SXSWrap-up
By Sarah Carlson
March 22, 2007
After a week of fun in the sun (or biblical proportions of rain, depending on the day), we’ve returned from South by Southwest in Austin to share our favorite films from the festival.
Erin’s picks for the best films of the festival:
1. "Eagle vs. Shark"
This delightful romcom, from New Zealand-based filmmakers Taika Waititi and Loren Horsley, is an endearing look at two socially awkward adults who find love -- or at the very least, love’s dorky alter ego. Their journey toward happiness is filled with uproarious roadbumps, making “Eagle” (pictured at right) one of the biggest audience pleasers at SXSW.
2. "Truth in Terms of Beauty"
This beautifully shot and relentlessly entertaining documentary about renowned portrait photographer Herman Leonard is a testament to narrative and visual storytelling. Even without examples of Leonard’s breathtaking work, the anecdotes he relays about his extraordinary life are mesmerizing on their own.
3. "Confessions of a Superhero"
“Superhero,” a documentary about the costumed panhandlers on Hollywood Boulevard, delves beyond the so-called freak show and into the lives of those who dot the famed intersection. In a film that could have gone for cheap laughs, it’s surprisingly illuminating. (Pictured at left is Christopher Dennis, aka Superman.)
4. "Helvetica"
This documentary isn’t just for design nerds; it’s an oddly entertaining look at the fonts that are necessary but unnoticed in our everyday lives.
5. "Diggers"
Written by “The State” alum Ken Marino and starring Paul Rudd and Ron Eldard, “Diggers” is a poignant look at the lives of Long Island clam diggers.
Scroll down to read mini-reviews of some of the festival's biggest films.
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