Film

Blow Up

by Andy Spletzer

First off, apologies to David Russo for not mentioning his script reading in last week's column. I'll have you know it was not because it was sanctioned by the distaff mafia of Richard Hugo House. For some reason, my head transposed July 30 and August 30, which made me believe I had a month to prepare for what I was going to say. And what was I going to say? Having read and enjoyed an early draft of his script, I so wanted to encourage people to experience the janitorial joys and biotechnological terror of his piece, which is called #2. You might have heard of Russo when his latest wonderfully artistic short film, Pan with Us, received honorable mention at the last Sundance Film Festival. Or perhaps you heard how he was one of Filmmaker magazine's 25 New Faces of Indie Film. Well, I predict you will continue to keep hearing about him, and not just from me.

Anyway, this week over at the Rendezvous there will be some programs of short videos by people who haven't put in nearly the amount of time or effort that Mr. Russo has in his esteemed career. On Thursday and Friday (July 31-Aug 1), the people of Viveza Gallery on Western Avenue will host the Viveza Friend Film Festival 2003. From the press release, it sounds like an open screening of sorts, with friends of the gallery putting together films and videos for the sole purpose of entertaining the masses. Then on Thursday (Aug 7), Todd Redenius takes control of the space to premiere his new short video The Man Who Lived Twice. Though it aspires to more than it achieves, it's got that great feeling of friends getting together to make a movie. Because it may inspire others to do the same I'll recommend it, especially because the admission is free.

Having seen a skeleton schedule of the August Rendezvous calendar, I noticed that Erik Larson is starting a new series of Shining Moment Films on Wednesdays. (Erik, please e-mail me a schedule!) He tends to show quality classics, so odds are whatever he's showing on August 6 is of indisputable excellence. There are, of course, other quality classics showing in town. The Grand Illusion is playing Sullivan's Travels for a week, which you may know as the movie that inspired the Coen brothers' O Brother, Where Art Thou?. On Saturday, Fremont Outdoor Movies will be playing The Invisible Man, with Jet City Improv replacing the dialog with their own witty bons mots. On Monday, EMP's JBL Theater is hosting a "meal and a movie" benefit with the classic comedy Some Like It Hot.

Last but not least is a version of a classic film that all will enjoy, even though it's not being projected. For two consecutive weekends, the Little Theatre is hosting a live theatrical version of Kathryn Bigelow's Point Break. Even though I'm not a big fan of theater, this is one production I don't want to miss.

andy@thestranger.co