Film Festival Opens With A Bang

[Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist]

The Sarasota Film Festival opened with a bang! Time and again, I heard people exclaim that the film, “The Messenger” was one of the best, if not the best, Opening Night films to date. The film took a courageous look at a difficult subject-- the task of delivering the message that no one wants to hear, the message that a loved one has been “killed,” “is dead” because of their service in the war. As director Oren Moverman said, the film shines a light on “the backstage of war” that affects us all. The film looks at the toll delivering the message takes on both the messenger and the family. The hardship of informing the next of kin of casualties of the war without emotion, without touching them unless it is a medical emergency”, without using words like “deceased” or “passed away” was demonstrated in moving performances by Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson. Ben Foster’s superb performance was thought to be Oscar worthy by some audience members. Although the required role of the messenger is to be rigid and stoic, Harrelson, a man who is rarely brought to tears, told the audience he cried more during the 28 days it took to make the film than he had in the previous 10 years, with most of his tears being shed between takes. As a therapist, I was compelled to ask Moverman if the military expected the messengers to perform this heart-rending task and see firsthand the effect it has on the family without having an outlet to process their feelings. While Moverman replied that counseling is available if wanted, it is neither encouraged nor generally utilized. Yet the film demonstrates that we are all human, we feel and can’t help but be emotionally touched -- even when we’re supposed to be untouchable. As actress Jena Malone said, this powerful film is ultimately a “story about love.”

The stars and filmmakers were very generous with their time both before the film and at the gala. It was clear that they, too, wanted to deliver a message. Soldiers from Fort Dix, where filming occurred, were special guests. A heart-warming camaraderie could be felt between filmmakers and military personnel who consulted on the film.

The Opening Night Gala literally opened with a bang, with one of the most spectacular displays of fireworks I’ve ever seen, igniting the bay front. While festival-goers missed the incomparable ambiance of the Ringling Museum where the gala is traditionally held, they were also relieved not have to make the drive after the film.

If Opening Night is any indication of the remaining days of the festival, then the next 9 days are sure to be a success. Visit the Chick Flicks group for daily updates on the festival experience. See you at the movies!