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SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN & Digital News at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone,

All of us at THE NEON have been working long hours the past several days, and I hope you’re able to discern this newsletter – my eyelids are quite heavy as I type this note. As soon as the benefit was over on Sunday night, we began prepping our projection booth, auditoriums and lobby for some major changes and improvements. On Monday morning, the 35mm projection gear was removed, and new digital projectors (and servers and cases and lenses and cables and monitors and…) began to arrive that afternoon. While technicians have been preparing our new system, the staff has been busy painting, cleaning and painting some more. Our old carpet is being torn up right now, and the new carpet will be laid this afternoon.

Sunday’s benefit was a big success! Thanks so much to all of you who attended. We set our limit to 120 tickets…and we sold the 120th ticket just as the party was getting started. Additional thanks to everyone who made a donation to our cause! Our goal for fundraising was set at $25,000, and we’re currently at $22,160. That’s really wonderful!

On Friday, we will open with all new digital projection. While we will hold onto our last two titles – SLEEPWALK WITH ME and ARBITRAGE – we’ll also open a new documentary that has been a huge hit on the festival circuit. SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN is part mystery part historical document, and music lovers can’t get enough.

Synopsis for SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN: “Searching for Sugar Man tells the incredible true story of Rodriguez, the greatest ’70s rock icon who never was. Discovered in a Detroit bar in the late ’60s by two celebrated producers struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics, they recorded an album which they believed would secure his reputation as the greatest recording artist of his generation. In fact, the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide. But a bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, he became a phenomenon. The film follows the story of two South African fans who set out to find out what really happened to their hero. Their investigation leads them to a story more extraordinary than any of the existing myths about the artist known as Rodriguez.” (Sony Pictures Classics) Click this link to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDw7OqVBT-w’]

“Help support DATV and be inspired by short films that aim to make a difference in our lives. DATV presents the MEDIA THAT MATTERS SHORT FILM FESTIVAL on Thursday, November 8th at 7:30pm, at THE NEON in Downtown Dayton. The MEDIA THAT MATTERS SHORT FILM FESTIVAL is the premier national showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day. The films engagediverse audiences and inspires them to take action. The festival features 12 jury selected short films that tackle a broad range of social issues with humor, humanity and honesty in 12 minutes or less.” (provided by DATV) Tickets are $10 each, and we have a few available at our box office and on DATV’s site. For more details about the event and the films, visit the official site.

Though we’ve got lots to still learn (training on the new projection equipment will begin this afternoon), this weekend marks the start of a new era for THE NEON – the culmination of months worth or research and preparation. We hope to see you soon.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Oct. 19 – Sun. Oct. 25:

ARBITRAGE (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

SLEEPWALK WITH ME (NR) 1 Hrs 30 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:30

SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN (PG-13) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
very soon – KILLER JOE
very soon – LIBERAL ARTS
Nov. ? SAMSARA
Nov. 16 (2 weeks only) – A LATE QUARTET
Nov. 21 – THE SESSIONS
Nov. 30 – ANNA KARENINA

SummitUp – The Bowman Connection

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David Bowman head shot

David Bowman

Facebook had just 100 million members around August of 2008. That is just a little less than the population of Mexico at the time, which would have put it at fourteenth in the world. The number of Facebook users has recently eclipsed  1 billion people, putting it at third in the world in terms of world population, just behind India. That is a massive amount of eyeballs looking to connect to something: entertainment, information, conversation, the list is endless. Since that explosion, everyone from major companies to small businesses have been trying to harness the power of this ever expanding opportunity to connect. It has become a source of innovative campaigns and beautiful disasters. It is a new frontier, and everyone is still looking for how to make it work for them.

David Bowman was one of those people. He had just come back to Dayton from seeing a presentation from Chris Brogan, and was discussing the experience with Sara McCatherine over lunch. The idea was to bring the top speakers from all over, at the edges of the fledgling explosion of social media, and bring them here. Thus the seeds of SummitUp were born. Through plenty of work and hustle, the first SummitUp in Dayton (2009) was brought to life. Every year it has been growing as social media grows, and this year is no different. David took some of his precious time in the final weeks before the Tuesday, October 16th event to answer a few questions about social media for us.

DMM: Your first degree was in political science. What attracted you to marketing from there? Did you see it as a natural extension, or did your interests change?

David Bowman: In college I was drawn to political science, as it was something that was inherently interesting to me.  I did well in Political Science classes, so decided to major in it, as I really had no idea what I wanted to do professionally.  I had considered becoming an attorney for a while, but ultimately the law did not appeal to me.  Instead I went to work in the business world, where I migrated into sales.  From there I came to discover the field of marketing and have never looked back.  Eventually I got my MBA with a concentration in Marketing, where I began to get a deeper understanding of the field.  In the end, Marketing and Political Science are both based in understanding needs and influencing human behavior.  The principles I learned in Political Science are directly applicable to my job, and probably give me a bit of a different perspective on things.

SummitUp Logo

Another year, another batch of wisdom.

How have you liked your teaching experience so far at the School of Advertising Art (SAA) ? What are some of the things the students are teaching you?

Teaching at SAA has been amazing.  It is one thing to believe you understand something.  It is something else entirely to have to understand something well enough to explain it to others in a way that is clear and compelling.  I am so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to teach Marketing at SAA.  It is making me a better practitioner of my craft and the energy, creativity, and curiosity of my students is inspiring.

DMM: What is the biggest challenge to creating an event like this, where you will have a significant cross section of new users and seasoned veterans looking for something to take away?

DB: SummitUp is challenging in that we want the event to be appealing to early adopters of technology who demand complexity and bleeding edge information while at the same time delivering content that is accessible to newcomers too.  Compounding things is that fact that the event is a collaborative volunteer effort with a focus on keeping prices low so that we can attract and educate the largest number of people possible.  The goal of the event is not to maximize profits, but rather to maximize the potential of those who attend.  We do our best to attract exceptionally talented speakers and presenters to the event, often at a fraction of their typical speaking fee or for free.  We then pass these savings on to attendees in the form of very affordable ticket prices.  Ultimately, the event has an incredible team of volunteers who work very hard to make sure that those who invest the time and money to attend get value from coming to the event.

DMM: What do you think is the biggest hurdle people have to understanding the value and potential of social media?

DB: People get lost in the incredible amount noise and dizzying pace of change.  Author Clay Shirky describes media as the “connective tissue” that holds us all together, which is a great way to think of it.  Social media is simply about people communicating with one another, and all media is now social.  If people keep things in the perspective of finding ways to use communication to build real and lasting relationships, social media is fairly simple to understand.

