Albert Nobbs

Now that the 2011 Telluride Film Festival has concluded – this year’s eclectic mix of films continues to prove why the Telluride Film Festival is different from so many other film festivals.

Having George Clooney and Tilda Swinton in attendance as silver medallion tributes didn’t hurt the celebrity “wattage”.  However, not having to attend red carpet events, being able to mix with the locals and attendees without worrying about “who they were wearing” and basically enjoying the low key vibe that is Telluride was refreshing.  Add Glenn Close and Jennifer Garner to the list of celebrities also in town and it made for another enthusiastic event.

Telluride Film Festival has always been and remains – simply about the love of films.  With that as a narrative, Telluride has always selected films that may not necessarily appeal to those people looking for the next box office blockbuster.  The goal being – find those films that embody the core essence of what films are meant to do - provoke, entertain, disturb, amuse, etc.  Some of the films premiered in Telluride have been commercial successes and probably many more have not been – but those less commercial films are no less embraced and enjoyed by the festival crowd.  In fact, standing in line listening to what people enjoyed most are often small, mindful films that you need to seek out afterwards from art house rental companies or art house movie theaters. 

This year’s menu of films was no exception.  Some examples include “The Descendants”, starring George Clooney and directed by Alexander Payne - a film more inclined to be commercially successful.  Then there’s “The Artist” – a silent film shot in black and white…beautifully acted and highly entertaining but certainly a commercial crap shoot given it’s format.  Glenn Close delivered another brilliant performance in “Albert Nobbs” – a period piece both comic and heartbreaking but again, how will it do commercially?  Those films are a small slice of what was offered this year – many more films  delivering the kind of experience the Telluride Film Festival devotees have come to respect and rely on…all the while, comfortably in their jeans!