Telluride Day 1: Taking a breath

TELLURIDE, Colo. -- Misty and cool here. Everyone spent this afternnon poring over their schedules and circling films and finding out how they can shoehorn six into one day. Swag includes a rickety yellow umbrella from Starz. Plus the requisite free copy of Variety. And Heineken mints. And tons of terrific food and drink. I popped the dickens out of some popcorn just now for the opening-night showing of I'm Not There (the Dylan-fan volunteers are seeing it again now). I'm hoping that I'll have something more substantive to say after I thoroughly digest it. Either way, everyone's talking Blanchett. Even the Blanchett haters (how could such a person exist?).

Will post some photos soon. And talk about Margot at the Wedding later.

Of note: This year's festival is dedicated to Edward Yang and Ulrich Mühe, both of whom died youngish and both of whom were sensations at festivals past (Yang for Yi Yi, Mühe for The Lives of Others).

I've worked out my schedule and I anticipate seeing: Werner Herzog's Encounters at the End of the World, a Todd Haynes Q&A, Rails and Ties (starring Kevin Bacon and Telluride attendee Marcia Gay Harden), Into the Wild, a Sean Penn Q&A, Secret Sunshine and 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. Hopefully one or two more.

Etcetera: Rumor has it that Clint Eastwood is here, supporting his daughter's film (Rails and Ties). Daryl Hannah spotting at my theater (she's freakishly tall).