DMM: What brands are the best story tellers in the social media realms?

DB: Starbucks, Zappos, Amazon, and Southwest Airlines are some great examples of national brands that are using social media successfully and in very different ways.  Locally, brands like Dorothy Lane Market, Olive, and Dayton Children’s are all great examples.

DMM: What do you see brands or people doing on social media that frustrates you?

DB: Not listening, participating, or considering the opportunity to use social media as more than just a push marketing tool.

DMM: How do you see social media platforms evolving over the next five years?

DB: More mobility, more video, more speed, more content, more noise, more people, more, more, more.  Hopefully, what brands choose is to more carefully integrate social media with marketing strategy.  A recent Duke University Study cites that over 16% of organizations describe their social media efforts as “not at all integrated” with their overall business strategy.  This is something that must and will change, as brands begin to understand the real value that strategic integration can deliver.

DMM: Will social media become more integrated into the media department, or is this a new entity?

DB: They will become one in the same.  Traditional media is still alive and well, but it is becoming ever more social.  As best practices are established and technology matures, social media will become the tradition.  Anytime you have disruptive technology changes it takes a while for people to make sense of it all.  Eventually people begin to figure it out and then shift their focus to execution.  This is currently happening right before our eyes.  It is an exciting time to be a marketing professional.

Books full of storiesDMM: Social media professionals are still wrestling with how to prove the value to CEO’s, CIO’s, and other C-suite people. Are there certain numbers that offer more proof of value than others? It is ROI, or something else out there?

DB: It is ROI but that has to be framed in the context of customer equity.  Social media has the ability to strengthen relationships.  The ROI is less about the platforms and technologies and more about the actions and responses created through them.  Ideally, marketing professionals are moving toward an integrated approach to marketing.  This is more akin to systems thinking as opposed to trying to compartmentalize things.  The revolution in technology requires a paradigm shift.  It is no longer only about impressions or mass attention.  Now it is about connections, loyalty, and long term brand equity that can only come from focused, ongoing communication.

DMM: Are there any social media platforms out there that you can see emerging as a major player over the next few years?

DB: Certainly Pinterest has already shaken thing up in the last year.  Google+ will continue to evolve and grow, particularly as Google continues to integrate it with organic search.  There are countless other projects and platforms emerging to solve niche problems and connect niche audiences.  I will not pretend to have a crystal ball, but I can tell you that we will likely be talking about a whole new mix of tools by this time next year.

David has once again helped to organize an amazing event, bringing talents like Todd Henry, Rohit Bhargava, and Tim Schigel as keynote speakers, and a diverse group of other professionals to run a wide range of breakout sessions. SummitUp tickets are available by phone only, so call and make sure that you have yours. This is going to be a great opportunity to learn about the basics, meet and connect with new people, or refresh and recharge your batteries with new insights. We look forward to connecting with you this Tuesday!

 

SLEEPWALK WITH ME at THE NEON + Big Benefit News!

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Hello Everyone,

Huge changes are just around the corner for THE NEON. Before I get to the source of my anxiety, let’s talk movies. If you still want to see THE MASTER, Thursday will be your last chance to see it with us. On Friday, we will open a film that has had the most requests this year – SLEEPWALK WITH ME. ARBITRAGE had a solid opening weekend…so it will stick around.

Synopsis for SLEEPWALK WITH ME: From the producers of THIS AMERICAN LIFE, this is the film that Ira Glass has been talking about! “When an aspiring stand-up fails to express his true feelings about his girlfriend and his stalled career, his anxiety comes out in increasingly funny and dangerous sleepwalking incidents.” (IFC Films)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9tRN7bok4o’]

This weekend is the last chance to see movies via 35mm film at THE NEON. On Sunday evening, we will close our doors for 4 days as we make the transition to digital projection (the new industry standard). Our “Things To Do” list is jam-packed. Over the past 11 years, we’ve opened our doors for business every single day…while we’re closed, we’re going to take advantage of the opportunity and do some major cleaning, lay some new carpet and add some fresh paint to floors and walls.

And speaking of this weekend, Sunday marks the day for our big Digital Conversion Benefit featuring AMELIE. (If you missed Sunday’s nice article from Dayton Daily News, you can check it out here.) The festivities will start at 4:00 with delicious appetizers provided by Meadowlark, Roost and Coco’s Bistro. Around 5:00, everyone will head to the large auditorium for our “Dayton Meets Hollywood” auction (more details below) We’ll plan to begin our 35mm presentation of AMELIE by 5:30. Tickets are still available! 100% of the proceeds will go toward helping us make the switch to digital. They can be purchased at our box office or by visiting this link.

To check out all the items in our auction, we’ve listed each item (along with a picture below).  Here’s the skinny:

If you’re unable to attend the benefit but would like to place a bid on one of the auction items, you can send me an email with your name, phone number, and your highest bid. I will need this e-mail by Saturday at noon. send to: [email protected] (If you’d like to see one of the items in person, you can schedule an appointment with me for this Saturday.)

We hope to see you this weekend.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Oct. 12 – Sun. Oct. 14:
(We will be closed Mon, Oct 15 – Thu, Oct 18)

ARBITRAGE (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:30, 8:30

SLEEPWALK WITH ME (NR) 1 Hrs 30 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 1:00, 8:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
Oct. 19 SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
Nov. ? SAMSARA
TBD LIBERAL ARTS
TBD THE SESSIONS
TBD KILLER JOE
TBD NEIL YOUNG JOURNEYS
TBD ANNA KARENINA
TBD HYDE PARK ON HUDSON

AUCTION ITEMS:

Screenplay from the Pilot episode of THE WEST WING – Signed by Martin Sheen & Allison Janney.  Includes signed Martin Sheen Photograph.  Starting Bid: $75

Screenplay for THE WEST WING, Season 1, Finale – Signed by Martin Sheen + Signed Photograph.  Starting Bid: $50

THE WEST WING Lot of Call Sheets and Script Changes with Signed Martin Sheen Photograph. Starting Bid: $50.

 

THE BIG LEBOWSKI Storyboard Print.  Hand-signed by The Coen Brothers’ storyboard artist and Oakwood resident J. Todd Anderson.  Includes $25 gift certificate from Patterson Chase – perfect to use toward framing your storyboard.  Starting Bid: $50.

