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Judy Thorburn
Las Vegas Tribune
http://www.lasvegastribune.com
Las Vegas Round The Clock
http://www.lasvegasroundheclock.com
The Women Film Critics Circle
http://www.wfcc.wordpress.com
judyt@theflickchicks.com
kreatia@aol.com
LAS VEGAS
CENTENNIAL PLAYS PREMIERE ROLE IN CINEVEGAS 2005
By Judy
Thorburn
Photos by Stephen Thorburn
(unless otherwise credited)
I don’t
know whether this being the 100th anniversary of Las Vegas was a
factor in attracting such a huge amount of attendees, or if the lucky number 7
had anything to do with it, but this years 7th edition of CineVegas was
undoubtedly an “unsurpassable” celebration of movies that also saluted the city
that has played a distinct role in cinema for decades.
Showgirls
For nine
days and nights (June 10-18) the Brenden Theatres located inside the hippest
hotel resort in town, the Palms, was the place to be for film buffs,
distributors and up and coming and reputable filmmakers, actors and their movies
to be seen, honored and heard. With “100 Years of Vegas, 100 Years of Film” as
this year’s theme, Vegas played a major part in the celebration on and off the
screen. Not only were there day and evening screenings and panel discussions by
Hollywood bigwigs, the festivities also included award presentations and fun
filled gala after parties at major Vegas hotspots to cap off each day’s
selection of films that consisted of a wide variety of new independent, foreign
or mainstream films, documentaries and shorts, many with ties to Las Vegas.
Robin Greenspun, Dennis Hopper and Samantha Morton
CineVegas
President Robin Greenspan, wife of local media mogul Danny, must be thanked once
again for pulling it all together with the help of returning Sundance
Programming Director Trevor Groth and movie star Dennis Hopper who has returned
for the second year as Chairman of the Creative Advisory Board. In just the
past few years, with these movers and shakers at the helm, CineVegas has grown
from a small festival to one of the premiere film festivals in the world and a
spectacular star-studded event.
DJ Qualls and Paula Jai Parker
Believe me,
it wasn’t easy having to pick and choose among the plethora of films on the
roster, especially since many had only one screening that happened to coincide
with others I wanted to see. Also, like I said last year, I don’t care how
comfortable the chair is, your butt, back and legs will feel the painful effects
of sitting hours upon hours in a movie theatre long after. However, as a
die-hard movie fan, I paid the price, was able to sit through about 20 films,
and only now am I coming down from my worth it all cinema high.
The opening
night started with a smash debut of “Hustle and Flow”, the Sundance Festival hit
featuring Terrance Howard, who is one of the stars of “Crash”, my favorite film
of the year so far. I went in not expecting much, but I was blown away about
the story of a drug dealing Memphis pimp, his girls, and friends that help him
seek a life-changing goal of becoming a successful rapper. I was thoroughly
pulled in by the great acting and engrossing storyline.
Paula Jai Parker, Taryn Manning and Elise Neal
Producer
John Singleton and members of the supporting cast, Paula Jai Parker, Taryn
Manning, Elise Neal and DJ Qualls were at the screening along with Cuba Gooding
Jr. before heading to the fabulous outdoor after party by the pool at the Palm’s
Skin venue.
Director/Producer John Singleton and Producer Stephanie Allen
Cuba Gooding Jr.
There I
also spotted former star of TV’s ER, Eriq La Salle, who was in attendance to
promote another film debuting at the festival in which he costars with Nia
Peeples, “Inside Out”. I caught Eriq’s movie and although it had an
intriguing premise about a mysterious shrink that moves into a suburban
neighborhood, affecting the lives of his neighbors forever. In the end there
were way too many plot holes and loose ends that didn’t come together. As a
result, what could have been a top-notch thriller left me disappointed, even
though the performances were first rate. What this script needs is a major
re-write.
Eriq LaSalle and Judy Thorburn
Cast of "Inside Out"
On
Saturday, I saw an amazing documentary called Murderball, which is the nickname
quadraplegic rugby players give to the full contact sport to which they compete
in specially made, super wheelchairs. This film focuses on the various players
and the mental and physical obstacles they overcame to become champions in more
ways than one. One of the two directors, Henry Alex Rubin was present at the
screening and afterwards spoke about how he came to make this movie.
