AFI FEST...David Lynch denies right to free speech! Fest discriminates! Volates rights of press!

In true ironic style, David Lynch and Sir Howard Stringer will kick off the annual AFI Fest on Nov 4th - brimming with a bevy of films-  that will speak of truth, cry out for justice, and attempt to hail festival organizers as great humanitarian filmmakers out to raise the consciousness.

Bullshit!

It’s just a lot of hooey!

Uh-huh.

The lofty verbal diarrhea spewing forth from the AFI Fest headquarters in Hollywood (CA) is just a sleazy poorly-scripted heap of nonsense - tawdry fiction - served up on a silver platter by a posse of nefarious snake-oil salesmen like Lynch, Sir Howard Stringer (Sony), Bob Gazzalle (chief back-stabbing highway robber with his hands in the public coffers) out to hi-jack Washington’s gift to the American people for their own greedy, self-serving, political interests.

In a scant two days, David Lynch (in particular) established by virtue of his willful neglect of the pursuit of the truth and his deliberate failure to rectify a wrong - that he is not only a pitiful individual who actively attempts to diabolically silence free speech by dubious dishonest means - but also a scandalous phony inclined to trample on the rights of the free press and openly discriminate against decent members of the film community in a deceitful underhanded plot to bolster his flimsy reputation (checker-board at best) and those of the head honchos who do the dishonest bidding on behalf of the AFI Film Fest 2010.

When Lynch - and festival low-lifers such as Casey De La Rosa (PR), President & CEO Bob Gazzalle, and others - chose to discriminate against me and violate my rights (and quite generally fu** with my head as they to tried to twist a rusty old knife in my back and front) they crossed the proverbial line.

I intend to come out swinging - sue the bastards, if necessary - to toss a searing spotlight on their reprehensible conduct - and in the process - expose their shocking lack of moral rectitude - and corrupt old-boy network - on the world stage.

That’s what these disgraceful losers deserve - to be drawn-and-quartered and strung up by their girlie little balls in the town square - where decent members of the film community (who have also been snubbed by these elitist bums on a government payroll check and/or sponsor’s free ride) may be vindicated for all of the civilized world to feast their eyes on.

The disturbing conduct - that whipped me into a frenzy and resulted in a demoralizing melt-town this past week - was triggered by the outrageous mind-boggling stupidity of Casey De La Rosa - who was under the ludicrous impression that he could discriminate against me and violate my 1st amendment rights without so much as a whimper in protest.

WRONG!

When the evil machinations of De La Rosa reared their ugly head yesterday - out-of-the-blue - it was evident some skulduggery and behind-the-scenes manipulation from the likes of oddball David Lynch, ego-maniac Bob Gazzalle - and just maybe - a handful of phony baloney AFI snobs (headed up by Edward Zwick and Sir Howard Stringer) nodding their nasty approval from a rotten perch on the sidelines in the shadowy world of sleaze that is the underbelly of their corrupt Hollywood presence in the otherwise respected realms of inspiring film industry.

It should be noted for the record that since I became a fairly well-known film critic - I have covered the AFI fest for past two years in Los Angeles (and in Dallas) - with a two-pronged purpose.

For starters, I have always endeavored to provide informative intelligent critiques on film with the specific aim of shedding light on theatrical releases so that - ultimately - I may guide my loyal readers safely through a field of landmines (bombs) that would otherwise put a dent in the pocketbook.

In addition, it has also been a mission of mine to toss a spotlight on emerging talent - and thus - usher their creative gifts into the mainstream where their creative musings can be better appreciated in venues that have the capacity to bolster their status (and a sincere appreciation for their projects) in the community-at-large.

Without doubt, I have single-handed provided a wealth of press coverage to the AFI Fest over the past two years, which has  contributed to the overall success of the annual event.

For a sampling of these reports follow the links posted herein below.

Post:

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/06/mike-nicolsafi-life-achievement-award.html

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http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/search?q=AFI&updated-max=2009-03-25T07%3A17%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=20

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http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2008/10/afi-festkicks-off-with-meryl-streep-in.html

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http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/10/afi-festivaldavid-lynch-guest-artistic.html

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http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2008/11/afi-festtilda-swintons-julia-role-of.html

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http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2009/10/afi-fest-2009george-clooney-premieres.html

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http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2009/10/afi-fest-2009george-clooney-premieres.html

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http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2009/06/afi-festivalcalling-for-film.html

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http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2009/02/slumdog-millionaireafi-foresaw.html

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http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2008/12/afiannounces-10-best-films-tv-programs.html

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http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasadrien-brody-lou-gossett-jr.html

Unfortunately, at the tail end of the AFI Fest last year, I suffered a personality clash with the manager of the publicity department who has since left the organization (see specific details below).

Because I perceive my role as a multi-faceted one in which I not only pen movie reviews and conduct celebrity interviews,  but also,  report on the scuttlebutt behind-the-scenes (informative tidbits on the hits and misses)  I was  inclined to write an expose on John Wildman and his abuse of power, corruptions, mistreatment of the press, and what-have-you.

Post:  10/01/09

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2008/11/afi-festpublicity-director-john-wildman.html

Post: 10/31/09

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2008/10/afi-festjohn-wildman-publicity-director.html

Of course, the expose  caused a tempest in a teapot to erupt - at which point - Wildman embarked on a nasty crusade to deny me access to films, attendance at gala events, you name it.

I took the high road, however, and maintained my dignity throughout his attempts to assassinate my reputation with his superiors and key players in the film industry in attendance at the Festival.

Of course, I published another post, in which I focused on his heinous mean-spirited conduct, with the specific aim of exposing Mr. Wildman for the low-class  piece of kaka that he was.

Post:  10/31/09

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2009/10/afi-feststaff-rude-to-press-elitism.html

Shortly thereafter, when the festival wrapped, Mr. Wildman - and two other reps at the AFI Festival - resigned in a cloud of mystery.

The Los Angeles Times reported on this intriguing turn-of-events.

At this juncture, I contacted the AFI Festival Director’s office, to determine if the resignation of Wildman was reported accurately.

When the assistant to the Festival Director promptly assured me by e-mail communication - that Mr. Wildman had ( indeed) left his post - I informed the AFI that in view of the departure of Mr. Wildman I would resume covering their events and throwing much-appreciated publicity their way.

When it came to my attention that the deadline for applying for a press pass for this year’s festival - slated to run November 4th thru November 11th - I immediately contacted the publicity department by e-mail to secure credentials for the upcoming 7-day event.

In the interim, I published a couple of posts to enlighten my readers that the festival was - not only on the horizon-  but scheduled to screen a handful of quality films they might be interested in catching.

Post:  10/18/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/10/afi-fest-2010david-lynch-presents-world.html

In particular, I underscored that for the 1st time ever, David Lynch would take on the role of a “guest” Artistic Director.

Post:  10/06/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/10/afi-festivaldavid-lynch-guest-artistic.html

I also proceeded to pen articles on specific projects that would be unveiled at AFI which included feature articles on Werner Herzog, special gala events, and-so-forth and-so-on.

