Opening Night
Thursday, Aptil 16th
Opening night has really changed over the years I've been going to the festival. They'd usually schedule an interesting film and have a slight upcharge for the ticket price. However, they have recently started making a huge event out of opening night. The price is now $50 and there is a after party. They rent out the Rialto Center for Performing Arts and turn it into a huge celebration.
This year's opening film was The People Speak (***), which is based on Howard Zinn's writings. Zinn is clearly a controversial figure and if you don't like him, then you won't like the movie. The opening monologue sets that tone as Zinn gives his views on modern politics. I thought this was a poor decision since it will alienate potential viewers that may have found the rest of the film interesting. After Zinn's monologue, he begins giving his own perspective on American politics, decrying the "safe" history that is taught in schools. This is interspersed with some well known actors/singers (Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Danny Glover, Josh Brolin, Marisa Tomei Eddie Vedder) performing monologues from historical figures. The best was verteran indie actor David Strathairn's reading of a famous courtroom speech by John Brown. Overall it was a pretty interesting film after the rocky start, and gives a fresh perspective on historical events.
There was a Q&A after the movie, which included appearances by Howard Zinn, Josh Brolin, Jasmine Guy, and Eddie Vedder. Also, Congressman John Lewis was in attendance. It was definitely an interesting start to the festival.
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