at The Palms
There were some great films, fantastic parties, and tributes to some very talented
performers. The festival started off with Screen Gems' "D.E.B.S." and ended with
New Line Cinema's "The Notebook."
I saw around 15 films this year, including sneak previews of two major films not yet
released: Irwin Winkler’s "De-Lovely" New Line Cinema's "The Notebook." Both of
these films were very good and I would recommend them to everyone. Some other
films that I hope get picked up for distribution are Mitchell Altieri's "Lurking in
Suburbia," Kim Dempster's "Marmalade," and Gregory Hatanaka‘s "Until the Night.”
Also, the two award winners at the festival Andrew Wagner’s “CineVegas Jury
Award” winner “The Talent Given Us” and John Harkrider's “Mitchellville” which was
awarded “Honorable Mention.” I did not see the “Audience Award” winner “Cross
Bronx.”
Although “The Talent Given Us” was the big award winner, my favorite film was
“Mitchellville.” Both films were good and well made; one is a cute funny look at a
road trip and the other a more complex look at life. I found “Mitchellville” very
compelling in that you had to try and figure what was reality and what was not. It
took you through the lives of two men who met, maybe by accident maybe not, and
how their lives were linked. It is not a movie that would appeal to the masses, I do
hope if it does not get picked up for major distribution that they release it on DVD.
The other film “The Talent Given Us” is a funny look at a Husband and Wife who are
trying to reach out to each other and their children too. So they take a road trip
across the country to see their son…taking their two daughters with them. This trip
becomes a wake up call to all in the family. I just like unusual films, and ones that
give me a challenge. I can tell you I would not have wanted to be a judge this year.
Not only these two films were contenders, but also I think it was more a major
competition with several films.
Then there was a documentary "The Portrait of Billy Joe” a look at a Texas
songwriter’s life. This was Luciana Pedraza's directorial debut. I was very fortunate
to interview both Luciana and Billy Joe Shaver. Billy Joe also performed in concert
at OPM located in The Forum Shops at Caesars. I also saw an interesting short film
that I really enjoyed "Late Bloomer."
Tribute Awards: Three-time Academy Award winning actor Jack Nicholson was
presented with the prestigious Marquee Award; The inaugural Half-Life Award was
presented to Academy Award winning actor Sean Penn, for his accomplishments in
film; The inaugural Half-Life Award was presented to actress Robin Wright Penn for
her accomplishments in film; The inaugural Half-Life Award was presented to
Academy Award winning actress Holly Hunter for her accomplishments in film; David
Lynch, Julian Schnabel and Bruce Conner were presented with the CineVegas
Vanguard Director Award, which recognizes a director for their visionary
achievements in cinema; Dean Stockwell received the inaugural "Changed My Life
Award” for his role in the 1941 film “The Boy With Green Hair.”
There were also special screenings of the following films by "Tribute Award" winning
performers:
* Jack Nicholson's 1971 feature “Drive, He Said” and “Five Easy Pieces.”
* Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn “She’s So Lovely” and “The Indian Runner.”
* Hunter’s Academy Award winning performance in the 1994 feature “The Piano.”
* Dean Stockwell's “The Boy With Green Hair” and his 1984 film, “Paris, Texas.”
All in all this was the best ever CineVegas and I can’t wait for next years!
The “Tribute Awards” were given out prior to the screening of each recipient’s
works. They had a round table type discussion afterwards with a moderator
discussing each recipient’s contribution/influence in the film industry. I was only
able to go to three tribute screenings.
By Carolyn Weaver
