Todd Haynes was on hand last night for a rather intimate screening of his latest, "I'm Not There."  It was my first time seeing the film, which has been on the festival circuit since Telluride back in September.  I don't think I can even begin to qualify it.  I'm pretty sure it's an undeniable work of art, but beyond that, I need time to let it soak in and, most assuredly, I'll need another viewing.  I didn't even mosey over to Haynes during the reception because, quite frankly, I have no idea what I would have said to him.

In any case, my opinion isn't what's important.  What IS important is how floored the viewers in attendance were.  There was even a cryer.  Yeah, a cryer.

Michael Mann was in attendance, said he enjoyed the film, and spent quite a while making the rounds during the reception.  Most enthusiastic, however, was Ben Foster, who could not contain his sheer glee, not only at "I'm Not There," but at what he calls a "great year for movies."  He had recently come from seeing the Coen brothers' "No Country for Old Men," which had him on a high to go along with the Chivas Regal he was throwing back.

Foster said he thought filmmakers were finally giving in to silence and stillness in the cinema this year, an insight I hadn't previously stumbled onto, what with my declarations that it is simply a downer year at the theaters.  This notion of filmmakers taking their time with audiences, forcing serenity into the frame and allowing for a sort of marination, I think Foster is on to something.  And truly, the guy's enthusiasm is infectious.

Excitement over Hayne's Dylan-inspired work dominated the scene, however.  I also bumped into Jack Coleman ("Heroes"), who kept bouncing back and forth about his favorite sequences, favorite performances, etc., with another equally excited viewer.

Indeed, "I'm Not There" seems to be one of those films that becomes more of an experience than a passive exercise in observation.  It'll be interesting to see if last night's enthusiasm translates during the Oscar season.