Post: 10/18/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/10/werner-herzogcave-documentary-to-screen.html

As evidenced above, and by virtue of the links provided, I have established - without doubt - that I have selflessly promoted the AFI Fest on over a dozen occasions over the past two years.

And, one has only to review the body of the posted features (provided by link) to verify that about ninety percent of my press coverage has always been glowing, supportive, and prone to praise the filmmakers, the fest organizers, and the celebrities who appeared on the carpet to promote their projects, etc. etc.

In spite of this, the Festival turned around and reneged on their promise to issue a press pass, pursuant to an e-mail communication on October 14th (2010).

For example, a few days after I was informed that my press pass would be forthcoming, yesterday morning (about a week later), Casey De La Rosa the (head of publicity who took over the post previously held by John Wildman) fired off an e-mail in which he curtly informed me that my press pass was being revoked.

On what grounds?

In the terse two-line communication, Casey De La Rosa informed me  that he “stumbled” on my scathing expose on John Wildman - and for this reason - was denying me access to the press room, gala events, and red carpet interviews!

I was particularly incensed by this disturbing piece of news, because I already made plans to return to Los Angeles to cover the event Nov. 4th thru Nov. 11th.

Moreover, once I started to receive press releases, I jumped into action  and proceeded to pen a couple of feature reports on Mr. Lynch, the movies being screened,  detailed information on the festival, how to secure tickets, and what-have-you.

Post: 10/18/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/10/afi-fest-2010david-lynch-presents-world.html

Ungrateful bastards, wouldn’t you agree?

But what really got my goat was Casey De La Rosa’s refusal  to provide contact information I required to lodge a formal complaint with Mr. Lynch, the AFI Board of Directors, AUDI sponsors, and Sir Howard Stringer (Chairman who heads up Son  who is always hitting up the media for free publicity and glowing tributes to bolster his ego and feather his corrupt nest).

In fact, in spite of the fact the request was sent out day-before-yesterday, Casey De La Rosa has refused to respond with the e-mail contacts.

Since the AFI Fest is a non-profit organization - originally founded by a former President on the White House lawn a few decades ago - Mr. De La Rosa (I use the term Mister very loosely) I have been denied the information I am entitled to by law.

Are the e-mail addresses (or snail mail contacts by U.S. Post) a state secret, Mr. De La Rosa?

I hardly think so.

Also, an e-mail communication to David Lynch - guest Festival Director - has also been ignored by the top dog at the AFI Fest 2010 - thereby establishing his lack of courtesy to the press and his shocking lack of professionalism.

Or, is Mr. Lynch hiding, because it is evident to any fool that a review of Mr. De La Rosa’s reprehensible conduct establishes that he not only sought to “silence my voice” -but deny  free speech rights guaranteed under the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

In sum, he discriminated against me, and violated my rights in the process.

For example - initially my press pass was approved - on the grounds that I established my writing capabilities and status in the film community.

Thereafter, when De La Rosa (and Lynch?) were enlightened about the expose on John Wildman, they elected to revoke the privilege.

In view of the foregoing, it is has been legally established that Lynch and the AFI and De La Rosa have attempted to censor me - and silence my voice in the process - in violation of the right to free speech.

In view of the fact the AFI was founded by the Government - to provide a forum for film in the U.S. - David Lynch, De La Rosa, Howard Stringer et al - are illegally denying me my right to access in my capacity as a member of the press (or independent party).

Further, they are in breach of their mission as a non-profit - which is  backed by the government - because they have openly discriminated against me (i.e., treated me differently than other press members who abide by their arm-twisting tactics - or in the alternative - have written positive stories possibly prompted by gifts and payola?).

No matter how ‘ya cut it, the AFI Fest is an incestuous corrupt organization rife with unintelligent elitist snobs out to rob the arts community of their rightful entitlement to full access to the 7-day event without censorship or a requirement that they mention sponsor such as AUDI in AFI press coverage.

Shame on David Lynch, Casey De La Rosa, Sir Howard Stringer, Bob Gazzalles, Zwick, and Mike Nichols, and others involved with the AFI Fest who are responsible for this outrageous inappropriate conduct, which smacks of a form of extortion.
http://www.thetazzler.biz/

John Wildman former PR Manager at AFI Fest



AFI FEST 2010...presented by AUDI announces line-up! David Lynch, Colin Firth & 8 Gala Events!

Today - the AFI FEST 2010 presented by AUDI - announced its exciting feature-film line-up for the upcoming annual festival.

As I mentioned in an earlier post a couple of weeks ago at forgus beylan, the exciting World Premiere of -  "LOVE & OTHER DRUGS" (DIR Edward Zwick) starring Jake Gyllenhaal - is the "Opening Night Gala" flick slated to kick off the prestigious Audi-sponsored event this year.

The much-anticipated feature - the BLACK SWAN (DIR Darren Aronofsky) - is part of the dazzling "Closing Night Gala" presentation causing a lot of buzz in the industry.

Post:  10/06/2010

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/10/afi-festivaldavid-lynch-guest-artistic.html

Today, the AFI Fest announced there will be 8 glittering red-carpet "Centerpiece Galas" sure to add a lot of sizzle to the festival circuit as follows:

*AMIGO (DIR John Sayles / U.S. Premiere)
*ABEL (DIR Diego Luna)
*BARNEY'S VERSION (DIR Richard J. Lewis),
*BLUE VALENTINE (DIR Derek Cianfrance)
*CASINO JACK (DIR George Hickenlooper)
*THE COMPANY MEN (DIR John Wells)
*THE KING’S SPEECH (DIR Tom Hooper)
*(Colin Firth & Geoffrey Rush slated to appear)

At press time, the festival organizers noted that venues showcasing AFI ceremonies include the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Mann Chinese 6 theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

AFI Fest 2010 presented by AUDI runs November 4-11 in Hollywood

Filmmaker David Lynch is the festival’s Guest Artistic Director.

OPENING NIGHT SELECTION

November 4th
7:30 p.m.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

LOVE & OTHER DRUGS:

Edward Zwick’s satiric romp through the world of cutthroat Viagra sales stars Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal as mismatched lovers who discover that love is the ultimate drug. DIR Edward Zwick. SCR Charles Randolph and Edward Zwick & Marshall Herskovitz. CAST Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Oliver Platt, Hank Azaria, Josh Gad, Judy Greer, Gabriel Macht. USA
(World Premiere)

TRIBUTE SELECTION:


November 5
7:30 p.m.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

THE KING’S SPEECH:

Colin Firth stars as the stuttering King George VI and Geoffrey Rush as his maverick Australian speech therapist. DIR Tom Hooper. SCR David Seidler. CAST Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall. UK/Australia

CENTERPIECE GALA SELECTIONS:

November 6
6:30 p.m.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

BLUE VALENTINE:

Flooded with romantic memories of their courtship, Dean and Cindy use one night to try and save their failing marriage. DIR Derek Cianfrance. SCR Derek Cianfrance, Joey Curtis and Cami Delavigne. CAST Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams. USA .

