Part One
Winning the big Target Filmmaker Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival, was Austinite Steve Collins for his debut pic, Gretchen. The film, a darkly funny look at teenage angst and love, premiered at SXSW this year and managed to walk away with the $50,000 cash prize at LAFF. As a new father and filmmaker, Steve must be so thrilled. Congratulations to the whole team!

Part Two
Last night, after a long and winding road of travel, I made it back to Austin in time for the big, Austin Film Society benefit premiere of Richard Linklater's Austin-made A Scanner Darkly. Despite having a sneak peek screening during SXSW this year, I hadn't actually seen the whole film from beginning to end. As I've chronicled on this blog, I've kept in pretty close contact with the production, thanks to producer Tommy Pallotta. I visited the set, saw clips during the editing process, and have had long chats with many of the talented animators (especially lead guys Jason Archer and Paul Beck). But, last night in the Paramount theater, I finally witnessed the finished product. As the screening ended and I walked over to the post-party at the Austin Museum of Art, I was relieved. I knew so many of the people who worked on this film, and it's always stressful when you're gonna see something made by people you like and hang out with. But, I really truly loved it. It's such a funny, mind-bending, and poignant film. The depiction of drug addiction, rehab, and the system for both is an important issue and Linklater handles it very well. In addition, the chemistry between the four leads is spectacular. Many people will note the wonderful onscreen presence of Woody Harrelson and Robert Downey, Jr., and for great reason. Downey is golden and hilarious in this film, and if his performance isn't recognized with all kinds of awards, something is definitely not okay. All in all, the only disappointing this about Scanner, is that now I have to wait several weeks to see it again.

Matt, I loved your review of Scanner and like you, I saw it last night .... at the LA Film Fest. I had seen a 20 minute "teaser" at the San Francisco Int'l Film Fest and it was just awesome. Just wanted to sit there and hope that somehow the rest of it would mysteriously appear. But instead, I was lucky to meet Tommy Pallotta and talk for a few minutes. He is so very nice and patient with all the questions ... and he let me know about the premiere last night. Very talented, hard working guy.
Finally!!! I was able to see it all the way through and it was worth the wait, believe me!!
I really loved this movie... the dialogue was wonderful, the actors all did such a fine job. Reeves was perfect as Fred/Bob Arctor ... that laid back, slow and easy attitude and Winona too... they were great together. Cochran was so funny and sad too. The dialogues between Downey and Harrelson were hysterical .... the audience absolutely loved it... much laughter! No one else could have done Barris as beautifully as Robert .... his timing, delivery and his body language is marvelous. And I certainly agree, Robert should definitely get some awards for his performance!! In fact, this film should garner many awards!!

I congratulate Rick Linklater, Tommy Pallotta, the animators..(huge job !) and everyone who was involved with this film .... so many hours went into the making of Scanner .... and I would like to say CONGRATULATIONS....A JOB WELL DONE!.
The animation enhanced every facet of this film... the actors looked "surreally real" and I don't feel the scramble suit would not have been possible without the rotoscoping ... it was awesome too.
I didn't mean to run on so, but I am so excited about this film and I hope everyone close enough to the 5 cities, who were lucky enough to be chosen for the opening, will go see it ...and then go see it again. It is great fun ... and tho it is not "just a movie with a message" it does make you think !! and you'll have a lot of laughs while you are thinking.

I congratulate Rick Linklater, Tommy Pallotta, the animators..(huge job !) and everyone who was involved with this film .... so many hours went into the making of Scanner .... and I would like to congratulate you all....A JOB WELL DONE!.

Everyone .....

Go See A SCANNER DARKLY !!! And then SEE IT AGAIN!!!