Funny Ha Ha
Aug 07 - Aug 08, 2012
(Andrew Bujalski, USA, 2002, 35mm, 89 min)
10th Anniversary Screening!
Actor Myles Paige in attendance Tuesday!
Ten years ago, the mumble that changed the world of American filmmaking was shot on 16mm. Andrew Bujalski's Funny Ha Ha is a film whose reputation precedes it, as it follows the exploits of recently-graduated protagonist Marnie who tries to find a temporary job and win the attentions of her college friend Alex.
In the film, Bujalski channels Rohmer and Jean Eustache in creating a natural narrative with very little irony, incorporating a non-abrasive style both observational and remarkably restrained. The camera is often handheld, but always in a fluid rather than shaky and aggressive manner.
Bukalski's casualness as a filmmaker can be deceiving, but his ambitions are visible in how much more refined this work is comapred to other films from the "mumblecore" generation of artists. Simply put, this film continues to echo.