SXSW Preview: Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On

Even though nearly all the films have three scheduled screenings, I can already anticipate missing out on some on my priority list due to conflicting schedules. Also, I’m trying to pace myself nowadays so I don’t drop dead from exhaustion after the first weekend: I’m not as young as I think I am. And I’m also writing for another outlet these days, so I’ll be reviewing a bunch of films that won’t appear in these pages.

Nonetheless, here are 20 titles that have initially caught my eye, listed alphabetically.

American Teen (SXSW page)

Billed as a superficial but fascinating stereotypical “high school life” doc at Sundance, this one oddly only has one screening on Saturday afternoon, so looks like it’s here only to try and build buzz.

Baghead (SXSW page)

The Duplass Brothers’ second feature after The Puffy Chair has a neat premise four fledging filmmakers try to complete a script while holed up in a cabin in the woods when a mysterious, possibly murderous man with a bag on his head appears. Possibly the first Mumblecore light horror?

Choke (SXSW page)

Underwhelmed many at Sundance, yet Sam Rockwell’s performance drew interest.

Dreams with Sharp Teeth (SXSW page)

Doc on Harlan Ellison, probably my favorite and most inspirational writer. Even in his 70s, he’s bound to be pugnacious and magnetic on screen.

Explicit Ills (SXSW page)
Synopsis is simple ("Young love, drugs and poverty collide in the city of Philadelphia creating a beautiful tale of hope and the power of coming together") but the cast, including Paul Dano, Rosario Dawson, and Lou Taylor Pucci intrigues.

Here is What Is (SXSW page)

Daniel Lanois!

Humboldt County (SXSW page)

Marijuana farmers, California’s “lost coast,” Brad Dourif, and director Peter Bogdonovich acting.

Joy Division (SXSW page)

One of the formative bands of my youth, so I’ll continue to see everything I possibly can on them.

Mister Foe (SXSW page)

I’m seduced by the cast more than the voyeuristic angle of the story: Jamie Bell, Ciaran Hinds, Sophia Myles, Claire Forlani.

Mongol (SXSW page)

Seems like a must see on the big screen, though my expectations have been lowered by recent reviews.

A Necessary Death (SXSW page)

Sensation-mongering synopsis ("Documentary Filmmaker looking for suicidal individual to follow from first preparation to final act"), yet the trailer indicates it may not be as broad as the ad.

Nights and Weekends (SXSW page)

Having just caught up with Joe Swanberg’s Kissing on the Mouth and LOL (one I liked, one I didn’t), I’m curious to see what the Mumblecore wunderkind has come up with in collaboration with Greta Gerwig.

One Minute to Nine (SXSW page)

Filmmaker Tommy Davis was nice enough to send a screener in advance, which is why you’ll see a review shortly. But I was intrigued by the trailer.

Not Another Bigfoot Movie (SXSW page)

I dearly hope this doc about two amateur bigfoot researchers blazes its own trail.

My Effortless Brilliance (SXSW page)

A novelist and his friends on an “awkward weekend” with “deftly improved” performances. Could be a disaster or could be subtly brilliant.

Registered Sex Offender (SXSW page)

Sex offender released from prison. Didn’t sound like my cup of tea until I saw it was programmed in the “‘Round Midnight” section, so I’m hoping it has some unexpected edge to it.

Southern Gothic (SXSW page)

Small Southern town named Redemption, strip club, William Forsythe as “a ruthless, psychotic preacher on a bloody crusade.” Of course I’m there!

Tulia, Texas (SXSW page)

Small Texas town, drugs, happy white citizens, imprisoned black suspects. A documentary.

Up With Me (SXSW page)

Harlem teenager, upstate boarding school, drugs, loyalty. A narrative feature.

The Wrecking Crew (SXSW page)

Anonymous backing band behind many of the 60s purest pop songs. Heard about them, never read much about them.