The Popcorn N Roses Top 10

Two of our newest members, TC Kirkham and Kim Brown make up the film-podcasting couple known as Popcorn N Roses! They joined a couple of weeks ago, and we've already got their bios and pictures up on the Nominating Committee page. Not only that, but they've provided their 2006 Top 10 films! So here they are, and please welcome them to the organization!

TC's Top 10

(in alphabetical order)
A Prarie Home Companion
An Inconvenient Truth
Apocalypto
Brick
Casino Royale
Clerks 2
Happy Feet
The Prestige
United 93
Wordplay

Kim's Top 10

(in alphabetical order)
A Prairie Home Companion
Brick
Casino Royale
Flushed Away
Happy Feet
One Last Thing...
The Prestige
Superman Returns
Wordplay
X-Men: The Last Stand

Cinematic Earworms

So, in the course of my gathering info to promote MONKEY WARFARE during the IFFB, I checked out the film's official website. It automatically starts playing songs from its soundtrack, which is a beautiful sublime thing in and of itself - tell me I'm wrong - and when it gets to 'Saturday Afternoon', I'm suddenly right back in the movie...the scene it plays over is one of my favorites, and I've been going back to the song to replay images from that scene in my head. Then on, yup, Saturday afternoon, while poking around window shopping in Harvard Square, one of the stores' inhouse CD started playing an original song from VELVET GOLDMINE, and again, I was blammo! seeing that scene. I went home, pulled out the DVD to remind myself to watch it again, because now I've got those images rolling around in my head.

I get these all the time, cinematic earworms I call them. Is it just me with this affliction? If not, what are the songs that do it to you?

Apichatpong Weerasethakul's Petition to Change Thai Law

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about Apicatpong "Joe" Weeasethakul's new film SYNDROMES AND A CENTURY. Apparently there's quite a story brewing around this film by the director of Buried Treasure nominee TROPICAL MALADY. After Thailand's Censorship Board demanded Joe cut four "sensitive scenes" from his film, he decided not to release the film in his home country unless the laws were changed to allow it to be screened in its intended form. Joe has started a petition of have those laws changed called the "Free Thai Cinema Movement" where he says, ""We're petitioning not only for a just decision for Syndromes and a Century, but also for a long-needed modernization of Thai legislation concerning movie censorship." GreenCine Daily reports that the movement is receiving some serious backing from political and cultural heavyweights. Chlotrudis members, especially those that voted for this year's Best Documentary winner THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED, should take a look at the petition and consider signing it. I did.

Incidentally, according to Limitless Cinema, the four "sensitive scenes" that the Thai Censorship Board demanded cut showed:

1. a young monk playing a guitar


2. a group of doctors drinking whisky in a hospital basement


3. a doctor kissing his girlfriend in a hospital locker room


4. two monks playing with a radio-controlled flying saucer

Now don't you really want to sign the petition?

The Geometrist's Top 10 & the Scientist's Top 10

I've got a couple more member Top 10 lists from 2006. Yes, I know it's a little late, but some people spent a lot of time seeing films from 2006 in preparation for the Awards Ceremony in March. Since then, the delay has been my fault, so to Julie and Beth, I apologize for the lag time, but I have been busy. So, with no further ado...

The Geometrist's Top 10 + 2!

Julie calls herself the Geometrist because that is what she wants to be when she grow up. Julie really focused on seeing a lot of 2006 movies during the first three months of 2007, and here is the list she comes up with.

1. Science of Sleep


2. Brick


3. Duck Season


4. Sorry Haters


5. Volver


6. C.R.A.Z.Y.


7. A Scanner Darkly


8. This Film is Not Yet Rated


9. Cache


10. L’Intrus


11. Shut Up and Sing


12. 51 Birch Street

Also noteworthy: Little Miss Sunshine, Water, Hardy Candy, Clean, Brothers of the Head, Somersault, Jesus Camp, The Devil and Daniel Johnston, Requiem, New York Doll, Sisters-in-Law, Who Killed the Electric Car and The U.S. Versus John Lennon.

Have not seen but want to see: The Aura, Inland Empire, Short Bus, Half Nelson, Iron Island and 49 Up (this doc series is consistently well done and intriguing-I am up to 28 Up-and I don’t want to jump ahead).

The Scientist's Top 10

Beth Caldwell is the Membership Coordinator for Chlotrudis, and she also waited until she had seen a whole bunch of 2006 nominees in preparation for voting. Beth really is a scientist, studying agression in rats! Here's her Top 10.

