Jan 31 2009
The Newbery Medal for children's literature went to Neil Gaiman's "The Graveyard Book" last week, and there seemed to immediately be a lot of hand-wringing about the decision -- a book with a family slaughtered by a knife-wielding murderer, an infant in peril, vampires, werewolves and ghosts, oh my!
It's not an historical novel. It's not about a real person. In fact, it's about a boy named Nobody. And, as Gaiman has said, it's about "the nature of family." But is it a book for kids?
Gaiman's got nothing on those Brothers Grimm, who sent Hansel and Gretel off into the woods because their parents couldn't feed them and into the arms of the witch who wanted to make a meal out of them. Now there's a cheery tale.
I was talking to the writer about another story of his, "Coraline," which went from a novel to a graphic novel to a 3-D film by Henry Selick ("The Nightmare Before Christmas") opening Friday and may become a stage musical. "Coraline," like "The Graveyard Book," has elements of horror and has a child as the hero.
Because of that, he initially had trouble getting the story published.
"I wrote the first 10,000 words, gave it to my editor in London who looked at and said this is the best thing you've written so far, but it is, of course, unpublishable. I said, 'Why?' " Gaiman told me.
"And he said, "Well, you've written a novel that seems to be a horror story for children. We don't publish those. And you've written something that's obviously aimed at both adults and children, I don't know how to publish that.
"So I put it aside for a while. And approximately six or seven years later, I thought, I really want to finish that story. And I sent the manuscript to my editor in America, and she read it and she phoned me up and she said, "What happens next?"
"I said, 'Send me a contract and we will both find out.' "
Although Gaiman said he began writing the story for his young daughter and finished it for his younger daughter, he also said the idea of stories like "Coraline" and "The Graveyard Book" "isn't about excluding adults. It's about including children."
In the end, it's all about the storytelling -- and in the case of Gaiman, it comes from a writer who inspires adults and children, and artists and filmmakers. So picking a novelist who also writes about Batman and Beowulf and mythological creatures instead of a biographer or historian or educator acknowledges that the award is for literature. And a great story is a great story. Any kid knows that.
Jan 28 2009
Cyberspace is abuzz with reports that Lara Croft will once again jump from the video-game consoles to the movie screen. The Hollywood Reporter says, "The new project, however, is expected to revamp the character and her mission and bear little resemblance to the original pictures. It will reimagine the origins of the character, her love interest and the main villain."
One of the ways it won't resemble the first two films is that Angelina Jolie will not star as Lara. Some rumors have Megan Fox ("Transformers") taking the lead, but MTV.com and cinematical.com say no way.
The first two films starring Jolie had impressive co-stars, too, including Daniel Craig in the 2001 original and Gerard Butler in "Cradle of Life."
Neither film was a critical success, but the fanboys came out. "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" earned $275 million worldwide, and the sequel took in $157 million.
Jan 28 2009
I'm of two minds about this. On the one hand, I think, Jessica Simpson just can't get a break. On the other hand, I think, she's strutting her stuff on stage, and this goes with the territory.
First there was that whole Chicken of the Sea thing (yes, we know it's tuna) on her reality show with ex-Nick Lachey. Then she got the blame every time her beau Tony Romo crashed and burned for the Cowboys.
Now, entertainment TV and tabloids have had a field day showing images of her new "curvy" figure, as "E! News" and "Entertainment Tonight" have called it - while quick to point out that she's no longer fitting into her Daisy Dukes.
I wasn't going to mention any of this, but I just got an e-mail from the nasties at defamer.com about a "banned" exercise video the singer-actress did in 2005. When I went to the site, it said, "Tough as it is to believe, recent leopardskin-belt double-cinching victim Jessica Simpson was once the star of her own weight-loss video." It gets much less tasteful from there.
The Boston Herald even said she "looked a little porky."