November 6
8:00 p.m.
Egyptian Theatre

BARNEY'S VERSION:

A wise and witty tale of a seemingly ordinary man who lives an extraordinary life. DIR Richard J. Lewis. SCR Michael Konyves. CAST Dustin Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, Rachelle Lefevre, Scott Speedman. Canada/Italy.

November 7
7:30 p.m.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

ABEL:

 In his feature directorial debut, Diego Luna offers a strange, alluring fable of a disturbed child attempting to become his own father. DIR Diego Luna. SCR Diego Luna, Augusto Mendoza. CAST Christopher Ruíz-Esparza, José María Yazpik, Karina Gidi, Carlos Aragón, Gerardo Ruíz-Esparza, Geraldine Alejandra. Mexico

November 8
7:00 p.m.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

CASINO JACK:

Notorious lobbyist Jack Abramoff finds himself in bed with mafia assassins in this fact-inspired film. DIR George Hickenlooper. SCR Norman Snider. CAST Kevin Spacey, Barry Pepper, Kelly Preston, Rachelle Lafevre, Jon Lovitz. Canada

November 9
Details TBA

November 10
7:30 p.m.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

THE COMPANY MEN:

Bobby Walker is living the American dream when corporate downsizing forces him and two co-workers to re-define their lives. DIR/SCR John Wells. CAST Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper, Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones, Maria Bello, Rosemary DeWitt. USA

CLOSING NIGHT SELECTION

November 11
7:30 p.m.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

BLACK SWAN:

Darren Aronofsky’s stunningly operatic film stars Natalie Portman as a rising ballet star pushing her body and soul to the limit. DIR Darren Aronofsky. SCR Mark Heyman & Andres Heinz & John McLaughlin. CAST Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder. USA .

SPECIAL SCREENING SELECTIONS:


November 6

AMIGO:

Parallels to current events abound in John Sayles’ compelling drama about the moral quandaries facing U.S. soldiers and local cooperators a century ago in the Philippine-American War. DIR/SCR John Sayles. CAST Garret Dillahunt, Joel Torre, Chris Cooper, DJ Qualls, Brian Lee Franklin. USA/Philippines. U.S. Premiere

November 7

RABBIT HOLE:

A vivid, honest, hopeful and unexpectedly witty portrait of a family searching for what remains possible in the most impossible of all situations. DIR John Cameron Mitchell. SCR David Lindsay-Abaire. CAST Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, Dianne Wiest, Miles Teller, Tammy Blanchard, Sandra Oh. USA

November 8

MADE IN DAGENHAM:

Alongside 55,000 men, 187 women work as machinists in a car assembly plant and are paid a fraction of what the men earn. The women go on strike, eventually leading to a national crisis. DIR Nigel Cole. SCR William Ivory. CAST Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson , Geraldine James, Rosamund Pike. UK

November 10

CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS:

Visionary director Werner Herzog takes us on a 3-D journey into the most distant past of human history as his camera encounters the 35,000-year-old paintings of the Chauvet Cave . DIR Werner Herzog. USA

TICKETS


AFI continues its groundbreaking offer to provide festival-goers with free tickets to all of the AUDI AFI FEST 2010 filmss (including Galas and Special Screenings).

For guaranteed access to these screenings and other festival benefits guests may purchase Gala Passes and Special Screenings Passes (on sale now).

Festival-goers may also purchase Patron Passes which include Gala tickets.

FREE TICKETS

Available to AFI
Members & General Public
October 27th (noon)
October 28th (noon)

This year festival-goers also will have access to a limited number of last-minute tickets at AFI.com/AFIFEST the day before the screening or at the festival box office the day of the screening.

Rush Lines will begin forming one hour before the scheduled screening start times.

Becoming a patron of the festival and purchasing a Patron Package secures reserved seats and other festival benefits.

A limited number of Patron Packages are now available.

Additional passes ¾ including the New Auteurs Pass , the Special Screenings Pass and the Gala Pass ¾ are on sale now.

These passes guarantee seating at the films in these sections.

The AFI FEST

Box Office
AFI.com/AFIFEST

TELEPHONE


1.888.AFI FEST

www.afi.com

The King's Speech

(Colin Firth)

http://www.thetattler.biz

AFI Fest...whimpers to a close! Rinky-dink film par-tay a joke!

At the end of last week, the AFI's circuit offering, limped to a sorry close in Los Angeles!

What was the general consensus of film-goers - who attended the much-anticipated red carpet previews - in the end scenario?

The annual oft-ballyhooed event lacked - oomphf! - in the final analysis.

And, it was in large part due to the hit-and-miss attitude of the organizers, who failed to recognize that the medium of film  is capable of - not only entertaining - but, uplifting the human spirit, as well.

In a nutshell, the AFI Fest staff didn't know "snuff" about the Hollywood film industry, its in's-and-out's, who the players were, or how to put on a quality show under the big top!

In fact, their idea of the Hollywood "Dream" factory was a nightmare, from the get-go!

For example - one piece of celluloid trash the AFI staff screened (which was conjured up by a demented first-time-out Danish filmmaker) - couldn't help but stir up a nasty controversy.

Post:  11/11/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/11/afi-festscreens-sick-debauched-danish.html

"Smut masquerading as Art," was the way I put it - and, believe me - most who attended the preview of the sick flick wholeheartedly agreed!

Bob Gazzale - "doesn't know his a** from a hole in the ground" - some loudly lamented about the current disreputable President & CEO (as I rubbed my hands with glee on the sidelines).

The assessment was bang on, if 'ya ask me!

And, the Fest suffered miserably as a result, in the final analysis.

Of course, the program was plagued with bad omens, from the very start.

At one panel discussion (focusing on young up-and-coming rising superstars in the film industry today) - mics persistently sputtered beneath washed out film clips - in the midst of incompetent staffers who attempted to steer the derailed program back-on-track with little success.

Post:  11/06/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/11/la-times-actors-panelcarrie-mulligan.html

Actually, the fest's problems first festered up, when film buffs attempted to book tickets on the AFI web site which was ill-equipped to handle ticket reservations for the ten-day event to be held at a handful of prestigious venues such as Manns Chinese, the Egyptian, and-so-forth-and-so-on.

I was personally taken aback when tickets I reserved for - "The Black Swan", "Love & Other Drugs", and "The King's Speech" - were not forthcoming.

In fact, the ticket reservations vanished into thin air.

What a fiasco!

In the end scenario, I ended up with four tickets to Circus Kids, in spite of the fact I just ordered one lone ticket for the early morning screening at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

And, there were other snafus to contend with, as well.

For instance, I was issued double the tickets I requested for Mon Oncle, Hour of the Wolf, Amigo, an Industry Panel Discussion featuring up-and-coming stars (aforementioned), a Sony Seminar on 3D filmmaking, etc. etc.

Whew!

Talk about a rinky-dink outfit, eh?