3 DVDs from local filmmakers Julia Reichert, Steve Bognar & Jim Klein.  Emmy-Winning A LION IN THE HOUSE, Oscar-Nominated THE LAST TRUCK and recently inducted into The National Film Registry – GROWING UP FEMAL.  It’s incredible that all these award-winning films were born right here in the Miami Valley.  These films will be personalized by the filmmakers for your collection.  Starting Bid: $75.

THE RUBI GIRLS documentary on DVD & Poster (which will be kissed and signed by The Rubi Girls before THE NEON’s benefit).  This award-winning documentary has played at numerous film festivals around the world…but has not yet been released on DVD.  Starting Bid: $50.

 

2 Original Chairs from THE NEON.  These chairs, with their original upholstery, are 27 years old.  Though they have slight imperfections, they still are quite cozy and would make a perfect addition to you screening room.  (As a note of caution, these chairs require being bolted to the ground.)  Starting Bid: $50.

Naming Rights to our Small Auditorium.  Our small auditorium seats 74 people.  The name you chose (perhaps your name, your company name or the name of your favorite director) will be placed on a plaque above the door to the auditorium.  (The name is subject to approval from THE NEON’s Board…vulgarity or insensitive language will not be permitted.)  Starting Bid: $100.

SummitUp, A #Socialmedia Confab

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In the 1920’s, radio broadcasters were looking for more. They knew they had a great way to deliver information into the homes of everyone in the country, but how to get sponsors to buy into it? Radio up to that point had been informational; mainly news and politics delivered in factual and dry terms; nothing really compelling to listen to. Advertisers were not seeing much of a return from the money they were investing, and were leery about investing more. Broadcasters needed to create something that would attract a different audience; an audience that was around the house all day, and was going to make the decisions on what household goods to buy. They decided that fresh content should be mainly about families, and how they lived their lives. They wanted this content to appeal to the housewife, as if they were looking into another person’s house without leaving their own. This new content attracted sponsors in the early 1930’s like Proctor and Gamble, who used these shows to help promote their soaps like Oxydol. Thus was born the “soap opera”, turning what once was used to just a platform for delivering information into a money maker. The Golden Age of Radio boomed, and the soap opera, and eventually the sit com and variety show, boomed with it.

Now, being eighty years removed from radio soaps, marketers are all facing the same questions in a new realm that once simply provided information, or a way to connect, and a few small advertisements. How do we get more Facebook “Likes”? What do we need to do to get more Twitter followers? What makes something that is visually compelling on Pinterest, so we can pin it and tweet about it? And how do we get all of these people we are interacting with to go somewhere to buy our product? On top of that, how do we measure all of this so when people in the C-suite start asking questions, we have good answers for them? We are all asking these questions, some of us longer than others. As we all wander, searching for the same answers, we have a few intrepid people that have found some of the edges of this new realm, and brought back new and exciting information to share. The marketing community of Dayton has helped to organize some of these people at Sinclair Community College on October 16th, 2012, for SummitUp, a full day marketing communications, public relations, and digital information conference.

This event is a major undertaking, involving the efforts of not only many of the top talents in the area, but a small army of volunteers. David Bowman, Chief Marketing Strategist for The Ohlmann Group and one of the organizers of SummitUp, states they want it appeal “to early adopters of technology who demand complexity and bleeding edge information while at the same time delivering content that is accessible to newcomers too.” The speaking talent this year is top notch, with major keynote speakers, local brilliant talent, and opportunities to meet all of the top marketing and communication talent in the area. On top of that, the volunteers help to make the event as affordable as possible to the widest number of people, so more people can experience it. “Ultimately, the event has an incredible team of volunteers who work very hard to make sure that those who invest the time and money to attend get value from coming to the event.”, affirms Bowman.

The day begins at 7 AM at breakfast. It is going to be a full day, and you are going to need all the energy you can get. The first keynote speaker of the day will be Todd Henry, creator of the website and podcast The Accidental Creative, as well as the writer of the highly praised book The Accidental Creative, How to be Brilliant on a Moment’s Notice. He is an expert on how to build an environment that encourages the generation of creative ideas. His podcast interviews some of the top creative minds across a wide variety of industries, and offers insights about everything from generating ideas quickly to getting over the dreaded creator’s block.

After his speech, every attendee will be able to attend multiple breakout sessions. There are twelve sessions total, given by some of the best business and social media thinkers in southwest Ohio and Indiana. Each of the sessions is offered twice in back-to-back time frames, so everyone will have a chance to see six of the speakers. Eight of the sessions will happen before lunch, and the final four sessions will happen after lunch. These breakout sessions are designed to give every attendee the greatest chance to bring the right information back to help the social media and communication strategies of your company.

Lunch will be served around noon, and then it will be time for the second keynote of the day. Rohit Bhargava is the a founding member of one of the largest social strategy groups at Oglivy as well as a professor of Global Marketing at Georgetown University. He is a proponent of bringing the human touch back into the marketing world, touting the importance of being likeable as a major factor in success. He is the author of several highly rated and incredibly popular books, Likeonomics (his most recent book) and Personality Not Included. His books are not just something to read; Likeonomics also offers a website full of useful exercises and ideas to help make you and your brand more likeable, and attractive, to future clients.

[dropshadowbox align=”right” effect=”lifted-both” width=”320px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]SummitUp
Sinclair Community College, Building 12
October 16th, 7:00am – 4:30pm
Full Day Ticket Member Pricing: $119.00
Full Day Ticket Non – Member Pricing: $159.00
Click for Tickets[/dropshadowbox]

The final keynote of the day is at the end of the last group of four sessions. If you are familiar with the name of the person who is presenting, you have certainly seen his work on multiple websites. His name is Tim Schigel, and he is the chairman and founder of ShareThis, which has their widgets for social media sharing scattered across the Internet. Tim has done innovative work for some of the biggest firms in the country, from Apple to Procter and Gamble. The impetus behind ShareThis was to start measuring how people share the interesting things that they find outside of search engines, and that involves tracking how people use social sites to share. What is getting shared? How is it getting shared? And what is the future of measuring and sharing data?

The transition to social media presents a new set of challenges, much like the first pioneers into radio media faced. Whether you are in traditional media or cultivating pin boards, if you are new to the game or still think fondly of your AOL marketing efforts, SummitUp is a great way to develop your skills in this new realm. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and a bevy of other new platforms are out there for people to use, integrate, and broadcast from. This is a fine opportunity to take advantage of all this brilliance in a local environment, at a great price. Connect with the best talent in Dayton and beyond, and take your marketing efforts to the next level. We all hope to see you on October 16th!

