Michelle's Top Films to See at Sundance 2014
It's hard to believe it's been seven years since I have gone to the Sundance Film Festival. I'm super excited to return to Park City to cover for IMDb. My favorite part of the festival is discovering new filmmakers and talent. It may be hit or miss on some films, but it's always interesting. Here's a list of films that I will definitely check out.
1.
Camp X-Ray
(2014)
A soldier assigned to Guantanamo Bay befriends a man who has been imprisoned there for eight years. (117 mins.)
Director: Peter Sattler
“ I have always been a fan of Kristen Stewart and think her contributions to indie film have been overshadowed by "The Saga". I know that Twi-haters will probably be in an uproar about that statement, but watch Speak, The Runaways, and Into the Wild and then we can debate. I am looking forward to seeing her in this role, which is a true departure from Bella and all things sparkly. ” - IMDb-Editors
2.
Dear White People
(2014)
The lives of four black students at an Ivy League college converge after controversy breaks out due to the ill-conceived theme of the campus humor magazine's annual Halloween party. (100 mins.)
Director: Justin Simien
“ You had me at "Dear White People". Seriously, the first time I heard the title, I literally laughed out loud and added it to my Watchlist. But then, after learning about director Justin Simien's successful Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign, and that he was an alumni of Film Independent's Project:Involve program, it made me want to support the film even more. Definitely checking this one out. ” - IMDb-Editors
3.
Rich Hill
(2014 Documentary)
Rich Hill intimately chronicles the turbulent lives of three boys living in an impoverished Midwestern town and the fragile family bonds that sustain them. (91 mins.)
Director: Andrew Droz Palermo, Tracy Droz Tragos
4.
Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger
(2014 Documentary)
Number 2 on America's Most Wanted list after Osama Bin Laden, James 'Whitey' Bulger terrorized the city of Boston for years without ever being charged with so much as a misdemeanor. Bulger was a monster, murdering over a dozen known victims, but did the FBI and local law enforcement give his reign of terror over South Boston a free pass? (107 mins.)
Director: Joe Berlinger
“ Joe Berlinger is one of my favorite documentarians so this was a no-brainer. And I will see any movie made by the man who made Metallica cry. ” - IMDb-Editors
5.
Infinitely Polar Bear
(2014)
A manic-depressive mess of a father tries to win back his wife by attempting to take full responsibility of their two young, spirited daughters, who don't make the overwhelming task any easier. (90 mins.)
Director: Maya Forbes
“ I know Mark Ruffalo has officially hit the big time now that he's playing a superhero, but I still think of him as an indie film actor. In fact, I think his greatest superpower is the way he can beautifully come undone. I'm looking forward to seeing him as a manic depressive father trying to win back his wife, played by the always lovely Zoe Saldana. ” - IMDb-Editors
6.
Frank
(2014)
Jon, a young wanna-be musician, discovers he's bitten off more than he can chew when he joins an eccentric pop band led by the mysterious and enigmatic Frank. (95 mins.)
Director: Leonard Abrahamson
7.
Hellion
(2014)
When motocross and heavy metal obsessed thirteen-year-old Jacob's increasing delinquent behavior forces CPS to place his little brother... (94 mins.)
Director: Kat Candler
8.
I Origins
(2014)
A molecular biologist and his laboratory partner uncover evidence that may fundamentally change society as we know it. (106 mins.)
Director: Mike Cahill
“ The first time I saw 'Another Earth', I remember watching quietly unsure of exactly what I was seeing, but then was so blown away by the ending that I went back to see it again the next day. It remains one of the films that when if I stumble across it, I get drawn in and can't turn away. And so when I heard Mike Cahill was premiering a new film this year, I knew I had to see it. ” - IMDb-Editors
9.
Imperial Dreams
(2014)
A 21-year-old reformed gangster's devotion to his family and his future is put to the test when he is released from prison and returns to his old stomping grounds in Watts, Los Angeles. (87 mins.)
Director: Malik Vitthal
10.
The One I Love
(2014)
Struggling with a marriage on the brink of falling apart, a couple escapes for a weekend in pursuit of their better selves, only to discover an unusual dilemma that awaits them. (91 mins.)
Director: Charlie McDowell
“ Over the past few years, Mark Duplass has made his way onto my list of favorite actors/filmmakers to look out for. My Sister's Sister and Safety Not Guaranteed are two of my favorites. It should be very interesting to see him play opposite Elisabeth Moss, and I'm also curious to see what role Ted Danson will play in the film. ” - IMDb-Editors