Tribeca Film Festival 2011: What to Watch

Pablo Paniagua
Eduardo Noriega in “Blackthorn”

Celebrating its tenth year, the Tribeca Film Festival begins tonight and runs until May 1. Over the course of 11 days, 93 feature films will be shown as well as 60 shorts: that’s 153 curtains.

To ease some of the burden for festival goers, Speakeasy has previewed the films, trailers and featurettes available to us to offer up educated advice on the most promising offerings. Because–and it’s just us talking here, right?–there are only so many hours you can sit in the dark with strangers.

Here are our picks, in alphabetical order:

“The Bang Bang Club”

Ryan Phillippe shares the screen with “Friday Night Lights” star Taylor Kitsch, who lost 35 pounds to play real-life photographer Kevin Carter. Based on the book “The Bang Bang Club: Snapshots from a Hidden War” by Greg Marinovich (played by Phillippe) and Joao Silva (portrayed by actor Neels Van Jaarsveld) the 106-minute film documents the first free elections in post-Apartheid South Africa, along with the violence and brutal murders that took place.

Bottom Line: This is a violent film, sometimes extremely so. But it also gives the viewers a peek into the lives of photojournalists during a dramatic time in history.

“Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest”

Remember when New York was gritty? So does Michael Rapaport, who directed the 98-minute documentary on the trials and tribulations of “A Tribe Called Quest” that received praise at Sundance earlier this year.

Bottom Line: Fans who have followed this group through their late 1990s breakup to their 2006 reunion and beyond will likely be fascinated by the behind-the-scenes access and the concert footage featured in the film.

“Blackthorn”

There’s nothing like the Bolivian desert – or so Butch Cassidy thinks. According to director Mateo Gil, Cassidy didn’t die in the rumored Bolivian military standoff. He’s still very much alive and living as James Blackthorn (Sam Shepard) in the Bolivian mountains.

Bottom Line: “Blackthorn” serves as Gil’s English-language debut, and he will likely hold on to fans who admired his past projects such as Alejandro Amenábar’s “Thesis” (which he co-wrote) as well as “Open Your Eyes” (which was later remade as “Vanilla Sky”).

“Detachment”

It’s Adrien Brody’s comeback. He plays a substitute teacher who walks a thin line between living his own life and struggling with the problems of the universe. The 100-minute film stars Lucy Liu, James Caan, Blythe Danner and William Petersen with Tony Kaye (“American History X”) directing.

Bottom Line: This psychological film is up for sale in Tribeca’s marketplace and hasn’t yet been screened for critics so it’s anyone’s guess how worthwhile it is.

“Gnarr”

Remember Eyjafjallajökull, the Icelandic volcano that erupted in 2010? So does Jon Gnarr, the comedian turned mayor of Reykjavik. It happened during the creation of The Best Party, the political party he formed and later used to seize control of the capital.

Bottom Line: It’s a laughter-filled subtitled documentary that champions that idea that it you can imagine something, you can make it happen.

“Last Night”

Joanna (Keira Knightley) and Michael Reed (Sam Worthington) may or may not cheat on each other in this film. They’ve been married for seven years and like most couples have gone through good and bad. Massy Tadjedin serves as the film’s writer and director.

Bottom Line: This is a film that aims to give a smart, modern take on the everyday temptations and jealousies that plague relationships.

“Marathon Boy”

Over the course of five years, director Gemma Atwal follows four-year-old Budhia, whose particular talent is long-distance running. Inevitably, the child breaks down in a 65K run. A tsunami of public outrage follows.

Bottom Line: A documentary that hopes to show how far people can push themselves–and whether the achievement is worth the price.

“A Matter of Taste”

The rise and fall of Paul Liebrandt, who was the youngest chef (at 24) to receive a three star review from “The New York Times” on to later be debunked to two stars. In a real-life “Ratatouille,” the film charts Liebrandt’s career over a decade and provides foodies with plenty of sweeping and illustrious shots.

Bottom Line: It’s an all-access pass to hot kitchens and lots of amuse-bouches.

“Splinters”

The beach offers a way out of poverty for the surfers of Papua New Guinea. Both men and women train for the Papua New Guinea National Surfing Titles, which offers a chance to surf with world-class sponsored Australian pros. But it’s more than riding waves. Women’s issues and economic development are openly talked about in this 95-minute documentary.

Bottom Line: First time director Adam Pesce traveled to the remote seaside village of Vanimo determined to make a film about more than just the sport. The result is an intriguing look into a culture many outsiders know little about.

“The Union”

For Tribeca’s opening night, Cameron Crowe takes audiences behind-the-scenes of Leon Russell and Elton John collaborative new album “Elton John/Leon Russell/The Union” which was produced by T Bone Burnett.

Bottom Line: John claims that Russell influenced him more than any other pianist and vocalist. Fans can watch the film and decide for themselves.

  • Email
  • Printer Friendly
  •  

Add a Comment

We welcome thoughtful comments from readers. Please comply with our guidelines. Our blogs do not require the use of your real name.

About Speakeasy

Snapshots

  • Dressed to Kilt, the Scottish -themed fashion show that’s become one of the more bizarre events on New York’s annual social calendar, was held last night. This year had a country music theme. A look at some of the fashion.View Slideshow

  • The 46th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards are being held tonight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. On hand are such stars as Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker and actress-swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker. A look at some of the photos of the night.View Slideshow

  • The 46th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards are being held tonight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. On hand are such stars as Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker and actress-swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker. A look at some of the photos of the night.View Slideshow