August
5Woody Allen’s Sixties Moment
It seemed appropriate that the premiere of “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” would be held at the Village Theater in Westwood, which also seems caught in a time warp. Having endured several generations of premieres, the Village is a gloomy old movie palace with far too many seats, badly deployed, plus mediocre sound. Hollywood’s party planners, it seems, are a bit like Woody – they simply keep grinding out the events in the hope that an occasional one will sparkle.The planners have their own list of mandates: The feature is scheduled for 7:30 (that’s when the security thugs start shouting ‘take your seats, the movie is about to start’) which, translated, means that the show will start 45 minutes later. There are perhaps two or three premieres held in Westwood every week, yet no one apparently has ever figured out how to navigate one on schedule.
Usually the crowds emerging from the Village look either dazed or dismayed, but Woody’s film Monday night was a real “upper” for the audience (definitely in the Woody demographic, to be sure). Impeccably crafted and performed, its dialogue is steeped in Woodyisms (what other filmmakers would let his characters meander through diatribes about the meaning of love and art or even contemplate the idea of a comfy threesome?)
This was a happy audience and, as such, it was ready and willing to crowd into the other mandated Westwood event – the post-premiere party. Again, the party planners have their generation-old rules: The stars of the evening (in this case Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson) are herded into the smallest, hottest section at the back of the party; that will promptly become the petting zoo.
Their agents will pay court (Kevin Huvane is everyone’s agent, so he’s there), a few lawyers (usually Jake Bloom, who security tries to keep out because he dresses like a homeless person) and assorted acolytes. Yes, I fought my way in because I greatly enjoy Javier Bardem’s company as well as Harvey Weinstein’s war stories. I considered chatting with Woody, but he was flashing his famous deer-in-the-headlights look and I found myself falling into one of those “how-do-you-start-this-conversation” moments.
Actually, I once made a movie with Woody called “Play it Again, Sam,” but he was very uncomfortable on the film because I got him to work for a director (Herb Ross). Woody took his stage directions gracefully, but he kept wanting to say “cut” and to suggest other set-ups.As I approached him Monday night, I followed a procession of several fawners who blurted, “It’s a great movie, Woody, your best ever” and Woody was perspiring heavily, hoping for an imminent breakout from his petting zoo. I decided to launch mine.
On my way to the exit I saw a cluster of agents texting away and I was grateful: They reminded me that this was indeed 2008, even through all the rituals of the moment shouted “1968” – the theater, the party, the guests of the party. Hopefully they’re spreading the word that this is a good movie, even a good party, that Woody had found his form once again and that the party planners, too, had successfully pursued their ritualistic course.
But someday, someone may figure out a better way to showcase a movie.
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mr.bart, your narcism is so annoying. every line you ever wrote about woody allen reflects the envy of a child. you are so old but when will you grow up - you're not born to be a writer (he is) you're only born to write shallow words for a magazine. face reality ol' chap
Posted by: 123 | 12/1/2008 3:55:41 PM
Wow, did Woody Allen die and no one told him? It's like a film loop, going over and over and over again. When I was ten, Woody was smart. Now I'm older and he not longer is smart, so at least be funny. Bananas, Everything you wanted to know, those were funny.
Posted by: samtravels | 8/7/2008 10:08:02 AM
Last night, Penelope Cruz presented a clip on Letterman.
It was so obvious that Allen let the actors adlib- the actors were desperately groping for lines.the film looked like so many "art" films made by young directors which are shown at festivals but never released commercially.BORING.
Posted by: alex503 | 8/7/2008 6:38:25 AM
Did no one express their condolences over the death of his longtime producer Charles Joffe at the premiere? At the party, even; which may have been a better approach line than "Hey, Woodman, great flick?"
Posted by: Ryan Solovjovs | 8/6/2008 5:14:51 PM
Isn't it funny that a guy who married his daughter likes to make films about doing bad things and getting away with it (Match Point, Crimes and Misdemeanors)
Posted by: Big Bomb | 8/6/2008 5:01:35 PM
I'll have to check it out. Probably won't be checking out the Adam Sandler movie, but I did like Happy Gilmore. As for Play it Again Sam, it one of my favorites. Dare I say it, Variety is the spice of life. There, I said it.
Posted by: STANFORD CRANE | 8/6/2008 12:27:19 PM
Yes, Woody Allen is so stuck in the past. If he wants to do 2008 funny, he should try out for American Idol and sing poorly. That will make us laugh so badly. And then as a notoriously finicky eater, he should eat a full horse colon for $50 and that will be the absolute shizzle. He should also do a few infomercials. And he’s got to pay much more attention to his after parties. Because that’s how you can tell if the movie’s any good.
Posted by: Irene Pridworthy | 8/6/2008 11:55:30 AM
Congratulations Woody for giving us yet another 'cinematic-spice.'
Granted the midwest isn't necessarily your main market, but you'd be surprised how many of us here in 'fly-over country' appreciate your ongoing great work!
Good luck with the film.
JackGoesToTheMovies@yahoo.com
Posted by: Jack Poessiger, Kansas City | 8/6/2008 11:39:19 AM
I've been a fan of Woody's work since I say "Play It Again, Sam" on TV when I was ten. I look forward to a new film from his every year. Maybe the new films aren't as great as some of his past work, but he's never let me down. I even laughed heartily all the way through Scoop. Allen is a national treasure and an inspiration.
Posted by: Willem Wennekers | 8/6/2008 11:19:55 AM
Given the choice between a new film from Adam Sandler and a new film from Woody Allen, I would pick Adam Sandler every time.
Woody Allen's films started to blend into each other a long time ago, so now it seems that his life work is to shoot film until he hits 90 minutes, then release it and keep shooting until he cranks out another one.
I'll give him this: he hasn't made himself a complete anachronism, like Brian De Palma or William Friedkin. But at some point he stopped being funny and smart and now is just smart, which would be great if it weren't just so damned boring.
Posted by: Dixon | 8/6/2008 10:57:33 AM
Wow, this is just a really interesting blog. I can't believe that it's getting so little attention. Woody Allen! How topical and sophisticated. I for one am going to bookmark this site RIGHT NOW, it's AWESOME! Variety is just indispensable to thinking people. How else would you ever hear about somebody as important, sophisticated and intellectual as Woody Allen? Wow. I do think your right, this movie really could have been made in 1968! It's NOW BABY!
Posted by: bigfan | 8/5/2008 7:18:36 PM