SXSW 2011: Day Six
Light day, schedule wise. I was going to see two screenings, but only ended up making the world premiere of The Beaver. I really do want to see The Innkeepers, but with a three-hour gap and a less-than-pleasant experience as an audience member, I wasn't up for dealing with crowds for three more hours.
The Beaver is the story of a man (Mel Gibson) coping with major depression through a puppet. Screenwriter Kyle Killen is an Austinite, and his "quirky" script topped the Black List, which showcases the best unproduced screenplays. Director and co-star Jodie Foster and actor Anton Yelchin came to town for the screening, with Foster flying in from the Paris set of her latest film, Carnage. Deflecting the issue of scandals surrounding Gibson, Foster focused on the film and the script. Jette interviewed Killen for SXSWorld magazine, so pick up a copy to read more about him; you can find them at ACC, and conveniently just outside the Vimeo theater.
Which brings me to a rant that’s been simmering all fest. There is a point in the second half in any festival (and SXSW Film in particular) when exhaustion makes people cranky and patience wears thin. I've reached that point with SXSW film audiences, and what’s usually isolated instances in years past seems to be the norm this year. I've never been patient when it comes to theater etiquette, as I’ve been spoiled by Austin audiences for years. Too many screenings feel like I'm in a theater far away from my beloved film geeks.
The last straws that broke this camel's back were dropped at the world premiere of The Beaver. The picture above shows how many phones and cameras were out during the Q&A but there were still quite a few phones visible all through the screening, like little malevolent stars in the cinematic night sky.
This years SXSW does not feel like the typical Austin film audience, which is usually the case. While I liked The Beaver, I probably would have liked it more if I wasn't continuously getting distracted by wrappers, phone screens, slow-strolling security, talking, and even a grumbling stomach in the row in front of me (which is the only forgiveable transgression in the bunch). I know many people in attendance, many locals, and some from out of town, and all are film geeks who (usually) practice and preach considerate theater etiquette, because they want an enjoyable experience as much as you do. I suppose there must be a lot of newbies at SXSW this year, so here are the top five things you should know when you're at an Austin film screening:
- Taking pictures or video once the house lights go down is never OK, even if it’s a Harmony Korine introduction. Kinda like taking pictures of people in a restroom.
- You may think you’re blocking the light when checking your phone, but you're not. Everyone behind you sees it.
- Taking a call behind the curtains at the Paramount means everyone for several rows hears every word you say.
- Unwrapping food in a theater for five minutes is punishable by death. Or should be. As well as jingling coins.
- Unless you’re telling your companion your appendix or your water burst, shut up until at least the closing credits.
- Bonus: Q&As are for questions (and answers), not audience rants, confrontations, political statements or lewd remarks. Please be polite to the guests in attendance; they are guests of SXSW and Austin.
I could go on, but you get the point (and if not, you can read The Theatergoer's Primer). Please stop ruining it for everyone else.
Anyway. Back to the good stuff. Tomorrow is the second screening of Apart, which was filmed here in Texas. Apart is an intricate, ambitious debut for director Aaron Rottinghaus, starring Josh Danziger. Thursday’s buzz screening tomorrow afternoon is The Sound of My Voice, so I will probably be hightailing it over there,as I’ve heard nothing but good things about the thriller. Which means I’ll make Charlie Casanova, and then brave downtown again for the regional premiere of Attenberg by an associate producer of 2010 SXSW selection (and Academy Award nominee) Dogtooth. Athina Rachel Tsangari -- who will be in attendance -- has been an instructor at UT, a past Texas Filmmakers Production Fund recipient, and an Executive Producer on Lovers of Hate. It’s a small world, SXSW, isn’t it?