After all the nonsense about Jennifer Love Hewitt's bathing suit shots in 2007 and Oprah's great weight debate, haven't we had enough of celebs who lose or pack on the pounds? As much fun as it is to admire those who look great in great clothes or send the fashion police after those who make missteps, as we have been during awards season, that's about clothing choice.
Why make it so personal?
Or, if you're Jessica Simpson and you have a clothing line and your signature and image are all over the place, are you fair game for catty criticism?
What do you think?
Jan 25 2009
3-D Day on it's way . . . oh, and there'll be a Super Bowl, too:
I'm hearing that the 3-D glasses needed to watch the Super Bowl commercials of "Monsters vs. Aliens" and the 3-D episode the next night of NBC's "Chuck" are at some retailers other than those on the list given to me by Pepsico/Sobe LifeWater, including some spotted at the Giant Eagle at the Waterfront. I got a bunch at the Pepsi display immediately inside the Kmart at Penn Center, Greentree. And Rob Owen, after a few tries and misses, called the 800 number provided by the company and immediately got a person -- no recorded message -- who asked if he'd tried certain stores (none in the Pittsburgh area) and then politely took his address to send him as many glasses as he requested. That number is: 1-800-646-2904.
* * *
Saw "The Wrestler" tonight and was convinced I'd come home to find that Mickey Rourke had won a SAG Award. I'd seen all the other performances up for "best male actor" and his by far was the most demanding in every way. But instead, his fellow actors chose my second choice, Sean Penn in "Milk."
Something's screwy about Kate Winslet winning a supporting actor Actor award for "The Reader" and being nominated as a lead for the same role by the Academy Awards. It really was a lead role. A jubilant Streep won the SAG Award for "Doubt" -- and showed how surprised she was by pointing out, "Look, I didn't even buy a dress!" She was dressed rather casually in a bulky black wrap blouse and black trousers.
Best dressed in white (ivory or oyster and white's various other shades) was Taraji P. Henson, so elegant and youthful that she was almost unrecognizable from her role in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." A still blonde Kate Winslet looked like the true glamorous movie star she is in form-fitting royal blue (Photo credit: Getty Images).
I like that there wasn't a lot of black on this most recent of red carpets. Most women who didn't chose one of those previously shades of white went with rich colors, such as Christina Applegate in green, Eva Longoria in coral (with a colorful jeweled necklace) and Holly Hunter in hot pink.
Jan 24 2009
The folks at the Sundance Film Festival sent the list of this year's award winners, chosen from among 118 feature-length films, including 91 world premieres, 16 North American premieres, and 5 U.S. premieres representing 21 countries with 42 first-time filmmakers, including 28 in competition. These films were selected from 3,661 feature- length film submissions composed of 1,905 U.S. and 1,756 international feature-length films.
Highlights among the 2009 Sundance Film Festival Award Winners:
Grand Jury Prize: U.S. Documentary was presented to We Live in Public,directed by Ondi Timoner. The film portrays the story of the Internet's revolutionary impact on human interaction as told through the eyes of maverick web pioneer, Josh Harris, and his transgressive art project that shocked New York.
Grand Jury Prize: U.S. Dramatic was presented to Push: Based on the novel by Sapphire, directed by Lee Daniels and written by Damien Paul. The film tells the redemptive story of Precious Jones, a young girl in Harlem struggling to overcome tremendous obstacles and discover her own voice.
World Cinema Jury Prize: Documentary was presented to Rough Aunties, directed by Kim Longinotto. Fearless, feisty and unwavering, the 'Rough Aunties' protect and care for the abused, neglected and forgotten children of Durban, South Africa. United Kingdom.
World Cinema Jury Prize: Dramatic was presented to The Maid (La Nana), directed by Sebastián Silva. When her mistress brings on another servant to help with the chores, a bitter and introverted maid wreaks havoc on the household. Chile
Audience Awards are presented to both a dramatic and documentary film in four Competition categories as voted by Sundance Film Festival audiences. The 2009 Sundance Film Festival Audience Awards are presented by Honda.