Marc Zupan
He said
that he read an obscure article in the paper, went to Sweden (where world
championship preliminaries are held) to find out if the subject was interesting
enough for his project. That is where he met Joe (an “angry” character with a
lot to say) and knew he had to make this film, with Joe as one of his major
stars. Marc Zupan, also present at this screening, is another quadriplegic
player whose story you won’t forget. I highly recommend Murderball and hope
that it will be nominated for an Academy Award.
Some of my
film choices were better than others. But the following is a synopsis of the
other ones I would recommend, as see worthy, in no particular preference.
John Hofmann and Michael Aimette
“Turning
Green” was written and directed by two thirtysomething New Yorkers, Michael
Aimette and John Hofmann. Well edited and beautifully shot in Ireland it tells
the story of American born 16 year old, James Powers who is sent to Ireland to
live with his unmarried aunts after his mother dies, but desperately wants to
return home, at whatever the cost. In this case, it means selling pornography
and working for a bookie, which of course, lands him in a whole lot of trouble.
I spoke candidly with the young filmmakers and was privy to learn about what
they went through, on a small budget and limited time to make the film. It is an
ambitious, labor of love for the filmmakers who have created an entertaining
effort with a talented cast that includes Timothy Hutton, Colm Meany, Alessandro
Nivola and newcomer Donal Gallery.
“Red Doors”
which won best film at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival tells the story of the
Chinese American Wong family who live in the suburbs. But, their story about
“finding yourself” at any age transcends ethnicity or race, as it is one anyone
can relate to. The story is well written and directed by Georgia Lee and the
ensemble cast is superb. Surely, it is one of my favorite films at this
festival.
Director Georgia Lee (center) and cast of "Red Doors"
For “The
Aristocrats” actor/comedian Paul Provenza and Penn Jillette (half of the comedic
magician team, Penn and Teller) put together 86 minutes of very funny, yet
vulgar takes on one of the oldest joke retold over and over again since
vaudeville. The cast of 100 male and female comedy superstars includes Phyllis
Diller, George Carlin, Robin Williams, Paul Reiser, Andy Dick, Howie Mandel,
Kevin Pollack, David Brenner and the list goes on who tell their version of the
joke that has a beginning and punch line, but add libbed content, the more
disgusting the better. Yes, I am almost ashamed to say I haven’t laughed so hard
in a long time. Not for prudes, it is nevertheless hysterical. Note this -
when I was in the ladies’ room after the screening I asked an elderly woman if
she was offended by the graphic language.
I was
pleasantly surprised when she replied “Just because I am old doesn’t mean I
don’t have a sense of humor. In fact, this is my second time. I already saw it
at Sundance”. I just had to share that with Provenza at the after party in the
Voo Doo Lounge atop the Rio Hotel and Casino.
Judy Thorburn and Paul Provenza
Phyllis Maguire and Phylllis Diller
“The
Outsider” by 25 year old director Nicholas Jarecki, is a fascinating documentary
about independent filmmaker James Toback. Through interviews with numerous
actors, writers, and cultural icons Jarecki takes us on an uncensored journey
through Toback’s life, uncovering facts about his past sexual exploitations,
gambling, friendships, what makes him tick and draws him to make movies that are
not mainstream.
“Standing
Still” directed by Matthew Cole Weiss is this generation of twentysomething’s
version of the Big Chill. Like that film, it is about a group of college friends
who come together (although not for a funeral) for a wedding several years after
graduation. The drama of past relationships, various characters and dynamics
come into play. The cast includes Mena Suvari, Colin Hanks, Amy Adams, James
Van Der Beek, Ethan Embry, Marne Patterson and Lauren German.
Colin Hanks
James Van Der Beek
Lauren German
Marne Patterson
Ethan Embry
“Buy It
Now” – This one is about a 16 year old who decides to sell her virginity to the
highest bidder on ebay. Her story is told in two versions, the first
documentary, and the second as a narrative. Directed and filmed with such
realism by Antonio Campos, it stars Chelsea Logan in an incredibly believable
stark performance that will blow you away. It was so disturbing, yet I couldn’t
leave the theatre. Once you share her character’s experience, you will
understand. I spoke with the young New York actress and told her she is a major
talent on the brink of a great career.
