Three Imaginary Girls - Film

Recommended show + free tickets: American Film Week at NWFF

imaginary victoria — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:56:12 +0000

There's a great selection of films going on at the Northwest Film Forum next week (well, there's always good stuff at the NWFF, if you want to get technical about it) that we wanted to make sure you were hip to. It's called American Film Week, and it's running in the spirit of a mini- / non-festival: a series of "bold American films, offering you just one choice a night." Brilliant!

We're particularly excited about Fever Year, a documentary about the grueling of Andrew Bird's 165-date tour, and Bombay Beach, a "rich and emotional portrait of the lives of some of California's absolute poorest" with a musical score by Zach Condon {best known for directing many a Beirut video} -- but the whole week is worth a visit, so much so that we're giving away a pair of passes to the entire run of screenings.

The Innkeepers

Imaginary Rich — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:00:46 +0000

{The Innkeepers opens at the Grand Illusion Cinema on Friday, February 3rd. It is also available through video on demand}

The Innkeepers is likely to be seen as a breath of fresh air by fans of scary ghost stories. Benefiting from a throwback vibe and deeper character construction than one has been trained to expect from a horror flick, it's a hard to turn away from package. I cared about what happened to the characters as the cranking suspense gave me a serious case of the creeps. It's a fun ride, even if the final wrap up was a bit under whelming. Though that probably says a lot more about how strong the first half was than anything else.

If the ending had fully delivered on my early-stage tension, I might not be in a condition to commit my thoughts to page. Director Ti West pulls strong performances out of his three main characters, Sara Paxton and Pat Healy as the innkeepers in question - and the hotel it takes place in. The Yankee Pedlar Inn plays itself, albeit I expect more evil, variation (sort of like NPH in the Harold and Kumar movies), with more brides who took their life on their wedding night and now haunt the space for eternity.

It's the closing weekend of the inn. Claire and Luke are manning the front desk at the near empty facility. He's always tapping away at his computer and suckering Claire into watching scary youtube clips with occasional breaks for them to discuss the night's ghost hunting plans. They're hoping to capture the resident poltergeist via some sort of audio or video record before their final shift is up. West uses their sort of half-assed search for proof of an afterlife to ratchet up the tension in old-school slow-burn fashion. As well as Claire's extreme ambivalence about everything to make you question what's "real" and what's an artifact of an imagination that's finally been engaged. The few guests in the mix are a not super happy mom, an aging TV star turned spiritualist, and a mystery guest that arrives around the beginning of the third act. Not surprisingly: you never, ever want to go down in the basement...

For a ghost movie it's pretty talky. With the two slacker innkeepers doing most of the conversing. The pair is what made the film work for me. Not necessarily because I liked them, but because I was interested in them as people. I think something somewhat unusual within the horror genre. The inn itself is a major contributor to the intense ambiance of the film. Judging from the pictures on the lodging's website and a casual conversation I had with some Innkeepers crew members on a SXSW shuttle last year the place really is that creepy. It's a perfect location for the story and West's camera work uses the facility to full advantage.

The ghost story itself isn't frightfully original. Though it certainly gave a wimp like me more than a few starts. While the climax didn't make me stand up and say "wow!", the setup was strong enough on its own to overcome the mild disappointment I felt based on first half expectations. For fans of the suspense horror persuasion (who don't mind a bit of humor in the mix) The Innkeepers is worth a trip to the theater. When you're heading out don't forget The Grand Illusion is thoughtfully providing an opportunity for a Ti West double feature with his earlier picture The House of the Devil in a late-night slot this weekend. In for a penny, in for a pound - you'll probably want to just see 'em both.

{The Innkeepers opens at the Grand Illusion Cinema on Friday, February 3rd. It is also available through video on demand}

Imaginary Watch This: Eagles are Turning People Into Horses! (what)

Imaginary Amie — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:25:59 +0000

I don't even know what to say about this short film, except I liked it -- and apparently so did Slamdance and SXSW. Maybe you will too?