Audience Award presented by Honda: U.S. Documentary was presented to The Cove, directed by Louie Psihoyos. The horrors of a secret cove nestled off a small, coastal village in Japan are revealed by a group of activists.
Audience Award presented by Honda: U.S. Dramatic was presented to Push: Based on the novel by Sapphire, directed by Lee Daniels and written by Damien Paul. The film tells the redemptive story of Precious Jones, a young girl in Harlem struggling to overcome tremendous obstacles and discover her own voice.
World Cinema Audience Award: Documentary was presented to Afghan Star, directed by Havana Marking. After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, Pop Idol has come to television in Afghanistan: millions are watching and voting for their favorite singer. Marking's film follows the dramatic stories of four contestants as they risk their lives to sing. Afghanistan/United Kingdom
World Cinema Audience Award: Dramatic was presented to An Education, directed by Lone Scherfig from a screenplay by Nick Hornby. In the early 60s, a sharp 16-year-old with sights set on Oxford meets a handsome older man whose sophistication enraptures and sidetracks both her and her parents.United Kingdom
Directing Award: U.S. Documentary was presented to El General and director Natalia Almada. As great-granddaughter of President Plutarco Eliás Calles, one of Mexico's most controversial revolutionary figures, the filmmaker paints an intimate portrait of Mexico.
Directing Award: U.S. Dramatic was presented to Sin Nombre, written and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. Filmmaker Fukunaga's first-hand experiences with Mexican immigrants seeking the promise of the U.S. form the basis of this epic Spanish-language dramatic thriller.
World Cinema Directing Award: Documentary was presented to Afghan Star, directed by Havana Marking. After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, Pop Idol has come to television in Afghanistan: millions are watching and voting for their favorite singer. Marking's film follows the dramatic stories of four contestants as they risk their lives to sing. Afghanistan/United Kingdom
World Cinema Directing Award: Dramatic was presented to Five Minutes of Heaven, directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel from a screenplay by Guy Hibbert. Two men from the same town but from different sides of the Irish political divide discover that the past is never dead. United Kingdom/Ireland
Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award was presented to Nicholas Jasenovec and Charlyne Yi for Paper Heart. Even though performer Charlyne Yi doesn't believe in love, she bravely embarks on a quest to discover its true nature - a journey that takes on surprising urgency when she meets unlikely fellow traveler, actor Michael Cera.
World Cinema Screenwriting Award was presented to Five Minutes of Heaven, directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel from a screenplay by Guy Hibbert. Two men from the same town but from different sides of the Irish political divide discover that the past is never dead. United Kingdom/Ireland
World Cinema Special Jury Prize for Originality was presented to Louise-Michel, directed by Benoit Delépine and Gustave de Kervern, about a group of disgruntled female French factory workers who, after the factory abruptly closes, pool their paltry compensation money to hire a hit man to knock off the corrupt executive behind the closure. France
A World Cinema Special Jury Prize: Documentary was presented to Tibet in Song directed by Ngawang Choephel. Through the story of Tibetan music, this film depicts the determined efforts of Tibetan people, both in Tibet and in exile, to preserve their unique cultural identity. Choephel served six years of an 18-year prison sentence for filming in Tibet. Tibet
A World Cinema Special Jury Prize for Acting was presented to Catalina Saavedra for her portrayal of a bitter and introverted maid in The Maid (La Nana). Chile
A Special Jury Prize: U.S. Documentary was presented to Good Hair, directed by Jeff Stilson, in which comedian Chris Rock travels the world to examine the culture of African-American hair and hairstyles.
A Special Jury Prize for Spirit of Independence was presented to Humpday, Lynn Shelton's farcical comedy about straight male bonding gone a little too far.
A Special Jury Prize for Acting was presented to Mo'Nique for her portrayal of a mentally ill mother who both emotionally and physically imprisons her daughter in Push: Based on the novel by Sapphire.