Chelsea Logan
http://www.buyitnowthefilm.com
“Charlie’s
Party”- writer/director Catherine Cahn’s story revolves around Charlie’s 30th
birthday celebration, and her plans to make it a sex swapping party. It doesn’t
turn out exactly with what she had in mind. But the interactions between friends
and lovers make for an interesting and likeable comedy/drama. The spirited
ensemble cast consisting of Sabrina Lloyd from TV’s Numbers, Alissia Miller,
Mark H. Dold, Chris Tardio, Eron Otcasek, and Kim Director.
Alissia Miller and Catherine Cahn
Donald Faison Costar of TV' "Scrubbs" and "Vegas Baby",
another movie that had it's World Premiere at CineVegas, and Judy Thorburn
Matthew Gubler - As an actor he had a part in "The Life
Aquatic with Steve Zissou" that starred Bill Murray. This fall he can be seen
co-starring with Mandy Patinkin in TV's "Criminal Mind". As writer/director, he
was at CineVegas to promote his short "The Cactus That Looked Like A Man".
Photo by David Stupple
www.worldenteractive.com
Having
Hopper aboard has been a real coup. His position with CineVegas has not only
helped in recruiting major Hollywood names and bringing reputable filmmakers to
be honored, his active presence at the festival has contributed in attracting
fans eager to share his space and possibly rub shoulders with the star. This
year, as usual, the honorees to be given awards consisted of stars and
filmmakers who have made a remarkable impact in motion pictures and their
audiences.
Dennis Hopper
First to be
honored was Christopher Walken who received his Marquee Award in the packed
filled theatre prior to the screening of “King of New York”. He sat down for an
impromptu interview with moderator Elvis Mitchell, and fellow actors Dennis
Hopper, and Lawrence Fishburne, who have worked with the star in the past and
friend Joe Pesci who stated, “I have never worked with Chris, talked about it,
but (so far) it hasn’t happened. I signed up for a movie with Chris, and then
dropped out. It was a movie made in Wales, but never released”. Each guest actor
talked about his admiration for Chris as an actor, how they first met, their
career, the acting process and experiences with directors. Chris said he started
out playing what he called “silly” guys as a dancer in musicals. But “when I
got into movies, I started playing thugs. Pennies From Heaven was the last MGM
musical where I tapped dance. I try to put a gratuitous dance in every movie.
The first time was with Sean Penn in Close Range.” Chris added that he “would
like to do another musical.”
Christopher Walken
Pesci said
that he met Chris “when I was about to do Raging Bull. Chris, John Savage, Bob (DeNiro)
and I spent a lot of time together. I always look up to Chris because he is an
exceptional actor.
He has to
keep working. He is amazing.” Fishburne who appeared with Chris in “Apocalypse
Now” and “Pulp Fiction” said that every time the camera starts rolling “Chris’s
attack on a scene is different every time”.
Lawrence Fishburne and Gina Torrez
When it
comes to casting and directors, Chris stated that he is “grateful for people who
are cast well. It makes things easier. The best experience is when a director
and I don’t talk that much. Just hire me and leave me alone”, he said laughing.
“I would like to make a movie where I don’t say anything. I had an eight page
speech in “Pulp Fiction”.”
Two actors
where honored with the l/2 Life Award. The first was given to camera shy
Nicholas Cage, an honoree who didn’t walk the red carpet and wouldn’t allow any
photo ops except for one “special” photographer who was given the go ahead, and
it wasn’t my camera-carrying husband. Tall and a lot thinner than I expected,
Mr. Cage showed up for a Q and A interview with moderator, Mitchell before the
screening of his Academy Award winning performance in “Leaving Las Vegas”. I
was quite surprised by how long (almost an hour) Cage stayed to chat. He gave a
very insightful, in depth interview about his career and said that he chose the
last name of Cage from both a comic book character and John Cage. “I thought the
name was cool. I wanted something exotic and simple.”
