I wasn’t able to devote as much time to Hot Docs as I had the year before but I remained able to attend some enjoyment screenings. Unfortunately, although the topics, like film and sport were interesting, the narrative structure of all three documentaries that I screened was flawed. The People vs. George Lucas recounts the dissonance between Star Wars fans and franchise creator George Lucas. Fans are willing to dress up like their favourite characters or recreate scenes from the original trilogy but they loathe the changes Lucas made for the Special Edition or the new filmmaking of the Prequels. Some …
Where the Wild Things Are
James Gandolfini ruined this film. Whenever Carol would indulge his neuroses or explode in rage, it seemed as if Tony Soprano was bemoaning his life in Dr. Melfi’s office. Where the Wild Things Are stars some tremendous vocal actors but Gandolfini is too distinctive at this point. Since the film was not meant as a mafia parody (it could have featured portrayals of Don Corleone and Tommy DeSimone), this performance falls flat. The point of the film seems self-evident: everyone is emotional and needs to find their own strategy to control themselves. There is nothing offensive about the film but …
Fun
First concert in a while Tuesday night. Saw The Hold Steady at the Phoenx. Last time that I was at that club, Beck was playing and people were worried about Y2K. Last time that I was at a show, Oasis were touring Don’t Believe the Truth at the Molson Amphitheatre. It was more or less enjoyable, a reminder to do so more often. It was similar to seeing Birds of Wales at the Mod Club, another band suggested by a friend. The Hold Steady turned out to be a band that I like (of course, any rock band that plays …