Quirks and Quorks - An Indy Summer

Summer time is thought of as blockbuster movie time - big budget adventure hero and actionpacked thrillers abound. But what I like most about summertime is disappearing into the Garden Theater of Princeton on a hot afternoon and losing myself in another world - the world of Indy flicks. 

When I say Indy flicks, I don't mean car movies (although LeMans was good, and likely was sort of independent for its time), but litte films like 500 Days of Summer, Little Miss Sunshine and this summer's latest Wes Anderson ouvre, Moonrise Kingdom.

Anderson's previous films range from quirky to just plain weird, but all are thoroughly entertaining -- The Royal Tenenbaums and before that Rushmore established Anderson as an expert on setting -- time and place -- often tapping the gifts of wise beyond their years child prodigies. Moonrise Kingdom features the same mix of quirky young characters (plus mainstays like Bill Murray) and period costumes and props that one has come to appreciate in early films. But this movie taps one's heartstrings as well given its not-maudlin trip down memory lane -  summer camp, scouting, and young love.

And then there is the surprise Indy flick of the summer, Safety Not Guaranteed, which was filmed in the Pacific Northwest with a basically unknown cast and a terrific screenplay. I loved it, and hope it will get more distribution (in which case it could end up like Sunshine awards wise.)

The ad for the movie (and the personal ad issued by the main character, played wrily by Mark Duplass) notes:  "WANTED: Someone to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. You'll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. Safety not guaranteed. I have only done this once before."

Quirky movies like Moonrise and Safety  recall the early days of Indy flicks -- Local Hero and Crossing Delancy come to mind - when great writing, cinematography, music and understated acting paint an indelible picture in one's mind.
 

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