Film buffs who turned up later at the box office in person to sort out the snafus - like moi! - wondered aloud where the celebrated guest Artistic Director - David Lynch - was in their hour of need.

Certainly not at the helm, that's for sure!

Judging by the AFI promos that sputtered to life at a handful of screenings - then, off again - he was obviously off on a drunk somewhere!

Post: 11/06/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/11/david-lynchaudiences-laugh-washed-up.html


Next year I'll pass, thank you very much, Mr. Gazale!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Mann's Chinese Theatre an AFI venue in 2010

AFI FEST 2010...David Lynch presents World Cinema! Midnight features! Breakthrough flicks! Stars galore!

 

AFI FEST 2010 (presented by Audi) issued a press release today to inform me that - in addition to the special presentations I penned a post on last week (8 Red Carpet Galas) - there will be an additional five (5) eclectic segments included in the Film Festival screening mix that runs Nov. 4th thru Nov. 11th.

Post:  10/13/2010

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/10/afi-fest-2010presented-by-audi.html

The exciting line-up includes World Cinema (new works by renowned filmmakers); Midnight (showcasing midnight screenings of comedy and horror films); Alt/Art (which presents films about art, artists and the artistic struggle for freedom of expression); Breakthrough (a new section to AFI FEST which highlights films discovered solely through the submission process); and Shorts (with films in this section eligible for Academy Award consideration).

The six films selected by AFI FEST 2010 Guest Artistic Director David Lynch will be announced by festival organizers in the near future.

This year, AFI FEST boasts 97 films presentations (66 features & 31 shorts) selected from 3,000 submissions across 31 countries with UK (11), France (9) and South Korea (7) topping the international selections.

The breakdown by section is:

*Gala/Tribute (8)
*Special Screening (4)
*Young Americans (6)
*New Auteurs (8)
*World Cinema (23)
*Midnight (3)
*Alt/Art (3)
*Breakthrough (5)
*Short Film (31)

The films in the Gala/Tribute, Special Screening, Young Americans and New Auteurs sections were previously announced in a prior post as aforementioned.

To refresh your memory they include the following features:

Post: 10/06/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/10/afi-festivaldavid-lynch-guest-artistic.html

AFI FEST runs Nov. 4th thru Nov. 11th (2010) due to the generous sponsorship of AUDI.

The plush theatrical venues chosen to screen the films include the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Mann Chinese 6 theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

WORLD CINEMA SELECTIONS

This section presents new work by many of the world’s most renowned filmmakers.

The films in competition for the World Cinema Audience Award are:

*13 ASSASSINS:
(DIR Takashi Miike)
SCR Daisuke Tengan. Japan

*BOY:
(DIR/SCR Taika Waititi. New Zealand)

*CARANCHO:
(DIR Pablo Trapero)
SCR Alejandro Fadel, Martín Mauregui. Argentina/France/Chile)

*CERTIFIED COPY (COPIE CONFORME):
(DIR/SCR Abbas Kiarostami. France/Italy/Iran)

*CHICO & RITA:
(DIR Fernando Trueba, Javier Mariscal, Tono Errando)
SCR Fernando Trueba, Ignacio Martínez de Pisón. Spain/UK

*FILM SOCIALISM (FILM SOCIALISME):
(DIR/SCR Jean-Luc Goddard. Switzerland)

*HAHAHA:
(DIR/SCR Hong Sangsoo. South Korea)

*HIS & HERS:
(DIR Ken Wardrop. Ireland)

*THE HOUSEMAID (1960):
(DIR/SCR Kim Ki-young. South Korea)
THE HOUSEMAID (2010):

(DIR Im Sang-soo)
SCR Kim Ki-young, Im Sang-soo. South Korea

*THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER:
(DIR Eran Riklis)
 SCR Noah Stollman. Israel/Germany/France/Romania

*I SAW THE DEVIL:
(DIR Kim Jee-woon)
SCR Park Hoon-jung. South Korea

*KARAMAY:
(DIR Xu Xin. China)

*OKI’S MOVIE:
(DIR/SCR Hong Sangsoo. South Korea)

*OUTRAGE:
(DIR/SCR: Takeshi Kitano. Japan)

*PINK SARIS:
(DIR Kim Longinotto. UK)

*POETRY:
(DIR/SCR Lee Chang-dong. South Korea)

*PRECIOUS LIFE:
(Dir: Shlomi Eldar. Israel)

*THE PRINCESS OF MONTPENSIER:
( DIR Bertrand Tavernier)
SCR Jean Cosmos, François Olivier Rousseau, Bertrand Tavernier. France

*RUBBER:
(DIR/SCR Quentin Dupieux. USA).

*A SCREAMING MAN (HOMME QUE CRIE):
(DIR/SCR Mahamat-Saleh Haroun. France/Belgium/Chad)

*SUBMARINO:
(DIR/SCR Thomas Vinterberg. Denmark)

*UNCLE BOONMEE WHO CAN RECALL HIS PAST LIVES (LUNG BOONMEE RALUEK CHAT): (DIR/SCR Apichatpong Weerasethakul. UK/Thailand/France/Germany/Spain)

MIDNIGHT SELECTIONS

This new section showcases comedy & horror programming worthy of midnight viewings.

*CARGO:
(DIR Ivan Engler, Ralph Etter)
SCR Arnold Bucher, Ivan Engler, Patrik Steinmann, Thilo Röscheisen. Switzerland

*JULIA’S EYES (LOS OJOS DE JULIA):
(DIR Guillem Morales)
SCR Guillem Morales, Oriol Paulo. Spain

*NORWEGIAN NINJA
(KOMMANDER TREHOLT & NINJATROPPEN):
(DIR/SCR Thomas Cappelen Malling. Norway)

ALT/ART SELECTIONS

This section presents films about art, artists &  artistic struggle for freedom of expression.

*BARBERSHOP PUNK:
(DIR Georgia Archer, Kristin Armfield. USA)

*BLANK CITY:
(DIR Celine Danhier. USA)

*FREE RADICALS:
(DIR Pip Chodorov. France . U.S. Premiere)

BREAKTHROUGH SELECTIONS

This section ¾ new to AFI FEST ¾ highlights films discovered solely through the submissions process.

The films in this section are in competition for the Breakthrough Audience Award and its accompanying $5,000 cash prize.

*HAMILL:
(DIR Oren Kaplan)
SCR Joseph McKelheer, Eben Kostbar. USA

*I WILL FOLLOW:
(DIR/SCR Ava DuVernay. USA)

*REMOVAL:
(DIR Nick Simon)
SCR Daniel Meersand, Nick Simon, Oz Perkins. USA . World Premiere

*THE WEATHER STATION (PRYACHSYA):
(DIR Johnny O’Reilly)
SCR Aleksei Kolmogorov, Johnny O'Reilly. Russia . World Premiere

*WIN/WIN:
(DIR/SCR Jaap van Heusden. Netherlands)

SHORT FILM SELECTIONS

The films in this section are in competition for the Grand Jury Prize for Live Action Short Film and Animated Short Film ¾ both recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as qualifiers for the annual Academy Awards®.

