Halloween

Don’t have anything to do this Halloween weekend? Go to the movies! A variety of independent movie theaters in the area are showing movies themed towards the frightful holiday.

The American Film Institute in Silver Spring, MD is having an event called “Halloween Screams!” The featuring films, Nosferatu - a Symphony of Horror, The Wicker Man, and The Texas

Chainsaw Massacre, will be playing though October 26 – 31.

This Sunday, the Capitol Theater is playing an Alfred Hitchcock’s film classic, “Birds.” This film features a terrifying take on what would happen if our feathered friends suddenly turned against us.

Today and on Halloween night, the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse is playing the newest “Halloween” which is Director Rob Zombie’s take on a cult classic. The Drafthouse is also showing the British comedy, Shaun of the Dead, on Halloween, which pokes fun at zombie movies.

Have a great Halloween!

images courtesy of http://www.afi.com/silver/new/

The Darjeeling Limited

I cannot begin to describe how excited I was to see this movie. My two favorite directors are Martin Scorsese and Wes Anderson, so the last time I was this pumped for a film was The Departed…which I ended up seeing seven times in the theater. I’m kind of a freak about the whole “big screen experience” being better and what not. Anyway, I was a little worried by so-so reviews that Darjeeling was getting, but was still optimistic overall as I took my seat; this was the first Anderson film I would see in the theater. Again, I was not disappointed… it was breathtaking.

Although this is only Anderson’s fifth film, visually, he is already a master. Each of his films are so brightly distinct, they seamlessly take the viewer into another world. In this way, he truly captures the original magic of movies that has fascinated audiences for decades.

However, I knew this movie would look beautiful because that was one thing every critic/reviewer could agree on. The chief complaint was that the director quirky trademarks had become “overdone” and he was concentrating too much on “style over substance.”

As I watched this journey of three brothers, I saw them grow from spoiled, pretentious, privileged brats to understanding, empathetic, mature men. Overall, the movie was hilarious, but there is a bombshell, and it is extremely sad. Here in this moment, the superficial trip to India that began with the goal of forced bonding becomes an actual spontaneous journey, leading to true enlightenment. Because of this, I feel that it may actually have more of a developed plot than some of his other films, despite what others have said.

This is a great movie, and I’ll definitely be seeing it again, maybe six more times, maybe not. Who knows how many I can squeeze in before it leaves the theater? Anyway, it’s playing at The Charles in downtown Baltimore if you’re interested

images courtesy of www.canmag.com and www.hindu.com

CAmm Slamm 2007!

During the last weekend of September, Creative Alliance, a film organization based in Baltimore City, held their annual “CAmm Slamm” event.

CAmm Slamm takes place over the entire weekend. Starting on a Friday, filmmakers are told a prop that they must use at some point during the film... this year, it was duct tape. They are then given 48 hours to complete an original short film. The entire film MUST be shot and edited during that weekend. Finally the event ends with a screening at the Senator Theatre on York Road, minutes from Towson University.

It's a great local event and a good opportunity to support filmmakers trying to make a name in Baltimore. Before the event, there were drinks and mingling. After the screening, two groups of winners were announced. The first was chosen by a panel of judges and second was the audience choice awards.

Prizes ranged from cases of Natty Boh to gift certificates worth hundreds of dollars. A fun way to spend $8 and a Sunday night.

The winners are listed here.

image courtesy of www.creativealliance.org

Manhattan Short Film Festival

Last week, the 10th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival was featured at theaters across the globe. The festival shows the best 12 submissions from around the world, plays them in different venues for a week. The viewers each get score cards to vote for their favorite entry. The event ends in Central Park with a huge party, a free screening and the announcement of the winner, who gets the opportunity to make a feature length film.

I’ve been going for the past three years, and the films are amazing. It’s incredible to see the work of people from around the world. Some of my favorites have hailed from a variety of countries, including Wales, Israel, Ireland, Cuba, and Spain. It's interesting to get a different world view, and since the films usually are less than 15 minutes, they pack a big punch. Also Stella Artois sponsors the event; the beer is free (and delicious)!

This year, the closest screening was held at The Capitol Theater in York, Pennsylvania (about one hour north on I-83). The Capitol is a cool theater which features films on Sundays and concerts and plays during the week.

image courtesy of http://www.fest21.com/