Day 1 at Sundance

by Laurie Henzel

I arrived at Sundance, with photographer pal Bek Andersen, (in the beautiful park City UT) to a gorgeous Friday morning, and started our Sundance experience- or what Callie likes to call “grown up spring break!”
So far it’s been a adventure filled with movies, parties, long lines (no not those kind), altitude headaches, hot tubs, and an occasion star spotting. After picking up our badges, I went straight to wait in line to see my first movie of the day Kaboom, directed by Greg Araki is a sex soaked college thriller with an ominous and slightly silly plot, and oh, did I mention coeds doing it in about every scene? And Witches? The acting was great and I found my self laughing out loud a few times. Haley Bennet stole the show as Stella with her snappy dialogue as the acerbic, smart and vintage-clad lead girl, with Juno Temple also impressive as the sexy London.

Next was an unsuccessful attempt to see another movie (apparently a press pass does NOT guarantee a spot- bummer) I did eventually meet up with fellow BUST contrib Jenni Miller and we watched the lovely Submarine together. Submarine stars Craig Roberts as Oliver, a self absorbed and slightly delusional teen living in Wales who crushes on the tough girl at school (Jordana played by Yasmine Page) and the love story that follows. Sally Hawkins and Paddy Constantine play his befuddled parents and the excellent acting and dialogue made this very enjoyable, It reminded me a little of Rushmore, but less ironic, and Oliver has a similar look to Budd Cort in Harold and Maude. A must see!.

Then it was back to the crash pad to soak in the hot tub for a few before heading out to the parties . First we headed to the New Frontiers party. New Frontiers is one of the many cool elements of Sundance that is new to me, they seek out artists who bring art+film+ new technologies together and showcase them here every year, I hope to catch some more of the performances as they sound pretty cool.  Unfortunately we missed James Franco allegedly humping a chair while wearing a wig- it was a performance that went with his artsy version of “Threes Company” a video projection of the classic 70s sitcom with La Franco dubbing in all the dialogue. I enjoyed it! On our way to the premiere party for Miranda July’s new film, The Future, (which I am seeing today at 4:30- cannot wait!) we bumped into NYC’s own bon vivant, Fat Jew, and took some paparazzi style pics with him, the guy is hilarious and was sporting a large dream catcher earring!
The party was swanky and Miranda was there with directory hubby Mike MIlls, some of the cast and crew, and I got to catch up with Carrie Brownstein- have you seen Portlandia yet? High-larious.
By the time we left in the wee hours, it was snowing out, and there were a ton of drunken ragers on the streets, I was happy to get back home to my flannel sheets and call it a day.

Franco’s installation at New Frontiers

Fat Jew rocked some serious east coast fashions, including dream catcher earring

and a tattoo that says Mazel Tuff (!)

Carrie Brownstein, and me.

Miranda July speaking about The Future

Jump to days 2,3 and 4 here.

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Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

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