Day 4 - here we go.
Films I Planned to See
Showtime Title Location
2:30 PM Running with Beto Zach Theatre
4:45 PM Animated Shorts Long Center
6:30 PM The Day Shall Come Paramount Theatre
9:30 PM Good Boys Paramount Theatre
Films I Actually Saw
Showtime Title Location
2:30 PM Running with Beto Zach Theatre
4:45 PM Animated Shorts Long Center
6:30 PM The Day Shall Come Paramount Theatre
During the first three days of the festival, I only saw narrative feature films. I was able to break that trend today with a documentary and the animated shorts program. I batted 3 for 4 in my attempted screenings. The later showtimes continue to be the most difficult to get in, so I think I'll adjust my approach tomorrow and try to start the day before noon.
Running with Beto
Director David Modigliani has assembled an inspiring portrait of a man attempting to buck the status quo and bring progressive solutions to a state long dominated by conservative ideology. Avoiding the interview style of most documentaries, Running with Beto is composed completely of campaign footage, bringing the audience along for the ride and giving the film an intimate feel. Beto's narrow defeat at the hands of incumbent Ted Cruz is incredibly disappointing, but it provides a glimmer of hope that future politicians can run successful campaigns outside of the traditional Super PAC financing system. Running with Beto airs May 28th on HBO.
Animated Shorts
The animated shorts program consisted of ten shorts, each with a unique animation style. I really enjoy animated shorts. While I find most animated feature films to be boring and predictable, animated shorts tend to take bold risks in visual style and storytelling. My favorite short was a Brazilian film called Guaxuma (see trailer below). Director Nara Normande utilizes puppets, photographs, and painstakingly drawn designs in the sand to tell the touching true story of growing up on the beach with her childhood best friend. The film is gorgeous and heartbreaking. It might be the best thing I've seen all week.
The Day Shall Come
The Day Shall Come is a clever satire about the incompetence of American law enforcement. Based on similar true stories, the film follows a team of FBI agents as they tempt innocent marginalized civilians with weapons and money before arresting them on charges of attempted terrorism. This movie has some great laughs and shines light on an important, underreported issue. However, it lacks emotional heft. The characters are poorly drawn, and the acting is subpar, making it difficult for the audience to become invested in the characters' fate. This is a great concept with mediocre execution. Overall, the film's pros outweigh the cons for me.
Similar to my experience yesterday, I enjoyed all three screenings. Twelve films and four blog posts in four days is getting pretty draining. I'm going to bed.
Michael Dixon is a mild mannered accountant by day and a mild mannered movie watcher by night. He will not do your taxes for you. He lives in Austin, Texas with his lovely television and collection of fine whiskies. You can't purchase his book anywhere because it doesn't exist.
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