Friday October 24, 2003 www.michigandaily.com artseditor@michigandaily.com ARTS 5A 'STATION' IDs 'U' ALUM PRODUCES SUNDANCE HIT 'Ho-Tep' is ho-hum By Jennie Adler Daily Arts Writer By Ryan Lewis Daily Film Editor Life is funny sometimes, especial- ly when something sets you apart from normal. Somehow the story of "The Station Agent," a magnificent, low-budget film receiving The Station nationwide dis- tribution from Agent Miramax, has Opening next week followed a simi- in Ann Arbor larly strange and unexpected path to find recognition that its characters trek through to dis- cover each other. Mary Jane Skalski, a University graduate and independent film producer, labored with the film from its beginning stages. Travel- ing to New York City after college, her career took her down an unex- pected trail. She began producing on the east coast indie circuit, her first feature credit for work on Edward Burns' "The Brother's McMullen." After five years functioning under various producer labels for marginal- ly received films such as Tori Spelling's feature attempt "Trick" and the Frank Whaley-directed "The Jimmy Show," Skalski landed a pro- ducing gig on "The Station Agent." A small but touching story about a hermit-like dwarf, it explores human relationships by uniquely focusing on a trio that seems to exist outside the social sphere, which drew her talents to the fray. With the lead male roles filled by usually supporting cast members Peter Dinklage and Bobby Can- navale joined by the extremely tal- ented Patricia Clarkson, production finished and "Agent" made its way into festivals. Having now garnered such awards as the Sundance Film Festival's Audience Award, Special The King has not left the building. He's in Mud Creek, Texas. at the Shady Rest residence home. In "Bubba Ho- Tep," a crazy but funny film by director Don Coscarelli ("The Beastmaster"), Elvis (Bruce Campbell, "Evil Dead") is alive but not so well. Tired of the pills, women and friends of the old-folks home, Elvis finds Sebastian Haff, a top-notch Elvis imper- sonator, and switches lives. Their con- tract, however, burns up in a trailer and Jack's random extensive knowledge of ancient Egypt, they battle Bubba - wheelchair, walker and all. But Jack is no ordinary grandpa - he believes that he's JFK. The only problem being Jack's black. He claims, "They dyed me this color," to hide him for unknown reasons. It's hard not to feel sympathetic for Jack - at least Elvis has the looks to back up his secret identity. Elvis and Jack are enough to make the movie complete, but with the added twist of a raggedy-looking mummy, you have to suspend your disbelief too far. Bubba is neither fearsome nor neces- sary with Jack and Elvis' colorful per- sonalities. At first glance, "Bubba Ho-Tep" seems like one big costume party with a decked out Elvis, and a Tuxedo-wearing "president," but underneath the cos- tumes of Elvis and Jack, these two his- torical icons make quite the pair. Jack claims that "they" filled his mind with sand while Elvis contemplates the "boil on his pecker." Even with their candid humor, Elvis and Jack explore aging, family and loneliness that makes "Bubba Ho-Tep" far from a joke. Courtesy of Miramax I thought she died. Jury Prize and Waldo Salt Screen- writing Award, Skalski's project is poised for theatrical success and already has a strong critical support. Of course, the surprising success of "The Station Agent" hasn't halted Skalski's career in the least. Her next film "Mysterious Skin" is currently in the post-production stages and her now-recognized presence in the inde- pendent world will certainly lead to bigger and even more lauded projects. Though the path she has taken cir- cuitously lead her into the spotlight, she has certainly set herself apart by becoming successful in an often tumultuous and disheartening inde- pendent film world. barbeque accident, and Elvis never gets the chance to reclaim his life. This is only the beginning of the absurd plot, based on a short story by Bubba Ho-Tep At the Michigan Theater Vitagraph Films cult author Joe Lansdale. Elvis and his friend Jack (Ossie Davis, "Grumpy Old Men") discover a mummy, Bubba Ho- Tep, lurking in the empty halls of Shady Rest. With Elvis' mind-reading powers Love affair not swept under the rug Get into the Groove with Stomp-like group By Justin Weiner Daily Arts Writer Feeling dirty? MOVIE REVIEW Some films deliver their message with a heavy hand, loudly and repeat- edly pounding their lessons into the audience's mind. Others, like Claude Berri's "The Housekeeper," take a more subtle approach. The audience As the pair quickly progresses from friends to lovers and finally a figura- tive sort of married couple, one sens- es the plot's immature, unrealistic quality. It is evident that the passion will soon end; it is only a matter of how and when this will occur. Perhaps the best way to describe "The Housekeeper" is that it is a film best watched alone. It slowly and inconspicuously meanders through Jacque's life, but delivers interesting thoughts on love and relationships. Take this film at face value and you will be bored, but contemplate its mes- sage and it will waft through your mind for some time. By Sarah Peterson Daily Fine Arts Editor FINE I As of late, the campus has been covered with posters containing catchy slogans like "We don't cuddle after we bang," and "Bang without the STDs." The group responsible is Groove; think Stomp and make the members all University stu- dents and you'll get a clear picture of what these musicians are all about. Come Saturday night, using trash cans, lids, brooms and drum Standing sticks, this group will be rock- Room Only ing out rhythmic masterpieces Saturday at 8 p.m. at the dance marathon benefit $6 at MUTO concert "Standing Room $8 atthe door Only." At the Mendelssohn According to founder/direc- Theater tor Lev Gartman, this group has been in the making since he arrived at. Michigan three years ago. He was in a Groove- type group in high school and wanted to get one Curtesy o fGroove equipment), the auditions were the hardest part. "I'm no pro, but based on the talent and poten- tial I saw, I went through the hardest part so far. I was trying to be inclusive with making the group, but here I had to narrow it down and be exclusive." The audition process ended with the group being about 20 people large, and in the words of Gartman, "I have a wide range of talents." No one is taught how to play a trash can, or how to use a broom to make music, but the members of this group play like they were born into the position. "I just keep getting impressed," Gartman said, "this group throws down some ridiculous beats." This.Saturday will mark only the second per- formance of this group, but they are ready. "I am looking forward to immediate rock-star status," commented Gartman with a laugh, "and then I will take Groove on tour." Whether or not Groove is bound for stardom, it is obvious that from the posters to the overall atmosphere, Groove is a group all about having fun. "I want to entertain," Gartman said, and on Saturday night that is exactly what the group intends to do. One big happy family. must actively search for mean- ing in "The Housekeeper," but viewers will find this experience rewarding. The Housekeeper At the Madstone Palm Pictures .started here on campus, but the time never seemed right. Finally though, he got everything together, and now students can be seen wander- ing around campus carrying brooms and trash cans with purpose. Auditions were held about a month and a half ago to find the musical talent that would make up the group. Gartman explained how of all the obstacles he had faced putting this group togeth- er (finding practice space, getting together Set in France, "The Housekeeper" follows the life of Jacque (Jean-Pierre Bacri) during a brief relationship with a young woman named Laura (Emilie Dequenne). Jacque, having just separat- ed with his wife, lives a lonely, docile life in Paris. He hires Laura to be his housekeeper and though he is initially reluctant, they begin a passionate affair. The above summary aside, this film is not a love story. Although Jacque is lonely and seems to long for companionship, the affair begins on Laura's whim, fueled by her youthful exuberance, not his desires. ,p t X .r I 1 iIniez* tuhne..e uijine I I I www.dinersty.com i -"- a rg e O n y e Ate 0n-g riTopping $99, I and a 2Literof ic nca-Coaproduct i II