ARBITRAGE Now Playing at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

Special thanks to everyone who came out and supported THE DOWNTOWN DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL. With enthusiastic crowds, 3 visiting directors, and 4 sold-out shows, this turned out to be the most successful festival in THE NEON’s history. I’m pleased to announce that the votes for our audience awards were very tight…which means that audiences were really liking several selections. Our “Audience Award – Best Feature” went to LOVE FREE OR DIE, and our “Audience Award – Best Short” went to SABBATICAL. Many congrats to those filmmakers!

We’ve moved forward this weekend at THE NEON.  ROBOT AND FRANK just left, and today we opened the new thriller starring Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon – ARBITRAGE.  If you still need to see THE MASTER, you have one more week.

Synopsis for ARBITRAGE: “When we first meet New York hedge-fund magnate Robert Miller on the eve of his 60th birthday, he appears the very portrait of success in American business and family life. But behind the gilded walls of his mansion, Miller is in over his head, desperately trying to complete the sale of his trading empire to a major bank before the depths of his fraud are revealed. Struggling to conceal his duplicity from loyal wife Ellen and brilliant daughter and heir-apparent Brooke, Miller’s also balancing an affair with French art-dealer Julie Cote. Just as he’s about to unload his troubled empire, an unexpected bloody error forces him to juggle family, business, and crime with the aid of Jimmy Grant, a face from Miller’s past.” (Roadside Attractions) Click this LINK to visit the official site for ARBITRAGE.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmJSV9ePx7c’]

We’re less than 2 weeks away from our big benefit…and I’ve got some new details for you (if you didn’t read the e-mail I sent out a few weeks ago, you can check it out here). Tickets can now be purchased at our box office and on-line via paypal. WDTN recently did a story about our conversion and benefit…if you didn’t catch it, you can see the video by visiting their site. I also stopped by LIVING DAYTON last week…to see that piece, visit their site. The items for our auction are rolling in. J Todd Anderson of Oakwood – well-known for being the storyboard artist to The Coen Brothers – has donated a hand-signed print of a storyboard from THE BIG LEBOWSKI. Martin Sheen has donated 2, autographed screenplays from THE WEST WING (we even sent the pilot to Allison Janney and had her sign it, too). Local filmmakers Julia Reichert, Steve Bognar and Jim Klein have added an exciting package of award-winning films – A LION IN THE HOUSE, THE LAST TRUCK and GROWING UP FEMALE. I’m supplying a copy of THE RUBI GIRLS documentary (which has yet to be released on DVD) as well as an autographed poster of the Girls. And lastly, THE NEON will auction off naming rights to the small auditorium. Stay tuned to next week’s newsletter for your chance to submit a bid if you’re unable to attend the benefit. Click the AMELIE picture below to visit the benefit website – where you can purchase tickets or make a donation to our campaign.

SLEEPWALK WITH ME – a film that many people have been asking about (due to Ira Glass urging his listeners) – is set to open October 12!

All the best.
I hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Oct. 5 – Thu. Oct. 11:

ARBITRAGE (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Tuesday: 2:50, 5:10
Wednesday & Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

THE MASTER (R) 2 Hrs 17 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
Oct. 12 SLEEPWALK WITH ME
Oct. 19 SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
Nov. ? SAMSARA
TBD LIBERAL ARTS
TBD THE SESSIONS
TBD KILLER JOE
TBD NEIL YOUNG JOURNEYS
TBD ANNA KARENINA
TBD HYDE PARK ON HUDSON

How to Buy a Boyfriend

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Some of the Miami Valley's most eligible bachelors will be up for bid this Friday at the third annual PUSH Dayton Charity Bachelor Auction.

Some of the Miami Valley's most eligible bachelors will be up for bid this Friday at the third annual PUSH Dayton Charity Bachelor Auction.

Jennifer Shinkle tells people she “bought” her boyfriend. And it’s true.

Shinkle’s boyfriend was part of the September 2011 PUSH Dayton Men in the City Charity Bachelor Auction, and the two have been going strong since. This year’s event will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 21, at the Dayton Racquet Club, with an after-party to be held in the adjacent 29 Stories Lounge.

With 17 of the Miami Valley’s most eligible bachelors up for bid, organizers of this third annual event are hoping for yet another love story. After all, the Bachelor Auction is two-for-two: In addition to Shinkle, chair of this year’s event, PUSH committee member Monica Deal met her husband at the first auction, and they’re now proud parents.

But the Bachelor Auction isn’t only about love. It’s about sex, too — sexual health, that is. The event directly supports Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region’s free condom program and sexual health advocacy in the Miami Valley Region. It’s organized by the all-volunteer PUSH Dayton (Professionals United for Sexual Health) committee, which has held more than 20 events and raised more than $20,000 for Planned Parenthood since it was formed four years ago.

“Our goal is to raise awareness about the importance of practicing safe sex,” said Crystal Justice, associate director of development for Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio Region’s Miami Valley area. The organization served more than 23,000 patients in its eight health centers just in the past year, Justice said.

“Our work to promote safe sex and access to testing is crucial to sexual health outcomes in the Miami Valley, which has seen a sharp increase in sexually transmitted illnesses,” she added. “Planned Parenthood makes quality care accessible and affordable for everyone.”

Each bachelor comes with a date package on which interested ladies bid. This year’s bachelors range in age from 22 to 55 and their occupations include business owners, dancers, a state trooper, writer, actor, meteorologist, entrepreneur and adjunct professor. Couples packages also will be available for bidding, so those who already have found their true love still can participate and support the cause.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r8G3myEAB4&feature=youtu.be’]“Last year we raised about $5,000 with about 115 guests,” Shinkle said. “This year, we expect to bring in even more attendees and have a goal to raise $8,000 for the cause. This is a very important year for us because we want to establish this as an annual event the community gets excited about. There is no event quite like it.

“The event not only supports Planned Parenthood, those who attend the event can mingle with like-minded professionals from throughout the Miami Valley,” Shinkle added. “You will meet people outside of your normal social circles at the Bachelor Auction and make new friends.”

Profiles and photos of each of the bachelors are available on PUSH Dayton’s website, as well as on the organization’s Facebook page. Advance tickets are $20 in advance and can be purchased online, and tickets are $25 at the door. Appetizers will be served, and a cash bar will be available.

THE MASTER Opens Friday at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone,

The Toronto International Film Festival was great. I saw 29 films in 9 days (plus a few partials). If you’re interested to know about the movies I saw, click the picture below to be directed to my blog . In the coming days (once I’m caught up on NEON matters), I’ll post one last entry with my wrap-up. For now, I hope you enjoy this little collage of some of the people I saw during introductions and Q&As. These are all from pictures I took at the festival. Can you name everyone? (I’ll list all their names in next week’s newsletter.)

