This may come as a surprise to you (it did to us), that Milwaukee has a pretty terrific film festival. After attending two other festivals - which shall remain nameless - I swore off all festivals unless they had the words Toronto, Sundance, Tribeca or Cannes in front of them. This is Milwaukee's fifth film festival, our second, and we have not been disappointed.
Oh sure, I wasn't happy about the opening night movie "Grace is Gone" with John Cusack being replaced with "Son of Rambow", a film that did not live up to the hype. But the other films we have seen, have been treasures. Another film fan friend from out of town (say that three times fast!) and I took in "Five Days in September" about the rebirth of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. You don't have to be a classical music fan to enjoy this film, the cinematography alone is worth the ticket price. The camera work behind the scenes, looking at how an orchestra prepares for each performance, especially when a guest makes an appearance, makes you feel truly present. Who knew Yo-Yo Ma was such a clown or that Renee Fleming does very little the day of a performance so she can concentrate on nothing but the upcoming performance?
At a time we are usually preparing for bed we headed over to the Downer Theater for a comedy, "I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With". Jeff Garlin wrote, directed and starred in this film (he's a talented fellow) about a fat, depressed actor. We were glad we managed to stay awake for this little gem. While not a great film, it was certainly worth seeing.
Most of the films have made the circuit of other festivals and won't be seen outside of festivals. Movies are bought and sold for distribution rights and are treated like any other commodity. Meaning, you won't see them at the theaters in the burbs and you'll be lucky if they make it to the art house theaters. Sure, there are exceptions. Last year, "The Queen" starring Helen Mirren opened the festival and went on to win an Oscar for Mirren.
The biggest reason to attend these festivals is to keep the art of film alive. Not just movies, but real films. Films that aren't worried about making a bazillion dollars and having the movie on the same marquee with the latest blow 'em up box office hit. I don't want to see films that are only produced by a few major studios take over the box office. I want to discover new actors, new stories, new music - 90% of the music I buy is because I "discovered" a new musician whose music is part of the soundtrack. I'm not against the big movies, but I think we all need to support the little guy too. And the Milwaukee International Film Festival is one heck of a way to do just that!
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