Sundance - Part 1

Some people have New Year's Resolutions, I have Sundance Resolutions (or have, as this is the first time I've ever set said "Resolutions"...but I digress)

This year: I will write about Sundance. Something. Every Day.

(Now, no promises for blogs every day, but I will at least put pen to page)

So, to start...Hm...how about a look at the

1st film of my 2006 Sundance experience "Jewboy":

The story of an Australian Orthodox Jew, his life, and (dare I say) sexuality. Anyone who knows me knows I get on my soapbox about some things, one of those being the "Christian Bubble" and particularily how it pertains to sexuality.

Well, I felt like this film was about the "Jewish Bubble", and it totally intranced me. The strictness of the Jewish laws, and how they don't allow physical contact outside the family. The understated sexuality that during the first part of the film was only seen by a look in his eye. It was refreshing to feel like they were toeing the line of what is allowed and what is forbidden, without toeing the line of mainstream society. (if there even is a line anymore...)

Stick with me moment: In the first 10 minutes the main character (Uri??) is in the kitchen after his father's funeral, where his former girlfriend is helping cook. He stands next to her and traces her fingers in the flour on the counter, coming ever so close to touching (remember: forbidden). Her breath becomes shallow with sexual tension. He then goes to touch her hand (forbidden), and then coyly says he's going to wipe the flour from her face, (forbidden!) but then blows it off with a little puff. Finally, he says (almost threatens) to kiss her before she walks away.

Poignancy: There was a scene in "Munich" where they talk of how every culture is faced with sacrifices its ideals...and this film made me think about the things my culture has as "forbidden" and how it's human nature to take a piece of that forbidden fruit.