At THE NEON, we’re moving forward again this week. FAREWELL, MY QUEEN did not perform well enough to stick around for a second week. If you still need to see this film, you only have through Thursday to see it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open one of the best reviewed films of the year – THE MASTER. This film broke records over the weekend in NYC and LA, and we’re hoping that fans of Paul Thomas Anderson (THERE WILL BE BLOOD, MAGNOLIA and BOOGIE NIGHTS) will be out en masse. ROBOT & FRANK will stick around for another week. (remaining showtimes for this week can be found at our site: neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for THE MASTER: “A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future – until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader.” (taken from imdb.com) “In the years after WWII, an American intellectual creates a religion. When he meets a troubled drifter, he invites the man to help him spread the new faith. As their congregation increases, the drifter begins to question the religion he once accepted and the mentor who gave his life direction.” (taken from metacritic.com)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ1O1vb9AUU’]

Earlier today, we had another director confirm that he will attend this year’s Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival. That makes three directors attending our fest…and I think that’s pretty incredible. Jonathan Lisecki – director of GAYBY, Travis Mathews – director of I WANT YOUR LOVE, Glenn Kiser – director of SABBATICAL (part of the TOP DRAWER SHORTS program) will attend and answer your questions. Read all about the films on the official website. The 7th Annual Fest is set for Sept. 28-30. Watch the trailers and mark your calendars…it’s gonna be great! Special thanks to DAYTON MOST METRO, WYSO and DAYTON DAILY NEWS for already committing to provide stories about this year’s films. To hear an interview I recently did about the festival on WYSO, please click this link.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NNr7NtVIFk’]

And on the horizon is our benefit to assist with our digital conversion – set for October 14 (if you didn’t read that e-mail, you can check it out here). Tickets can now be purchased at our box office and on-line via paypal. If you’re not able to attend our benefit, you can also make a donation on the benefit page. WDTN recently did a story about our conversion and benefit…if you didn’t catch it, you can see the video by visiting their site.

All the best.
I hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Sept. 21 – Thu. Sept. 27:

ROBOT & FRANK (PG-13) 1 Hr 29 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

THE MASTER (R) 2 Hrs 17 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
Sept. 28-30 DOWNTOWN DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL
Sept. 21 ARBITRAGE
Oct. 5 SLEEPWALK WITH ME
Oct. ? SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
Nov. ? SAMSARA
TBD THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
TBD 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK

Toronto Film Fest – Day #9

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Hello Everyone,

I saw 2 final films today…which took my final count to 29 full screenings (there were 3 partial screenings, too).

First off, I saw a lovely new adaptation of GREAT EXPECTATIONS by Mike Newell (director of ENCHANTED APRIL, FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, and a whole lot more).  This adaptation, though clearly condensed in order to be told in 2 hours, is an old-school, literal adaptation with lovely photography, great costumes and a wonderful score.  The cast is wonderful – Ralph Fiennes as Magwitch, Helena Bonham Carter as Miss Havisham and Jeremy Irvine as “older” Pip (he was the star of WAR HORSE).   Interestingly, Young Pip is played by Jeremy Irvine’s younger brother Toby, and he’ll have quite a career should he decide to continue acting.  Sally Hawkins (who is always delightful to see) plays Mrs. Joe.  This adaptation will be well received by NEON regulars…though it has been picked up by a brand new distributor – so we hope we can establish a good relationship with them.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10W1rOJ6aME’]

For my last film of the festival, I saw Lee Daniels’  (director of PRECIOUS) latest film – THE PAPERBOY.  Though Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron give “nice” performances, the material is all over the map.  The film is seriously fractured with tone and themes shifting from scene to scene.  Some of the cutting seems strange and forced – leading me to believe that coverage wasn’t good or performances weren’t always up to par.  Eric Kohn of IndieWire wrote, “Lee Daniels’ THE PAPERBOY is a rare case of serious commitment to outright silliness…It’s possible to enjoy aspects of THE PAPERBOY if you assume a certain self-awareness behind the campier bits, but even then, the movie drowns in an overwhelming barrage of excess.”  Though Efron was present at the screening, Kidman was not.  Is she distancing herself from the picture?  We’ll never know.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2GMwWaDSr0′]

In the coming days, I’ll write one last Toronto wrap-up…and I’ll include some personal photographs from the trip.  So check back again on Tuesday or Wednesday – once I’ve had a bit of time to catch up on sleep, wash my clothes, get back to work and process all 29 films I screened.

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan

Toronto Film Fest – Day #8

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Hello Everyone,

I only saw two film in their entirety today…I started a third, but I due to not connecting with the characters, I decided that a nap was in my best interest.

First off, I saw LOVE, MARILYN -a documentary about Marilyn Monroe – based on personal journals and personal letters that were recently discovered in storage (in addition to writings and interviews from friends and colleagues).  Big stars – like Glenn Close, Ellen Burstyn, Hope Davis, Viola Davis, Ben Foster and Lindsay Lohan – read the letters.  The movie reveals a tormented, insightful star who seemed to know exactly what was happening around her.  That said, the performances of the readings were distracting.  Instead of voice-over, the actors perform the pieces via green screen – and their images are transposed over backdrops, archival footage, etc.  I found it to be rather annoying.  However, the archival material and interviews seemed more organic and worth the ride.

PASSION, the latest film from Brian De Palma, is a laughable thriller based on the French film LOVE CRIME.  The movie stars Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace, and it starts out very confusing.  The two lead actresses look to be the same age – though one is the corporate boss and the other is an assistant.  The chemistry between these two is rather flat, and the tone changes to camp rather quickly.  The music cues and other cheap devices used to confuse the audience are abysmal.  The movie is about how Rapace’s character plots revenge on her boss after she stole one of her ideas in order to advance with the company.  In a word, this film is bad.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaSVR4pCKT4′]

In the evening, I went to see Madonna’s latest show at the Air Canada Center.  It was a complete blast – and quite a brilliant display of cutting-edge stage craft and lighting.

2 more films tomorrow…and I’m looking forward to both!

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan

Toronto Film Fest – Day #7

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I’m Back!

Wow…though my eyes are starting to blur a bit and my feet are slightly dragging, I’m still makin’ it to all the screenings I’ve got on the docket.