Hopper
introduced Cage by saying “To me Nick is one of America’s great stylists. He
does things with his voice not unlike Chris Walken…strange speech patterns that
work.” Upon accepting his award Cage first thanked Hopper saying, “I am here for
two reasons. Francis Ford Coppola said (to me), “You come from the school of
Dennis Hopper. The second reason is Las Vegas. In the last 26 years I have seen
this city grow. I had my first cocktail here when I was visiting the set of the
film One From the Heart. It seems like we are inseparable. My new name should be
Nick “Las Vegas”. I’ve made three films here, “Honeymoon in Las Vegas”,
“Leaving Las Vegas” and “Con Air””, action, drama and comedy, (all) in Las
Vegas.” He added, “This world class film festival has emerged from a world class
destination, Las Vegas.”
Cage spoke
opening about his acting and technique. “I remember being frustrated with
impressionistic movies like “Nosferatu”…trying to realize expressionistic dreams
in acting. You’ve got to be out of control and still in control, choreographed,
but go five or six bars over not knowing what will happen. It’s all imagination.
Sometimes you can’t think about it. Trust yourself and go with it. I like
characters that aren’t cool, more honest, more human, the concept of a flawed
character…that is honest. Going into action movies was a challenge for me. “Wild
at Heart” was my Andy Warhol movie. I thought why can’t I take a great icon,
Presley, and be like him. I am up for a challenge. I like stretching. I want to
try something different each time. I enjoy a progression in the work. I want to
see a catharsis with each character. Otherwise, it becomes one note.”
Regarding
how his performance affects the audience - “I don’t want to say anything that
would rob you of your personal connection. What you perceive is way more valid
than what I was thinking. I believe in the human condition, overcoming
obstacles. Movies are medicine, makes people think, are thought provoking.”
When Elvis
Mitchell told Cage that he has a flair for making an entrance Cage responded,
“How to enter and how you exit is important. I always try to find a way to make
an exit. I want to start this thing off with a bang. Let’s get this movie
going.”
Cage went
on about constantly transforming yourself and learning new things in order to
grow as an actor. “Actors are limited. We can use our bodies, our voice and
makeup. (I like to find) new ways, gestures, of moving my body. What could I do
new with my body? An example is in my new film, Next.”
Samantha Morton
Samantha
Morton was the other recipient of the l/2 Life Award and sat down with Hopper
before one her earlier movies, “Morvern Callar” was screened. Although her name
wasn’t originally submitted for this award, Hopper stated before introducing her
that “I did research and, indeed, she is one of the best actresses of her
generation.”
The British
actress was very gracious and soft spoken. Morton said she had just turned 28 a
few weeks ago and laughed saying she didn’t know whether to be flattered or
insulted by getting a ½ Life Award. She had never been to Vegas before and
thanked CineVegas for bringing her to be honored and all the people who helped
her career. She came across as intelligent, sensitive and a socially conscious
humanitarian and used this time to promote a charity that means so much to her,
the U.K.’s Make Poverty History program. When given the gift of a “posh” watch
from Tiffany’s, she said she would donate it to charity in order to raise money
for that cause and hoped everyone in America would make an effort to stop
poverty in the world.
Samantha Morton with Dennis Hopper
As an
actress and mother she said she feels a “responsibility to her child and
audiences”. Asked how she chooses projects she said that she “doesn’t want to
waste energy (working with) people who aren’t on the same path creativity wise.
As for directors, “ I like to work with directors that have the support of
producers.
They can
make everything work for the director.” When asked why “Morvern Callar” was the
film she chose for this festival she said it was because “It is about knowledge,
power, factual. I had an amazing journey. For the first time ever I realized I
could act. The first time I felt it truly was a craft. There has to be a
journey, well thought out.”
No doubt
that Samantha is a gifted actress. However I wouldn’t recommend the dreary
“Morvern Callar”, except for her performance. That said, what’s next? She said
she just finished a movie with Johnny Depp called “The Libertines” and is also
slated to play the Mom in “Lassie.”
Ann Margret and Trevor Groth
Tony Curtis
In
accordance with the Las Vegas’ Centennial celebration two Hollywood icons with
connections to Las Vegas were honored with a Centennial Award. Ann-Margret,
whose film “Viva Las Vegas” was shown prior in the evening, received her award
from past honoree Tony Curtis at an official star studded after party at Skin
where Vegas headliner Clint Holmes performed on the stage and the original “10”,
Bo Derek also made an appearance. Tony, who had worked with Ann-Margret in “The
Flintstones (he played Stony Curtis, she was Annie Hardrock) said he thought
that “Roger Smith (her husband) was the luckiest man on earth” and added, “It is
a privilege to say Ann-Margret is my friend”.
