This makes it quite different from other festivals that show only the latest films, in EbertFest (as it is known on campus), there are silents (“the Eagle”) all the way up to the latest Sundance movie (“Man Push Cart”). Everything is shown at the Virginia theatre, a huge auditorium at the heart of campus. The one overriding theme of the festival is Ebert himself - he introduces each film, does a Q/A afterward with various people involved with the film, and of course, every film has been handpicked by him.
Not only does the festival have screenings, but panels, book signings, and special interviews. Independent filmmaking is the prevalent theme in these panels, as filmmakers, producers, distributors, and Ebert discussed methods of production and distribution. These panels were all held during the mornings, leaving the afternoon and evenings for the films. One of these films was the highlight of the festival, a screening of “Ripley’s Game.”
“Ripley’s Game” was one of the most anticipated films of the festival, because it had never been release theatrically in the United States. It proved to be an engrossing thriller, obsessed with beauty and the evil that lurks around it, including Ripley, played by John Malkovich. Ripley is a character who has appeared in five movies, and played by such disparate actors as Matt Damon and Dennis Hopper. Malkovich is probably the best choice for the role – he is very charming, but it is clear he can commit murders at a moments notice.
John Malkovich appeared on stage after the screening, along with the film’s producer Russell Smith, and Ebert. Malkovich appeared to be very similar to the caricature he played in “Being John Malkovich” - smart, funny, and just a little pretentious. He was decked out in white shirt and pants, complete with a beret. He and Smith were very forthright in their question and answer session, even criticizing some of the editing while at other times praising the director.
The rest of the films were almost as interesting, with the guests including directors, actors, and even film restorers. Ebert preserved till the last films, bringing the festival to a close with a screening of “Bad Santa”. And then the theater emptied, and the film buffs scattered – some headed to Steak and Shake, where Ebert held court – talking about what else – the movies.
• Alex Mechlin writes on the first of every month, exclusively in Lumino Magazine.
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