"Hannah, hit the button on the seismic reactor, which is definitely a real thing"

Movie Crushes: My Top 5 Imaginary Boyfriends

Imaginary Amie — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:35:09 +0000

So here's the thing; my crush list is kind of EPIC. By that I mean, there are a lot of celebs that I find myself dreaming about, and my dreams aren't limited to just the actors, they extend to specific characters they've played on screen. I felt compelled to share them with y'all* just in case you need some ideas for silly romantic comedies with men that will make you swoon.

Dylan McDermott as Leo Fish in Home for the Holidays
It’s probably hard for everyone to erase the image of McDermott crying while masturbating in American Horror Story—but if anything can get it out of your mind, it’s his sweet, ruggedly handsome Leo Fish in one of my favorite holiday movies of all time. Leo pursues a sullen Holly Hunter with respect, romance, and just enough smoldering sexiness. There’s a bit in a coffee shop where he explains to the young clerk why he needs him to stay open long enough to buy this girl a cup of coffee that’s so endearing it’s insane, and when she rebuffs his romantic advances, I guarantee you’ll scream at her—as if she can hear you. I don’t want to ruin anything for those that haven’t seen it, but the ending. MYGODTHEENDING.

Cabin Fever + Rider Strong = a splatteriffic good time at the EMP {2/3}

Imaginary Amie — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:09:34 +0000

It's ALL HAPPENING!

To complement their Can't Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film exhibit, the EMP has put together a special event of splatterrific proportions - a screening of my favorite Eli Roth film, Cabin Fever, complete with a Q&A involving the lead, Rider Strong (I guess some of y'all worshipped the guy with teen idol fanaticism when he was on Boy Meets World - a show which I actually never watched, but I admit: he is kinda dreamy!) on Friday, February 3.

Anyway! Cabin Fever is full of awesome icky goodness involving a bunch of college friends who hole up in a woodsy cabin, run into a dying guy who's bleeding out of every orifice, and end up contracting a vicious flesh-eating disease. EWWWWWW. The amount of blood, guts, and gore is extremely impressive, and I heart the crap out of the humor in this thing. Tickets are only $10 ($7 for EMP members), and it probably goes without saying, but this R film is not for the kiddos!

Buy your tix now!!! The JBL Theater is an excellent venue for ~~drooling over~~ appreciating guest speakers up close and personal.

Cabin Fever Screening and Q&A with Rider Strong
EMP JBL Theater, 325 5th Ave N
Friday, February 3, doors @7:30pm, film @8pm
Tickets: $10 ($7 EMP Members)

Imaginary Watch This: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On Two

Imaginary Amie — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:47:45 +0000

I can't really explain why I think Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is so damn funny, but it just is. In this second installment, I really love the "oh god, I can smell his face" part - and the explanation of where he sleeps when in a hotel. (part 1 here)

My Favorite Films of 2011 That Might As Well Be Imaginary

Imaginary Rich — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:11:43 +0000

Last year I did a post about my ten favorite films of the past year that sadly hadn't seen a theatrical release in Seattle (nor a DVD release to my knowledge). While some might view that as just mean, I got enough positive feedback that I'm reprising the effort.

What follows are pictures I saw during festival travels (including all the way to Seattle) that are some of my favorite watches of the year. If you just can't get enough of these lists you're welcome to review my overall top films for 2011, or my most memorable 2011 film related moments not related watching a film.

The latter of which I'm especially pleased with - if I do say so myself. The list below isn't in any particular order. And I reserve the right to declare new favorites on a whim. Feel free to read something into the placement if you like...

Must-see film: Calvin Johnson and Chris Estey chat, and we get to watch

imaginary liz — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:21:16 +0000

We are always bursting with pride to count Chris Estey as a friend, let alone be honored enough to have him share his words on Three Imaginary Girls. But today, the thunderous applause coming from the imaginary office for Chris is deafening.

This morning we heard the amazing news that there are now public screenings scheduled for Have You Ever Had a Beard?, a new film which captures the first meeting of our dear Mr. Estey (wait, should we make that the title of a new advice column?) and the King of Indie, Calvin Johnson (wiki K Records, Beat Happening, all things rad)!