Clint Holmes
Tony Crtis and Bo Derek
Photo by Zillah Matulonis
Click Here to link to Zillah's site.
Ann-Margret,
now a blonde and a bit more zoftig than in her sex kitten heyday said, “Although
I don’t reside in Las Vegas, it is still my home away from home. I am thankful
for all the friendship and warmth I have received from this city. I have a long
relationship with Las Vegas beginning with George Burns in 1961 when he invited
me to be in his show. I fell in love with this city and the love affair has
never ended.”
Dennis Hopper, Johnny Brenden and Rhonda Fleming
The
Centennial Legend Award was given to still beautiful former Las Vegas performer
and movie actress, Rhonda Fleming at a special outdoor party that was roped off
at downtown’s Fremont Street Experience. In honor of Ms. Fleming, who fifty
years ago was one of the first headliners at the Follies Bergere, 100 showgirls
were showcased in full regalia. George Maloof, owner of the Palms Hotel and
Fleming’s step grandson Johnny Brenden owner of the Brenden movie theatres were
on hand at this fabulous event, as well as presenter Hopper.
Showgirls at Fremont Street Experience
Two
filmmakers, Wim Wenders and George Romero each received a Vanguard Director
Award for their contribution to films. Wenders, director of such films as “Wings
of Desire” and “Paris, Texas”, participated in an impromptu sit down
conversation before the screening of “Land of Plenty”, his political movie,
about post 911 America that he shot in only 18 days with a hand held camera. It
tells the story from two different perspectives, a young American woman
returning from overseas after the tragedy, and her uncle, a very paranoid Viet
Nam war veteran obsessed with protecting the country he loves against
terrorists. Wim pointed out “as a German raised on American culture, it saved
my life. I realized when I was a kid that I would not be doing this if it hadn’t
been for the Americans coming over (after World War II ended in Germany).
Geroge A. Romero and Zombies
Photo by David Stupple
www.worldenteractive.com
When George
Romero’s name comes up you can’t help but think of zombies. He is the
“godfather” of zombie movies, the guy who invented the genre. So to honor the
man who started it with the original “Night of the Living Dead”, countless
actors in full “zombie” mode were present for the closing night’s World Premiere
of Romero’s “Land of the Dead that stars Hopper, John Leguizamo, and Simon
Baker. There were so many ticket holders that two theatres had to be utilized
for simultaneous screenings. When Romero was given his award in front of one
theatre audience, it was captured live on camera and relayed to the other.
Afterwards Romero and his cast joined the VIP crowd at the awesome closing night
party at Curve, the very trendy nightclub inside the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood.
George A. Romero
In the four
years of covering the festival, I had never seen such an amazing turnout for a
film, and for a horror flick, no less. Go figure! Romero’s fans came out in
droves to see “the man” and his long awaited zombie follow-up flick. As for me,
the “Land of the Dead” under whelmed me. It was more of the same, nothing new or
original. But, based on just the turnout for this premiere, I am sure it will be
a box office success. Unfortunately, I missed the screening of Rob Zombie’s “The
Devil’s Rejects”, which I heard was better than LOTD. However, one horror flick
was enough on my schedule.
John Leguizamo
Photo by Zillah Matulonis
Click Here to link to Zillah's site.
Simon Baker
Photo by Zillah Matulonis
Click
Here to link to Zillah's site.
A festival
highlight for me was the Writer’s Panel discussion. This was the place to be for
any wanabee screenwriter looking to get some tips from the pros about the ins
and outs of the business concerning Hollywood scripts. On the panel were notable
screenwriters Amy Holden Jones (Mystic Pizza, Indecent Proposal), Ted Griffin
(2001’s Ocean’s Eleven, which was screened at this event), Gary Scott Thompson
(TV’s Las Vegas), Joe Eszterhaus (Basic Instinct and Showgirls, which also had a
festival screening). They spoke about how Las Vegas has been used as a major
character in their scripts, and why every screenwriter loves this city. “As a
place where sin happens; where people behave badly creates good movie conflict.
