Imagine, let go, disappear into a different story. We enjoy getting into a movie, being carried off into Wonderland. This weekend, the Scottsdale International Film Festival gave us that brief escape with their opening night feature, while the event and event goers left much to the imagination.
For the second year in a row, the opening night presentation almost didn't make it to the screen. This year, the owners of "Phoebe in Wonderland" disappeared after having signed with the event's founder, Ann Ettinger for the showing. Think Film still couldn't be reached at show time and the Director's edition had to be borrowed. As some might recall, political tensions almost prohibited the much anticipated "Kite Runner" from being shown in the US. After declaring that there must be someone looking out from above, With little more than a sigh of relief, Ettinger ushered in the first group of attendees without any excitement or enjoyment of a job well done.
When the lights went down, Phoebe took over and the audience went to Wonderland in this dramatic and warm film starring Elle Fanning. Cast perfectly for this role, Fanning gives a compelling performance of a young girl taking comfort in Wonderland, a place where breaking the rules is allright. Plagued by mental disturbances and a good conscience, this young girls fortune takes a turn for the best when she meets the empowering and stern theatre teacher, Ms. Dodger (Patricia Clarkson).
Winding through this unique story, the enjoyable characters and plot are hampered only by the lack of depth to the fathers character (Bill Pullman) and convincing dynamics to the family and child relations. A friendly film with the warm smile of Ellie fanning gives the Film Festival a great opening to their 2008 show schedule.
After the film, VIP guests, Film Festival members and staff were invited to the FireSky Resort for drinks, desserts and discussions. As with the opening of the event, this social gathering felt forced and unfriendly with no room for outsiders to interact and no festivities to celebrate the coming together of fan and talent. Missing were reporters, cameras or entertainment. No commentary or forum for new discussions to be started or ideas shared. For Scottsdale International Film, the show may go on, but next year, let's please include the Festival.
