The Sundance Institute has announced the lineup of films slated for its U.S. Dramatic Competition, Documentary Competition and World Cinema (both Dramatic and Documentary) Competitions. Says Sundance Director Geoffrey Gilmore, “This year's films are not narrowly defined. Instead we have a blurring of genres, a crossing of boundaries: geographic, generational, socio-economic and the like. The result is both an exhilarating and emotive Festival in which traditional mythologies are suspended, discoveries are made, and creative storytelling is embraced.” Well, I didn’t expect him to say “We’ve got a bunch of derivative crap this year.” Nonetheless, I have scoured the list and found a few intriguing entries:
Brief Interviews with Hideous Men. “When her boyfriend leaves with little explanation, a doctoral candidate in anthropology tries to remedy her heartache by interviewing men about their behavior.” Everyone’s favorite Office schlub John Krasinski makes his writing/directing debut with this adaptation of the late David Foster Wallace’s story.
Big Fan. “The world of a parking garage attendant who happens to be the New York Giants' biggest fan is turned upside down after an altercation with his favorite player.” Patton Oswalt stars in the directorial debut from Robert D. Siegel, who wrote The Wrestler (and, uh, The Onion Movie).
Cold Souls. “In the midst of an existential crisis, a famous American actor explores soul extraction as a relief from the burdens of daily life.” Paul Giamatti stars.
Good Hair. “Comedian Chris Rock turns documentary filmmaker when he sets out to examine the culture of African-American hair and hairstyles.”
When You’re Strange. “The first feature documentary about The Doors, When You're Strange enters the dark and dangerous world of one of America’s most influential bands using only footage shot between 1966 and 1971.” Tom DiCillo (Living in Oblivion) directs.
Lulu und Jim. “Bright garish colors, rock and roll and wild dance numbers mark this road movie about lovers fleeing from the evil powers of a 1950s deeply bigoted German society.”
You can see the full list here. We’ll bring you the non-competition lineup tomorrow.