First of the day was Terrence Malick’s TO THE WONDER.  You might remember that THE TREE OF LIFE earned the title of most walk-outs in NEON history…and I think this film might give TREE OF LIFE a run for its money.  This visually lovely and poetic film is quite experimental…and it not only feels like a follow-up to TOL, it feels repetitive.  With identical shots from TOL, some similar “plot” lines and similar tone, this film will have both fans and detractors.  I heard one woman late this afternoon say to her friend, “I saw TO THE WONDER this morning.  It’s the worst movie I’ve EVER seen.”  The film is a rumination on relationships.  It has some wonderful moments, but I ultimately found the film to be tedious.  If I had to watch Olga Kurylenko skip through one more wheat field or twirl around down one more grocery store aisle, I might have to end it all (see below).  Ben Affleck seemed to phone in his performance (or perhaps he just wasn’t given much to do), and Rachel McAdams is certainly not the lead of this film (regardless of the marketing you might see).

Next I saw STILL – a Canadian film directed by Michael McGowen…starring James Cromwell and Genevieve Bojuld (Bojuld made a surprise appearance during the introduction of the film – it was a delight to see her).  This film is about how an elderly man is building an accessible home on his land for himself and his wife…and how the authorities keep handing him building violations.  The reason the man is building the house is because of the deteriorating health of his wife.  The director talked about how he read about this story from the headlines…and how he worked directly with the family in order to bring the film to life.  It’s a lovely, quiet film with great performances, a great score, and a wonderful backdrop of the Canadian landscape.

PEACHES DOES HERSELF was next on the list.  This film is the a record of a performance done by the rock star/performance artist Peaches.  Originally from Toronto, Peaches has been a part of the Berlin art scene for years.  This transexually charged performance had its highs and lows with some moments that had me (as well as a few folks beside me) in fits of hysterical laughter (some of it was like a train wreck), but it wouldn’t work well at all in a traditional engagement.  That said, it might find an audience at midnight screenings – especially for fans of the Peaches catalog.

My last screening of the night was SUICIDE SHOP – a life-affirming, French, animated, musical film about suicide.  Huh?  It’s true.  This sweet and funny film was directed by Patrice LeConte (RIDICULE and GIRL ON A BRIDGE), and it’s about a shop that sells anything needed to end one’s life.  Due to the recession, sales are up, and the gloomy family are happy to help folks find their preferred method of exiting the world.  The arrival of a new son throws the shop into a tailspin.  Why?  Because he’s too darn jovial.  Though I saw the film in 3D, it’s absolutely not necessary.  Unfortunately, I thought the film lost a little steam in the second and third act (and it’s only 80 minutes).  In addition, I don’t know who the film is for.  It’s full of adult themes, but the narrative arc is rather slight.  That said, I’m still glad I saw it…some of it is wonderful.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75gJaI_7eMM’]

Tomorrow I’ll see 2 or 3 films…and then I’m going to a non-TIFF-related event.  I’ll see Madonna in concert, and I have a great seat.

More to come.

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan

FAREWELL MY QUEEN at THE NEON + TIFF News

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Hello Everyone,

The Toronto International Film Festival has been terrific. I’m heading into my seventh day of screenings, and I’ve already seen 21 films. Though a nightly allotment of 4 to 5 hours of sleep is starting to wear me down, I’m having a great time. I’ve met Francois Ozon and Sally Potter (2 directors I greatly admire), and I’ve attended screenings the were introduced by (and sometimes with Q&As by) Susanne Bier, Keira Knightley, Susan Sarandon, Ben Wishaw, Tom Hanks, Dustin Hoffman, Kristin Scott Thomas, and my absolute favorite star encounter – Maggie Smith. If you’re interested to know about the movies I’ve seen, check out my other blog postings on this site.  I’ll post some personal pictures upon my return to Dayton.

At THE NEON, we’re moving forward this week. If you still need to see THE INTOUCHABLES, Thursday will be your last chance. On Friday, we will open the period drama FAREWELL, MY QUEEN. ROBOT & FRANK had a very solid opening weekend (Thank you!) – it will stick around for another week. (remaining showtimes for this week can be found at our site: neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for FAREWELL, MY QUEEN: “Based on the best-selling novel by Chantal Thomas, the film stars Léa Seydoux as one of Marie’s ladies-in-waiting, seemingly innocent but quietly working her way into her mistress’s special favors, until history tosses her fate onto a decidedly different path. With the action moving effortlessly from the gilded drawing rooms of the nobles to the back quarters of those who serve them, this is a period film at once accurate and sumptuous in its visual details and modern in its emotions. Diane Kruger gives her best performance to date as the ill-fated Queen and Virginie Ledoyen is the Queen’s special friend Gabrielle de Polignac.” (taken from Cohen Media Group) Kenneth Turan of The Los Angeles Times wrote, “Matching the strength of these actresses and their personal drama is the film’s masterful sense of time and place – the way it makes us feel that this was how it was during four pivotal days in July 1789 as the wheels came off the French monarchy.” Mike LeSalle of The San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “Other films about Marie Antoinette have had their moments, but Benoît Jacquot’s Farewell, My Queen is the first to give a real sense of what it must have felt like to live inside that palace as the walls were caving in.” Visit the official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOQfyExCVQk’]

Tickets are already available for this year’s Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival, and there are a few films you won’t want to miss – including the opening night film GAYBY (which includes admission to the opening night party at The Crowne Plaza). Jonathan Lisecki, director of GAYBY, will attend our festival. In addition, Travis Matthews, director of I WANT YOUR LOVE, will be able to do some research for his new project while he’s in the region! Read all about the films on the official website. The 7th Annual Fest is set for Sept. 28-30. Watch the trailers and mark your calendars…it’s gonna be great! Special thanks to DAYTON MOST METRO, WYSO and DAYTON DAILY NEWS for already committing to provide stories about this year’s films.

And on the horizon is our benefit to assist with our digital conversion – set for October 14 (if you didn’t read that e-mail, you can check it out here). Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement! Tickets can now be purchased at our box office and on-line via paypal. If you’re not able to attend our benefit, you can also make a donation on the benefit page.

All the best.
I hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Sept. 14 – Thu. Sept. 20:

ROBOT & FRANK (PG-13) 1 Hr 29 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20
Thursday: 3:00, 5:10

FAREWELL, MY QUEEN (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:00, 7:15

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Sept. 21 THE MASTER
Sept. 21 ARBITRAGE
Sept. 28-30 DOWNTOWN DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL
Oct. 5 SLEEPWALK WITH ME
Oct. ? SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
TBD THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
TBD 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK

Toronto Film Fest – Day #6

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Hello Again.

