Home » Blogs » Jenn Brown's blog

Movies This Week: The White Shutter Shorts

By Jenn Brown on February 19, 2010 - 1:00pm in

It's another slow release week, with the Olympics stealing the attention of most potential audience members, and with many limited-release films yet to make their way to Austin. Still, there are choices, and diverse ones at that. 

2010 Oscar Shorts Live Action Program -- The annual programming of the two Oscar shorts reels at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar is very popular, giving local cineastes a chance to see the shorts that might not have played local festivals.  The Live Action program tends to be more serious.  The 92 minute reel includes five 17-20 minute shorts from around the globe. (Alamo Lamar)

2010 Oscar Shorts: Animated Program -- While both Oscar shorts reels are popular, the animated reel is usually more so, not just because it's animated but because it's generally sillier. This year's 80-minute reel includes five films including one with no dialogue. If you go, don't wait until the last minute to get your favorite seat, or you'll likely be disappointed.  (Alamo Lamar)

Shutter Island -- I was impressed with the rough cut at BNAT, but I'm not sure what's changed since December. Thankfully it's not The Departed, although it does get too clever at times. Still, it's visually gorgeous, and there is one particular scene with essentially headshots that is a lot more interesting than it has a right to be. Read Jette's review to find out more. (wide)

The White Ribbon -- Oscar-nominated 144 minutes of drying paint masquerading as thoughtful filmmaking on the ugly underbelly of a seemingly bucolic German village prior to WWI. More details are in my review.  (Arbor)

Celine: Through the Eyes of the World -- Apparently there are people who might want to see a Celine tour doc. Apparently not many in Austin, since it's only on one screen and plays only once daily, so you Celine-heads out there, check the local listings. (Regal Gateway)

Check our event calendar for special film events, and our personal picks below. Don't forget you can always alert us to special screenings, new film series, etc.

Jette -- Wallace and Gromit, dude (as part of the Oscar-nominated animated shorts). Is there anything else worth seeing?

Debbie -- I'm conflicted -- I really want to see Shutter Island again, but lasting visions from this week's screening kept me up late. Recommend for a matinee viewing.