Fantastic Fest 2011: A Look Ahead

Fantastic Fest 2011 officially begins tomorrow.  Yet, for Andy and myself, it’ll begin with a fourteen hour drive that begins this evening.  I think I can speak for both of us in saying that I think the fourteen hours will be well worth it.  The eight day film festival is a celebration of film.  Furthermore, it is a celebration of the types of films that would only appeal to film geeks.  The weird, bizarre, cult, sci-fi, horror, risque, and exploitative films will all be explored the following week in Austin.  As the slogan goes, “Keep Austin Weird.”  I firmly believe this year’s line-up will maintain that concept.  Let’s now take a look at both of our most highly anticipated films and events of the Fest.

Michael’s Most Anticipated Films and Events

Melancholia

Lars Von Trier is someone you either love or hate.  He has made a number of films that display women being both physically and metaphorically being pushed through the mud.  Dancer in the Dark, Dogville, and Antichrist are just as emotionally brutal as the violence shown in any horror film.  Melancholia seems to follow in that tradition while also maintaining some of the haunting imagery seen in 2009’s Antichrist.

 

Rick Baker and Olly Moss honoring  An American Werewolf in London.

Besides being a recent Oscar winner at least year’s Academy Awards, Rick Baker is a living legend.  An American Werewolf in London is a film that needs no introduction and I’m not even going to begin to profess my love for the film.  Olly Moss is someone who has seen more popularity as of late.  With his knack for creating beautifully simple poster designs, this is definitely something I will have to make room for in the car on the way back.

Up-and-coming Horror Directors In-Person

Ti West (The House of The Devil), Adam Wingard (A Horrible Way to Die), Nacho Vigalondo (Timecrimes), Tom Six (The Human Centipede), and many others will be screening their most recent films at the fest.  Not only that, but they will be there to meet and greet fans as well!  As a rabid horror geek, this is like a kid in a candy shop.  The Innkeepers, You’re Next, Extraterrestrial, and The Human Centipede Part 2 are all films that I am curious to see from these young new directors.

You Said What?

Comedy is not my favorite genre.  The reason being is the simple fact that I think it’s something that is hard to pull-off.  Yet when you combine the producers of the Nazi-zombie film Dead Snow and the bizarre  storyline of a group of kids being inspired by Takashi Miike’s Audition, you have my attention.  You Said What? might be the one film that will pleasantly surprise audiences.

Fantastic Fest Prom

Do you hate admitting to the fact that you enjoy dancing to Journey? Did you skip your high school prom cause your date ditched you? Well, here’s your chance to celebrate the prom in a way only Fantastic Fest would.  In the spirit of the phenomenal film The Loved Ones, Fantastic Fest is hosting their own themed Loved Ones Prom.  I’m gonna make sure to pack my dancing shoes.  I’ll just have to make sure to stretch before doing the worm after sitting for hours watching movies.

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Andy’s Most Anticipated Films and Events

Livid

I’m a huge fan of Julien & Maury’s Inside. Since Alexandre Aja has gone down the remake path since assaulting fans with High Tension, I look forward to an original story from a French team I admire just as much. Even if it doesn’t meet my expectations, which I am trying to keep in check, I always embrace originality.

You’re Next

After interviewing Adam Wingard, Simon Barrett & AJ Bowen last year, I had the sense that they would work together again. I dig home invasion films because home is supposed to be the safest place for you. While I wasn’t a huge fan of last year’s Fantastic Fest darling Kidnapped, I look forward to You’re Next because I think Wingard & Barrett will bring something new to the table.

Human Centipede 2/Opening Night Party

I didn’t really care for The Human Centipede, another Fantastic Fest darling that went widespread with other sickos loving the film. I saw the trailer and thought the concept was so bizarre, I knew that I had to see the movie. Unfortunately, the movie was a letdown as it didn’t go too far. It was basically more mad rantings of the mad doctor – the only reason to watch the film, in my opinion – and maybe a few extreme moments that couldn’t be shown in the trailer. This time around, Human Centipede Part 2 seems like it will not take any prisoners. I expect to be appauled. I expect to see some really sick shit. Then, to top it off, I will attend a party where they will try to break the record (didn’t know there was one) with the longest Human Centipede conga line

Rick Baker and Olly Moss honoring  An American Werewolf in London.

An American Werewolf in London is one of my favorite horror films, if not one of my favorite films, of all time. Add in the fact that Rick Baker will be putting in a non-Los Angeles appearance – which is rare and Olly Moss has a Mondo poster created for it that will be sold at the screening….I’m so there.

Don Coscarelli showing footage of John Dies At The End

John Dies At The End is a book I have been meaning to pick up for a couple of years. However, I never really get to sit down and read any more. I caught wind that Coscarelli was taking a break on editing the film adaptation of JDATE by attending Fantastic Fest. I figured he would just come down and hang out with us geeks to get away from the editing bay. Lucky for us, it was recently announced that he is bring some footage from the film adaptation to show us!

Stay tuned to the site starting late tomorrow as we plan to have tons of content for you ghouls!