This meeting of the two mega-minds took place in the historic Columbia City Theater where Chris and Calvin chat and delve into their contrasting tones: Calvin's mysterious cosmos, mesmerizing baritone, and weighted works, with a concentration his latest solo incarnation ("he spits literary bop prosody in the form of three songs") versus Chris's torrential confessionals told with his signature unsurpassable jubilance that spills out like a spoken-word graphic novel (and inspired by Phil Ochs’ seminal Greatest Hits album).

The world premiere of the movie is at Portland's Hollywood Theatre on Friday February 24, 2012. Calvin Johnson (who will perform a couple of songs and answer questions) (!!!!) and directors Kathy Wolf and Pat Thomas will be in attendance.

The Seattle showing is a couple weeks later, on Monday March 5th at the Northwest Film Forum in Seattle at 7 pm. Rumor has it that both Calvin Johnson and Chris Estey will be at the Seattle showing (be still my heart!!!).

Mark your calendar!!! We'll let you know when tickets are available for advance purchase.

(photo by Kathy Wolf)

A Lonely Place to Die

Imaginary Rich — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:53:01 +0000

{A Lonely Place to Die screens at the Grand Illusion Cinema at 11pm on Jan 20 & 21, 26 & 27}

If you were starting to think that mountain climbing might be for safe enough for you, along comes A Lonely Place to Die to convince you otherwise. What starts out feeling like a tense (if familiar) man against the mountain flick becomes so much more more. This film, which I was exposed to at Fantastic Fest back in September makes its way to the Grand Illusion Cinema as their Fri/Sat late night screening this week and next. It's a heck of a thrill ride that had me hooked from the first moments. Even in a weekend of lots of appealing action choices, this is not a film you want to let slip by.

The picture starts with three climbers ascending a terrifyingly sheer cliff -- at least to a wimp such as myself. I'm not entirely sure how the climbing scenes were filmed, but the dynamic and zooming camera work gives an intensely dramatic sense of scale to the events, making nature just as much a character as the people involved throughout the course of the film. The opening sequence pounds in that the land is not to be trifled with, as a momentary lapse of judgment almost kills two-thirds of the party. Setting the tone that danger is around every corner.

The three ascend to a rental cottage where they meet up with another couple who've left their child in the care of grandparents to join the outing. After a night of socializing, they awake to set out for the day's climb. Hiking towards their day's destination the group makes a horrible discovery: a young girl trapped in an underground cell. She doesn't speak English and she's been there a while. Seeking to find help as quickly as possible, but constrained by the girl's pace, the group decides to take alternate paths for help. But of course someone put her in that box...and it wasn't the mountain. Meaning everyone is suddenly facing a far more dangerous vacation than they signed up for.

I'm going to stop there to avoid giving away any more away. This is a really well put together effort that keeps the tension high throughout the film. Not to mention delivering a storyline that while horrific makes a good amount of logical sense. The picture kept me wondering to the end what the outcome would be. Acting is solid, the dialog realistic, and the characters well drawn enough to care. Development of the team isn't super deep but enough for the choices and sacrifices they make for each other to feel right. And there's more than enough to emotionally bond with to enjoy one of the more satisfying shoves in my recent cinematic memory. It's worth saying once more that the outdoor photography really was breathtaking. In short, worth the time. And the adrenaline crash afterward.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;sd&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

{A Lonely Place to Die screens at the Grand Illusion Cinema at 11pm on Jan 20 & 21, 26 & 27}

In Dreams: A David Lynch Retrospective at SIFF Cinema at the Uptown {1/13-1/19}

Imaginary Amie — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:41:12 +0000

I'm letting my inner fangirl out to tell y'all about something TOTALLY AWESOME coming to SIFF Cinema at the Uptown, starting this Friday, January 13!!! In Dreams: The Films of David Lynch is going to screen from 1/13-1/19, which means everyone gets a chance to see a retrospective of Lynch's work on the big screen, including my two faves: Mulholland Drive and Wild at Heart.

Ticket prices = $10 | $5 SIFF Members | $9 Youth (20 & under) and Seniors (65+) | Matinees: $7 | $5 SIFF Members

Here's a quick guide to what's playing (in case you want some imaginary tips from a longtime Lynch fan):

Tomboy

Imaginary Amie — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:04:49 +0000

{Tomboy opens in Seattle on Friday, January 6 and screens at SIFF Cinema at the Uptown through January 12}

Coming-of-age stories are hard to pull off without resorting to oft-used cliches, which is why I think Tomboy kind of blows most of them out of the water. Focusing on adolescent identity and exploration, this film pulls you close with astonishing performances and intimate camerawork.

