Opening Night - 3 Rivers Film Festival

Our previously announced date, November 6, is opening night for the 3 Rivers Film Festival. The tickets for opening night are more expensive ($15 versus $8 on other nights) but include the Festival Gala afterwards at the Melwood at 9:30 pm. The films all begin at 7:00 pm.

I propose that we go to the "If It Ain't Broke, Break It" film for two reasons: 1) It was made in Pittsburgh, and 2) It's at the Melwood so we're already there for the gala afterwards.

If It Ain't Broke, Break It: It's hard to say just who the star is in this feel-good comedy made in Pittsburgh. Is it the outstanding local actors: Adrienne Wehr, Patrick Jordan, Dave Petti? Is it the well-known celebs from stage, screen, and television: Steve Guttenberg, Richard Kind, Bill Nunn, Rondell Sheridan, or Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan? Is it the beautiful landmarks of Pittsburgh? In fact, it's the affable Dr. Ravi – the writer, director and lead – who plays himself. This is the third indie feature (I'm a Schizophrenic and So Am I, Dr. Ravi and Mr. Hyde) from this real physician. Part Gandhi, part Don Knotts, Ravi is as philosophical as he is goofy and the result is absolutely infectious. The premise in this farce-with-a-message is that when Ravi is told he has six months to live, he decides to improve the lives of six people in that time. But misunderstandings rule the day, plans go awry, and good intentions backfire. (Ravi Godse; US/Pittsburgh; 2009; 85 min). At the Melwood Screening Room.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus: The title suggests fable and adventure – and this audacious film delivers – but it's also a glorious tribute to the late Heath Ledger. Director Terry Gilliam made the inspired decision to bring in Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell to amplify Ledger's last, unfinished role. Set in present day London, this gorgeous morality tale tells the story of Dr. Parnassus (Christopher Plummer), a sideshow magician who pulls audience members onstage and sends them through a magic mirror into another world. But as a young man, Parnassus made a pact with the devil (Tom Waits, sporting a pencil-thin moustache), and began a centuries-long battle in which Parnassus is granted powers – immortality and the ability to guide the imaginations of others – but at great cost to himself and others. With a stellar cast and dazzling effects, this is the one everyone will be talking about. (Terry Gilliam; 2009; UK; 122 min). At the Regent Square Theater.

Precious: Already getting Oscar buzz, Precious is a vibrant, raw and resoundingly hopeful film about the human capacity to grow and overcome. It recently won the coveted Audience Choice Award at Toronto, and has earned unanimous praise at every film festival screening this year, including Sundance, Cannes and New York. Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones, a 16-year-old girl born into a life of abuse. Though school is a place of chaos, a patient teacher helps her to begin a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to self-determination. A courageous and uncompromising work, it features unforgettable performances by Mo'Nique, Sherri Shepherd, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz and outstanding newcomer Gabourey Sidibe in the title role. (Lee Daniels; USA; 2009; 109 min). At the Harris Theater.