Joanna Cassidy was poised as she ushered in "Skin" Director pal, Anthony Fabian; Mark Ruffolo delighted the paparazzi with his mugging and down-to-earth demeanour; and, a couple of young Aussie actresses literally stole the limelight with their sparkling personalities and individual fashion style on the red carpet.
Another night at AFI FEST.
And yes, there were startling surprises as usual.
When Ms. Cassidy was within shouting distance, I managed to coral her for a bit of chit-chat.
Many years ago - I worked with Ms. Cassidy on "Hollywood Wives" - the big splashy mini-series produced by Aaron Spelling (Jackie Collins sizzler).
At this juncture, the classy lady let down her guard a bit, and pointed out that Nolan Miller (who designed all the fabulous gowns she wore in the potboiler) used to reside in the corner house on her neighborhood street.
With a bit of a downcast look on her face, she expressed her sorrow about what happened to Mr. Miller.
Not one to toot her own horn, I pestered her a bit about upcoming projects.
There is one with the "Polish Boys", she said enthusiastically.
But - a project directed by Jada Pinket-Smith - was the one that got her revved up; at this point, she became quite animated as she went into detail about some of the intriguing plot twists.
Although complex and difficult subject matter, Joanna applauded Jada for taking the helm with such confidence and gusto, from the get-go.
Ms. Cassidy is such modest woman, too.
When a female reporter next to me gushed - "You're such an Icon" - she was inclined to declare it wasn't so!
Also, one of the highlights of on the carpet last night, occurred when two pretty ladies from the feature - Sleeper - strolled up to discuss their on-camera roles.
WOW!
These Aussie actresses (Kym Jackson & Lauren Orrell) were put-together well!
One of the beauties wisely chose a vintage dress which was complimented by a distinctive "do" that suited her sweet porcelain face. The other high-energy actress looked smashing in a bright red gown with an eye-catching flourish of sequins at the bodice.
Their sparkling personalities were a breath of fresh air!
After speaking to director Jan Louter - next in line - I am now inclined to take in his new documentary feature film, "The Last Days of the Shishmaref".
The altruistic doc focuses on three families in an Eskimo village whose culture and overall security are threatened by the ongoing global warming crisis in Alaska.
Jan, an engaging articulate man, expressed his fear that if action wasn't taken to assist the villagers, the effect on their community would be devastating.
Anthony Fabian - who directed "SKIN" - informed me that the script for his project was quite problematic.
"It was four years in the making."
The fimmaker's lens focuses on Sandra - a child born with black skin - in spite of the fact her two dotting parents are white.
As the producers put it:
"Sandra is born with a legacy of unknown black ancestry. Our film focuses on both the genetic phenomenon and a social-political one in the racially-divided South Africa."
Hélène Muddiman - who wrote the score - was on hand to field questions about the music crafted for SKIN.
"I had a bit of a vision about the music beforehand. But, for the most part, I worked with Tony and the images when they were available."
Haunting music, I asked?
"Emotional. Very emotional."
One journalist - who screened SKIN last night - was still blown away thirty minutes later on a myriad of levels.
"I'm stunned."
Mark Ruffolo was a hit with all the journalists who jockeyed for position on the carpet to get up-close and personal.
He laughed, and was in high spirits, as he mossied down the line with his pretty young wife - Sunshine - close by his side.
Unfortunately, there was a bit of a downer at this juncture.
Because a couple of journalists were "hogging" the talented actor a bit at one end of the roped-off area - near the middle of the line - a press person was inclined to "move" him along.
Unfortunately, the young Asian lady did not have very good people skills.
For instance, in mid-sentence during an important on-camera interview, she often hissed, "We gotta go."
On occasion, if that didn't garner the results she was seeking, the impatient gal would tug on his arm. Judging by Ruffolo's reaction - and the awkward expression on his face - the thespian wasn't too thrilled with the inappropriate behaviour of the inexperienced pushy woman.
As Mr. Ruffolo approached me, a press person proceeded to drag the actor away for a quick photo op across the carpet.
He winked at me (!) and promised to return for a question.
Since his wife was left in a lurch at my side, I thought I would engage her in a little conversation, so she would not feel neglected.
The snippy young PR snot turned back my way and barked in a rude voice:
"Wait 'til Mark comes back."
As I have always said, give some people a little authority, and they become drunk with power.
This high-strung emotional woman would be better-suited scrubbing toilets at the Roosevelt Hotel (AFI base of operations) than leading important guests down the red carpet, in my estimation!
Then, I noticed something funny.
One bald-headed reporter - in a dark black suit with a diamond stud in his ear - interviewed Mr. Ruffolo in great earnest.
After Mark departed, the puffed up newsie turned to an associate, to confirm the actor's identity.
"What was his name?"
I tend to get Mr. Ruffolo and Eric Bana mixed up.
If mishaps like this occur on the red carpet, it's understandable.
Happens all the time!
If you take a gander at the couple of the publicity stills I've posted here of Eric and Mark it's easy to fathom why.
Certainly, the slip-up is nothing to get your t*t caught in a wringer over.
The Asian Gestapo person was not amused, however.
In contrast, the rest of the staff on the carpet were very professional.
In fact, when the event wrapped, I witnessed the smartly-dressed staffers get down on their knees and pluck up "name tags" taped to the floor at designated interview perches.
So, I chirped:
"Great job, ladies. Thanks for your assistance, tonight."
Frankly, I was taken aback when the PR Staff actually responded with compliments in my direction, too.
Apparently, not everyone is as polite and thoughtful as I am on the red carpet, when they conduct interviews.
At this juncture, I headed over to the "AFI" Lounge at the Oscar Room to wind down.
Funny that, there was a spirited conversation underway among a handful of journalists, about the way the media was being treated.
Some complained that in spite of the fact journalists and paparazzi brought thousands of dollars of free publicity to the Festival's table, the press were often treated like sh**.
For sure, the upper-tier staff at the PR office at AFI - on occasion - get a bit huffy and full of themselves.
One oddball guy in the PR Department actually refers to himself as - Mr. Hollywood - or something juvenile like that.
Give us a break!
Which reminds me, I thought one reporter was a bit rude last night, too.
He actually interviewed the talent while ubiquitous shades hid his eyes.
Maybe it's due to my background as a journalist, but I think it's best to reveal yourself when conducting a one-on-one interview.
I got the distinct impression - that this inexperienced reporter thought he was the star - not his subjects.
Merv Griffin once noted for the record that he always made sure he did not upstage his guests on his highly-rated popular day-time talk show.
"I want them in the spotlight. Not me," he assured the audience.
I find a warm down-to-earth approach works better on the carpet, too.
I still go with the old-style approach with notebook and pen in hand.
Oftentimes, when a celeb gets a camera tossed in their face, they're inclined to freeze up.
Nuff shop talk!
I slipped into the Variety party on my last round through the Fest circuit which was underway at the Penthouse Suite at the Roosevelt Hotel.
I tell 'ya, Daily Variety tosses a great soiree.
Their scrumptious finger food was the best yet I've encountered at a Festival - where a number of guests have been harping about the lack of hospitality - in some suites.
I guess the financial crunch has hit the movie business, too.