Director Celine Sciamma searched for unknowns for the kids' roles because she wanted the movie to feel as genuine as possible -- and it does. Each one delivers such naturalness to the screen that it almost feels like you're spying on something private.

10-year-old Laure (Zoe Heran) sports a short haircut and prefers to wear boy's shirts and tees, rather than girly dresses and lacy skirts. New to the neighborhood, when Laure meets the local group of kids and they think she's boy -- she just kinda rolls with it.

Introducing herself as "Mikael", Laure finds power in hiding her true self, becoming a trusted friend and love interest to Lisa (Jeanne Disson), protector to her little sister Jeanne (the adorable Malonn Levana), and respected by the group as a whole. But of course, lies can't last forever, and as Summer comes to an end and Lisa starts to get closer to the truth, Laure must find new ways to hide.

The end result is one of the most depressing, yet honest, coming-of-age films I've ever seen. I kept waiting for some HUGE tragedy to happen, but it didn't - and it wasn't needed. There's tragedy enough in knowing that Laure will eventually have to end her fantasy life and come clean, most likely branded as an outcast for the foreseeable future.

Tomboy is not without moments of hope, but I definitely found myself crying more than smiling. Still, I'm glad I saw it and am now determined to watch Sciamma's Water Lilies (another coming-of-age drama about teen girls) - currently on streaming Netflix) and see if I like it as much as this one.

{Tomboy opens in Seattle on Friday, January 6 and screens at SIFF Cinema at the Uptown through January 12}

Pariah

Imaginary Rich — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:18:09 +0000

{Pariah opens in Seattle at the Landmark Harvard Exit theater on Friday Jan 6th}

When I'd heard a description of Pariah I wasn't expecting much. A coming of story about a teenager dealing with her identity as a lesbian and her family's refusal to believe it was true. Let's be honest, it sounds like a story we've heard before. Probably more than once in different forms. Given all that I couldn't be more pleased to say how wrong I was. As it turns Pariah out made my list of favorite things I watched in 2011. Just squeaking in under my personal wire, as I saw the film in the last days of the year. It's a worthy addition to the coming of age genre and deserves to be seen.

Alike (Adepero Oduye) is a 17 year old high school senior in Brooklyn. That she's a lesbian is an an open (non)secret except within her household. It's clear from the get-go that she's confident that her parents will not be OK with learning the truth. And the clear denial her folks are in certainly seem supportive of the believe. As most coming of age stories Pariah is a chronicle of how the family deals with perceived adversity and how the main character grows. It's a familiar sounding story, even if it's less often told within a mainly African-American community. But the filmmakers and extremely talented actors involve make every moment feel fresh, and undeniably real.

The film opens with the audience thrust jarringly into Alike's world as the camera follows her into a club. With no background provided you're forced to decode the scene in real-time as Alike somewhat uncomfortably negotiates the sexually charged scene with best friend Laura (Pernell Walker). It doesn't take long to realize that unlike some films with similar themes Alike isn't confused about her sexual orientation. She's crystal clear on that. What she's struggling with is the confidence for her first sexual encounters. Albeit made more complicated in her case by the totality of circumstances. While there's never quite the same visual splash of cold water as the original scene it sets the stage for director Dee Rees' style which forces you to feel what Alike is going through, without having to be hit over the head with it.

Another positive surprise - for what I expect was a low budget production the look is great. Every visual choice seems to pay off. Right down to what appears to be hand-holding the camera during static shots which introduces a gentle feel of motion. Adding subtle dynamism throughout. The cinematography plays a central role in the storytelling that I think is only obvious upon reflection after existing the theater.

It's hard to overstate how well put together the actors are here. With the exception moment of some parts with Alike's mother there was never a moment when I felt I was watching people acting. While painful at times because of sympathy for the characters it was a very enjoyable watch, with strong doses of humor mixed in with the drama. Basically, I really, really liked this film. Don't let it slip out of town without giving it a chance.

