Gosling 608

MADISON, WI - Last night I checked out Madison's Sundance Cinemas - the first of its kind in the country. Originally it had been christened Sundance 608, but has since dropped the numeral. Perhaps local sophisticates had mistaken Madison's area code with the amount of screens at the facility, I don't know (the theatre only has six auditoriums.) But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in pretentious audience dialogue. That may be a bit harsh, but apparently the $12 ticket cost justifies audience members to vocalize their selections for the sexiest films of all time. This made me very uncomfortable as the person sitting to my right championed Sea of Love, while sitting directly to my left was my little sister, who thankfully did not contribute to the conversation.

Speaking of those seats, one nice option the theatre provides is the ability to reserve seats, thus eliminating the need to get to the theatre 30 minutes early. Having stood in one to many Star Wars nerd lines, I was more than happy to indulge this "amenity charge." It was like $2 extra. We got seats directly in front of a railing which served nicely as a foot rest. I made a humorous comment that the ticket charge included a Sundance sized foot massage. It didn't, but it did give us a spotlighted introduction by a friendly usher who expressed his concern for our viewing experience by staying in the auditorium a full minute after the film began. The reason being was to ensure the film was being projected properly. It was a nice, genuine, scripted touch.

The actual seats were quite comfy, the sound system quite clear, and the entire visit quite pleasing. I particularly liked the simplistic, modern, design aesthetic of the lobby. Instead of being bombarded with multi-plex standee clutter, the walls were instead lined with barren trees, illuminated with hush lighting. Much like the living quarters at 5 Rudi Cir, this was a perfect blend of sleek contemporary stability and rugged outdoor adventurism.

As for the film we saw, Lars and the Real Girl, no further proof is needed for Ryan Gosling's emergence as his generation's top actor. In a performance of restrained subtlety, Mr. Gosling expertly handles material (the film deals with a delusional disorder that is remedied by the on-line purchase of life-like sex doll) that otherwise could veer towards the ludicrous. Instead, we're given a film full of laughter and in depth insight into the workings of a sheltered man and the small town of inhabitants that love him. It's no surprise that the film is set in way-up-North-Wisconsin.

Nancy Oliver, a veteran of the great HBO series, Six Feet Under, delicately scripts a fine line of moments that draws attention away from the absurd and focuses on the heart of each character. Director Craig Gillespie captures all of the proceedings with a still camera whose lens is filled with a warm regard for this setting.

This is a movie that keeps its cuteness in check and captures the so-called 'Independent Spirit' of Sundance.