I don't have much time to write. Like, no time at all. But I felt compelled to let everyone know that one of the most ambitious and masterfully executed independent films of the past few years has opened at the IFC Center for a limited run. Jeff Nichols' Shotgun Stories is that rare gift of a work, debut or veteran, that doesn't manage to have one false note inside its gorgeously photographed (by Adam Stone) ninety-whatever minutes. Inside that lush, beautiful 35mm Cinemascope imagery, Michael Shannon proves once again that he is one of our planet's most compelling actors.

I know there's lots of basketball to be had--as well as the opening weekend of New Directors/New Films (can anyone say Momma's Man and Ballast, because I can!)--but if ever there were a film that deserved to be seen on the big screen, Shotgun Stories is it. See this movie!