Movie fans are eager to hear about the most striking features exhibited at the Sundance Film Festival every January, premiering a variety of past hits like “Napoleon Dynamite,” “Blue Valentine,” or last year’s Oscar-nominated “Beasts of the “Southern Wild” – all of those just from the last decade. There’s no doubt about the lot of talent that runs through the festival’s circuit every year, especially among the dozens of less fortunate titles without the big-name backing and buzz some are very lucky to obtain. But there should at least be some skepticism toward the festival(s) and the movie hype they generate.
You’ve seen it in countless trailers: “Official Selection.” Not only from Park City, Utah where Sundance is annually held but from Venice, Tribeca and Vancouver as well. The list goes on, and a quick Google search can tell you it’s a long list (Sundance cofounder Robert Redford said he thinks there are too many festivals today, with “a festival in every neighborhood”). The big number undoubtedly gives greater exposure to movies, especially ones unlikely to make it to mainstream theaters anytime soon. But I’m lost to hear always hear immediate “oohs” and “ahs” whenever movies are associated with the festivals.
An example? Well, I thought “Beasts of the Southern Wild” was an extended “Levi’s” ad without the pants. It’s only my opinion, and others’ have rhymed with it since the film was given a limited release after its premiere at Sundance. But there it received unanimous praise, winning the Grand Jury Prize award amid several screenings with standing ovation. There had to be at least one person sitting in the corner of the screening room shrugging their shoulders, and I would’ve loved to hear their opinion as well. Fun as I’m sure Sundance and other festivals are, the exclusive screenings and celebrity spottings might get to the audiences’ heads and add to much to their viewing experience.
Am I just bitter? You bet I am, starting off the middle of January with an overload of work when others across the country were able to take a load off with a new Shane Carruth movie. But Redford’s initial yearning to give movie fans a hub of film promotion and distribution may have been overtaken by too many bells and whistles.
