New York Times Film Club

Big Stone Gap

9/24/15

I went to a see "Big Stone Gap," the other night and there was a  Q & A afterward with all the actors, and then some, shown below.

"Big Stone Gap" is a movie written and directed by Adriana Trigiani. "Big Stone Gap," happens to be the place in the Appalachian Mountains Adriana is from.

What I learned at the Q & A is that Ashley Judd is from the same area with the same sort of background as the character she brilliantly portrays in the beautifully shot film.

Here's a fun thing Adriana talked about: She said when trying to find something to focus on about the town, she thought of the one big event that had happened there. That event was when Elizabeth Taylor, married to John Warner, came to town and choked on a chicken bone. I remember John Belushi, on SNL, mimicking that characterization. 

Jenna Elfman was wonderful in the movie and said she stayed at the Comfort Inn because that is where her boys wanted to stay.

Whoopi was a fabulous addition to the movie. I want Whoopi in my movie and am going to rewrite a part to fit her. She sat behind me once at a secret screening of "Lincoln." And, since we both work at ABC, I have a way to get the script to her..... Here's hoping...

Here's my synchronicity for this event:  I just went to a Chinese Face Reading Class after reading the book. The class was taught by the author and I am loving this stuff. Jenna Elfman's character gives Ashley Judd's character a book on Chinese Face Reading. Random.

Check this movie out. The scenery is beautiful and the story sweet with great characters.

Okay, that's it for now. I have to write which is why I haven't blogged. Been busy with scripts, but marketing is now a part of the process so I'm back and there are many, many, many wonderful events I am going to in the next couple of weeks. So stay tuned.....

Gala Tribute to Cate Blanchett at NYFF51 and Bill Nighy

This week has been a grand week at Lincoln Center with the NYFF51 in full swing.

I met Bill Nighy and that was a huge thrill. Richard Curtis, one of my favorite directors was there along with Domhnall Gleeson. Sorry I didn't take pictures. Bill Nighy and Domhnall Gleeson, along with Rachel McAdams are in Richard Curtis' new film, 'About Time.' This was a movie that was just about the best feel good movie of all time. I loved every single moment of it. Don't miss it. Awesome!

The next night was the tribute to Cate Blanchett who was beautiful and funny. There was a showing of 'Blue Jasmine' after the interview and montage of Cate films. I've seen 'Blue Jasmine' twice already. She is tremendous in it and of course it's excellent. It's a Woody Allen movie. Woody even had some screen time where he told Cate how great it had been working with her and that he hoped to do it again. She was touched by his comments and asked the interviewer, "How'd you get him to do that?"

Enjoy the pictures.....

Also, saw a screening of 'Galaxy.'  Tremendous. Oscar stuff!

 

'Red 2'

I went to a screening of 'Red 2' last night. Awesome! I didn't know there was a 'Red 1.' But with the posters on every bus stop around the city, I knew I wanted to see this one. It didn't matter that I had not seen the first one. This one was so fantastic. Helen Mirren is such a bad ass. I love that lady. Mary Louise Parker, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Anthony Hopkins, all magnificent. The dialogue is great and the pacing is perfect. Never a dull moment. Fresh, entertaining and great fun...... Go go go.....

Savion Glover at The Joyce and "World War Z" not to mention "Man of Steel" and "This is the End"

Hi. Looks like the summer is warming up in more ways than one. Movies. Movies. Movies. And if you're in the area of NYC and love dance, don't miss Savion Glover at The Joyce Theater. "STePz" is the clever, fun name of the show. I've seen Savion six times now and have loved each show. I have to say, it just keeps getting better and I don't know how when I always think it's one of the best things I've ever seen.

Before I get on to the movies, I want to mention "Newsies" on Broadway. I've seen a lot of Broadway and "Newsies" is now in my top five of all time. I think it is number 2 after "Jerusalem" with Mark Rylance. The dancing, the singing, the actors, the story, all incredible.

Two reasons to visit NYC. Savion and "Newsies."

I liked both "World War Z" and "Man of Steel." I didn't love them like I loved "Iron Man 3," but I enjoyed them. "This is The End" was funny and another one I love, James Franco. He's awesome in it.

The Zombies were pretty cool in "World War Z." There are a lot, a lot of them. Brad is always nice to watch. It has some nail biting moments. I would have liked a little more.

The new Superman , Henry Cavill, is very cute. He did a wonderful job and Russell Crowe was perfect. There's a new lego of Jor-El which Russell tweeted he was excited about because his two sons love legos so much. I didn't care a whole lot for so many scenes of the spaceship that looked like a giant roach. Amy Adams and Diane Lane were good too.

Coming up...."The Lone Ranger".....cannot wait!!!! 

 

Where have I been?

Does anyone find moving to be a fun thing? If so, please share why. I would like to hear the positive side of the experience.

I have plenty of stories to share, people I've seen, read, heard, enjoyed, etc, but I have been preoccupied in the midst of maintaining the fun events with the not so fun packing, searching for a new home and working on a comic book, trying to write my screenplay, and going to work. The only part of the above I didn't like, packing, searching for an apartment, and moving.

The good news is, it is done. I am happy. Better than happy and ready to share some fun experiences.

One thing going on here in NYC, right now that you probably won't want to miss is "Macbeth" with Alan Cummings on Broadway. I plan on seeing that one. Can't wait, but going back to where I left off.....which was heading into mid February...I did see Alan Cummings at the IFC after a showing of the film, "Waiting for Guffman." That was a super treat because I've seen every Christopher Guest movie except that one. I loved it and loved the interview after....

Here's some pics from that one:

 

 

 

Next up came James Toback. The movie James spoke about in the Q & A was: "FACES."  It is a John Cassavettes film from 1968. I had never

seen that one either and enjoyed it a lot. There was much to be learned

during that discussion. And I'm a fan of James Toback's movies. I have

always loved "Two Girls and a Guy" a lot. Robert Downey Jr. is in that one. Think I'll watch it again later....That's right after I watch "Tap" with Savion Glover...eager to watch again because I saw Savion last night and am always, always, mesmerized by his performances...talk about being in your bliss...there's a reason he's known as the "best tap dancer in the world." I had tap classes for 35 years and really appreciate the gift he gives every time he dances.....cha cha cha

 

 

I know it's dark. The flash didn't work. But this gentleman was John Cassavettes cameraman for 30 plus years and very awesome. Better

picture of him above this one.

 

And then it was time to go watch the Oscars with the family. We had a magnificent time and were very happy with the winners.......................I'll be back tomorrow to do some more catch up until I'm back up to real time.....