Whatever Works, Alice in Wonderland, Greenberg

Three in a row…on a Sunday…while moving house. I don’t need to tell you that was a gruelling day. A very fun gruelling day!

First up was the now-traditional closing day 11am at the Savoy Woody Allen film. I was a bit sceptical about this at first because I am one of the few people in the world who can’t stand Larry David or his show, Curb Your Enthusiasm. However, his partnership with Woody Allen suits him down to the ground and his grumpy old man Boris Yellnikov was the perfect character for him to play. This is not the most profound film in Allen’s repertoire but it is very funny, very sweet and boasts a fantastic performance by the adorable Evan Rachel Wood who ditched her goth-chic image for a cutesy girly character and nails the comedy to perfection! I really hope this gets a proper release because it’s a really enjoyable film.

Shortly afterwards was Alice in Wonderland through the magical world of Tim Burton. All curly trees and pale faces, this film reeks of Burton, but in a good way. From the trailer I was afraid it would be another Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but happily, it wasn’t. The world of Wonderland suits Tim Burton perfectly and he should be commended for his subtle but effective use of 3D. It’s not up there with Big Fish or Edward Scissorhands, but Alice in Wonderland really is a beautiful-looking film, packed with enough action sequences for the kids and enough comic moments to keep smiles on our faces. A pleasant surprise and definitely one to watch with a festival audience. Afterwards, we were joined by my favourite actor in the world Michael Sheen and the nearly-as-good Timothy Spall for a brief Q&A about the film and other subjects. Unfortunately it got off to a slow start but soon the questions were flying and the two actors and close friends seemed to enjoy the banter with the crowd. The two stars were highly entertaining and clearly very comfortable with each other and delighted to be promoting the film. I, personally, was a bit too starstruck to ask any questions but really enjoyed the conversation nevertheless. I had brought along my copy of The Damned United for possible autographing, but a case of starstruckedness (no, that’s not really a word!) overcame me and I didn’t want to bother the lads who were busy being mobbed by other fans. Next time, Michael Sheen, next time.

This year’s surprise film was a surprise indeed. Greenberg, the new film by Noah Baumbach. I didn’t even know Noah Baumbach had a new film! Co-writer of my favourite film of all time The Royal Tenenbaums and director of the outrageously brilliant The Squid and the Whale, needless to say it was a very pleasant surprise. This latest film stars Ben Stiller as the titular character in a story of a New Yorker’s self-development while house-sitting for his brother in LA. A nicely nuanced performance by Stiller of a not necessarily loveable character and a great breakthrough performance by lead actress Greta Gerwig. This was a funny, enjoyable indie comedy. And a pleasantly low-key film to end the festival with!

Charlene

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