Day 3 Saturday Telluride 2013

Not surprisingly it was another successful and surprising day. We began by seeing the new Redford movie in which he was the sole actor: All is Lost. It's about a man in his yacht who gets into trouble on the high seas.  Pretty entertaining.
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Next we saw a really outstanding film that is sure to get a lot of attention: 12 years as a Slave.  Based on a true story of a free black man ( a lawyer) in the 1840s who is taken from his home in the north & enslaved for 12 years. The man later wrote his memoir, which became the film. There was a Q &A after and we were shocked when the emcee announced that in addition to the director & several actors who would be interviewed, one of the produces was also present: Brad Pitt!  So he sat next to Michael Fassbender et al for the interviews.  We managed to move down to the 1st row for the Q & A so I got great pix of them!  Quel surprise!

Next we saw the Invisible Woman, starring Ralph Fiennes--- who you'll recall best from the FrenchLieutenant's  Woman.  He played Charles Dickens and it told
 of the long affair he had with a young woman.  String acting.  A period piece.

Finally we saw a film called the Prisoner starring Hugh Jackman & Jake Gyllenhaal--- who were both superb.  The stripy was that of a man who becomes obsessed about finding his missing child.  An incredible cast, really well done---very suspenseful but quite violent.  I hear it will be released soon.

Again it's after midnight, so I cannot elaborate much or improve the summaries.  Gotta sleep!  Having a great time!

Day 2 Friday

We finished too late last night for me to write about the rest of the day. So here it is.  In the afternoon the Patrons & Sponsors had a private screening of Labor Day, a Jason Reitman film. The acting -- Kate Winsket & Josh Brolin was terrific & the story was compelling. It was very well received & a good start to the festival. After the film was the opening day "feed"--  a barbecue for all pass holders. The official first event then was a 2 hr tribute to Robert Redford.  He was honored for his 50+ years in film.  A well-done collection of clips from many of his movies & interesting interview w him.

Today started in a fantastic way!  Alexander Payne's ( director) movie Nebraska starring Bruce Dern. It's a story about a father & son (Will Forte) & their journey to Nebraska. I adored it! Very much a nod to the Midwest & small towns. Places & people reminded me of a certain Minnesota region!  After it was an interview with Dern & Payne  conducted by Jason Reitman .  It was the best interview!  e.g. Dern said Payne told him on the first day of shooting not to show anything--- but to let us discover it.

Next we saw Gloria, a Chilean film about a 50+ divorcee looking for herself & fulfillment. I thought it was very well done & entertaining.

Next we saw Before the Winter Chill -- a French film that will be called Avant l'hiver--- when released in France. Kristen Scott Thomas starred.  I love her.  It was a story about a married couple whose life becomes predictable that suddenly turns into a kind of Fatal Attraction story. I found it to be interesting.

Next we went to Under the Skin. I won't try to explain it cuz I left it after 1/2 hour.  Might be on,y the 2nd one I ever left in my 8 yrs coming here.

 I then went alone to see a French documentary called La Maison de la Radio--- about French public radio behind the scenes.  I really enjoyed it for the music, scenes of working with the radio personalities about their vocal production/ performance, and for the French!  I recall that unlike the US, French students are not required to take public speaking :-).

It was a good day.  And we still have 3 more full days to go! Wish I could write more but it's very late.

Telluride 2013 opening day

Thursday

This is the festival's 40 th year so they added 1 more day. Today began with the Patron' s Brunch. The last  years we saw an array of actors at the brunch but for some reason they didn't come to this brunch. However it was still fun. Leonard Maltin sat at our table. At some point he wanted a group pic with some others and shy Michelle jumped up to take it. I have pix of her shooting Maltin, Alexander Payne and Ken Burns. :-). At the next table was Michael Moore who we understand just came to see films. This afternoon we will see the film called Labor Day--- an appropriate start to this festival!  Kate Winslet & Josh Brolin star & Jason Reitman directed.  Tonight we'll see a tribute to R. Redford & another film called Nebraska with Bruce Dern, directed by A. Payne ( who did Descendents ).  This should be a wonderful kick off.
Unsure when I can write again, as tonight will be a late night.

Telluride Film Festival 2013 starts tomorrow!

We are settled in Telluride & were delighted to get the program & schedule today-- a day earlier than before.  So we now know most ( not all) of the films & many of the people who will come. A few examples:

1. Some people who will be here are Robert Redford ( will be honored & his new film screened), the Coen brothers  with T Bone Burnett who has done much of their music, Salman Rushdie, Bruce Dern, Jason Reitmen. In addition I expect some actors from the films on the program may come.

2. Some films on schedule are: Gravity (Clooney & Bullock), Under the skin ( S. Johanssen), Labor Day (Winslet & J. Brolin), Nebraska ( Dern), Inside Lewellyn Davis ( Coen).  Etc!

So we are jazzed!  

That's all for today :-)