*52 TAKES OF THE SAME THING THEN BOOBS:
(DIR/SCR T. Arthur Cottam. USA)

*THE ABYSS BOYS:
(DIR/SCR Jan-Hendrik Beetge. South African)

*THE ACCORDION:
(DIR/SCR Jafar Panahi. Iran)
*BERIK:
(DIR/SCR Daniel Borgman. Denmark)

*BOTTLE:
(DIR/SCR Kirsten Lepore. USA)

*DELMER BUILDS A MACHINE:
( DIR/SCR Landon Zakheim. USA)

*EXCUSE ME:
(DIR/SCR Duncan Birmingham. USA)

*FEEDER:
(DIR Joseph Ernst)
SCR Joseph Ernst, Dean Wei. Netherlands/UK

*THE HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE:
(DIR/SCR Trevor Anderson. Canada)

*I LOVE LUCI:
(DIR/SCR Colin Kennedy. UK)

*I MISS:
(DIR/SCR Annie Dorsen. USA)

*IF YOU DRIVE AT NIGHT, TRY TO HAVE COMPANY:
(DIR/SCR Isabel Muñoz. Mexico)

*KIDS MIGHT FLY:
(DIR/SCR Alex Taylor. UK)

*LONG LIVE THE NEW FLESH:
(DIR Nicolas Provost. Belgium)

*MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON:
(DIR Dean Fleischer-Camp)
SCR Jenny Slate, Dean Fleischer-Camp. USA

*MARY LAST SEEN:
(DIR/SCR T. Sean Durkin. USA)

*ON LEAVE:
(DIR/SCR Asaf Saban. Israel)

*PHOTOGRAPH OF JESUS:
(DIR Laurie Hill. UK)
*PIXELS:

(DIR/SCR Paul Emile Boucher. France)

*QUADRANGLE:
( DIR Amy Grappell. USA)

*THE RESPONSE:
(DIR Andrew Spieler)
SCR Samantha Manahan. USA

*SACRAMENTO: A FAMILY FABLE:
(DIR/SCR Michael Bodie. USA)

*THE SANDPIT:
(DIR Sam O’Hare. USA)

*THE SAVAGE CANVAS:
( DIR Tim Hope)
SCR Tim Hope, Susanna Kleeman. UK

*SOME BOYS DON’T LEAVE:
(DIR Maggie Kiley)
SCR Maggie Kiley, Matthew Mullen. USA

*STRIPS:
(DIR Felix Dufour-Laperriere. Canada)

*SUCCESSFUL ALCOHOLICS:
(DIR Jordan Vogt-Roberts)
SCR T.J. Miller, Jordan Vogt-Roberts. USA

*TELEPHONEME:
(DIR/SCR MK12. USA)

*TIME FREAK:
(DIR/SCR Andrew Bowler. USA)

*TUB:
(DIR/SCR Bobby Miller. USA)

*VOICE ON THE LINE:
(DIR Kelly Sears. USA)

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

*3D BOOTCAMP

PRESENTED BY THE SONY 3D TECHNOLOGY CENTER:

A special seminar led by Buzz Hays, Senior Vice President of the Sony 3D Technology Center, on the making of 3D entertainment, with an emphasis on the importance of storytelling in the third dimension.

THE LOS ANGELES TIMES YOUNG HOLLYWOOD ROUNDTABLE:

A conversation with some of Hollywood ’s brightest young talent including Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan (NEVER LET ME GO), Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield (THE SOCIAL NETWORK).
http://www.thetattler.biz

 

David Lynch...audiences laugh @ washed-up director! AFI Fest promo a disaster!

OMG!

How embarrassing.

Last night when a promo for the AFI FEST popped up on the screen at a West Coast film premiere at Mann's Chinese - audiences erupted into gales of laughter (in all the wrong places) - when the guest Artistic Director (David Lynch) put in an appearance on behalf of the annual festival that rolls around this time each year in Los Angeles.

The blurb - in which Lynch rambled on in a colorless mundane fashion about the alleged benefits of attending the AFI Fest - was so God-awful that it boggled the senses.

No wonder the LA TIMES panel discussion at the historic Egyptian Theatre - with Carrie Mulligan (Wall Street), Andrew Garfield (FaceBook), and Jesse Eisenberg (Facebook) - was such a technical (and critical) failure.

A post on the high profile event follows.

Judging by his washed-up demeanour on screen last night - Lynch came off looking like a down 'n out drunk on his last legs in the tenderloin district - clearly the brass at AFI made a serious blunder when they elected to have the once-celebrated auteur take over the reins.

It's no surprise why AFI has to give away tickets each year, eh?

Later!



http://www.thetattler.biz

Werner Herzog..".Cave" documentary to screen @ AFI Fest! Celebrated Director delights...

 

Over the past year, Werner Herzog has been quite busy, as usual.

The down-to-earth visionary director put the finishing touches on "The Bad Lieutenant" (which starred Nicolas Cage) and it was released to positive reviews.

In the wake of that commercial success in the American marketplace, Herzog was invited to head up a panel of Judges to preside over the prestigious Berlin Film Festival.

In spite of the high-profile nature of his work, the humble auteur finds the time during leisure hours to appear at local independent theatres to share his wealth of experience with up-and-coming filmmakers - who are simply blown away - when they have the good fortune to meet Herzog and engage in a meaningful dialogue on the subject of film.

On a couple of occasions, I dashed over to the New Beverly Cinema to participate in one of those insightful Q & A sessions in Hollywood.

At a screening of - "Encounters at the End of the World" - I found Herzog to be at the height of his game.

Post:  09/18/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2008/09/werner-herzogattends-screening-of.html

A short while later, the charismatic European delighted fans when he appeared for a signing at a popular book store in WeHo on Sunset Boulevard.

Post: 07/30/09

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2009/07/werner-herzogto-sign-conquest-offering.html

At this juncture, there appears to be no stopping the creativity that fuels his genius imagination.

Mr. Herzog will be screening another one of his pet projects on "cave drawings" at the annual AFI Fest 2010 during its run in Hollywood Nov. 4th thru Nov. 11th (2010).

Film:

Cave of Forgotten Dreams
DIR: Werner Herzog

Screening Date:

Nov. 10th

Location:

AFI Fest 2010

Info:

www.afi.com

http://www.thetattler.biz/

AFI Fest....screens sick debauched Danish film! Filmgoers shocked!

Last night I attended a screening of "Nothing's All Bad" at the AFI Fest - an Independent Foreign Film - that was directed by Mikkel Munch-Fals.

For the first time ever - I half-expected the Vice Squad to break down the Theatre door at Mann's Chinese Theatre, confiscate the reels of film, and haul all the filmgoers off to jail for participating in a screening of vile lewd material that was disgustingly pornographic in nature.

But, because the sick debauched tale about a handful of sexually-depraved degenerates was screening at an alleged prestigious film festival, the authorities must have assumed that the Danish flick was "high brow" or at least one of the Artsy-fartsy variety.

