Ah, the festival. For such a festive, joyful word, it can be a chaotic undertaking to decide which films to see; but Donnybrook's providing you with expert help.
The totally famous music video maker Richard Karpala (MTV's John Norris liked his music video for the Morning Clouds, mmkay?) will tell you which movies to go see. And Angora, who makes up for her lack of fame and expertise with her grand delusions of fame and expertise, will tell you which package is the best bang for your buck -- the most VIPest. You heard me. Click the film titles to buy tickets!
Like Crazy
The festival opens with this super sad movie about long distance love. I'm willing to have my heart ripped out of my chest the first night of the festival, as long as there's alcohol at the afterparty.
Wednesday, November 02, 8:00 p.m. at Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Coriolanus
When it comes to adapting Shakespeare and going all the way, Ralph Fiennes is the right man for the job. This is the kind of stuff actors dream of doing at least once in their careers. I'm ready to behold greatness.
Wednesday, November 09, 6:00 p.m. at King Center
Shame
This will be released with an NC-17 rating due to the controversial sex scenes. So I'm there.
Wednesday, November 09, 9:15 p.m. at King Center
Jeff Who Lives at Home
It's a stoner detective movie. The concept feels fresh. Let's hope Ed Helms and Jason Segal don't ruin it.
Friday, November 11, 6:30 p.m. at Denver FilmCenter/Colfax
Butter
Here is a movie about "the Midwest" where a butter-carving contest sets the backdrop for the story. Sounds condescending towards the Midwest already. Will the director rise above the temptation to be a total dick?
Sunday, November 13, 12:00 p.m. at King Center
The Artist
The last time I watched a silent black and white movie I fell asleep in a classroom with a notebook in my lap. The Weinsteins are behind this, which means we may have a silent film in this year's Oscar race. Surreal.
Saturday, November 12, 8:00 p.m. at Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Pariah
This got Sundance buzz but it stopped short of Precious comparisons. For this film's sake and my own, let's hope it's nothing like that movie.
Sunday, November 06, 9:30 p.m. at Denver FilmCenter/Colfax and Monday, November 07, 4:15 p.m. at Denver FilmCenter/Colfax
An Evening With Abigail Child
A great excuse to see my former film teacher Phil Solomon as he presents an award to an experimental filmmaker I am not familiar with. Her films will be presented here, and I'm very much looking forward to making a new discovery.
Sunday, November 06, 7:00 p.m. at Starz FilmCenter
The FP
Combine The Warriors with Dance Dance Revolution, and you have the makings of an instant cult classic. This might be the longest 83 minutes of my life, or the fastest. There's only one way to find out.
Saturday, November 05, midnight at Denver FilmCenter/Colfax
Now. If you're going to do this film festival, I'd suggest you really really do this, and you can get the full shebang with bells and whistles with the Reel Package. You get to see five films, go to two parties, and you get one night at the late night lounge.
Crazy things happen at the late night lounge. The late night lounge parties are the stuff of legends -- many great feats have been witnessed during the wee hours of the morning. Stalkers have been gained. People of mystery have been figured out. Rachel Leigh Cook has been present. Local musicians have broken out into impromptu acrobatic feats. Many, many, many, many drinks have been drank.
All the details and the ability to purchase said awesome package, which includes entry into the late night lounge, are ALL HERE.
That's it for now, film buffs. Put on your scarves and spectacles and let's film fest the shit out of Denver!