karma, fate, faith - oh, those sisters. Jill and Karen Sprecher (director/writer and writer, respectively) filmed their exquisite Thirteen Conversations About One Thing (2001) in only eight short weeks, even after money problems forced them to chop their budget in half and then their shooting schedule by a week. a stunning ensemble cast (notably Alan Arkin, Clea DuVall, and Matthew McConaughey, among many others) shape a small raft of lives afloat in New York City, all in search of an certain elusive something. i have always loved and adored film - a tender thing to be just sitting there and have one kiss me back. this film is a gift, one of the best of the year (nice interview with Jill here, Reel.com).