It’s day #6…the days are flying by.

I started off the morning with FRANCES HA – the new film from Noah Baumbach (director or THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, GREENBERG and MARGOT AT THE WEDDING).  Greta Gerwig stars as Frances – a kindred spirit, down-on-her luck, professional dancer in NYC.  The film is about her relationships and always-shifting residence.  We grit our teeth as we watch her make mistakes (turning down jobs because she’s too proud, her alcohol intake, how she deals with men, etc.) and we truly like spending time with her even though she can certainly banter on while getting intoxicated.  The writing and lead performance are what make this black/white film work, but I don’t think some of our regulars at THE NEON will connect with the material.  (That said, I liked it quite a bit…and the music cues are delightful.)

Next up was a film that I was very excited to see – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON – starring Bill Murray and Laura Linney.  This film appeared to be the next KING’S SPEECH (after seeing the marketing), but it’s not as magical as I had hoped.  Don’t get me wrong…it’s a wonderful little film – it’s just not the next big thing.  This is the movie about FDR and his extramarital relationship.  It’s also about the weekend when the King & Queen of England visited…and the bond between the USA and Great Britain was forever changed.  The photography is lovely, the performances are great…in addition to a couple other notes, I wish there was more of Eleanor.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzl3CkzQ5UM’]

Lastly, I saw DEAD EUROPE – a film about a son who goes to spread his father’s ashes in Greece only to begin discovering dark family secrets.  Now residing in Australia, the young man’s travels take him all over Europe and get him into some disturbing situations.  The premise and first  1/2 of this film were quite promising.  Unfortunately, the 3rd act became a little bombastic, and I started to care less for the characters as I thought the plot became a little too over-the-top. That said, I think it’s important to expose deep-seeded racism and hatred…and this film is full of it.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrNnofw8CQw’]

There was one other film I started today.  But after 15 minutes, I couldn’t stand it.  The description was misleading, and the material was not at all to my liking.  I had planned on 4 films – alas I only really saw three and had a nice dinner instead (eating right is something that generally doesn’t happen during this trip).

More tomorrow!  Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

 

 

Toronto Film Fest – Day #5

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Hello Everyone,

I have to make a confession.  Because we’re opening THE MASTER on Sept. 21, it has not been a priority for me to see during TIFF…especially because it’s always slated up against something else that I want to see.  That said, I did see the first 70 minutes today…and I found it quite engaging.  I’ll be anxious to see the rest!

The first film I saw today (in its entirety) was THANKS FOR SHARING – a dramedy about sex addiction.  Though there are lots of really funny moments, this film really does take the sex addiction part quite seriously.  Mark Ruffalo and Tim Robbins star along with relative newcomer Josh Gad …with supporting roles by Gwyneth Paltrow and Pink! (who is wonderful).  The film is directed by Stuart Blumberg.  Though this is his directorial debut, Blumberg has had his hand in filmmaking for a while.  (He wrote THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT a couple years ago.)  Though I thought this film was too long (I realize that I’m beginning to sound like Harvey Weinstein – who is famous for chopping filmmakers’ films), I do think it’s pretty good for the most part…and very audience friendly.

Next I saw the new film by Edward Burns – A FITZGERALD FAMILY CHRISTMAS.  This film started out on a really strong note.  It was an honest, insightfully funny film about a dysfunctional family during the holidays.  Sadly, the film went in a couple directions that were very problematic, and the movie ultimately didn’t work for me.  However, there are a couple characters that made the film worth watching…particularly Anita Gillette (known recently as Liz Lemon’s mother on 30 ROCK).

Lastly, I saw what might be at the top of the list so far for me.  Francois Ozon’s new film is spectacular.  IN THE HOUSE is the story of a schoolboy who has taken an interest in writing and his grammar teacher who is helping him hone his craft.  As the boy continues to write a story about his voyeuristic observations regarding a family in his neighborhood, the teacher becomes more invested in knowing what happens next…all the while teaching the boy what works and doesn’t work narratively.  It’s a twisted, inventive story…and it’s as funny as it is thrilling.  Both Francois Ozon and Kristin Scott Thomas were at the screening.  I loved it!

Sadly, there are no trailers for the films I screened today…so I’ll leave you with one for THE MASTER.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ1O1vb9AUU’]

Thanks for reading!!!

Jonathan

Toronto Film Fest – Day #4

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Hello!

I’m gonna try and make this short and sweet…as it’s already late and I need to wake by 6am again tomorrow.

It was quite a day.  4 films…all (mostly) good.

First off, I saw David O. Russell’s SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (Russell did I HEART HUCKABEES, FLIRTING WITH DISASTER and – starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert DeNiro.  This dysfunctional family comedy about mental illness was full of laughs – mostly due to honest observations.  I wish it had been a little shorter, but ultimately I think it will be  crowd-pleaser. (editorial note – I think that the pairing of obsessing over sports paired mental illness issues is an interesting marriage)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj5_FhLaaQQ’]

A ROYAL AFFAIR is a period drama about Queen Caroline of Denmark in the late 18th Century.  She married into the monarchy, and her husband was a childish, self-absorbed man.  Caroline had an affair with the royal physician, and they managed to make numerous changes to government.  The photography and set/costume design of this film are delicious, and the lead actress – Alicia Vikander – is absolutely stunning (she’s also in ANNA KARENINA).

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiHnVMHk6YU’]

This evening, I saw the film that will undoubtedly be dubbed “The Next Marigold Hotel.”  QUARTET – Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut – stars Maggie Smith, Bill Connolly, Pauline Collins, and Tom Courtenay.  This little film is an absolute delight!  It’s about a retirement home for retired musicians…and in addition to the 4 lead actors, it stars numerous singers and musicians in their 70’s 80’s and 90’s (Hoffman wanted real musical artists to live in his scenes – not just actors playing musicians) .  Tonight was it’s world premiere, and I must confess something….  I’ve seen people go insane for movie stars over the years.  Johnny Depp.  Brad Pitt.  Angelina Jolie.  People scream, the jump up and down, and sometimes they even cry.  Tonight, when Maggie Smith was standing 10 feet away from me, tears streamed down my face.  From THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE  to ROOM WITH A VIEW…from THE V.I.P.s to DOWNTON ABBEY, I have loved Dame Maggie for decades, and it was a complete thrill to see her in person!  The Q&A with the principal cast as well as Hoffman was a night to remember, and the film is going to be a hit with our audience.

