One in a Thousand
24 July 2008 by 180|360
Several months ago while searching aimlessly through the thousand television channels of seemingly nothingness, I came across something that I'd seen many times before but had never really watched- The Sundance Channel.The first Sundance movie I saw was the quirky French film, Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo, which I wrote about back in September. (Judging by Beck's latest Gamma Ray video, I'd put money on it that he has seen this movie, too!) While I don't watch a lot of television, I've managed to keep myself entertained during the usual repeat summer programming by dvr-ing anything that looks remotely interesting. In fact, I've barely watched a single other channel lately, which could account for the reason I missed the first episode of the new Project Runway series. BAH!
However, I have reacquainted myself with classic music documentaries like Help and Gimme Shelter. You've got to love the 60's! And I'm pretty sure that I held my breath through the entire film, loudQUIETloud, a documentary about my favorite band, The Pixies.*Sidenote: Pixies fans, you must watch this. I was convinced I would be on it, dancing my heart out at the State Theatre in Detroit. Watching the interaction between band members nearly made me cry.*
And along those same lines I recently watched About a Son; the documentary about the late Kurt Cobain. Then last week, I was captivated with Heima, a film about the Icelandic band, Sigur Rós. I've since watched it three times just to hear one particular song and for the amazing visuals.
I've learned about everything from artists and designers to environmental issues and unusual foreign film. For instance, Manufactured Landscapes was a haunting photographic look at the impact of industrialism in China. And The Dreamers was an unbelievably sexy, but perverse and improper film by the renowned director, Bernardo Bertolucci.One particular series I enjoy is called Iconoclasts, where two creative people are paired together to "interview" each other in a very intimate and natural way. One episode included Quentin Tarantino and Fiona Apple, which almost flet like you were hanging out with the two of them. Other pairings included Mikhail Baryshnikov & Alice Waters and Lorne Michaels & Paul Simon. Check out the entire listing here. What a cool idea!
As you can probably tell, I'm a little bit excited about my discovery. I could go on and on about all of the other interesting programs I have ahead of me like Insect Porno, but I think you get the drift! If you have similar interests and constantly feel like there is nothing worth watching on TV, I highly recommend that you check out the Sundance Channel.
If Noggin is like preschool on TV, then Sundance is like (my ideal) college on TV.
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They repeat Project Runway alot, you can find the first episode of the season pretty easily, I think! (or maybe even online)
I love the Sundance Channel. Where have YOU been! :) Heh heh.
I do love watching the Sundance Channel myself. Let me rephrase this, I used to when I had any amount of control of our TV and DVR.
I'm a big sucker for cable programming. Aside from a few network shows, Andrew and I primarily watch cable. (Although, I don't think we have Sundance :( I don't think we paid for the "entertainment" tier. Checking now...)
Snob! What's the matter with watching "Do You Think You Can Dance?"
I just called my husband to see if we get the Sundance channel. We don't. So this post was just one big tease!
Stepping- I know. I already started recording it last night! Thank goodness for reruns.
Gorillabuns- I figured you would enjoy it!
LVGurl- It's on channel 307.
Neil- It actually says on Sundance website that their target audience is upscale, educated, and environmentally/socially conscious. I looked at SYTYCD's target audience and it was 13 year olds, 46 year old single men, and bored housewives aged 25-34 in search of mindless entertainment. ;)
Punchline- That's a shame! :( I didn't mean to tease.
I love Sundance and IFC....two GREAT channels!
Sounds like a channel I would love. Must remember to go and order the digital cable again. I have seen the show Iconoclasts before and loved it.
Do you watch IFC too? That channel is fantastic!
I ♥ Sundance. I saw Green Porno this week, and I was going to blog about it, but all this X-Files crap came up, so thanks for mentioning it for me!
-rm and Madwoman- I have watched IFC but mostly just Sundance. They are right next to each other in the guide, so I can see what they are both airing. Maybe I should pay more attention. :)
Minijonb- I watched Green Porno last night. I actually wanted to add an addendum to this post because it was so amazingly bizarre, funny and interesting. I am SO glad someone else saw that!!!!!
That sounds so good... I love documentaries about bands I love!
Anyway, with four kids under seven we spend far to much time watching Noggin around here!!!
We are in a cable-deficient period of our lives at the moment, but when that changes, I will definitely be watching Sundance!