November 11, 2005

I'm not big into astrology. There are too many people with too many opinions for me to believe in any of it. However, when I hear about my moon being in retrograde or some such thing, it makes more sense to me. Sometimes, it does feel like there is a black cloud floating over one's head… or a world of endless sunshine.

And so it has been for the last few weeks.

It was probably the combination of a lot of uninspired movies and a lot of pressure on people all over town as we headed towards the holiday and awards seasons. Pressure, pressure, pressure.

And in all of that, there is a loss of humanity at the most basic level. On the financial front, I am exhausted by the endless negativity by the media based on very little real information. It is the tyranny of the trend… even though after a while in this business, you realize that the trends are all temporary. I have always been in front when it comes to the embrace of new technology. But right now, one has to be negative about old technology in order to be on the popular side. For instance, there is no question that the financial upside of digital projection will eventually make it the primary form of projection. But history - including the history of digital projection - tells us that this is not a revolutionary format shift because at its core, it is only about money, not about improving the experience for the ticket buyers.

Ironically, the same was true of retro ideas, like the Roger Ebert beloved MaxiVision, which would double the frame count to 48 a second, creating a denser image to the human eye. But while the image was better, it wasn't enough to suggest that the revolution was an audience necessity. If the film business switched to 48 frames, yes, audiences would notice. But would anyone go see more movies because of it? Unlikely.

What none of the folks who endlessly promote the all-windows-at-once agenda want to tell you - and in many cases, don't seem to know, is that the idea hinges, when it comes to higher budgeted movies, on very expensive home delivery pricing.

The truth is, I find fewer and fewer people who actually pay for, make, and sell movies buying into this no window absurdity. But it sure looks progressive in print, which they hope pushes the stock price.

What makes me really curious is seeing that Tom Bernard has come out strongly against breaking down the windows for indie product as well… the one category where I have thought it was a good idea. I haven't had a chance to discuss it with him or his partner, Michael Barker… but I will try to correct that soon.

On the movie front, there is a nearly mechanical hysteria all over town these days. Somehow, November 21 and December 5 become the review dates for every movie being released in the next two months. There are a dozen screenings around town every night it seems. And few of the movies are low priority, either financially or presitgially. (Okay… so I made up a word… sue me!)

But exhaustion seems to have finally caught up with everyone and a lot of people seem ready to allow the whims of fate to play a greater part.

For me, I chose a screening of Walk the Line at the Academy as a source of relief. I haven't seen the movie since September and I quite like it and the people involved. Also, any chance to see a music-driven film on a great screen like the one at the Academy is a treat.

And I got a couple of extra rays of sunshine in my evening's journey.

Gininfer Goodwin, who is third billed in Walk the Line and whose on-screen charisma was undeniable from the first moment I saw her on celluloid was having a good ol' time with endless waves of people coming up to her to congratulate her on this film.

She's been though a lot in the last two years since Win A Date With Tad Hamilton and Mona Lisa Smile. But she was positively glowing last night and didn't appear to have suffered any of the ego pitfalls of success. She's just wrapped a season of Big Love, which is a new HBO series in which she and two other women are happily married to Bill Paxton. Yes, happily. And that happy marriage makes it one of HBO's kinkiest shows ever.

Also there, just to see the movie, was Amy Adams, who has been a sensation for a lot of film lovers in her Junebug turn. I last saw Adams at the Junebug junket when I went just to meet her. She was sweet and funny and utterly human… and looking forward to an audition in New York for a Broadway musical. Mutiny City News sat down with Amy in New York a week or so later and I had suggested that they get her to sing for them. Instead, she ended up taking the camera and interviewing her wanna be interrogator, Jamie Stuart.

(P.S. Jamie Stuart has slowed down his MCN output after burning the candle at three ends for months last year. But looking back at this piece really reminded me what I love about being able to give people who are as passionate and hard working as Jamie a platform. When I see junket pieces trying desperately to be original - talk in a cab! - there is Jamie who really allows the interview to come to life and to build his artistic effort on what happens in a combination of documentary and art project. Every part of his skill set is not equal to every other part, but God bless him for reaching for something great and thanks to him for letting MCN be his home for this early moment in what is sure to be a long career.)

After I reminded her who I was (Amy Adams, that is, which I have to remind you of after that long aside), the Amy Adams I met a few months ago quickly returned. Every 10 seconds or so, we were interrupted by another fan of her Junebug work. And after we chatted about her Broadway debut (she didn't get it…beat out by an Tony winner) and the movie and the genius of Joaquin, she suddenly asked me if I was enjoying my work.

And I stopped. And I tried not to look like my jaw was on the ground.

Earlier in the day, a very high-profile actress, who will remain unnamed, had her publicist called to apologize that she could not participate in an upcoming event because of her shooting schedule.

And I stopped. And I tried to continue that conversation without saying, "Really? She wanted you to call just to be polite and kind and respectful?'

As I responded to Amy Adams, I wondered whether I was lying or being facile when admitting that some things suck, but that I am enjoying the season.

But in that moment, it was true. For the first time in a while, I really was enjoying the season. The humanity of the question allowed me to breathe.

I hate premiere-like parties. I hate talking to "talent" at these things. It is an unnatural act. But for whatever reasons, I was able to have a few real conversation at this party. I was so happy to see the light is still as strong in Ginnifer's eyes, even as she looks movie star slim, her skin has a well looked after glow, with two years of maturity unmistakably apparent. I couldn't be more of a fan of Amy Adams as a person, which is where her work is so clearly grounded, her curiosity so beautifully unbridled. To see the filmmaking couple of this moment enjoying their moment. To run into others who I really, really like. Jacqueline Bissett as gorgeous as ever at 61. To see a good movie. To not be disappointed for one night.

It's all that really matters. Sunlight. And just in time for the weekend.

E-ME.