Apologies for the belated South by Southwest 2013 update from Austin today. If it’s any indication of how busy today is, I’m having to write this on my phone as I make my way to my next film. As such, I’ll keep this short and sweet.
Yesterday I kicked off my day with M. Blash’s latest directorial effort, The Wait. The film stars Chloe Sevigny and Jena Malone as sisters whose mother dies just as they get a phone call from a psychic informing them that she will be resurrected. The film is a visual masterpiece and explores ideas of being burdened with the past in the face of living in the moment. It also has an absolutely mind blowing score.
Next up was Milo. It stars Ken Marino as who thinks stress is causing him stomach pains when in fact his colon is the brand new home of a butt demon. As absurd as this film sounds, and it is absurd, it plays it hilariously straight and never overindulges in an idea that almost begs for it. A wonderful cast including Gillian Jacobs, Stephen Root and Patrick Warburton combined with some bloody yet endearing creature effects make this a definite must see.
I ended last night with the absolute incredible You’re Next. Starring Sharni Vinson, the film starts as a home invasion thriller that ends up being a bloody action-packed revenge film. Vinson is remarkable in the role. The film has sadly been sitting in Lionsgate’s shelves for almost two years, so it’s nice to see it finally seeing the light of day.
Today I have already seen quite possibly my favorite film of the entire festival so far, Rewind This! It is a documentary exploring the history of VHS as well as taking a look at the collector’s culture that is keeping it alive today. It’s a nostalgic love letter to the format and had me pining for the days of yore. Absolutely wonderful.
Next up, I honestly don’t know. I’m gonna play film roulette and just pick something. Should be fun. I hope.
After the experiment I’ll be seeing the Kathleeb Hanna documentary, The Punk Singer. I’ve been a fan of Hanna’s for over half my life and am quite looking forward to an in depth look at life and artistic career.
Ending the night is one of my most anticipated films of not just SXSW, but of the entire year. That film is Rob Zombie’s Lords of Salem. In it, a radio DJ plays a mysterious record that causes the witches of Salem’s past to rise and seek revenge for the town’s past transgressions against them. I can not wait.
Only two more days left after today. Excited to see what else lies in store.
SXSW 2013 Day 3: Lines Begin to Blur
SXSW 2013 Day 2: Austin Electric Bugaloo
