December 2, 2006
Whistler Film Festival, in review
The 6th Annual Film Festival rolled into town this weekend, as we did a large amount of work for them (I had only a minor role), we were given a bunch of tickets for free showings and to the opening gala.
The opening gala was excellent, the whole event was really nicely laid out, free drinks, free turkey sandwiches then the advanced screening world premiere of "Let it Ride" a documentary, or biography (auto or not, I always forget which) about Craig Kelly, who I guess can only be described as the Lord of snowboarding, or Glen Plake of boarding. The movie was great, highly recommended viewing for anyone into their snow sports.
Tonight I watched Candy, a bleak somewhat Requiem look at drug abuse, relationships, family and self destruction. Thoroughly depressing, amazing advertising for anti-drug campaigners and very entertaining. Followed immediately by Shortbus which is summed up perfectly on IMDB by "Like a gory car wreck, you try and look away but keep looking...". I would describe it as porn, comedy, porn followed by gay porn. I think it got a general release but I wouldn't say it was everyone's cup of tea.
The closing movie for the festival was Snow Cake, a humorous drama based on the friendship of Alan Rickman and an excellent autistic Sigourney Weaver. It's hard to explain without giving much away but excellent performances from all, touching story line and some hilarious lines made it my pick of the bunch. I can only assume it will get a global release pretty soon.
Here's to next year!