Celebrating its 25th year as a program of the American Film Institute, The AFI Film Festival Presented by Audi opens November 3 with a gala screening of Clint Eastwood’s “J. Edgar”. But this, and the other gala titles (such as “My Week With Marilyn”, “Shame” and “Carnage”) are well-covered films that will enjoy wide theatrical campaigns. So let’s discuss some of the sleeper titles that, while not backed by massive PR machines, should also be considered by festival-goers this week.
“Pina”
Written and directed by indie legend Wim Wenders (“Buena Vista Social Club”, “Wings of Desire”), “Pina” captures the world of choreographer Pina Bausch and her dance company. Presented in 3D and fully worth the extra dimension, this gorgeous film is Germany’s official foreign-language Oscar submission.
“Rampart”
The second collaboration between writer/director Oren Moverman and Woody Harrelson (the first being the unforgettable “The Messenger”), “Rampart” stars Harrelson as Officer Dave Brown, a Vietnam vet and precinct cop dedicated to doing “the people’s dirty work” and asserting his own code of justice, which often blurs the lines between right and wrong. The festival screening will feature a Q&A with the director, alongside co-writer James Ellroy and co-stars Robin Wright, Ben Foster, Brie Larson and Ned Beatty. Expect more of the muddy moral waters that made “The Messenger” one of the best films of 2009.
“Into the Abyss: A Tale of Life, A Tale of Death”
The latest from master filmmaker Werner Herzog, “Into the Abyss” is a fascinating exploration of a triple homicide case in Conroe, Texas, which expands into a conversation about why people kill – and why a state kills. Told with Herzog’s unique and probing touch, this is a film that anyone with a stake in the capital punishment debate will want to see.
“Miss Bala”
Mexico’s entry in the Best Foreign Language Film Category, “Miss Bala” tells the story of Laura, a young woman whose aspirations of becoming a beauty queen turn against her, delivering her into the hands of a gang that’s terrorizing northern Mexico. Directed by Gerardo Naranjo, the writer/cinematographer and co-star of Azazel Jacobs’ “The GoodTimesKid”, expect a powerful and visceral look at the violence just south of the U.S. border.
“Snowtown”
Australian director Justin Kurzel’s feature film debut brings to the screen the true story of Australia’s most notorious serial killer. But it’s much more than just a retelling of events, it’s a journey into a little known subculture of welfare dependence, addiction, domestic violence, brutality and sexual abuse. The latest dramatic Australian export seems poised to join the ranks of recent dark but incredibly powerful films such as “Animal Kingdom” and “Samson and Delilah”.
“Green”
After premiering at SXSW and winning the Chicken & Egg Award, “Green” director Sophia Takal was named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Film”. A reality-bending psychological thriller that stars the writer/director alongside her real life boyfriend, the film depicts the destructive spiral that occurs when two people fall for the same person. With strong performances and a haunting score, “Green” will stick with you as a vision of the evil within long after the credits roll.
“Kill List”
The second feature helmed by UK director Ben Wheatley (“Down Terrace”), “Kill List” is the story of unemployed suburban dad Jay, a one-time contract killer who realizes he can’t give up the one thing he’s good at, even as it whittles away at the carefully-constructed fiction of his life. Expect a genre-bending thriller with characters that make you care deeply, even as they do very very bad things.
“Attenberg”
Greece’s Foreign Language Oscar Submission, “Attenberg” reveals a unique take on the coming-of-age genre. Directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari, “Attenberg” tells the tale of 23-year-old Marina, who has grown up in a crumbling town by the sea splitting her time between caring for her dying father and receiving lessons in human intimacy from her only friend Bella. Things changes drastically when she meets Spyros, a visiting engineer with whom she explores her newly awakened sexuality. There’s been a streak of very good Greek films (including Tsangari’s Associate Produced “Dogtooth”, a masterpiece of awkward horror), and “Attenberg” is poised to take its place amongst the best of them.
“Jiro Dreams of Sushi”
The feature debut of director David Gelb, “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” tells the story of 85-year-old sushi master Jiro Ono, who has dedicated his life to perfecting his art. His restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, has the reputation of the best sushi in Japan, but behind the accolades Jiro’s son struggles with the pressure of being the heir to a living legend. Backed by a minimalist score by Philip Glass, this documentary will be a feast for any sushi aficionado.
“Play”
AFI Fest attendees might remember Director Ruben Ostlund’s previous entry, 2008’s “Involuntary”. But they’ll certainly remember “Play”, a fascinating and troubling look at race, ethics and group psychology. Based on actual events, the film follows a group of kids as they manipulate another group, with less than stellar intentions. From the safety of a public mall into the isolated wilderness, the feeling of impending violence deepens. A unique look at bullying told with an assured cinematic hand, “Play” will leave a lasting impact.
Go to the AFI FEST Website for more information on these and the rest of the incredible films presented in this year’s program.