The only thing I can really say negative about the picture is that it's received an R-rating. Limiting those who may see it. On one hand that's a shame, especially because it seems hard to believe that same scenes with a heterosexual protagonist would have been similarly restricted. With the exception of one song playing in the background I can't understand the rating at all. Ironically the film itself highlights the ridiculousness of the MPAA trying to keep youngsters unsullied by knowledge of an "alternative lifestyle." As the onscreen world depicts one in which the kids are totally at ease with Alike's orientation. It's only the occasional adult who has a problem with it. Which I suspect like the acting is very true to reality.

{Pariah opens in Seattle at the Landmark Harvard Exit theater on Friday Jan 6th}

Have a very merry holiday weekend!

imaginary victoria — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:49:48 +0000

Here's wishing you a good holiday weekend, if you're doing the holiday weekend kind of thing. Looking for a place to spend Christmas alone, together? Check out the Stranger's movie listings: here's what's playing Saturday, and Sunday too. We're particularly excited about the original black-and-white version of It's a Wonderful Life, which is playing through December 29th at the Grand Illusion {and where you may very well find us at the 8:30p showing tomorrow}.

We'll see you next week with some end-of-year highlights and more best-ofs than you can shake a stick at! And don't forget -- tune in to KEXP on Sunday morning for a holiday version of Preachin' the Blues, DJ El Toro's daytime holiday set, and pop on over to Greg Vandy's site for info on how to stream his very vintage Roadhouse holiday show anytime.

A Very Imaginary "Best of" 2011 Movie List

Imaginary Amie — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:48:57 +0000

As usual, even though I've seen quite a few films this year, picking out 5-10 that really stood out was an exercise in head-desk banging insanity. BUT - I think I finally figured it out, by breaking the films into categories of films that touched me in specific ways, that made me laugh and cry, and that are examples of why I love film so damn much -- instead of trying to just list the best films made this year.

In no particular order, my favorite films that I saw in 2011 (please note that some may technically be 2010!) are:

Best Movie that Lifted My Spirits and made me long for childhood: The Muppets
I was one of those kids that perched myself in front of the TV a full 10 minutes before The Muppet Show came on, so that I wouldn't miss any second of Kermit, Miss Piggy, Rolph, Fozzie, and Scooter wrangling special guests and being ridiculously entertaining. So news of a Muppet reboot of course made me nervous, but I gotta hand it to Jason Segal and James Bobin - they totally NAILED it. This film paid tribute to all the awesome characteres we loved as kids, while also renewing them for a much younger audience. Plus, they got Chris Cooper to RAP. I mean, seriously, you guys. I left the theater smiling and haven't really stopped since. Bonus: 80s robot is like my favorite thing, ever.

Best Drama(s): Another Year, Higher Ground, and Melancholia
Another Year nailed the craziness of family, friends, relationships, and love, Higher Ground's thoughtful storytelling left me anxiously awaiting Vera Farmiga's next movie, and Melancholia was exquisitely painful and beautiful (you know, like most Von Trier films).

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Imaginary Rich — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:42:38 +0000

{The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo opens in Seattle area theaters on December 21st - with some theaters hosting post 7pm screenings on the 20th}

A crusading journalist and an antisocial master-hacker with a photographic memory whose approach to justice is refreshingly direct return to the big screen in David Fincher's adaptation of Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Fincher has fashioned a good looking and relatively tight presentation of an enjoyable book that's a bit of a kitchen sink sort of mess. The film even manages to poke at the source material with good natured humor. Most memorably when Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) explains his family tree to Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) who mutters he's never going to keep everyone straight. That's OK we want to assure him. Most readers couldn't either. But maybe I'm getting ahead of myself - what with assuming folks already know the story. If you haven't read the book, so let me back up...

