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Reviews
Stephen Tobolowsky's Birthday Party (2005)
ten stars by far
Think of Ewan McGregor/Albert Finney in Big Fish. Now take away the excessive fantasy element, but keep the pantomiming and underlying morals. That pretty much encompasses the tales of relatively unknown actor Stephen Tobolowsky.
The stories of his life are entertaining, to say the least. I went from hysterical laughter to choking back tears in a matter of seconds, how many storytellers can accomplish that without being cheesy or using false tactics?
I will admit that even i, who have been studying film and theatre for some time, did not recognize the name when i saw it in my SXSW brochure. I saw a poster on the wall of the Alamo draft house and thought "hey! i know that guy! it's Ned Ryerson!" So i thought i'd give it a chance.
The second the movie started i knew it would be fantastic, one of those that can possibly alter your view of the world or something. And by the time i left, i knew this movie would be one of those that i talk about to anyone willing to listen for weeks.
So in the words of Stephen Tobolowsky himself: "it's better than Spiderman 2!"
Shooting Livien (2005)
wow.
This is a really well made movie. I went to the premiere last night and stayed for the talk back with the director and cast, and i was extremely impressed. The acting, directing, cinematography, script, lighting, everything was so detailed and precise and beautiful. I am a huge John Lennon and Beatles fan, so that was an added bonus for me, and the references and paralleled story lines were incorporated really nicely into the script. Not to mention, a great soundtrack that plays a big role in the movie. Rebecca Cook chose some very unique camera choices, that sets this movie apart from so many others from the start. The feel of the movie i would relate to movies like Requiem for a Dream, Basquiat, White Oleander, and possibly even a pessimistic version of Garden State. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes narrative features or any/all of the movies i mentioned above