Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 2, 1994 TAG: 9411230076
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
No, it did not top last year's celebration of film noir. That combination of a widely popular theme and guest, Robert Mitchum, doesn't come along very often. This year with little publicity, no guest star and a mushy theme like "Love and Other Obsessions," the festival still brought together some terrific films and drew sizeable crowds.
More importantly, Hollywood's current emphasis on film restoration fits comfortably with the festival's purposes, so the future is bright. The motion picture industry has finally realized how valuable its inventory is, and more good films from the past are being returned to their original condition. Those older films are an important part of the Virginia Festival; many would say the best part. That was certainly true this year.
Here are a few observations, questions and answers about the Seventh Annual Festival of American Film that was held last weekend:
On a sunny day in Charlottesville at the end of October, it's difficult to force yourself into a dark movie theater. But if you pick the right film, you won't be disappointed.
The festival staff, both volunteer and paid, work so smoothly that the weekend appears to glide along on cruise control. Of course, it's not effortless, but it appears to be, and that's the trick, isn't it?
Why were no stars on hand this year? Acting director Caroline Corry says that the festival was a victim of Hollywood's success. On the heels of another record-breaking year at the box office, virtually everyone in the business is working. All the established actresses, actors and directors who have a body of work that deserves attention were out adding to it. As much as these men and women might enjoy the praise that the festival provides, it is hard to pass up the millions of dollars they can command.
Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo" has been ripped off more than any other American film. Individual bits of it have been stolen, imitated, spoofed and remade dozens of times in recent years. If the print screened at the festival is the best available, it's time to restore the film. Compared to the new version of "My Fair Lady" which was shown right after "Vertigo," it looks scratchy, faded and washed out.
Despite the technical advances in special effects, when the good older films are restored, they still have the power to move audiences. Nothing that's put on the big screen now is any more impressive in visual terms than "My Fair Lady." The story is strong and carefully told, and stars Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn are at their incomparable best.
"Shampoo" is as fresh and enjoyable now as it was when it was made in 1975, particularly when compared to one of the premieres, David Mamet's overbearing "Oleanna."
The short films are the sleepers of the festival. Every year, they have been excellent. My favorites this time are Susan Skoog's "A Dry Heat," which cries out to be expanded to feature length; "Mr. McAllister's Cigarette Holder" by John Allen; and Virginia filmmaker Paul Wagner's "The Congress of Wonders."
So, this year's festival proves that even when things go wrong, it can still be a thoroughly rewarding weekend. The older films are well-chosen and worth seeing again as they were meant to be seen. Anyone who really cares about movies - big-screen, big-sound movies - should make plans for next year, or whenever.
Forget about the theme and the guests. It's your chance to wallow in really good film.
by CNB