Sword of Trust and SIFF opening night festivities
SIFF's capsule summary: "In local filmmaker Lynn Shelton's latest, two women (Jillian Bell and Michaela Watkins) attempt to unload an inherited Civil War sword onto a curmudgeonly pawnshop owner (Marc Maron) and reluctantly enter a world of conspiracy theory and Southern disillusionment." (US, 2019, 89 minutes)
SIFF link: Sword of Trust
Cynthia (Jillian Bell) and her wife Mary (Michaela Watkins) visit Alabama, and learn that Cynthia has inherited a Civil War sword from her grandfather. They try to sell it to pawn shop owner Mel (Marc Maron), while Mel's slacker employee Nathaniel (Jon Bass) observes. But there's something special about the sword, which leads them to artifact collector "Kingpin" (David Bakkedahl).
The story, by Lynn Shelton and Mike O’Brien, is a rather silly, but makes an excellent framework for comedy improvisation. A story revision based on a script note added a nice touch of respect for southerners. Shelton does a very good job of directing. The main cast all deliver excellent comedy and good dramatic performances; Shelton herself is very good in a small dramatic role. Maron provides very good music.
Overall, I rate the film good.
Languages: English.
Rating: I don't think this film has a US rating (yet), but I'd guess it would rate a "R", for language.
Screening: 7 pm, McCaw Hall.
Audience: mostly full crowd, 2963 seats (advertised capacity).
Snacks: limited party food.
Party: The post-film party was in the Fisher Pavillion. As is often the case, the music was too loud indoors. And unfortunately, there was a misty rain outside, so there wasn't a lot of space to hide from the loudness outdoors. We did find refuge from the mist under the eaves, with various friends we already know, but there wasn't as much opportunity for mingling with new people.
Ads and announcements:
- Numerous presentations that I missed due to traffic.
- Mayor Durkan - Seattle's mayor appeared to join the opening presentation.
- a local producer - A man who produced several local films received a special SIFF award.
- Beth Barrett - SIFF artistic director.
- Lynn Shelton and Mark Maron - The director and top-billed star of the film introduce it briefly.
- cinematographer, art director, Mark Maron, Lynn Shelton, and Beth Barrett - Four people involved in the film talk with SIFF's artistic director after the film.
Notes to myself:
SIFF statistics: 31 films (all features), 31 time slots, three public parties (including tonight's).