For some reason I was expecting the theatre to be completely packed for every film, but I guess I hadn't realized how large the Byrd theatre actually is. I hadn't been to it before, and I was absolutely blown away by its beauty when I walked in. Also, since it was the first night and not a weekend, that might have accounted for some of the attendance. For Un soir au club, director Jean Achache and producer Charles Paviot were present for a discussion after the movie. For me, Un soir au club was one of those movies that I hated because I hated the characters and I hated what happened, but really I enjoyed it. I thought the acting was great, which meant the actors were portraying their characters well--whom I hated. I guess it's a good movie if I'm so wrapped up or emotionally invested in the storyline. After the movie was over, the director and producer got on the stage to answer questions from the audience. Personally, I didn't have any questions, but some people asked questions about particular events in the story, or if the music in the movie was done live (some of it was). It was a bittersweet film because it didn't resolve whatsoever, but it was still very well done (and the director and producer had great English).
After Un soir au club I stayed to see Renoir. I had watched the un-subtitled trailer for Renoir and even though I had no idea what was going on, I still loved the trailer, so I was very excited to see it. Renoir didn't get fantastic reviews everywhere (IMDb has it rated 6.5 out of 10) but after seeing it I can say it's probably one of my favorite movies I've ever seen. By the end of the movie I was sitting on the edge of my seat. I even cried during one part of it. I found myself just so invested in what was happening in the film. The soundtrack was incredible--and available nowhere online, which is quite frustrating--as was the cinematography, and the acting by all of the cast. For me, this was definitely a movie where I couldn't just stop watching at any point...I couldn't not care about what was happening to the characters. I only wish I could find the movie and the soundtrack to own for myself.
From the little bit of the French Film Festival that I experienced, I loved it. It was an atmosphere where everyone had a common interest in a particular medium of quality art.
(Also, sorry this blog post is so late. Between trying to edit my photos, then my computer deleting my photos, and blogger locking me out of my account, it took me a while to finally get this posted)
Here are some photos I managed to recover.
Byrd Theatre
Byrd Theatre
Byrd Theatre
Jean Achache (left), Charles Paviot (middle)
Jean Achache (left), Charles Paviot (middle)
Jean Achache (left), Charles Paviot (middle)
Jean Achache (left), Charles Paviot (middle)
Jean Achache (left), Charles Paviot (middle)
