Atlanta Film Festival - Six to see at the Atlanta Film Fest
Reviews and Recommendations Atlanta Film Festival 2009
The People Speak
An adaptation of Howard Zinn’s groundbreaking book, A People’s History of the United States, this documentary brings marginalized voices of U.S. history to the screen. Features live readings and re-enactments from a wide range of performers, including Sean Penn, Don Cheadle, Marisa Tomei, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Rialto Center for the Arts. Opening night, Thurs., April 16, 7:30 p.m.
SqueezeBox
Set during the era of Rudy Giuliani’s thuglike policies toward NYC sex clubs, SqueezeBox chronicles the events at one party that wouldn’t quit. A pansexual event for a decidedly rock ’n’ roll scene, SqueezeBox captures the unapologetic revelry of a nightclub demanding its place in the world. Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. Fri., April 17, 11 p.m.; and Thurs., April 23, 2 p.m.
Gone With the Wind
Frankly my dear, the best damn story of Atlanta that’s ever been told. AFF celebrates the film’s 70th anniversary with screenings and discussions. Fox Theatre. Sun., April 19, 12:30 (sold out), and 7 p.m.
That Evening Sun
Two aging men, and sworn enemies, engage in a slow battle of wills for possession of a farm property in the beautiful Tennessee countryside. Scott Teems of Georgia directs his screenplay adaptation from a short story by William Gay. Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. Sun., April 19, 5:30 p.m.; and Tues., April 21, 4 p.m.
Tyson
The much-maligned heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is portrayed with intimate detail and brutal honesty in this documentary from James Toback. Carefully aware of questions concerning race and class, the film examines Tyson’s unlikely rise and hubristic fall with notions of classical tragedy. Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. Fri., April 24, 7:30 p.m.
Rudo y Cursi
Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna reunite onscreen for the first time since the unforgettable Y Tu Mamá También. Portraying half-brothers who dream of lives outside a banana plantation, the pair is divided by competition when a soccer scout arrives to contract a new player. Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. Closing night, Sat., April 25, 7:30 p.m.