Hammer’s Echo, Sundance’s Static

One understands the impulse to canonize, particularly within the tightly-curated ecosystem of the Park City Institute and its annual Sundance Film Festival. Brydie O’Connor’s ‘Barbara Forever’, a documentary concerning the life and work of Barbara Hammer, certainly provides ample opportunity. The screenings – a fragmented schedule across The Ray, Megaplex Redstone, the Library Center Theatre, and even the somewhat provincial Broadway Centre Cinemas – were, predictably, congested. One spotted a contingent from the Kimball Art Center, likely assessing potential programming, and a surprisingly robust showing of younger attendees, presumably lured by the avant-garde subject matter. The true test, however, isn't the film itself, but the access. One requires a specific confluence of accreditation, a properly-staffed assistant, and a vehicle capable of navigating the gridlock surrounding Main Street. The film itself, while earnest, felt…safe. A lovely homage, perhaps, but lacking the truly disruptive energy of Hammer’s work. The step-and-repeat red was predictably devoid of true wattage, save for a fleeting glimpse of Florrie Burke, looking rather overwhelmed. All very…flute-glass gold, yet ultimately, a bit beige.