Lastly, I saw LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED –  the latest film from Sussane Bier (director of BROTHERS, IN A BETTER WORLD and OPEN HEARTS).  (Interestingly, the original Danish title would be translated into THE BALD HAIRDRESSER.)  This film is much lighter than Bier’s recent work.  There are some serious subjects on the table – but there are also a lot of laughs.  Bier, along with lead actress Trine Dyrholm (also in A ROYAL AFFAIR) and Pierce Brosnan, introduced the film and did a Q&A.  Though I liked most of this film, I also thought it was a little too long given the subject/story.  That said, Dyrholm is a joy to watch.

Off to bed!  Thanks for reading!

Jonathan

Toronto Film Fest – Day #3

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Hello Again,

I started off this morning with Derek Cianfrance’s follow-up to BLUE VALENTINE.  This film is called A PLACE BEYOND THE PINES, and it’s well shot, edited, etc…but I really disliked it.  The film is about a motorcycle trick rider with a traveling carnival who finds out that he an old fling ended up pregnant during his last stop through town.  He decides to stick around when the fair leaves…and will do anything to make things “right.”  There are three chapters to this film – each with its own set of acts.  Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, Dean DeHaan are the leads.  The story seemed overly contrived to me, and I thought the score had elements of western/thriller hybrid – which somehow appropriate didn’t seem right at the time (only after seeing the whole film did it make sense…but doesn’t work as far as I’m concerned).  I shook my head and snickered at several moments…that wasn’t the response the director was hoping for.

Next up, I saw a film from the Netherlands called THE DEFLOWERING OF EVA VON END.  When a handsome German exchange student arrives at the home of the von End family, their backwards, slightly wacky lives are turned upside down as almost everyone (except one jealous son) tries to win the attention of the new arrival.  This film started off quirky & hysterical…became a little twisted…and then took some completely zany turns.  Whereas I liked 80% of this movie, the ending dragged on and I wasn’t completely sold on the entire third act.  (That said, I did laugh quite a bit for the first hour.)

 

Lastly, I saw the world premiere of CLOUD ATLAS.  This epic film from the directors of THE MATRIX and Tom Tykwer  (PERFUME and RUN, LOLA RUN) covers numerous characters, numerous plotlines and numerous time periods.  Whereas I’m rarely a fan of science fiction (GATTACA is the only sci-fi film from the last 20 years that I consider a favorite), this film had me intrigued from the opening sequence.  Though it’s a big Hollywood film (Warner Brother is distributing), it’s thoughtful, complicated and quite topical.  It’s funny, it’s gory, it’s rough, it’s tender…and the crowd gave the film a standing ovation for more than 6 minutes.  So many were there – the directors, Susan Sarandon, Ben Whishaw, Jim Broadbent,  Halle Berry, Tom Hanks, and more!  Overall, I think this is an ambitious piece – and for the most part, sucessful.  Check out the long, special trailer below!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWnAqFyaQ5s’]

After the film, I met up with an old friend who I haven’t seen since last year’s fest.  I figured out that we met exactly 10 years ago to this very weekend.  Bill and I met in line for Pedro Almodovar’s TALK TO HER – one of my favorite films of all time.  And we’ve stayed in touch for a decade.  That’s pretty special.

Time for bed.  More tomorrow.

Jonathan

Toronto Film Fest – Day #2

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Hello Everyone,

Another full day.

After my ticket line-up this morning, I went to see the Claude Miller’s final film starring Audrey Tautou – THERESE DESQUEYROUX.  It’s a quiet costume drama with rising currents of tension throughout.  I’m a big fan of Merchant Ivory films like HOWARDS END, MAURICE and REMAINS OF THE DAY – and though this film doesn’t deal as much with class as those films, and the score is very understated (by comparison to Richard Robbins’ Merchant Ivory scores) – I think the approach to design, period accuracy and dedication is similar.  This is the story of a woman who unhappily marries because she thinks it’s what was meant to do…even though she thinks emancipated thoughts.  Though many might find the pace too slow, I really fell inside the frame and thought it was a wonderful story of struggle for freedom – with no 100% likable character within reach.  Below is a clip…as there is no trailer yet.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c0gUNddZD0′]

Next I saw THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER – a wonderful little film that proves that Emma Watson will easily make the transition from the child star of the HARRY POTTER franchise to serious actress.  This high school story might seem like traditional, angsty material, but it’s handled very well, and the script is great.  Ezra Miller (from WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN) has a wonderful supporting role, and lead – Logan Lerman – is really someone to watch…subtle & focused.  I’m not sure how Summit (the distributor) will handle this film – while at first glance it appears to be modern John Hughes…but I actually think it’s more thoughtful, honest & serious.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aog8680PVmU’]

And then came ANNA KARENINA – the new film by Joe Wright (ATONEMENT), starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law with a screenplay by Tom Stoppard.  I was excited about this film.  Though it eventually paid off, it took me 15-20 minutes to “get used” to/become invested in this highly stylized adaptation.  80% of the film takes place in a theatre — on a stage, in the wings, in the lobby, in the rafters, etc. (the other material is shot outdoors).  It’s a rather experimental film.  I call it equal parts Derek Jarman’s EDWARD II and Baz Luhrman’s MOULIN ROUGE.  It has exquisite costuming, set design, score, and screenplay…and the actors are doing some great work.  That said, even with this cast, it’s not a film meant for the multiplexes…we’ll see how Focus handles it this fall.  Joe Wright, Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Olivia Williams were there.  When Knightley was asked if playing the part of Anna was intimidating (since it’s been played by some great actresses in the past), she responded, “I think every role is intimidating.  But Elizabeth Bennet was more so. Women want to be Elizabeth Bennet…people don’t tend to want to be Anna Karenina.”  Just watching this clip below makes me want to see the film again from the beginning.  There are some key issues that take place in the beginning…and I need to see it with fresh eyes.

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The most thoughtful Q&A of the day came after the screening of Sally Potter’s GINGER & ROSA.  I think this is Potter’s most “traditional” film in regards to storytelling style.  It’s set in the 60’s, and it’s the story of 2 best friends who are growing up in the age of the nuclear threat and the Cuban Missile Crisis.  It’s a coming-of-age story, and Elle Fanning does some incredible work.  This was the first time many people involved with the film had seen it.  Potter, Fanning, Christina Hendricks, Alice Englert, and Alesandro Nivola were all there…and it is a beautifully told story.  (I’m hoping that the Q&A surfaces on youtube sometime soon…Potter, Fanning and Nivola all had wonderful things to say.)

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It was a great day…and now it’s time for bed.

Thanks for reading!!

Jonathan