The Way We Get By
So, this weekend I headed over to the IMA for the Indianapolis International Film Festival. I honestly meant to take in more of the festival, but I’ve been kind of busy. But I told myself that no matter what I would at least make it to the screenings of people I knew. Tomorrow (or today-Wedneday the 22), I’m checking out my old friend Travis Betz’s movie Lo. It’s a fiction work, and I’m excited to go and catch up with him and see what he’s been working on. He’s always been so talented and I’m excited for this screening.
Anyway, another old classmate, Gita Pullapilly, had her documentary screen on Saturday and Sunday and I made it over for the Sunday matinee. It also opened at the IFC Center in New York this weekend as well. The movie centers around 3 elderly Bangor, Maine residents who show up to thank the troops returning home from Iraq or Afghanistan for their service. The first stop in the US on the soldiers’ trip home form the war zones is Bangor International Airport. The 3 greeters that are featured all have ties to the military, but the movie isn’t really about the troops and the wars. Instead the focus is on the 3 troop greeters who show up no matter what is going on in their own lives to say thank you to the soldiers serving overseas. It doesn’t get overly political and instead offers a glimpse into these lives, with a touching exposition of what it’s like to age in our country. Anyway, it was really good, and I cried (and it seemed like a lot of people were crying). It’ll be on Netflix soon, and you can add it to your queue. You can also head over to the site and check out the screenings page to see if there’s one coming up in your area.
Just watch the trailer, and you’ll get the gist.
Edited to add: While I think the main strength of the movie is the story of the troop greeters, I can’t believe I forgot to mention how nicely the movie is shot and edited. From a technical point-of-view I found it a joy to watch. When setting the scene, there are quick cuts used, but not at all in the “I’m trying to be edgy” sense. I found the visual treatment to be nicely styled, but not overdone and it allowed the story to shine.