Wrong!

Everything about "Nothing's All Bad" was "bad".

For example, in one scene - a teenager is standing at a urinal chewing gum and taking a whiz - when a forty-something piece of rough trade strolls into the men's room and stares him down.

"Can't you do something better with those pretty lips," he snarled at the sexy young dude.

Without batting-an-eyelid, the hustler plucks the gum out of his mouth - and sticks it to the gritty wall - as he drops to his knees to give the pervert a nasty bl** job.

In another vignette (!) a woman loses a breast to cancer. 

Shortly after the operation, she sinks to the depths of depression when she suffers rejection from the men all around her in social settings, who can't deal with her physical abnormality.

One day, she strolls into a porn shop and stumbles on a couple of DVD's, which feature amputees and individuals who have been mutilated.

To satisfy her yearning for acceptance (and love ?!), she agrees to act in one of the low-budget sex flicks.

When she arrives on the set the day of the shoot, she is forced to squat on all fours - with a rubber bit stuffed in her mouth - as a young male mounts her from behind and fu**s her up the ass!

And, it gets worse!

The last time I reacted so negatively to a film was on the occasion when I took in a double-bill of two features - that turned out to be basic snuff films - at the New Beverly Cinema a couple of years ago.

Post: 08/07/08

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2008/08/chaos-and-murder-set-pieces-shocking.html

What shocked me the most about this AFI fest celluloid offering?

For starters, the fact that the film was not rated (restricted or otherwise), and was given the seal of approval for screening (in spite of the fact the Film Fest is supported by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, a handful of Government Arts Councils, and a mainstream auto-dealer - AUDI - with a moral responsibility to the community).

I am thoroughly incensed that the aforementioned agencies (and individuals who acted on their behalf)agreed to screen this filth - which ultimately - degrades the body and demoralizes the human spirit.

Today, we need films that inspire a civilized society, not trash it!

The film should be - banned, burned, or confiscated by the local police - to prevent this kind of smut from seeping into the community at large in the future.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

LA TIMES Actor's panel...Carey Mulligan, Jesse Eisenberg & Andrew Garfield bare souls!

Filmgoers anxiously queued up in front of the historic Egyptian Theatre last night to nab a coveted seat at a panel discussion which focused on the behind-the-scenes underbelly of Hollywood - and bask in the reflected glow of three of their favorite young stars - Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Jesse Eisenberg who are currently skyrocketing to success in the film biz.

Despite shoddy production glitches - typical of the incompetent and unprofessional AFI Fest staff who organized the event - excited guests were hopeful that they were in for an entertaining night once the way was paved.

Indeed!

The festivities got off to a bumpy start as Amy Kaufman - the nervous host who covers the youth beat for the LA TIMES - struggled to get her bearings before the packed house.

It was quite evident from the get-go that Ms. Kaufman was a tad inexperienced - too green, to put it succinctly - to handle the task at hand.

But, the special event - in true show biz tradition - went on nonetheless despite a few ugly burps and distracting hiccups that stalled the proceedings now-and-then.

For example, guests were forced to endure a few awkward moments when the three celebrated guests trotted up to the podium, and were at a loss to fathom where to sit.

Obviously, the hapless actors needed a bit of direction in that regard.

Meanwhile, the AFI staff stood around slack-jawed, clueless about what action to take to rectify the embarrassing ongoing problems.

Once the panel discussion got underway, for instance, technical problems threatened to spoil the evening as well.

Microphones failed, film clips washed out on the wide-screen in an unprofessional fashion, you name it.

At times, guests were forced to strain forward in their seats in a bold-faced effort to hear the ongoing dialogue just out-of-reach on the cement floor below the wide screen, where the acoustics were definitely lousy to begin without amplification.

There was quite a bit of incoherent mumbling going on for the first ten minutes or so until the event finally found its legs and delivered up.

The audience was quite forgiving, so the event sailed on pretty smoothly, once the technical oversights resolved about a quarter-of-the-way into the panel discussion.

Carey Mulligan was the the most poised and professional of the three performers.

The lads tended to hum-and-haw a lot - even stumble for words on occasion - when the searing glare of the spotlight was tossed on them.

Andrew Garfield was probably the most intriguing guest of all.

Quite often - he waxed poetically (rambled on incoherently, too) - as he struggled to utter up witty responses to a handful of Kaufman's potentially-revealing queries.

It had not escaped his attention that pressures may derail his peace of mind in the near future - when he embarks on his next project - in which he portrays "Spiderman" (in a role Toby McGuire took on which ended up totally defining the character to audience satisfaction).

He joked that he'd be that guy in the audience lamenting the casting choice.

'Oh, shit! Who hired that English fool to play spidey," he blurted our at one point, to a roar of approval from the audience.

Garfield was probably the most insecure actor, of the three on the hot seat, too.

He worried about the way his eyebrows looked, what fans might think of his walk, that sort-of-thing.

The English actor had no problem knocking the profession - and actors, in particular - either.

"Actors hang out in a sandbox. Live in a dream world. And, they make so much money. It's criminal, really," he protested, in so many words.

But, he was inclined to confess, there was a moment in a stage production in England when he had a revelation about art and truth that set things right in his questioning mind.

"Deep," Andy Kaufman kidded in a knee-jerk reaction to the actor's obvious over-blown sense of self-importance and worth as a B-list talent kicking around the fringes of the Hollywood scene.

Occasionally, he was spontaneous, and funny.

When Kaufman asked how the three actors broke into the business - wondered if they had connections and all that - Garfield's lightning response was delightful.

"I come from the Garfield dynasty of actors. My father was a spear carrier - third on the left - in a successful Shakespearean production," he coughed up dead-pan.

Actually, through-out the revealing interview, he displayed a rather droll sense of humor.

Carey Mulligan insisted that she was terrified whenever she was forced to appear on the red carpet.

"I found it is helpful to have a Martini before-hand," she giggled.

I agree, baby!

"Or, take along friends and family, with the aim of seeing the hoopla from their perspective," she added as an afterthought.

"My brother went wild over the cops handling security at the Oscars. He hung out the window, totally blown away by their big guns," she confided.

The audiences were particularly fascinated with the two male actors since both just appeared in the phenomenally successful film bio on the founder of FaceBook (The Social Network).

I reviewed the film a few weeks ago.

Post:  10/01/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/10/social-networkfacebook-nerd-revenge.html

"I met people who knew Mark. They'd pass on information like - 'he had a weak handshake' - and that sort-of-thing," Eisenberg quipped gleefully.

But, for the most part, the fresh face in the industry was inclined to go along with the character fleshed out for the screen by the talented insightful script-writer on the project.

One actor noted that his cousin landed a job at FaceBook towards the end of the shoot, and ended up in the enviable position of being able to disclose some curious secrets kept under wraps until recently.

For instance, aalthough  Zuckerberg initially stated to the press that he was not going to screen the film, the actor's relative noted that the founder of FaceBook actually rented a movie theatre one day and treated the staff to a private screening of the controversial flick.

