This weekend I wrapped up the 10 Minute Play Festival with Theatre Oxford. It was an incredible experience to act in a great play. It was brief. I had 3 rehearsals before opening night, and after yesterday's final performance that inevitable feeling of loss came as I, yet again, was reminded what acting does for me. I have been acting for 30 years, and through some of the most difficult times it has been a lifeline for me. Having moved to Oxford, MS, Theatre Oxford has been a home for me to grow as an artist. I absolutely love the Oscars and writing about film, and I came to a realization that I'm not quite ready to move back fully into that world. But I'm working on that.
I also binged the first two seasons of "Schitt's Creek," a show I've been hearing about for ages, but never took the time to watch. It stars Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Dan Levy and Annie Murphy as a rich family who loses all of their money, having to migrate to a town the Dad bought as a joke gift for his son. I had heard there was a sweet queer relationship between David (Dan Levy) and Patrick (Noah Reid) but I haven't quite made it to that yet. The show is funny and sweet and a bit sloggy at times, but the great acting (from the minor characters as well) kept me going. The last episode of the 2nd season was something really special, particularly the final scene. Looking very forward to the 3rd season.
It wasn't all plays and Netflix, however. I also managed to watch a few movies as well.
My screener pile has been a bit daunting over the past few weeks, but I began to make a bit of headway last week. I decided to start with Foreign Films, which, for those of you who don't know is an Oscar passion of mine. I started with this year's Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or winner, "Shoplifters." The Palme d'Or is an interesting beast. This isn't the Academy, which, for the most part stays a predictable body. The jury is always a bit different, this year lead by Cate Blanchett and full of remarkable women. They chose a film that is truly special, but nothing like last year's winner, "The Square." There are years I hate the Palme winner ("Uncle Boonmee," I'm looking at you!) but I am more than happy with this choice. "Shoplifters" isn't quite what it seems. On the surface, it is about a husband and wife, struggling to the point that they have to shoplift to survive. One daughter is in the cam/chat room business, while the young son shoplifts with Dad. They live with Kirin Kiki, the matriarch who provides the family main income source with her widows pension. One the way back from a shoplifting excursion, Dad and Son stumble upon a young girl who seems to have been abused and certainly neglected by her parents. They take her in, adding them to their sweet yet dysfunctional family. But as I said, this isn't exactly what it seems. The ending is remarkable, as truths we as an audience have been turning blind eyes to are revealed.
For those of you who don't remember, "BlackKklansman" came in 2nd to "Shoplifters" after receiving much praise for a "return to form" (although many said he hadn't gone anywhere) for Spike Lee. I loved "BlackKlansman" and it is hanging on for my Top 10, but with a few more films to see ("Ben is Back," "Boy Erased," "Vice," "The Favourite," "The Mule" to name more than a few) I worry it will slip away. And looking at the Gothams and the Independent Spirit Awards, which only nominated Supporting Actor Adam Drive, it seems as if the film and Lee have an uphill battle toward the Oscars. I think Lee is in for Director. At this point.
I also watched 2 LGBTQ films as well.
The first is Kosovo's Oscar entry, "The Marriage," directed by Blerta Zeqiri It took almost an hour for the queer part to kick in, with almost no hints that it was coming. About 40 minutes in I actually paused and searched the internet to make sure I was watching the right movie. I was. This film centers on a couple - Bekim and Anita, engaged to be married, their wedding only 2 weeks away. The film opens with a Bekim and Anita searching an arrival of remains from the Kosovo War, Anita's parents having been missing since 1999. As they await news of her parents, Nol, Bekim's long lost friend and former roommate arrives, leading to several drunken nights, one of which drives a strong wedge between Bekim and Anita.
Shall I tell you the twist? I don't think so. And don't look it up if you're planning to see this either. The film is not easy to watch, but like many films not made in America, it is entirely unique in its tone and storytelling. The final scene is heartbreaking, and sadly, all too common, even in today's world.
Finally I saw "1985," written and directed by Yen Tan, and starring Cory Michael Smith, Virginia Madsen, Jamie Chung and Michael Chiklis.
Cory plays Adrian, who has come to his rural home from NYC for the first time in 3 years, for Christmas. Adrian lives an out life in NYC, but closeted at home. There are so many elements of this story that hit home for me. From the opening of Christmas presents (Dad gives Adrian a Bible....I have at least 3 of these, one of which I received yesterday.) to veiled conversations about "roommates" to Adrian taking his younger brother to see the very queer "Nightmare 2" at the local theater when they can't get in to see "A Chorus Line."
The film is shot in semi grainy black and white, which gives it a sense of nostalgia, almost like the cassette tapes they listen to in the film. It is absolutely beautiful work by cinematographer Hutch, who also contributed the story of the film.
Similarly to "Roma," this film has moved me in a way very separate from the other films I have seen this year. It is of the past, of the moment with a wide open, transparent heart. As the film ended, I wondered how Cory Michael Smith and Virginia Madsen aren't in conversation for Oscars. Madsen in particular. She is absolutely worthy to return to the Supporting Actress category.
And that is where Galeca, the Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics, will hopefully step in and step up to give the film its due. I certainly will.
you have really got me excited!!!!
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