Money, hookers, nastiness – its all here in Las Vegas”, said Amy. Eszterhaus
added, “Vegas is the dark side of the American dream.” Thompson expounded, “Las
Vegas used to be the stamp of “cheese”.… Elvis and Sinatra movies. But, the city
has changed, evolved. When Wynn built the Mirage it was the first step of
changing the perception. What happens here stays here. (Las Vegas is) no longer
family oriented. People come here for an experience they can’t have anywhere –
drink, whore around, gamble, then leave like it never happened. It is a great
place to re-invent yourself.”
Joe Eszterhaus and Gina Gershon
Much of the
discussion centered on having control over their work and the frustrations that
come into play after their script is sold and made into a movie. Joe said “As a
screenwriter, there is an endless fight for control over script. Much of your
time is fighting for your own thoughts. Many writers wind up mutilating, what I
call, their own children. The past ten years has gotten worse. Now they bounce a
writer, bring in other writers, that you now have movies that are made by
committee. They fix something that is not broken. One of the problems that
occur is while waiting for a script to be finished; sometimes a director or star
comes up with ideas on how to change things. Regarding “Basic Instinct”,
“Michael Douglas felt the ending was wrong. He wanted to blow away Sharon’s
character. But, after numerous endings were written by other writers, they went
back to my original ending.” Amy also noted that her script for “Indecent
Proposal” went through so many changes and rewrites by others that it barely
resembled her original story. The star, Robert Redford, brought in a parade of
his own people to make changes which she though “personally destroyed the
screenplay”.
Ted Griffin
However, at
the beginning, when a writer is just starting out “Many bastardize their own
material because they need to get paid. They have kids, families, whatever.”
Talking
from experience Thompson stated, “As a screenwriter you don’t control anything.
As a TV writer you are in charge of everything. It’s a big difference. With TV
the writer has more power because he is able to be on the set every day to keep
control. However Amy pointed out, “if you can find a good book with a good plot,
adaptations are a good way to make a good living with scripts that are sold even
if they are never made. Sometimes movies are made because it fills an actor’s
slot.”
Amy Holden Jones
They said,
“The best way to be noticed is by writing a “spec”. It’s the most honest process
in some ways than to hustle people an idea. Hollywood works on greed, if someone
feels they can make money with it. It’s a crapshoot. Thompson threw in
“Hollywood doesn’t know what it is looking for at any given moment.”
As a woman,
Amy made a point of letting it be known that “there are more problems with women
writers who get fired easier than men. When I wrote “Relic”, I wasn’t even
invited on the set.”
The advice
Thompson offered for getting your foot in the door is to get a job as an
assistant so you can get in the room with a staff of writers and know what is
happening on the show. Sometimes you may be asked to come up with a script. Be
ready, and don’t stop writing. This comes from reputable people in the know.
Wolfgang Puck's Postrio
The closing
day’s luncheon was held in Wolfgang Puck’s upscale Postrio restaurant at the
Venetian Hotel where Festival Awards were given to the following:
Grand Jury
Award- “In Memory of My Father” written and directed by Christopher Jaymes has
an ensemble cast that included Jeremy Sisto, Judy Greer, Matt Keeslar, Monet
Mazur, Eric Michael Cole and Christopher Jaymes. After legendary film producer
had died in his own bed, one of his sons proceeds with a wake downstairs where
siblings and friends gather and try to come to terms with their dysfunctional
relationships.
Judy Thorburn and actress Amy Jo Johnson, one of the
producers of "In Memory Of My Father"
Ensemble
Acting- “Red Doors” - Like I mentioned previously, this is a winner.
Audience
Favorite – “Buy It Now” - All I can say is Wow! This is one very disturbing film
that, nevertheless, leaves a strong impact. NOT forgettable!
Also
recognized were some student filmmakers from UNLV who were awarded a gift of
$500 for their extraordinary work accomplished during the year.
With record
attendance, sold out screenings, and more filmmakers, stars and industry
participants than ever before, this was by far the most successful CineVegas
ever. I don’t know how next year’s festival can top it, but I am ready, willing,
and anxious to see.
Trevor Groth receives honorary plaque
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