The greatest film festival in the U.S. is now happening in Seattle. The line outside one its most prominent venues, the majestic Egyptian, wraps around the corner of Harvard. Film fans, both new and seasoned, eagerly await the showing of “The Concert.” You can tell the more experienced in the line because they come prepared with books to read and other things to keep them occupied before the doors open to let them in. The waits can be long.
The 2010 Seattle International Film Festival may not actually be the “greatest,” however; it does go on record as the biggest. It runs the span of 25 days and includes over 400 films. It honors great classic films like the 1916 classic “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” with a new score written and performed live by Stephin Merritt of The Magnetic Fields. New films like the Alan Ginsberg biopic “Howl” starring everybody’s new Hollywood crush James Franco as well as a slew of new features from around the world. This year’s tribute goes to two-time Oscar nominee Edward Norton from “American History X” and “Fight Club.” He will be honored at the showing of his new film, “Leaves of Grass,” at the Egyptian on June 4 at 7 p.m.
The festival kicked off May 20 with the showing of “The Extra Man.” I am out on Sunday afternoon and I walk by the quickly gathering line at the Egyptian. Why do these film fans seem different from those you might encounter outside of Pacific Place (where some SIFF films will actually be showing) waiting to see the latest sequel or reboot? The people in this line have expressions that are more thoughtful, dare I say it intellectual? Film festival films are serious business.
I’ve always been a film lover. Film theories were part of my course work while in college. I remember sitting in a cozy college theater watching Howard Hawks’ “Red River” for the first time. John Wayne was a classic, sturdy figure and Montgomery Clift’s performance was captivating. It was the first time I’d seen them both on a big screen. Were my fellow students seeing this? Were they feeling this? During that semester we also viewed “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” and (for some weird reason) “Young Einstein” starring Yahoo Serious. I aced the course.
A couple semesters later, in yet another film theories class (we can’t all study to be engineers), I wrote a thesis on the works of film director Ridley Scott. Professor Toni Perrine chose the subject. She really knew her films and it was an honor to be her student. I remember watching a special showing of “Thelma and Louise” at the student cinema and renting “Black Rain” with Andy Garcia. My roommates, one studying physical therapy and the other going into the education scoffed at my course work. I don’t really blame them, but I did love my class. Watching a movie for something in addition to its entertainment value is an experience that will always be special for me. I aced this course, too.
When I attend a film at a film festival, that feeling returns. I remember being that student, a young neophyte soaking up the glorious lights that emanate from the large screen. The dialog, the action, the scenery all come together and not only transport me, but also transform me. Seattle is a prime place for a film festival of this girth. Yes, these fellow moviegoers do see this, they do feel this.
These movies indeed cater to unique tastes and special interests. Independent and foreign films (I love Spanish films and this year Spain is the is the spotlight country) take on a more urgent tone because this is more than likely the only time they will shine on a big movie screen, which is where they belong. No amount of new technology will or should ever change that. Whatever you choose, it’s bound to be a once and a lifetime experience. And this does matter. According to Ed, standing in line at the Egyptian, “The theater is filled with your film friends and it’s electric.” It matters to die-hard film fans and especially the filmmakers.
Outside Harvard Exit, I spoke briefly to Rebecca who is studying at Seattle Central and wants to focus on film, “My dream is to debut my film here at SIFF. The excitement is encouraging to those of us studying filmmaking.” SIFF encourages the art of truly creative filmmaking and allows it to grow and prosper. Often film fans, filmmaker and even film actor share the theater together. This makes the experience transcendent.
Besides the Egyptian, SIFF is showing at Harvard Exit, Neptune in the U District, and of course the SIFF Cinema among others. Some of the historic venues add to allure of the festival going experience. The charming décor of the Neptune, Harvard Exit, and Egyptian theaters are shows within themselves. These special films just add to experience. “Films are about all our amazing lives,” the young film student remarks as the passholders line she is in is ushered into the Harvard Exit to watch “Bass Ackwards.”
Jessica is a film lover who has watched 15 SIFF films so far. “We’re so lucky to have the largest film festival in our own backyard.” She believes SIFF is wonderful because it allow us to “expand horizons and (an) opportunity to grow and… view the art of all these filmmakers.” She encourages people to not be scared, “jump in, and go see a movie, pick a time that works for you and see something new.” She especially encourages people to attend a viewing on Capitol Hill. She then rushes off to the Harvard Exit to see an evening showing of “Alamar.”
