The Kid Brother [Ted Wilde, 1927] / Get Out & Get Under [Hal Roach,
1920]
These are the first complete Harold Lloyd films that I've seen, and
I'm very impressed. There is an inventiveness and ingenuity that
make them exiting and effortlessly funny. It helps, of course, when you
have such a warm audience, who readily join in with laughing.
What I particularly noticed about the Lloyd films was the importance of
story. There is never the sense that the gags are just strung together
in a convenient narrative – the comic tricks and turns seem to arise
naturally from the story itself.
Very enjoyable.
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Waitress [Adrienne Shelley, 2007]
Another highlight from this year's festival – just delicious.
It has the kind of style which you get in good graphic novels –
sharp witty dialogue, characters established quickly with bold strokes,
and an eye for visual comedy. Waitress has a seductive lightness of
touch on the surface that belies its subtle depths.
Great performances, beautifully shot, paced to perfection, tone spot on
– this film has everything. It looks, feels and tastes great. I
can even forgive the ending.
Wonderful stuff.
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The Hoax [Lasse Halstrom, 2006]
A completely implausible story that is apparently true. Or rather based
on truth.
One stand out moment – Irving "confessing" to his wife.
Otherwise, quite engaging, but not outstanding.
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