The 66th SFFilm Festival concludes today, with screenings through this evening. We wrap up our Fest coverage with two final spotlights for you: Here’s a look at a documentary and a feature film that have been playing the film festival circuit, but may receive theatrical distribution.
1.) Joan Baez I am a Noise
(Documentaries: USA. 109 min.)
Legendary folk singer Joan Baez, now in her 80s, surely deserves a better documentary about her life and long career than this fawning attempt by PBS Frontline filmmakers Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle, and Karen O’Connor. The picture is little more than a glorified vanity project, and at times is almost uncomfortable to watch. Baez recollects childhood memories in a way that comes across as bitter and an attempt to settle scores. Baez led an incredible life, but the filmmakers jump from one moment to the next without enough narrative punch to engage us or make us care. Odd directorial choices, including a cringe-inducing final scene, do nothing to enhance Baez’s reputation.
– Currently playing film festivals; wider distribution TBD.
2.) Love & Mathematics
(Narratives: International. 82 min. In Spanish with English subtitles.)
Mexican actor Roberto Quijano won a Best Actor prize at last year’s Havana Film Festival in New York, and after viewing this subtly amusing comedy, you’ll understand why. Quijano plays Billy, a former member of a Menudo-like boy band now settled into mostly anonymous domestic tranquility as a married stay-at-home dad to an infant son. But as in all great suburban comedies, life may not be as tranquil for Billy as it initially seems. A connection with his neighbor Monica (Diana Bovio), still a super fan of his band, stirs Billy out of his house husband lethargy and reignites his creative side. Bovio and Quijano share a terrific, droll chemistry, and their scenes together crackle with humor and pathos. A side story about Billy’s dog – much beloved by his wife – adds to the film’s wryly sharp observations about idealized family life.
– Currently playing film festivals; wider distribution TBD.