1. La Moustache


2. Cache


3. Iron Island


4. Sisters-in-Law


5. Requiem


6. This Film is Not Yet Rated


7. Duck Season


8. Mutual Appreciation


9. The Motel


10. Sorry, Haters

Best Film Society of Boston!

We're thrilled to announce that the Boston Phoenix Editor's have chosen the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film as the Best Film Society in Boston! Naturally they made fun of our name, which we always appreciate, but do check out the listing where you will see Michael, Beth, Scot and Gertrudis in a rare appearance! We really have to thank Gerry Peary, Peter Keough, and all the Boston Phoenix editors for supporting and promoting our organization. It's fun to be acknowledged as the Best of Boston!

SXSW Review/IFFBoston Preview

posted on behalf of Gil Cordova by Michael Colford at the O'Hare Airport in Chicago!

While some may associate the South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin only with music, SXSW is actually a ten-day festival in mid-March that also includes an interactive media conference in addition to one of the top film festivals and film conferences in the country. As some of you know, Amanda and I lived in Austin before moving to Boston and we’ve been able to attend SXSW on and off for the last ten years. So this year, we were fortunate enough to travel south for a steady diet of good films interspersed with margaritas, barbecue, and warm weather.

With all that in mind, here’s a quick rundown of the films that we saw:

RUNNING WITH ARNOLD – Half-baked political doc about the action star turned California governor. Despite some great footage, the film only brushed the surface as to why California voters thought Arnold was their best option to govern the state. Due to scheduling, the film didn’t include his recent re-election which would have provided another interesting chapter of the Arnold saga. (2 ½ cats)

THE UNFORESEEN – In this documentary produced by Robert Redford and Terence Malick, Austin filmmaker Laura Dunn profiles the life of real estate developer Gary Bradley and his battles with local Austin environmentalists. The film, which includes some of the most gorgeous cinematography that you are likely to see, presents a thorough analysis of the types of sacrifices that come with economic progress. (4 ½ cats) Will be screened at IFFB.

STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME (www.stealapencil.com)–Director Michele Ohayon (Cowboy del Amor) profiles the life of Jack Polak, a young accountant who was sent to a concentration camp in 1943 with both his wife and girlfriend. Adapted from the novel by the same name, the film is both a tragedy and a love story and also noteworthy for condensing a large amount of history and personal narrative in an informative and engaging manner. (4 ½ cats)

SCRAMBLED BEER (MALTA CON HUEVO) – Odd-couple comedy from Chile about a slob who is trying to get along with his neat freak roommate. Formulaic at first, the film has some nice twists that prove original and entertaining. (3 ½ cats)

EAGLE VS. SHARK – Certain to appeal to fans of NAPOLEON DYNAMITE and MURIEL'S WEDDING. A funny little comedy from New Zealand about two relationship-challenged twentysomethings. (4 cats) Will be screened at IFFB.

KNOCKED UP – the latest comedy by one of my favorite writers/directors, Judd Apatow, who directed THE FORTY YEAR-OLD VIRGIN and the cult TV shows "Freaks and Greeks" and "Undeclared." In this film, Seth Rogan plays Ben, an aimless slacker who is forced to make some mature decisions when he “knocks up” Katherine Heigl after a drunken one-night stand. As with Virgin, Apatow brings some heart and depth to a one-note premise and it is certain to be one of the better studio films that will be released this summer. (4 ½ cats)

638 WAYS TO KILL CASTRO – British filmmaker Dollan Cannell looks into the countless attempts by the CIA and Cuban exiles to kill Fidel Castro. Without doubt, the film includes some unbelievable footage, yet I couldn’t help but think that the parts were better than the whole. Still worth checking out for those thought-provoking parts. (3 ½ cats)

RUN GRANNY RUN – Documentary about 90-year-old Doris “Granny D” Haddock who was the Democratic nominee for the New Hampshire US Senate seat. Underestimated by both her opponents and allies, Granny D struck a chord with voters as she campaigned against politicians who caved in to special interests. One of the better political docs that I’ve seen and another example of the difference that one person can make. (4 cats)

MONKEY WARFARE – In this Canadian feature starring Chlotrudis faves Don McKellar and Tracy Wright, the two actors play former revolutionaries who are keeping a low profile from the authorities. As a result they are forced to work low-income office jobs and sell garage sales purchases on the Internet. When the two encounter a young woman intent on taking on the establishment, an interesting conflict develops. While McKellar is great as usual, the film is a true showcase for Wright. (4 cats) Will be screened at IFFBoston AND CO-SPONSORED BY CHLOTRUDIS.

