REEL IDENTITIES 2005,
NEW ORLEANS, LA
Written for The Film Festival Channel
www.filmfestivalchannel.com
REEL IDENTITIES 2005, New Orleans, LA
-- Mocha Jean Herrup
The Big Easy...
What's so easy about 70% humidity, hurricane warnings, and
having to maneuver around a trombone player at every corner?
What's so easy about trying to make your way through a crowded
restaurant, roast beef po-boy in hand, while dodging one
worker after another who seems as concerned about who has
the right of way as you would imagine one might who works
in a place that makes one wear a paper hat and refuse any
tips?
Oh, sure, sure, sure, New Orleans is a blast. Jazz, Bourbon
street, Cajun cooking, togo cups from the bar... I wouldn't
say it's not fun,... but easy....? To that, I defer to the immortal
words of Duran Duran. ..You..are about as easy as a nuclear
war... Well, supposing ..nuclear war.. were a mixed drink...
there you have it.
It is in this context of "easy" that the programming
for Reel Identities 05 begins to make sense. After days spent
dealing with drunk tourists and hot, sticky weather, perhaps
audiences aren't looking to be challenged by intricate plot
development, nuanced performances, or anything with subtitles.
If this is the case, the program delivered, beginning with
the opening night films repeatedly and assuredly described
by Festival Director Kiki Reinecke in her introduction as "light
and fun."
The hidden highlight of the
festival was a crafty little film called WINGTIPS by LA based
director Marc Saltarelli. This short, 16 minute work takes up
the genres of Twilight Zone style sci-fi and the film noir thriller
to wittingly and profoundly provide a visceral taste of gender
dysphoria. It is the perfect short film, using highly stylized
camera work and a well-focused twist to make best use of the
form. Alex Boling's performance as the wingtip wearing "freak" was
both charming and surreal, giving the film an originality not
seen in most of the festival selections. |