The picture opens with a man unwrapping a framed pressed flower on his birthday. He's Henrik Vanger, the patriarch of a large, wealthy Swedish family. Such a gift is an annual tradition going on forty years. Beautiful as the flowers are they're not a welcome arrival. His niece Harriet had given him the original versions in his collection. But after her disappearance and presumed death they continued - a mocking reminder from her killer. Henrik has spent considerable time and wealth attempting to unravel the truth of what had happened to Harriet so many years ago. His latest approach is to recruit Mikael Bloomkvist, the coolest middle aged liberal leaning crusading journalist of all time to try and crack the case. Normally Blomkvist wouldn't take such work, but he's just gotten himself in a mess of trouble over a libelous story against another industry tycoon. With the promise of dirt on the industrialist who burned him and a fat payday Bloomkvist agrees to take on the forty year old mystery. He doesn't really expect anything to come of it but he dives into the investigation with gusto. It's a closed box mystery - Harriet disappeared on a family owned island whose exit was blocked by an accident. So the most reasonable belief is that one of the family members killed her and got away with hiding the body. It's a pretty dysfunctional family. Even if you think yours is bad - odds are the Vangers are worse. Or at least likely beat you in a 'how many Nazi's are in your family?' contest. Hence there are many suspects to choose from.

Have a holly jolly bad movie holiday at the EMP on Christmas Eve!

Imaginary Amie — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:35:26 +0000

Dude. The EMP is showing Santa Claus Conquers the Martians for Free on Saturday, 12/24!!

A true cult classic, 1964's Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is probably most famous for starring Pia Zadora as a young martian girl, who later became known as one of the worst actress in the world. Fitting, since this movie is generally regarded as one of the worst movies in the world…which pretty much makes is AWESOME.

I was enamored with this movie when I was a kid, because who can resist a movie about martians kidnapping Santa Claus to teach their little green children to have fun? Plus, the toy factory they put together to auto-make toys is fantastic.

Throw back some bloody marys or mimosas, and then head over to the EMP to see this for free on Christmas Eve at 1pm for some festive fun! (It's showing back-to-back until 3pm, and you'll be able to catch up if you miss anything. Trust me.)

Sleeping Beauty

Imaginary Amie — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:09:29 +0000

It's a good thing she's asleep, because this guy tells the most boring stories, EVER.

Sleeping Beauty opens in Seattle on Friday, 12/9, and is screening at SIFF Cinema at the Film Center.

I was SO excited for the release of Sleeping Beauty, not because I was confused and thought it was a live-action version of my favorite Disney adaptation, but because I am utterly, truly in love with Emily Browning. And I'm not gonna lie, any time you label a movie with Emily Browning in it as "erotic", I'm gonna be first in line to see it. Plus, I'm always excited about female writers and directors, so I was looking forward to seeing what Julia Leigh had in store.

Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. The film starts by showing its main character, Lucy (Browning) in a clinical setting, forcing a long tube down her throat until she gags -- this is NOT foreshadowing, as you might expect. Lucy appears to be a struggling University student who lives with a couple, one of which is verbally abusive to her and constantly demanding money (brother? other roommate's boyfriend? who may or may not be her sister? - it's not really explained).

Lucy moves languidly from her unfulfilling office job to taking care of her tragic alcoholic friend (dude puts vodka on his Cheerios) to eventually getting hooked up with a high-priced call girl service that's obviously owned by David Lynch, specializing in lingerie dinner parties and women who are seen and not heard.

She's quickly recruited by the sleek madam for a new desire: to become an inanimate plaything for rich old men. Lucy is drugged and then the men each strip down (there's not just female nudity in this, my friends - I mean, it's not exactly stimulating, but it's definitely NAKED!) and treat her in various ways, from gentle cuddling to humiliating abuse, to a show of strength in which she's thrown around like a rag doll. No big, though, as Lucy is out during the whole shebang and has no idea what's happened to her.

It's never really clear what Lucy's motives are, as she burns some of the money she's paid, then purchases a ridiculously overpriced apartment, fitting in various one-night-stands with strangers when she's not serving platers of food in "lipstick that matches her labia" or slipping in-between silk sheets and passing out for a couple of hours. As her alcoholic friend starts to descend further into his darkness, Lucy's toughness starts to crumble, but good-god it takes an awful lot to break that icy exterior. Seriously, an AWFUL LOT.