As is the case with festivals, we could not see everything that we wanted to see. Fortunately, the Independent Film Festival of Boston (IFFB) will be screening many of the most buzzed-about films that were shown at SXSW. IFFB starts next Wednesday, April 25 and continues through Monday, April 30th. Some of the films include:

FAY GRIM - the IFFB opening night film and a follow-up to Hal Hartley’s Henry Fool

AUDIENCE OF ONE – Special Jury Award Doc Winner at SXSW about a minister who believes that God told him to make the next blockbuster biblical film

BLACK SHEEP – Peter Jackson-produced horror/comedy about genetically-mutated killer sheep

HANNAH TAKES THE STAIRS – the new film from “mumblecore” filmmaker Joe Swanberg (LOL) and starring fellow “mumblecore” filmmakers Andrew Bujalski (MUTUAL APPRECIATION), Mark Duplass (THE PUFFY CHAIR) and Todd Rohal (THE GUATEMALAN HANDSHAKE)

THE KING OF KONG – Documentary about competitors looking to break the world record score on video game classic Donkey Kong

A LAWYER WALKS INTO A BAR – Documentary about the legal world and five law school graduates studying for the bar exam

Many festival films now have their own websites and MySpace pages where you can view trailers which is the best way to get an idea as to whether you might want to see the film. If you haven’t already checked out the IFFBoston lineup (www.iffboston.org), I encourage you to check it out so you’ll be all set for next week.

RIP - Jim Lyons

I was saddened to see this - among his resume of films are several favorites of mine. He was involved in so many of the films of the 90s Queer film movement - as editor, writer or actor.

Indiewire's remembrance of Jim Lyons

Trailer appears for Adrienne Shelly's WAITRESS

Haven't heard a release date on this yet, but I'm greatly looking forward to the theatrical release of Adrienne Shelly's WAITRESS starring Keri Russell. Here's a look at the film's trailer.

Director Formerly Known as "Joe" Wows Critics

Last year one of CSIF's Buried Treasure nominees was a surreal, dreamlike film from Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul called TROPICAL MALADY. Back than the director was referred to by film critics as "Joe," but with the release of his latest film, SYNDROMES AND A CENTURY the "Joe" references seem to have vanished as critics praise the work of this uncompromising filmmakers. I'm sure Chlotrudis fans of TROPICAL MALADY are looking forward to this new film. It has played at the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival, and has fortunately been picked up for U.S. distribution by Strand Releasing. Here's hoping it earns a good theatrical release. Check out some of the glowing reviews: indieWIRE, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Reverse Shot.

Andrea Arnold's RED ROAD Leads the Advance Party

Those Danes and their rules. Most film enthusiasts are familiar with the Dogme95 collective, which has spawned some remarkable films such as Thomas Vinterberg's THE CELEBRATION; Lars Von Trier's THE IDIOTS; Søren Kragh-Jacobsen's MIFUNE; Lone Scherfig's ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS; and Susanne Bier's OPEN HEARTS. Now after a conversation with Lars Von Trier, directors Lone Scherfig and Anders Thomas Jensen (whose film ADAM'S APPLES we are going to see Monday night) have come up with a new concept called The Advance Party. The Advance Party is the banner for films incorporating the characters originated by Scherfig and Jensen after Lars von Trier had set the challenge of putting the same actors playing the same characters into different films authored by different directors. It was originated in 2002 by the Glasgow Film Office who suggested to Scottish Production Company Sigma Films that they persuade theirs partners at Zentropa (the Danish Production Company responsible for many Dogme95 films) to collaborate on a series of films by emerging directors.

The rules are as follows:

• The scripts can take their starting point in one or more characters or they may be subjected to an external drama. The characters can also participate in a form that is governed primarily by neither characters nor plot.


• The films take place in Scotland but apart from that the writers are free to place them anywhere according to geography, social setting or ethnic background. Their back-stories can be expanded, family relations can be created between them, they can be given habits good or bad, and secondary characters can be added if it is proper for the individual film.


• The interpersonal relationships of the characters differ from film to film and they may be weighted differently as major or minor characters.


