The films for the 2007 Roger Ebert Overlooked Film Festival have finally been named. This list really caught me by surprise. I didn't have an inkling that any of these films would be a part of the festival, although Ebert's four star review of Perfume late last year was a good indicator. Wow. First off, I have to say that I am disappointed that there is no 70mm film this year!!! I love Gattaca, but there is no way that film was originally supposed to be the opening night film. What happened? Maybe there was a last second cancellation, which was the reason for the film list being released so late? I keep thinking that Vertigo is going to play the festival. It was originally supposed to open the festival a couple years ago, but the story was that scheduled guest Kim Novak fell off a horse, causing them to replace it with another film.
It is interesting that Paul Cox and Werner Herzog are returning, after already having films at the festival previously. Some people might like a little more variety to the festival, but I like both filmmakers, so their return is welcome.
Except for the omission of a 70mm film I am quite pleased with films this year. I have only seen two (Gattaca and La Dolce Vita). The Weather Man does not excite me very much, as I really can't stand Nicolas Cage.
As everyone knows, Roger Ebert is still recuperating. It still is not clear that he will be participating in the festival as in previous years. But considering the Sunday selection is a film he actually worked on, I think that it is safe to say that he will be at the festival on that day.
