MIFF: Second Instalment

The run is likely to end soon, but 6 films into MIFF this year and I haven't disliked a film yet!

United 93 - the Paul Greengrass S11 film was compelling and interesting - although a work of fiction based on historical events, it certainly has the air of truth about it, helped by many people playing themselves (air traffic controllers, bureaucrats, etc). An interesting film, well worth seeing.

Invisible Waves - set in Hong Kong and China, the lead character is a Japanese man and the dialogue is about 50% in heavily accented English. It is sort of a gangster film sort of a revenge movie and sort of a comedy. And it's shot by Christopher Doyle, so of course there are plenty of beautiful, slow shots. I liked it quite a lot actually, but I can see others finding it pretentious and/or boring.

Thank You For Smoking - funny, smart, slick. And a genuinely independent (ie. non-studio) film. Introduced by the director, Jason Reitman, who also did a Q&A afterwards (at which I asked a question). Recommended - a lot of fun.

Once in a Lifetime - doco about a New York soccer team in the 70s and 80s - a mogul developed an interest in soccer and recruited superstars to join a new team he formed as part of a tiny pro-soccer league. A great subject, some great interviewees but not a particularly well-made film. Enjoyable nevertheless.

I missed A Scanner Darkly due to a blinding headache yesterday, but am looking forward to seeing it at the second screening.