Ebertfest: Day 3 Part Two

Frozen River.

That says it all for me. This was a lovely, lovely film! More tears. I am starting to lose my mind over how fantastic these movies are! Once again we were treated to the presence of the writer/director (Courtney Hunt – first time filmmaker), one of the stars (Misty Upham) and Michael Barker, co-president of Sony Pictures Classic, that bought the film.

One of the female leads was nominated for an Oscar for the role of Ray, a tough mother of two with an absent spouse who just ran off to gamble away the money for their new double wide trailor. Her boys have no food (popcorn & Tang for dinner again?) Christmas is a – coming and Ray’s promotion at the Dollar Store ain’t happening.

She encounters a Native American woman (Misty Upham) who becomes her partner in crime (literally) as they begin smuggling illegals across the frozen river in the back of Rays trunk for money. There are all kinds of dynamics going on here – U. S. Law vs. Tribal Law for one thing – and it’s not just about smuggling illegals – that is almost a minor issue. It’s about two women – each with their own personal dramas – who are drawn together. It’s about family, struggling to make it, loyalty and doing the right thing. The film is not bleak, it’s not bombastic, it is gorgeous.

There was a collective cooing from the audience when the credits rolled. We all understood how this little film (made for under half a million) won over the critics and any audience who viewed it.

The Q & A afterwards was terrific. These Q & A sessions are like the best possible special features on any DVD. It is an honor to hear these filmmakers talk about their journey from raising money – Courtneys husband made a prospectus and courted investors cause Hollywood “loved the script,” but “didn’t know what to do with it,” to their production nightmares before the shoot: “Someone’s gonna fall through the ice!”

It was hilarious to hear the director’s response to one audience member’s comment who wanted to know which of the philosophical reasons (she named two) lay behind a certain choice in the film. The director said she didn’t even think about it!! But she was tickled that the viewer had put so much thought into it and came up with her own concept!

Lovely Misty Upham (who is about forty pounds heavier in the film with a buzz cut and acne) said she acquired the look of her character by “eating like a pig, laying around and never washing off my make up.” She said she gained weight so fast that her hormones got screwed up and she began to lactate!! GEEZ!!! By the way, Misty’s boyfriend is fucking hot!!

Michael Barker from Sony has a good eye – Persepolis, The Wackness, Capote, Crouching Tiger…

This fest just gets better and better!

By the way, Begging Naked‘s Director Karen Gehres delivered the Elise Hill painting I purchased after the show.

It was a lovely ending to Day Three. I am sad that tomorrow will be the last nght.

P.S. I am sad to say that I missed the silent film The Last Command with live orchestral accompaniment, as I was dealing with the dead battery drama. Bummer!