Well, I can’t believe it’s over. Practically living at the Virginia Theatre the past five days has brought me nothing but loads of new knowledge to pack away in my trivia bank of a mind. Oh, and did I mention one of the best experiences of my life?! :-p Meeting the guests over the course of the festival was also a treat (as if the films weren’t enough!). Specifically Rudi Dolezal (part of DoRo Productions), whose name I had not recognized but whose work is something that all of us have seen. The man has worked with more big names in the music industry, it’s no wonder he’s one of the originators of the “Rockumentary” style of filmmaking.

Seeing Roger again was also great. I had a chance to interview him last year and it is to this day something I hold near and dear as an aspiring critic. His wife, Chaz, also gets an extra round of applause from me because I have never seen someone with such class. The audience loved her, and she loved them right back.

Overall, I have to say I’m waiting with anticipation for next year’s festival, now officially dubbed “Ebertfest.” I hope next year our coverage is even bigger and better!

If you wish to seek more coverage, feel free to check out the following blogs:

David Bordwell - Film Scholar
Lisa Rosman - Festival Blogger
Jim Emerson - Editor of RogerEbert.com

For now, all the best. And be sure to keep reading for entertainment based coverage right here at DI On the Town.

Directors Paul Cox and Werner Herzog discuss Man of Flowers following the film’s screening. Media Credit: Ped Naseri.

Man of Flowers definitely gets the award for most peculiar film I’ve seen thus far at Ebertfest. That’s not a bad thing, however. Naturally with a Herzog film on the list you’re bound to see something peculiar, however I’m accustomed to that style coming from a renowned director. Paul Cox is a name that until this year was unfamiliar to me.

Man of Flowers is another one of those films that’s hard to explain, but I’m going to give it a shot. The story follows a man by the name of Charles Bremmer, a middle-aged bachelor with vast knowledge of art history, floral arrangements, and pretty much anything of class. His peculiarity is derived from his appreciation of beauty but no ability to express it. Now I know what you’re thinking: Why would I watch a movie about a guy who can’t express things? Well, trust me, this is fine filmmaking and definitely worth watching for Norman Kaye’s performance as Charles Bremmer.

This film was the quintessence of overlooked and was a prime choice for this year’s festival. Cox’s direction is fantastic and his use of opera in the score to the film alone is worth it. There’s also a special treat in that Herzog himself acted in the film in many flashback sequences.

There was also a great discussion in the Q&A, which featured Cox and Herzog exchanging stories, discussing outlooks on film and life in general.

Man of Flowers is definitely something to watch with an open mind. Be warned, however, there is full frontal nudity and foul language, so keep the kids away from this one until they’re older.

Photo Caption: Director Rudi Dolezal introduces his film, Freddie Mercury: The Untold Story at Ebertfest. Media Credit: Blake Stubbs.

Once in a while I see a documentary that just grabs hold and keeps my focus from start to finish. Freddie Mercury: The Untold Story did that last night.

Directed by Rudi Dolezal, the film begins with some reenactment sequences of Freddie’s childhood in Zanzabar and India, coupled with interviews from his Mother and sister. As it progresses the audience is treated to a more human and personal side of one of the greatest rock vocalists to ever grace a stage.

While we all know that Freddie was the lead singer of Queen, the film gives us insight into the early bands that Freddie worked with on the road to becoming the great showman he always wanted to be.

Particularly interesting was his foray into Opera, and the film chronicles the story behind his collaboration with Opera Diva Montserrat Caballé on the song
“Barcelona.”

Originally made for television, the film was supposed to be clocked in at an hour, but Dolezal treated the Ebertfest audience to an extended ninety-minute cut packed with extra interviews.

I encourage any fan of Queen or Mercury’s solo career to pick this up on DVD as soon as it is available; it’s a truly in-depth look at one of the greats.

Writer and Director, Joey Lauren Adams, smiles to the Virginia Theatre Audience before the screening of Come Early Morning. Media Credit: Blake Stubbs.

Joey Lauren Adams, who most of you will know from Chasing Amy and Dazed and Confused, received a well deserved round of applause for her directorial debut in Come Early Morning. Adams also wrote the screenplay for the film, which was another first attempt.

The film follows Lucy Fowler (Ashley Judd) as she learns to deal with all the issues surrounding her life. Her struggle to find love and acceptance from those in her life drives the narrative of the film.

The movie is definitely worth seeing, and jumps out as a festival hit right from the start, as opposed to a big wide release type film. Ebertfest proved to be the best possible venue. Adams herself was even surprised. She mentioned during the Q&A afterward that this was the largest audience this film has ever received, and she was glad we enjoyed it.

Joined by actor, and festival favorite, Scott Wilson, the Q&A covered topics from Adams learning how to direct, to how her faith influenced her writing, and finally to working with the actors and teamsters during production. She also announced she recently finished a second script and is in the preproduction stages of getting it made.

Since this is her first film, I have to say there is a great deal of potential in Adams as both a writer and director. Which is important considering that there are not a great deal of female directors in the industry today.

