Telluride Labor Day

 Normally, on the last day, they leave a couple of blank spots in the program at our venue for TBAs But oddly this year, they did not do that. It’s a little bit frustrating because sometimes there are some really well received films that we never get to see here. Oh well. We get what we get..

First up was a tribute to Jamar Panahi, an Iranian filmmaker I had not been familiar with before. He has been arrested  & imprisoned for making films that are critical of the regime. The bio we got about him and the interview with him were very touching. He talked about the circumstances of trying to have art in a totalitarian state. A filmmaker who works with him is currently in prison, and he concluded his interview by saying that he wanted all of us to say happy birthday to his friend. He put his phone  towards the audience while we sang happy birthday. It was so touching that after it he could not speak.

The film of his that was screened was « it was just an accident. »  it had won the Palme d’or at Cannes this year. A very interesting story. I highly recommend it. 

Second was « A private life » starring Jodie Foster. ( she attended a film that we saw yesterday and sat a few seats away).  We were surprised to learn that she is fluent in French as the movie was in French!  She played a therapist who, after the death of a patient, becomes a detective. It was a very enjoyable film. My francophile friends will really like it. 

Third film today was called « sentimental value ». I’m afraid I slept through a fair amount so I can’t give a good assessment. But for the parts I was awake, it felt very Bergman like. I found out later people adored this one so my sleeping likely clouded my opinion!  

And the grande finale: » Hamnet »Directed by Chloe Zhao And starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. After the film, we agreed we should just hand her the academy award. No need to bother with other nominations It is the story of Shakespeare, who, following the death of his son, writes Hamlet as a tool for getting over the death. This was a highly anticipated film, and it did not disappoint. The director was present to introduce it. Must see!  It’s so excellent to have such wonderful female directors!

I don’t have time to proofread and correct this post right now. some thoughts are rather incomplete. Sorry. No time And I also want to add a summary of my overall impressions. I will do that later.