‘Clerks’ (1994) Sundance fueled these films and careers
The Sundance Film Festival is upon us again, shining a light on the best of the best in independent cinema.
Sundance, which runs through Sunday, has been the launching pad for iconic filmmakers (Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, David O. Russell and Wes Anderson, among many others) as well as a ton of great art-house movies over the years.
This year’s event features another crop of premieres trying to make their mark, including the religious satire “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul” (with Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown) and high-profile documentaries including “We Need to Talk About Cosby.”
Sundance went virtual again this year because of COVID-19. For those who want to play along at home, here are some of the fest’s best all-time films to stream.
‘Sex, Lies and Videotape’ (1989)
Before winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes, Steven Soderbergh’s directorial debut sizzled at Sundance with James Spader as a guy who videotapes women discussing their sexual fantasies and gets old college pals involved.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Showtime
Kevin Smith’s first low-budget comedy was a black-and-white story of two convenience store clerks (Brian O’Halloran and Jeff Anderson) that’s timeless in its relatability for working stiffs everywhere.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Pluto TV, Paramount+
‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999)
Remember that whole found-footage phenomenon in the 2000s? Blame it all on the original. The creep-fest about filmmakers venturing into a Maryland forest to document a local legend freaked out a generation of horror fans with its shaky-cam antics.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Roku Channel
‘Brick’ (2005)
Best known in the mainstream for “Knives Out,” writer/director Rian Johnson first made a splash with his masterful teen-movie spin on film noir. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the hardboiled high school detective navigating cliques and kid crime rings to find out who murdered his ex.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon
‘Fruitvale Station’ (2013)
Before their collaborations “Creed” and “Black Panther,” director Ryan Coogler teamed up with Michael B. Jordan for this biopic showing the final day of Oscar Grant (Jordan), a Black man killed by police officers in 2009.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Showtime
‘Whiplash’ (2014)
Music becomes a beautifully brutal art form in director Damien Chazelle’s pre-“La La Land” drama. Miles Teller is a student drummer at a conservatory; J.K. Simmons won an Oscar playing the kid’s abusive jazz band director.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Starz
‘Get Out’ (2017)
While scary movies have long had a socially conscious side, Jordan Peele brought it back to the fore in a big way with his first directorial outing, with Daniel Kaluuya as a Black photographer visiting his white girlfriend’s parents, who’s terrified to discover why he was invited.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon
Heather Donahue turns the camera on herself for her confession in 1999’s “The Blair Witch Project.” ENTERTAINMENT