Up next is the Fellini classic, La Dolce Vita.

Actress Fatoumata Coulibaly accepts her Golden Thumb Award from Chaz Ebert following the screening of Moolaade. Coulibaly received a standing ovation from the Ebertfest audience for her performance. Media Credit: Blake Stubbs.

I’d like to start by saying that this particular film is definitely one to file away in the “Best Films the General Public Will Never See” category. The film takes place in Africa in a small village where female circumcision is ritual. When four girls run away from being “cut,” they seek refuge with Colle, a woman who refused to let her daughter be circumcised.

She invokes a right of protection upon the four young girls and keeps them in her homestead. What transpires is a small scale battle between the women and men of the village. Without giving too much away, this is hands down one of the most powerful films I have ever seen.

Lead actress, Fatoumata Coulibaly, was on hand to discuss the film afterwards and was introduced to a standing ovation. Pictured above is her acceptance of her Golden Thumb Award.

Up next is Perfume: The Story of A Murderer, and Alan Rickman (Professor Snape from the Harry Potter films, and Hanz Gruber from Die Hard), will be on hand to discuss the film.

Screenwriter Steve Conrad thanks the Ebertfest audience for their appreciation of The Weatherman. Media Credit: Blake Stubbs.

But I doubt it has anything to do with The Weatherman screening that occurred today at noon. The film, starring Nicholas Cage (Leaving Las Vegas), chronicles the midlife crisis of a Chicago weatherman and every one of his problems. Boasting a fantastic cast featuring Michael Caine (Batman Begins), Hope Davis (Arlington Road), and Ebertfest Guest Gil Bellows (The Shawshank Redemption).

I find it surprising that this particular film didn’t receive better audience response upon its first release. Cage gives a very strong performance that is surprisingly different than anything he’s done before. Caine is at his usual state of awesome, playing Cage’s father, who is diagnosed with lymphoma. The special guest on hand Gil Bellows, however, shocked audiences with his chilling portrayal of a drug-rehab counselor who has his eyes set on Cage’s young son.

Possibly the biggest plus to this particular screening was the film’s screenwriter, Steve Conrad (Wrestling Earnest Hemingway, The Pursuit of Happyness). Conrad said in jest the audience on hand is the largest he had ever seen for this particular film. He also expressed the thanks of film director Gore Verbinski, who was unable to attend.

Overall The Weatherman was a hilarious comedy with a great amount of drama that was well delivered by the actors and the script was fantastic. Both Conrad and Bellows were glad to answer any questions the audience still had, and had a great time doing it.

University President B. Joseph White’s house was the site of the inaugural event for the 9th Annual Overlooked Film Festival. Roger Ebert and his lovely wife Chaz were on hand to welcome guests alongside festival director Nate Kohn. Guests of the party enjoyed some wine and hors d’oeuvres with the talk of films in the air. Several special guests were on hand to greet those in attendance, all eager to take part in this year’s weekend long ode to overlooked cinema.

After some ceremonial introductions and thank-yous, Ebert met and greeted several people in great spirits. For those who read Ebert’s statement to the press, it’s becoming common knowledge he cannot speak. This isn’t stopping him from interacting with those around him; the man came to see some movies, and enjoy them with the same enthusiasm as every other patron.

Around 6:30 Ebert decided it was time to get to the Virginia Theatre. After he walked out alongside Chaz, everyone followed suit. Gattaca was ready to roll…

WPGU 107.1 FM will be hosting a Ebertfest Pass contest tomorrow at 4:00PM.

Rules:
1. Dress up as your favorite movie character
2. Come to the Illini Media Building at 512 East Green Street
3. Impersonate that character
4. Be judged
5. Two people will walk away with a festival pass good for April 25th-29th to all 13 screenings and Q&As.

This is an Illini Media Company hosted event. The Daily Illini is a member of the Illini Media Company.

Yes way! Everyone’s favorite Comedic News show has stopped into our community!

Well I managed to catch up with the correspondent leading the feature story crew through the twists and turns of green street and had a brief sit down at one of the local eateries.

That interview will be posted very soon, so be sure to check back here at DI On the Town for the scoop.

-Blake Stubbs

This year is an incredibly exciting year for the Overlooked Film Festival (which next year will be renamed “Ebertfest”), the four days of Hollywood Treatment that Champaign enjoys looks to be filled with a great line-up of films and guests to boot!

Myself and fellow Silver Screen Madman, Ped Naseri, will be present at every film and intend to give you, the students, a look into what goes down.

Be checking in frequently, as we intend to blog every film and every Q&A that follows. Any interview we get will be presented here, and hopefully entice you all to come on out to the Virginia Theatre to one of the screenings from April 25th-29th and be a part of the cinematic experience that has captivated local audiences for the past nine years.

So here’s to good movies, cool celebrity guests, and all the fresh popcorn the Virginia Theatre Concessions Staff can pop!

See you at the movies!

-Blake Stubbs