10 BEAUTIFUL FILMS WE SAW AT SUNDANCE 2013
1. Stoker
The colors and cinematography in Stoker make it the most beautiful "horror" film we've ever seen. Done with tender restraint and poetry, Stoker is likely to appeal to those of us that usually shun this genre. Nicole Kidman, pictured above, stars in this enchanting film.
2. Twenty Feet From Stardom
Singers that have lived their lives always in the background, just steps behind the superstars they supported, are brought into the foreground in this important documentary. While we remember their songs, and often sing them in the shower, behind the wheel, and while we putter, we never realized the incredible true beauty of their voices until we hear them now front and center.
3. May in the Summer
Giving us glimpses of Jordan, unknown to most of us, this semi-autobiographical summer of love and self-discovery, layers the beauty of family relationships and cultural contrasts.
4. CORAL: Rekindling Venus
We watched this gorgeous film laying on mattresses, gazing up at the projection on domed ceiling above. Stunning deep-sea photography and augmented reality artwork dazzle us and grab our hearts as the universe shows its magic and its vulnerability and in turn begs us to take action.
5. A River Changes Course
Peacefully gliding along the inner waterways of Cambodia, this film gently unfolds the deterioration of a vital ecosystem and way of life, as deforestation and overfishing bring change. Devastatingly beautiful and achingly poignant, we see a world we will never see again.
6. Top of The Lake
A chilling story told with gorgeous visuals—we're glad it was so beautiful, especially given that the film is seven hours long.
7. Sound City
An important look at the unique beauty of analog recording in an increasingly digital world. We're hoping the art of sound doesn't get lost in progress.
8. The Meteor ( Le Météore)
A bit dark in theme, but gorgeous in view, this film is an odd jewel.
Old love bears a different patina from young love. This film documents the 40-year relationship of a married couple of artists who emigrated to the New York art scene from Japan. It is sweet and biting as it unfurls volumes of creativity that pours out despite, or perhaps because of their starving-artist existence. Bright colors flash, redemption rises. A beautiful love story.
10. Crash Reel
Catching air high above snowy drifts and deep half-pipes accounts for the visual beauty and soaring spirit of this film, but that's only the half of it. Award-winning director, Lucy Walker's documentary about snowboarding champ Kevin Pearce, his meteoric rise, his devastating crash and resulting traumatic brain injury, and his miraculous recovery, shows the beauty of personal triumph, the love of family and community.