"Later, he took them out for Apple Teas, in a cheeky response to a scene where it was alleged that was the popular drink consumed by staffers running the social hub at the time," he snickered.

Also, Zuckerberg made a point of telling the cousin that he thought the actor who portrayed him in the film bio, did a good job.

However, the actor accused that it was a clever public relations ploy, on the part of Zuckerberg.

"He was trying to be diplomatic to my cousin," he summed up smugly.

When Kaufman referred to Zuckerberg as the "contested founder", by the way, he was adamant that  - "no" - his character (Zuckerberg) was a founder (among a handful of visionaries who contributed to the initial success of the popular web site).

Surprisingly, Carey Mulligan fessed up that she had a weird relationship with Michael Douglas on the set of Wall Street.

"We were quite distant," she confided.

After some prodding by Kaufman, Ms. Mulligan noted that the production was not too different than earlier independent films she worked on, in many respects.

"The food was better at craft service, though. And, the crew was larger since we were working in NYC.  But, the shooting schedule was just eleven weeks."

The pretty English actress got her first break when she attended an "open call" audition for "Pride & Prejudice" for a small role.

"I snagged it," she noted with glee.

The actress admitted that press reports alleging that she took the bus in Los Angeles when she moved here, and stayed at a Best Western Hotel, were true.

But, a slightly harrowing event at a bus stop, changed all that one day.

"I was standing there waiting for the Metro when a car - with blacked-out windows - glided up and pulled to a stop. The side window rolled down, and a man inside pointed a gun at me. Then, he laughed wickedly, just before tearing off down the street."

Welcome to Los Angeles, Carey!

All three performers admitted what appears to be a common fear among actors.

"I didn't work for a year after the Wall Street shoot. I didn't know if I would ever work again," Mulligan fessed up.

By the way, I loved her acting in the Michael Douglas vehicle, and raved about her in my review.

Post:  10/01/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/10/wall-streetoliver-stone-atheist-michael.html

Technical snafus aside, the night end up a real charmer, in my opinion.

I predict these three - provided they get over their insecurities, unfounded fears and phobias - will go far in the film biz.

Break a leg, kids!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Good Riddance Day...Times Square good-bye to blues party!

Cast of American Idiot!

The cast of "American Idiot" will be on hand.

And, a posse of New Yorkers - with tongue-in-cheek - too!

The celebrated occasion?

The annual "toss the blues away" party!

Uh-huh.

Tomorrow, the masses will descend on Times Square with all their bad memories in town from 2010, to offer them up to a giant shredding machine smack dab in the middle of the mean streets of Manhattan!

The diligent few will arive around 12:00 noon on Broadway ( wrap is at 1:30 p.m.) between 46th & 47th Streets - to join in on a joyous occasion with the express intent of ensuring that - by the end of the week - the heady New Year will kick off fresh with a bang and a "pop" and all the "right stuff".

The most creative disposal paying homage to the momentous destruction of "human blues" will win a V.I.P. package to the "American Idiot" stage show currently entertaining audiences on Theatre row.

So, toss on some finery, and head down there on the morrow, eh?

I won't be there in person, but, I'll be there in spirit!

I'm shredding nasty memories of the entire AFI Public Relations staff - an elitist bunch of incompetent shits - who presided over the proceedings this year in Hollywood and ruined the festival for most die-hard movie buffs!

And, giving a good heave-ho to all the cashiers at - Rite-Aid, CVS and McDonald's - who had all the personality, intelligence, wit, and charm - of a worm to boot!

I'm praying next year will be mucho better, how 'bout you?

'Til then.

http://www.thetattler.biz

Times Square "Toss the Blues" party!

Adrien Brody...sues Hannibal Pictures over contract dispute! Giallo DVD sales!

 

Academy Award-winning actor - Adrien Brody - has sued filmmakers in a federal court in Los Angeles on the grounds that a  film is being released into the foreign market without his permission.

In addition, Brody - who sky-rocketted to fame after a starring role in the Piano - has alleged that the producers have not fully paid for his acting services for the project simply titled "Giallo".

The handsome leading man  sought emergency relief from the court based on a contractual agreement that stipulated that the filmmakers were barred from distributing the feature until his renumeration was paid in full.

However, a request to block the release of a  DVD  was denied by the Judge presiding over the legal proceedings.

It appears that Mr. Brody may not have crossed all his "t's" or dotted all his "i's" because the Judge refused to take action until all the parties have been served with legal notice.

A party in a court proceeding has a right to be notified of any adverse action being taken so that they have the opportunity to appear and offer up a defense.

Brody claims he is still owed $640,000 for starring in the film.

In his briefs filed at the courthouse, Brody argued that the alleged breach of agreement may cause him to suffer damages in the sum of $2 million.

In a sworn declaration, the actor accused the film's producers of not disclosing the truth about financing and and may have  vastly overstated how much the film's Italian distribution rights were going for.

"We respectfully dispute his allegations," a lawyer -  A. Raymond Hamrick III - argued on behalf of the defendants (Hannibal Pictures & Giallo Productions Ltd.).

Hamrick has  sworn up-and-down that the filmmakers tried to work out a deal with the actor.

Contrary to Brody's claims, an insider has asserted that the popular star has actually been paid the princely sum of $1 million to date.

I met Mr. Brody on the red carpet at a screening in Dallas (Texas) last year and found the actor to be straightforward, honest, and affable.

Post:  04/10/09

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasadrien-brody-lou-gossett-jr.html

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

American Film Institute...honors Morgan Freeman with Life Achievement Award!

 

Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman - one of my favorite actors - has been bestowed with the American Film Institute's highest honor.

The 73-year-old thespian - with a bevy of stellar performances under his belt - will receive the film festival's prestigious Life Achievement Award - at a special ceremony in June (2011).

AFI Chair - Sir Howard Stringer - offered up nothing but glowing tributes when he recently announced the news at a packed high-profile press conference.

"Morgan Freeman is an American treasure - who brings a calm authority to his roles," he  noted solemnly, "whether playing a prisoner,  a President or God."

Mr. Freeman - a charismatic likeable actor - joins the ranks of a handful of well-respected performers to receive the honor which includes such luminaries as Alfred Hitchcock, Martin  Scorsese, Jack Nicholson, Bette Davis, and Director Steven Spielberg.

The talented actor currently starring opposite Bruce Willis in the spy spoof - RED - is the 39th recipient of the coveted award.

Congrats, Morgan!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

127 Hours...James Franco dazzles @ LA TIMES Envelope screening!

James Franco lit up the night by his sheer presence, a filmmaker had doubts about the quality of a film print, and the wine flowed generously as film buffs mingled at an LA TIMES screening of Danny Boyle's gritty drama - 127 Hours - ripped from the pages of recent headlines.

The event - presented under the auspices of the Envelope series sponsored by the daily - was the hottest ticket in town last night!