• The development of the characters in each story or genre does not affect the other scripts.


• All of the characters must appear in all of the films.


• The various parts will be cast with the same actors in the same parts in all of the films.

Less technical and more character-driven than Dogme95, but still a spur to creativity by its limitations, The Advance Party first brings to mind the self-imposed structure of Chlotrudis Award multiple winner THE TRILOGY by Belgian director Lucas Belvaux, where three films, in different genres, about the same characters were filmed and released at the same time. THE TRILOGY won four Chlotrudis Awards in 1995 including Best Cast, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Movie (for which it tied with SPRING, SUMMER, FALL, WINTER... AND SPRING.)

The first of the Advance Party's films is Andrea Arnold's RED ROAD, which won the Jury Prize at Cannes last year. In RED ROAD, Jackie (Kate Dickie) works as a CCTV operator. Each day she watches over a small part of the world, protecting the people living their lives under her gaze. One day a man appears on her monitor, a man she thought she would never see again, a man she never wanted to see again. Now she has no choice, she is compelled to confront him. RED ROAD has already drawn comparisons to REAR WINDOW and Michael Haneke's Chlotrudis Awards winning CACHE.

In an interview with Filmmaker Magazine earlier this week, writer/director Arnold discusses The Advance Party, and the making of RED ROAD. Chlotrudis Board Member Bruce Kingsley caught RED ROAD earlier this year at the Miami International Film Festival, where it won Best Film. RED ROAD also features as one of its stars, Natalie Press, who was nominated for a Best Actress Chlotrudis Award for MY SUMMER OF LOVE. All of this is just to say that I'm very intrigued and getting excited about RED ROAD'S release, and it will be interesting to see where the other two participating directors (Morag Mckinnon and Mikkel Norsgaard) take these characters. It's the first time in several months that I have been intrigued and excited by an upcoming release that I'd never heard of before.

Maggie Cheung Shifting Careers

The recent Chlotrudis best actress nominee and Hong Kong superstar, Maggie Cheung, has turned her back on acting. After more than 80 roles in feature films, Cheung has decided to take a break, perhaps a permanent one. While she hasn't said that she would never work in film again, she is currently not pursuing any acting work, and is instead turning to the music business. In recent years Cheung has moved from being a Hong Kong superstar to an Internationally respected actress after roles in Wong Kar-Wai's IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, Zhang Yimou's HERO and Olivier Assayas' CLEAN, for which she was nominated in the Chlotrudis Best Actress category.

While she doesn't rule out a return to film, perhaps in a comedy, she says after playing so many tragic heroines, it takes a toll emotionally. She also wants to do other things with her life in different areas of the arts. Get the whole story in The Independent UK.

Edward Gorey Finally Makes it to the Big Screen!

I know it's not really in the independent film world, but I'm very excited to report that Walden Media and the Jim Henson Co. are joining forces to bring Edward Gorey's The Doubtful Guest to the big screen. Gorey has inspired Trent Reznor to write a Nine Inch Nails song, and his artwork has appeared during the opening of PBS' Mystery! series, but this is the first time the big screen has tackled his work. Guest will be directed by Canadian filmmaker Brad Peyton who made the Nadia Litz-starrer EVELYN: THE CUTEST EVIL DEAD GIRL. Told in rhyming couplets, The Doubtful Guest tells the tale of a bizarre creature who moves into a mansion with a family and causes all sorts of disruption and unwelcome antics. Henson's company surely will have a tricky time combining animatronics and CGI to create a creature that is both bizarre and a little cute. I'm not sure how the movie will turn out, but I'm certainly looking forward to it!

Cormac McCarthy's The Road coming to the big screen

Variety reports that Cormac McCarthy's chilling, post-apocalyptic tale, The Road will be adapted for the big screen by screenwriter Joe Penhall (who penned the movie version of Ian McEwan's Enduring Love to mixed results. Australian director Joe Hillcoat, who recently helmed multiple Chlotrudis-nominee THE PROPOSITION, will direct. That's going to be one chilling movie... I just hope they don't go the full-out zombie route. The terror of McCarthy's book comes largely from the isolation surrounding the main characters, and the potential danger of discovery. It might be difficult to successfully translate to the big screen. I can see it working in Hillcoat's hands as long as he mixes in a little restraint. It's really a character piece and a road movie; I'd hate to see it turned into a horror flick. We'll see.