005) (written by)
4. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) (written by)

There was a clarity in this film that was muddled like mint in a mojito.  Once you realized that you had to pay attention to what wasn’t being said, it became clear that the characters in this story were more 3-D than those animated in the the theater next door.  I don’t think I would recommend this film to anyone who isn’t already thinking about seeing it.  However, if you are sorta thinking about going, go prepared to feel the script rather than just observing it.

Hope you enjoyed the 2009 Film Fest notes. My three term on the board of directors is up and after volunteering for the film festival for over a decade, I take my bow and exit stage left.
Now more time for my visual art and TN LGBT politics …and Shakespeare.

I miss you Brian,Julie,Michael,Kellye and Mandy – thank you -you didn't hear it enough.

Part 8 of the iPhone thumb blog posts from the Nashville Film Festival.
Saw two features today in between the smoozing.
Pouncake has had a lot of buzz and I did enjoy the film and the trip down 1980s music lane. What the synch budget was for that film I don't know but the music supervisor is a brilliant person. Not sure I I would recommend it but will probably watch it again next year through NetFlix. I don't say that like it is bad thing. Let's face it- that's how most movies are seen.
I also saw the feature The Narrows and the performances were stellar. The photography I'm the film was it's own character and I would like to see the images again. There is a lot of energy spent on the mob story but the primary women in the movie made all the Soprano like men look like little boys. Look for this one to get distribution within the next few months.

Part 7 of the iPhone blog posts from the Nashville Film Festival.
Last night after a late start, the TN Film night continued with a second group of shorts from local film makers.
I was particularly happy to see local professional actors employed by Ryan Smith's well made Twilight Zone type short named Devil's Shoestring. I was moved by the emotional Alius Primoris (others first).
However the film most likely to succeed is Johnny Gerhart and Philip Armame's Manhattan Measure.
This film needs to be on POV as soon as possible.
The story if an artist with a vision that was documented and edited so well that I felt that it not only had the story I'm hand but also the uncanny ability to cause action as result of viewing.
Look up these fine TN films and support local artists.
Working art is good art.

Part 6 of the iPhone thumb blog post from the Nashville Film Festival.
Enjoyed conversation today with Bill Ivey about his book Arts Inc.
The concept of a list of cultural rights is an amazing one. If you have read the book make a comment and let's talk about it.