Film buffs were thrilled to get a glimpse of handsome actor James Franco - who trotted out for a Q & A session in casual jeans topped with a dress shirt replete with tails hanging out below the hem-line of a chic luxurious-looking sweater (a style statement gone by the wayside, James!) - after the credits crawled at the end of the Fox Searchlight Film production which has been garnering rave reviews from critics around the country in recent days.

Franco (who possesses a quiet sexuality which is a definite turn-on for his fans) was pretty down-to-earth last evening - and likewise - comfortable in the setting (often using his hands to punctuate his responses to queries fielded his way by moderator John Horn who is a writer at the Times).

In fact, at one point - the 127 Hours star was so at-ease - that he was inclined to pose a question to the screenwriter (Simon Beaufoy) to clarify a point or two.

Suddenly - after intuitively recognizing he may have been overstepping his bounds a tad - Franco half-turned in his seat to seek approval from Horn in the event he was out-of-line.

"Do you mind if I ask a question?"

"No. The bar is still open. I'll go and have a drink. You're doing fine," joked Horn to a roar of laughter from the rapt audience in the packed theatre.

For filmgoers, it was an intriguing night.

Shortly after the audience was seated an announcement was made that the filmmakers - at Fox Searchlight - were not happy with the print that ended up at the Landmark Theatre last night for the unveiling.

So, a decision was made to special-deliver a higher-quality print to the handlers at the movie house which would result in a delay of the curtain going up unfortunately.

At this juncture, the sponsors (Sapporo) invited ticket-holders to have a glass of wine or beer on the house in the Theatre's comfy upscale bar until the projectionist was ready to commence with the screening a short while later.

"Obviously Fox cares. That showed a lot of professionalism, in my opinion" one filmgoer gushed a scant few seconds later.

Another woman sashayed up to me at the busy bar and confided that she was interested in Franco starring in a project she and her associates were working on.

"But, now that he's starring in 127 Hours, it's doubtful we'll be able to afford James," she lamented woefully.

In the final analysis, the guests in attendance at AMC on the West Side last evening, ended up feeling like they were walking on air.

The project raised a couple of obvious questions for me.

Would Franco be able to carry a whole movie on his own?

The handsome performer recently received glowing reviews for his portrayal of Allen Ginsberg in "Howl" - but, to date - super stardom has managed to elude the talented matinee idol for want of a vehicle to propel him forward in the eyes of an industry where blockbuster ticket sales are paramount to landing big-picture deals.

Initially, I struggled with an obvious dilemma, when I first considered attending the premiere.

If I turned down the invite because the film was going to be an obvious "downer" (the main character in the intense drama is trapped in an isolated canyon and forced to later sever his arm to escape the clutches of impending doom-and-gloom) I would miss the opportunity to catch popular James Franco in the flesh (so-to-speak).

As it turned out, 127 hours was not a complete and utter bummer!

In his own inimitable way, director Danny Boyle succeeded in avoiding the obvious pitfalls - and as a result - fathomed up a gripping drama that ends up being a testament to the human spirit.

Basically, the seasoned pro - at the top of his game here - relied on the Holy Grail of movie-making (story-telling devices) - to lure in and captivate the audience.

In a less capable director's hands, the real-life cliffhanger would have been reduced to an exploitative tale about a man against the elements, struggling for survival in the wilderness.

Ho-Hum!

Hollywood pap, and a popcorn movie, in a nutshell.

Unfortunately, though, Boyle facilitated a handful of tired film techniques that tended to tear down the overall quality (and integrity) of the project.

In opening scenes, for example, the "Sunshine" director used a split screen for action shots which was old hat.

By Hollywood filmmaking standards, the stylistic technique is a stale one, that dates the director (and is partly his undoing as a result).

At times, 127 Hours borders on gimmickry, too, as Boyle (shame-faced?) attempts to jazz up the screen in a bold-faced attempt to appeal to a hip young audience during the run of the film during the all-important upcoming holiday and pre-Oscar season.

A dynamite soundtrack, for instance, is sure to cause a buzz and prompt sales at cash registers in music stores and on the Internet.

Initially, Aron Ralston - the author of the best-selling hardcover book (Between a Rock and a Hard Place) - was hell-bent on a documentary to best revisit the harrowing tale.

But, that notion was quickly pushed aside, by Boyle.

The respected director also took artistic license and deviated from the original published account of the travails of a hiker who eventually comes to learn from his dark night of the soul - first-hand - that no man is an island.

In the book, for example, the drama unfolded with a focus that shifted back-and-forth from the victim (alone in the desert fighting his demons) to rescue efforts being made on his behalf miles away once it was determined he was missing in Blue John Canyon in Utah.

Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy - a cerebral writer - underscored the importance of treating the material as a piece of fiction first and foremost.

"In this way, we were able to explore the emotional layers of truth."

"Otherwise, the main character would have been alone, just talking to a rock," he explained in so many words.

Boyle was adamant that he could shoot the project, in spite of the doubts of others, all around him.

"It's an impossible story to tell on film," was the general consensus from well-meaning critics.

Boyle simply responded with a mad-man's glee, according to Beaufoy.

Uh-huh.

A challenge!

The auteur is a bit of a wizard, alright, with an infectious grin.

Last year, I met Mr. Boyle on the red carpet in Dallas when Slumdog Millionaire premiered there.

Post: 11/08/08

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2008/11/afi-festmatthew-modine-appears-in-black.html

There is something magical about the man that touches and draws folks in.

If anyone could accomplish the strenuous difficult task at hand, it was Boyle.

To prepare for the project, the visionary director drafted a 40 page outline for Beaufoy to digest, which set forth - in minute detail - his ideas about the filmmaking process to embark on in this particular circumstance.

Based on a gut instinct, Boyle was inspired to hire on two directors of photography - Anthony Dod Mantle (who worked on Slumdog Millionaire) and Enrique Chediak (The Good Girl) - for a couple of reasons.

For starters, Boyle liked to cover himself.

One camera-man's style may be preferable to another at any given moment - and the novel approach - had the potential to add some contrast or traction to scenes when needed or whenever possible.

Franco opined that the scheme didn't necessarily work out in one sense, but had unexpected results in another, which helped the actor considerably in achieving his goals in the acting department.

Because the DP's were using hand-held - state-of-the-art cameras - the cinematographers were able to capture the behaviour of the scene (zoom in-and-out spontaneusly without the necessity of taking breaks or setting up for lighting or framing individual shots) and thus capture Franco in a realistic seamless performance that astounds.

Unlike a documentary, Boyle was able to re-enact an in-your-face traumatic ordeal, and transform it into an authentic movie-making experience that ends up being a very gut-wrenching and real one audiences are forced to endure.

In the final analysis, Boyle traps the audience, too - at which point - they become party to the events and not just voyeurs on the outside looking in.

Franco, Boyle and Simon relied heavily on video-tapes Ralston filmed during the 5-day ordeal to get the story across.

"They were quite a document," according to Beaufor and Franco.

More on that subject in my upcoming movie review.

Stay posted!





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