FILM FORM: Sundance 2010

This year there was a strong push to bring the festival back to its roots and keep the focus on the films rather than the scene that transpires around it. While it goes without saying that every year brings a fresh crop of amazing filmmakers and established stars; for me, this year was extra special because I actually went and saw the films, so mission accomplished. Although I didn't get to see everything on my list, what follows is an edited list of some of my favorite films. And yes, I did go to some great parties and events as well, but the films overshadowed them by far. St.Tula would be proud.

BLUE VALENTINE

Quiet and raw, Blue Valentine is sure to be one of the hits out of this years Sundance. The film stars Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling as a young couple (Cindy and Dean) whose relationship has deteriorated over the years, from love lost and found and emotions buried beneath desire and longing for something other. Directed by Derek Cianfrance and co-written by Gianfrance, Joey Curtis and Cami Delavigne. Produced by Jamie Patricof, Lynette Howell and Alex Orlovsky.

HOLY ROLLERS

Based on true events that transpired in Brooklyn in 1998 during a 6-month period, Holy Rollers stars Jesse Eisenberg as Sam Gold, a young Hasid who finds himself involved in the world of international drug trafficking. One of a number of Hasidic Jews that were recruited as mules to smuggle ecstasy from Europe to the US, Sam is initiated by his neighbor played by Justin Bartha, into a world unfamiliar and enticing, filled with the clichés of money, drugs and women. Directed by Kevin Asch. Produced by Danny Abeckesar, Tory Tunnell, Jen Gatien, and Per Melita.

HOWL

Originally written as a performance piece, but later published by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti of City Lights Books, Allen Ginsburg's Howl became the most well known poem to come out of the Beat Generation. James Franco plays Ginsburg in this beautifully recounted telling of the trial that deemed the book obscene in October of 1957. The film weaves its way with black and white sequences as well as animation and a voice over of the poem itself, following events that occurred during, prior and following the trial. Jon Hamm plays Jake Ehrlich, the defense lawyer for Ferlinghetti who delivers one of the film's most astounding monologues on censorship and freedom of speech. Directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman.

CATFISH

Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, Catfish was one of the most talked about documentaries at this year's festival. The film follows the relationship between a 24-year-old New York based photographer and a young 8-year-old from rural Michigan who develop a friendship after she contacts him online to get permission to paint one of his photographs. Subsequently, a relationship develops between the photographer and the young girl's older sister, Megan, prompting him and his friends to embark on a road trip with a surprise ending to meet Megan, a musician and model.

WOMEN WITHOUT MEN

Photographer and video artist Shirin Neshat makes her directorial debut with a film set against the backdrop of Iran's August 1953 CIA-led, British backed coup d'etat that brought down the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh and reinstalled the Shah to power. Women Without Men is an adaptation of Shahrnush Parsipur's novel that chronicles the intertwining lives of four women during a four day period at a time that would change Iran forever.

CYRUS

This quirky and darkly funny film follows John (John C Reilly) as he embarks on a new romance with Molly (Marisa Tomei) all the while dodging curveballs from her 21-year-old son Cyrus (Jonah Hill) who shares an unconventional and very protective relationship with his mom. Still single seven years out of his marriage to Jamie (Catherine Keener) and watching her remarry, John has finally met someone who appreciates his blunt, sometimes awkward honesty and he and Molly take off with a running start. The film creates a quiet tension that builds and builds in the relationship between Cyrus and John. Directed by Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass. Produced by Tony Scott and Ridley Scott.

I'M HERE

There was much buzz about Spike Jonze's 30-minute short film I'm Here, a love story set in Los Angeles. The beautifully done Shel Silverstein inspired film starring Andrew Garfield and Sienna Guillory tells a special effects laden modern day love story loosely based on The Giving Tree. With his special effects crew in full effect the film was quickly picked up by IFC.

JACK GOES BOATING

Philip Seymour Hoffman rarely disappoints. He made his directorial debut at this years festival with Jack Goes Boating, a quiet intimate story of love, betrayal and friendship centered around two working-class New York City couples. The film stars John Ortiz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Amy Ryan and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

THE TILLMAN STORY

Pat Tillman's story has by now become one of legend, told, retold, and resold. It is only with this documentary that the truth really unfolds. The young man, who gave up a professional career in football to join the Army Rangers in 2002, became a fast symbol of American patriotic pride but the man behind the image, created mostly by the government following his death, was much quieter, more complex and a hero in ways the government did not appreciate. An unflinching desire for honesty and truth overwhelms this well-told documentary with the help of Pat's family. Directed by Amir Bar-Levy. Produced by John Battsek.

WELCOME TO THE RILEY'S

Directed by Jake Scott, Welcome To The Riley's follows Doug and Lois Riley (James Gandolfini and Melissa Leo) after the death of their 15-year-old daughter. While at a business convention in New Orleans, Doug meets Mallory (Kristen Stewart) a young girl working in a strip club to pay her bills. With that ensues a desire to reconcile between the Riley's and all that they have lost and inevitably find.