volume 7, number 4 April 2002
New Mexico's Premier Food, Arts and Lifestyle Magazine

If you've never been to a film festival, it can seem like a daunting affair. So many movies, so many guests. How do you decide what to see? The answer is simple: Go see something, anything. You can't lose. Pick a film at random. The point of a film festival is to discover something new.

If you're thinking of heading to the Taos Talking Picture Festival (April 11-14) and are still looking for some direction, I'll let you in on a secret: If you've looked through the catalogue, checked out the Web site (www.ttpix.com) and you still can't decide what to see, all you have to do is listen. Chat up your neighbors at a local coffeehouse or ask folks at one of the many festival parties. Everyone will be more than happy to share information on what films they've seen and loved.

If, however, you're looking for a few highlights amid the 29 features, ten documentaries and seven shorts programs, here are my top Taos Talking Picture picks:

Susan Sarandon Tribute—The five-time Academy Award-nominee will be in Taos to receive the Maverick Award, saluting those who have maintained their independent spirit in Hollywood. As a fearless actress, an outspoken advocate and a sex symbol for more than 30 years, Sarandon certainly qualifies. She will be introducing a "surprise screening." Could it be one of her new films (the much-anticipated Banger Sisters perhaps?) or one of her classics (Atlantic City is one of my faves). Taos Community Auditorium, April 13, 11:30am.

The Talking Couch—Filmmaker Chris Eyre (Smoke Signals), comedian Drew Lapaca and actor-director Gary Farmer (Powwow Highway) will join forces for this clever, "Mystery Science Theater"-style presentation. Together, the trio will lampoon the assorted representations of Indians that the studios and networks have sent our way. Covering clips from Buster Keaton to Dances With Wolves, the show is sure to feature some poignant criticism and pointed laughs. Taos Convention Center, April 13, 2pm.

Brother From Another Planet —This shot-on-a-shoestring social satire was director John Sayles breakout hit. Made back in 1986, the film follows a dark-skinned space alien (Joe Morton) who ends up stranded in Harlem. Sayles himself (whose résumé includes Matewan, Lone Star and Eight Men Out) will be on hand to introduce the film. Storyteller Cinema, April 13, 11:45am.

Mother Ghost—Radio D.J. Mark Thompson (of "The Mark and Brian Show") wrote and stars in this comedy about an absent-minded man who seeks help from a radio psychologist (Kevin Pollack) after visiting his mother's grave. Soon, the whole town is absorbed in his tale of love and loss. Thompson and actress Dana Delany (who plays his wife) will be there for this world premiere. Taos Community Auditorium, March 12, 4:15pm.

Rare Birds—This romantic comedy from Oscar-nominated director Sturla Gunnarsson stars William Hurt (who will attend, schedule permitting). The story tells of a down-and-out restaurateur (Hurt) who is convinced to join in a mad scheme, fabricating a sighting of an extremely rare duck in hopes of luring ornithologists to their remote Newfoundland fishing village.

Devin D. O'Leary is Film Editor of the Weekly Alibi and Film Critic on KASA-2 "News at Nine."

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