A military-style posse of men in blue escorted Adrien Brody into AMC, an eclectic mix of fascinating show-biz personalities trotted down the red carpet, and excited fans lapped it up all the glitz and glamour from the sidelines.
The two "big" stars of the night were actress Rinko Kikuchi and Director Robert Towne (Dallas Star Award recipient).
Rinko looked simply stunning in an elegant black gown by Yves St. Laurent.
"One of my favorite designers," she beamed, as the paparazzi jockeyed for position to capture the great beauty on celluloid.
Later, Ms. Kikuchi blew me away from with her remarkable performance in "Brothers Bloom" - a film, that while entertaining - turned out to be a bit of a critical failure from a filmmaking point of view.
Robert Towne, looking for-all-the-world like an elder Statesman, was in top form and wowed the press.
"Was the idea for the bandage on Jack's nose in Chinatown your idea," I quizzed the respected director.
"No, it was in the script."
Unfortunately, when the film was first released, the celebrated director - who will receive a Dallas Star Award at a special presentation ceremony tonight at Northpark Mall in conjunction with the screening of Chinatown - didn't like the way it turned out.
"I thought Roman (exiled director Roman Polanski) was too deliberate. But, over time I came to warm up to to it. I realize now that he was right in his creative choices."
He also had problems with "Greystoke", and noted that in retrospect - if he was making the film today - he would shoot it himself.
That was all he would offer up in respect to that project, so I expect some niggling issues still tug at the perfectionist.
Adrien Brody strode down the carpet sporting a beard and long hair.
When I asked if the "look" was in preparation for a role, he said "no".
Right now, he is taking a breather and is inclined to be a little laid back at the moment.
Mr. Brody was quite approachable.
J-SI - a disc jockey from KIIS FM - managed to get up-close and personal, for example, thankfully for the radio station.
After all, the platter flapper was there to have the talented actor answer a couple of questions for a twelve-year-old contest winner.
"Have you been to Mexico," was one of the questions put to him.
A bit perplexed at first by the offbeat query, he responded in the affirmative nonetheless.
"Yes".
Then, J-SI boldly thrust his chin out and asked Brody to stroke it so he would have good luck sprouting a healthy beard of his own.
Brody paused, perplexed for a second, but complied with the request willingly.
Gosh, the main attraction at the big AFI Dallas event, was quite down-to-earth.
So, why the off-putting police escort?
Personally, I was taken aback, since the military-style maneuver was quite over-the-top.
Over the years, I have attended many red carpet events and I don't recall any celebrity - even the high-profile superstars - making a dramatic entrance with the men in blue.
Ironic, too, because in the tribute prior to the screening of the film, a festival rep asserted that Mr. Brody was not caught up in the trappings of fame.
In fact, in the Q & A after the "Bloom Brothers" credits crawled to a close, Mr. Brody recalled an incident when he overheard a passer-by ask a friend in tow who he was.
"He used to be big," the stranger responded matter-of-fact.
"I was reminded that the life is humbling and cyclical in nature," he concluded from that experience.
Of course, he could have taken a cue from Gloria Swanson's character - Norma Desmond - in Sunset Boulevard.
When the lead character realized who Desmond was, he lamented:
"You used to be big."
Her response?
"I am big. The pictures got small."
In the final analysis, the police escort didn't appear to make any sense, in view of the facts.
Was it Northpark's decision to beef up security?
Or, did AFI Dallas presume that their celebrated guest was such a hot property about to stride in their midst, that he needed protection from the clawing masses?
Enquiring minds want to know!
In contrast, there was a lot of friendly chatter on the red carpet with a handful of up-and-coming young filmmakers.
A "Zombie Girl" co-director noted that their project took 2 years to wrap.
The reality-based documentary focuses on a twelve-year old girl making her first movie.
"It was challenging. We didn't know if she'd finish. We had to wait and see how it panned out."
Director Christopher Wong was passionate about his project "Whatever it takes".
It is the true story of a courageous individual who struggles to open a school in the Bronx.
"The story was inspiring and had to be told," he noted with conviction.
A "Bollywood Beats" make-up artist noted that she had to adjust to the "Bollywood" way of making films.
For example, in contrast to American film sets, a crew and the production team demand a quiet calm environment to work in.
"And, there was quite a lot of nutritious food. It was a great experience for me."
The director of "The Other Side of Paradise" (who looks more like a struggling actor) had some problems of his own on that set.
"My wife and I were both creatively involved with the project."
Did they take their artistic differences home?
He laughed.
"You bet."
As to "Brothers Bloom", the film was a big disappointment.
For a regular Joe, out for some enjoyable entertainment, it is okay bill-of-fare.
But, in my mind's eye, "Bloom" was greatly flawed.
In fact, so much was wrong about it - I had to wonder - was anyone truly at the helm?
More on that issue in a review to follow.
Unfortunately, AFI's big gala event was marred by some troubling production problems.
When a festival exec attempted to speak at the podium, there was a lot of ear-piercing feedback from the mic.
The technical problem dragged on ad nauseam for over fifteen or twenty minutes before it was resolved.
Consequently, the tributes ended up appearing awkward, amateurish, and rinky-dink.
Since AFI has such deep pockets, I had to ponder why a professional team was not brought in to set up the sound system and presentation format in a professional manner.
All-in-all, it was an embarrassing moment for AMC, AFI, and the sponsors in attendance.
Get it right next year, guys!
In contrast, the high-energy atmosphere at the after party was electric!
The champage flowed at an open bar, as smartly-attired waiters offered up scrumptious finger food, under a big Texan sky.
The tony elite, film buffs, and local philanthropists chatted each other up with great enthusiasm.
The gala, fer sure, was a big hit.
See 'ya next year, eh?
Robert Towne
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