In the book 'Kafka Goes to the Movies', an author investigates journal entries and letters, written by Franz Kafka himself - the tortured soul behind 'Metamorphosis' and 'The Trial' - to piece together his thoughts and feelings regarding the new form of entertainment: cinema. Someone who wrote such nightmarish prose, filled with anxiety upon anxiety, would surely have a perspective more critical than that of the masses. Would he even be able to enjoy watching this parlor trick?
Actually, yes. Yes he was.
According to the book, he wrote about his time watching moving pictures - some as simple as a young woman looking pretty - with *shock* joy. And it's joy at something superficial, too. Amazing. If Kafka could time travel, would he be stuffing his face with popcorn, laughing at Michael Bay robot testicle jokes?
It's scary to think of, but might be easily explained with, ironically, Kafkaesque logic. At least, I hope it can.
From November 12th - 16th, New Orleans will play host to the comedy event Hell Yes Fest, spread out across multiple venues. Like last year, a film fest will occur, showcasing several comedy flicks from several talented filmmakers. I chatted with film fest programmer Michael Domangue (MD) AND special guest presenter / pro wrestler / comedian Colt Cabana (CC) over email about the ins and outs of HYFF and what we can all expect!:
One of the things I liked about Clerks 2 (and I liked many things) was how it both capped off and started a new era of filmmaking for Kevin Smith. Once the color faded in over the Quick Stop window, a process began of Smith showing off skills he had developed since the first Clerks, but hadn’t utilized fully in a single movie; a roaming camera, the planning out of where actors ought to be placed for said camera, edits and transitions that kept scenes — individually and collectively — at a good pace, etc. This was a more polished Kevin Smith, from writer who directs to director who orchestrates.