While Beauty is prettily composed and the acting was just fine, the overall effect left me feeling pretty empty. I realize that maybe that's the point Leigh was trying to make, but it just didn't work for me. I can't really recommend this to anyone, which is a shame - because I still think Browning is fantastic, and does her best with what's she given.

Here's hoping Leigh's next film is a bit stronger.

It's a good thing she's asleep, because this guy tells the most boring stories, EVER.

Sleeping Beauty opens in Seattle on Friday, 12/9, and is screening at SIFF Cinema at the Film Center.

Recommended film + free tickets: The Love We Make {12/11}

imaginary victoria — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:30:00 +0000

***UPDATE: The venue for The Love We Make has changed to the Northwest Film Forum. Venue and event details on the NWFF site here.***

Beatles lovers, native east-coasters and general film and music buffs will come together on this one: The Love We Make has us more excited to go to the movies than we've been in a long, long time. The pressy bits say it better than we ever could, so first and foremost, let's get on that:

Directed by Albert Maysles - the man behind the camera for Grey Gardens {ed. note: crazy genius!!}, the Beatles' first U.S. visit in 1964, and the Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter, which captured the infamous Altamont Speedway Free Festival – and Bradley Kaplan, The Love We Make follows Paul McCartney through the streets of New York City in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks as he organizes an all-star benefit concert, The Concert for New York City.

On the morning of September 11, 2001 McCartney was in a plane on the tarmac, about to leave New York, when the attacks occurred. Grounded, he returned to the city and witnessed first-hand the shock and devastation that overtook New York. Directors Maysles and Kaplan capture McCartney rehearsing with his band for the concert, connecting with New Yorkers on the streets, and behind-the-scenes at interviews with Dan Rather, Howard Stern and others. The film features performances from the concert itself, with unparalleled backstage access to McCartney and such luminaries as David Bowie, Steve Buscemi, Eric Clapton, President Bill Clinton, Sheryl Crow, Leonardo DiCaprio, Harrison Ford, Mick Jagger, Jay Z, Billy Joel, Elton John, Stella McCartney, Governor George Pataki, Keith Richards, James Taylor, Pete Townshend, and many more.

The mere mention of Grey Gardens -- the documentary about Big Edie and Little Edie, aunt and cousin of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis -- sent us running to the ticket booth, our pace sped only by the idea of a glimpse at Sir McCartney in all his big-screen glory. This movie is sure to be a heart-tugger, due in part to the subject matter as it surrounds the 9/11 attacks, but also in an upbeat sense with the "unparalleled backstage access" that we'll be experiencing at the hands of these directors: as was the case in GG, there's a sense of being in the room as a fly-on-the-wall-observer, simultaneously watching and becoming a part of what's going on -- Maysles and Kaplan have set the bar high, and we can't wait to see what they've done in a musical setting.

Intrigued? Terrif! Us too! Why don't you enter to win a pair of tickets to this Sunday's screening at the Neptune?

Imaginary Gift Guide: Books for Movie & Music Fans

Imaginary Amie — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:14:40 +0000

In the spirit of the holidays, I wanted to put together a list of some things I've been reading (and coveting) lately - as well as things on my own wish list - that would make great literary gifts for friends and family this year.

I heartily recommend you head to the local book store near you (may I suggest Queen Anne Books, Elliot Bay, or the UW Book store? Cinema Books on Roosevelt is also an excellent store for movie books - and a "dig through the stacks and explore" kind of place) to pick up a few of these:

MOVIES!

Destroy All Movies!!! The Complete Guide to Punks on Film by Zack Carlson and Bryan Connolly
Our own Chris Estey wrote about how awesome this is earlier this year, and omfg. It IS. Every single movie with any appearance by a punk rocker is detailed within. This book is one of my greatest treasures…and I haven't even gotten past the first 20 pages. Its completeness is amazing, and the reviews/descriptions of the movies are hilarious. I LOVE IT. And I have some half-assed notion of renting all the movies in it that I haven't seen - who wants to dare me?

Deep Focus Books - Heathers, They Live, and Lethal Weapon
When Soft Skull press announced Deep Focus last year I was SO EXCITED. These books are like the movie version of the 33 and 1/3 series. I currently have They Live and Heathers in my collection, and am excited to add more. In addition to the ones listed above, they also have The Sting, Death Wish, and The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training (WHAT) available.

