The screening of "The Perfect Age of Rock 'N' Roll" was delayed by about forty-five minutes on Saturday because so many films buffs were trying to squeeze their way into the world premiere which was being touted as the "hot" ticket of the night.
Even still, some discerning guests were reticent about taking front-row seats because they were inclined to hold-out for better ones farther back.
In view of the prevailing zoo-like atmosphere heightening by the minute, it was imperative that some bold individual take charge and coral the restless natives!
For this reason, Senior Program Director Ginny Laird tried to cajole some guests into coming forward by using a bit of psychology.
"You know, these front row seats are actually the best seats in the house," she quipped above the chatter that was reaching a fever pitch.
"To ensure I get the stars and the director up front to a Q & A as quickly as possible at the end of the screening, I often seat 'em right down front here. You might end up sitting next to a celebrity, 'ya know?"
The feisty Festival staffer also noted that it was a prime place to turn around in a seat comfortably and take snap shots of celebs in the audience without having to jockey for position.
Good points, all!
But, there were no takers.
Earlier in the day, inside sources informed me that Jason Ritter and Director - Scott Rosenbaum - would be in attendance at the premiere with Kelly Lynch, Lauren Holly and Taryn Manning in tow, so I arrived early.
Even still, I was forced to barrel my way through the gathering throngs in the theatre foyer where audiences for two other "sold-out" features were also struggling to make their way to their comfy seats.
In spite of the pressure, the volunteers remained calm and courteous.
Finally, after much ado, the curtain fell.
A house photographer for the Newport Beach Film Festival noted the next day that he thought the storyline was slow to unfold on the screen.
A valid criticism.
Had the director trimmed a little of the fat in the opening scenes - "The Perfect Age" - would have been capable of packing a solid punch from the get-go.
In spite of that hiccup, once the stage was set for the characters, the film turned out to be an engrossing entertaining bill-of-fare.
Am I reaching, or was the intro stikingly similar to "Interview with a Vampire"?
If you recall, in the feature based on the best-selling book by Anne Rice, a reporter scouts down a reclusive vampire (Brad Pitt) with the aim of landing a scoop about the intriguing world of the undead.
Likewise, in this rock drama, a journalist from a popular music publication, ferrets out an exclusive interview with a rock star faded from public view, with the intention of shedding light on a mystery surrounding a band once-known as the "Lost Souls".
Jason Ritter is excellent as a lead guitarist who has a talent for songwriting.
His acting style is natural and unaffected and resonates with truth.
"At the first meeting, the director and I hit it off. He appeared to be flexible and open to ideas, which appealed to me, " he noted softly.
In a follow-up discussion about the project, Ritter felt so good about playing the role of a lead guitarist at that juncture, that he went with his gut feeling.
The actor who plays the front man for the "Lost Souls" - Kevin Zegers - was in attendance at the screening, too.
Judging by Zegers' relatively "straight" appearance - the meaty role of a punk rocker with a festish for make-up - who struts around in tight black leather pants, silk shirts and flamboyant effeminate scarfs - was a stretch to play.
"When he asked if I sang, I confessed I didn't, but that I would give it a shot."
Astoundingly - like Val Kilmer before him in "The Doors" movie - the handsome earthy actor pulls off a role of a lifetime admirably.
Curiously, when Ritter and Zegers sauntered onscreen, I couldn't help but think that perhaps Joaquin Phoemix and Val Kilmer would have been cast in the roles had the film been produced five years or so ago.
The soundtrack is real kick-ass with a mix of original tunes and a handful of pop hits from celebrated rockers who carved a niche for themselves in the music industry over the years.
"Were the rights difficult to secure," I asked Mr. Rosenbaum, half-expecting to hear it was a piece of cake.
"Actually, I sweated over that. Instinctively, I knew that the music was vitally important to the project and worried about pulling it off," he recalled.
"It was a disappointing experience," he added with a tinge of sadness in his voice.
"They didn't treat us very well. I thought it was so hypocritical."
Everything else fell into place, though.
All the actors raved about the experience of working with Peter Fonda who plays a beefed up cameo in the high-energy entertaining "rock" drama.
"Peter agreed to get involved with the project later on and rounded out the cast perfectly."
When someone asked why the actors chose this specific project, Kelly Lynch piped up right away.
"For the money! It paid for my house," she joked.
The audience roared.
The script went through about four drafts before it was ready to shoot.
I wanted it to have a narrative structure.
For inspiration, I studied Scorsese's classic feature the "Last Waltz".
Obviously, the source material paid off.
The Perfect Age of Rock 'N' Roll is probably going to rustle up megabucks when its released at a movie theatre near you soon.
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