Computer Chess (2013), Andrew Bujalski
Melbourne International Film Festival 2013
3.5/5
This hilariously awkward film from the mumblecore director Andrew Bujalski (Funny Haha, Mutual Appreciation, Beeswax) brings a whimsical and warm note to something that could have been dry and all too nerd centric. Focusing on the dawn of the computer age, the film is set at the computer chess tournament in the 1980s in a hotel, this seminal point in history is awkwardly portrayed alongside ageing hippies and the naiveté and hopes of the technological advances. Filmed as a quasi documentary in black and white, true to form Bujalski has created a film that focuses on a select group of people and in this case a subculture that is both humorous and telling. While it has a great nostalgia about it for those who grew up in that time it is also highly accessible and funny. It also satisfies those who prefer a rougher video look, in todays age of high definition and blu ray quality. This film isn't Bujalski's best work, as it fails to hit some of the more poignant notes explored in Mutual Appreciation and Funny Ha Ha, but it does however show a great tenderness and more humour in both the writing and the visuals that is really enjoyable. If you missed it at MIFF it's definitely worth a watch for all those fans of 80s computers and anyone who just loves a funny film.
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