El Bulli: Cooking in Progress

Imaginary Rich — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:19:08 +0000

{El Bulli: Cooking in Progress opens in Seattle on Friday, December 2nd, and is screening at the Landmark Varsity Theater}

El Bulli: Cooking in Progress is a documentary that follows the modern day equivalent of Willy Wonka through a year long cycle of their world famous restaurant. It's shot in a way that some people some people may dislike, possibly intensely. Absent are the talking heads viewers have been accustomed to, narrating what they're doing (or did) and why. Instead, El Bulli provides a fly on the wall perspective -- where no one speaks to or even acknowledges the camera. But for those patient enough to immerse themselves in it, what emerges is a beautiful meditation on food, art, and the creative process. The last in a way that I believe will be familiar to those schooled in any research like endeavor, scientific or artistic. Meaning - it's not just a film for foodies.

Actually for many of them, the process of El Bulli may seem like a foreign discipline. When I started realizing it was about more than preparing unusual food is when I got seriously hooked. It's definitely not one of those simple "listen to folks talk about how great a chef/musician/actor/whatever is" creations. As such not everyone will love it, but for the right amount of patience it can be a very rewarding experience.

For those not familiar, El Bulli is a restaurant of legendary reputation. Home of head chef Ferran Adrià, it's a Mecca of the molecular gastronomy movement. Otherwise known as one of those places that serves foam. A meal at this establishment is not a quick thing you do before a film or the theater. Outside of Barcelona, the beautiful environment on the bluffs overlooking the sea complement the meal...which is roughly 35 courses and three hours long. I won't attempt to retread all the fancy tech Adrià and his compatriots have established to do what they do to food. There are enough articles to be read on that topic on one's own. And the movie thankfully doesn't fetishize the tech. Instead, by providing a purely show vs tell observational perspective, it if anything fetishizes the creative process. Which is something I can get behind.

El Bulli opens on a dark screen upon which we watch a man enjoying a lollipop. For all we know there may be gum in the center. What is apparent is this sucker glows in the dark. The style of the film is established as the viewer eavesdrops on the conversation surrounding the evaluation of the fluorescent lolly. That'll just be one inquiry into the unusual made by the core crew of El Bulli's kitchen. It's also just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the magical things we'll see.

Each year El Bulli shuts down for six months, wherein the creative principals retreat and tinker like mad scientists with the audience observing things every step of the painstaking way. There are moments where it's honestly a bit boring as the experiments continue and continue. Eventually though, the brain matches the cadence of the film. At which point clarity emerges as you realize their greatness comes from repetition and experimentation. The runtime of the film spans one full season. Meaning they retreat to develop techniques, return to the restaurant to build those into recipe, then complete tweaking them throughout the serving portion of the year. Culminating with a photo shoot of the new dishes. The film encourages a lot of extracurricular reading. I spent most of the film wondering what the hell does a dejuicer or vacuumizing do. A set of personal research I'm still behind on.

Watching the different personalities and roles is enjoyable. The goal of Adrià varies by each stage of the processes. In the beginning the focus is on invention "Now we don't worry what it tastes like. This is research. We are looking for something magical.". Then as the dining season approaches the tact shifts toward using that magic to make something people want to eat. While ensuring the staff is up to the task of serving a 35 course meal on schedule "Creativity and production are two different things". The film isn't just about Adrià - in fact an equal amount of screen time is given to his creative co-workers. The fact that there's not just one voice in such a creative process isn't surprising, and it's interesting to watch the dynamics at work over the year.

Ultimately this film was a fascinating ride. First because watching greatness in invention and engineering a solution is always impressive. As I believe chef Oriol Castro says most accurately, "You never know from where ideas will come." It's fantastic to see a treatment of creative process that does due justice to inevitable false starts. But ultimately the most amazing moments for me of the film where the last five minutes. As each of the courses is shown as a still photograph. At which point the viewer sees the realization of El Bulli's process come to life in beautiful relief.

{El Bulli: Cooking in Progress opens in Seattle on Friday, December 2nd, and is screening at the Landmark Varsity Theater}