The 2009 Jury Prize in U.S. Short Filmmaking was awarded to: Short Term 12, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. The jury also presented the International Jury Prize in International Short Filmmaking to Lies, directed by Jonas Odell.
As announced on Friday, Adam, directed by Max Mayer, is the recipient of this year's Alfred P. Sloan Prize. The Prize, which carries a $20,000 cash award to the filmmaker provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, is presented to an outstanding feature film focusing on science or technology as a theme, or depicting a scientist, engineer or mathematician as a major character.
Sundance/NHK International Filmmakers Awards honoring and supporting emerging filmmakers-one each from the United States, Japan, Europe and Latin America. The winning filmmakers and projects for 2009 are Diego Lerman, Ciencias Morales (Moral Sciences) from Argentina; David Riker, The Girl, from the United States; Qurata Kenji, Speed Girl from Japan; and Lucile Hadzihalilovic, Evolution from France.
More: http://www.sundance.org
Jan 23 2009
Dawn Keezer, director of the Pittsburgh Film Office, will send dispatches of her experiences from the annual Sundance Film Festival, which runs through Jan. 25:
Overall, Sundance was a good experience this year. I saw some great films, hosted a wonderful Steelers Party (pictured) and was able to connect with new friends and re-connect with old ones.
The "quote of the day" is a story I got from my friend Adam Siegel. Adam grew up in Churchill and currently lives in Texas. Barb Vancheri wrote about him last week when talking about the PFO Steelers party at Sundance. Adam ran into Robert Redford at the Sundance Institute, which Bob founded. (This makes Adam "a Friend of Bob".) Adam, who was decked out in Steelers-gear (as every die-hard fan should be at all times), asked Bob if he was a Steelers Fan. Bob looked at him and said, "of course, isn't everyone?" Loved that story and was happy to hear that the Steelers have a fan in Robert Redford. I guess that also makes the Steelers, "Friends of Bob!"
The final quote again comes from Robert Redford. (I decided that since it was Bob speaking I would let him have two.) He was featured in a video-clip that ran before the films at the Festival. He said, "There will always be space for new stories to be told in new ways." I think he is right and I think you will continue to see the film and entertainment industry sector continue to grow, use new technologies and prosper both world-wide and right here in southwestern PA.
I will end with a quick note about the Pittsburgh Film Office. The year of 2008 was a record-breaking one for the film industry in southwestern Pennsylvania. We had 12 films in 12 months and realized an economic impact of over $50 million. We are hoping 2009 is just as successful and you should see some filming starting to happen in the region very soon.
The PFO will be celebrating the film industry on Oscar Night and would love for everyone to join us. More details can be found at www.pghfilm.org.
Jan 23 2009
Dawn Keezer, director of the Pittsburgh Film Office, will send dispatches of her experiences from the annual Sundance Film Festival, which runs through Jan. 25:
Last day at Sundance, can't believe how fast the time goes every year, seems like I just got here and now it will be time to go. I have until 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, so will try to make the most of my remaining hours.
The final day started with a new Robin William's film "World's Greatest Dad," directed by comedian Bobcat Goldthwaite. Over the years, Bobcat has had a few films at Sundance and each one has a something a little different included and this one is no exception. I will leave the description at that, but it is a film that is not suitable for children.
Pittsburgh was referenced in this film, even though it was shot in Seattle. At one point, Robin's character is speaking about zombies and how much he likes them. He goes on to talk about how he only "likes the real zombies, from movies like "Night Of The Living Dead." At a later point in the film, Robin is watching television and the opening scenes of "Night of the Living Dead" are shown on screen, it was fun!
The Q&A section was a lot of fun with Bobcat acting as master of ceremonies. He was a comedian before he became a director and he made the Q&A very lively and fun.
As he introduced the cast from the film, he told the audience that most of them had been in his other movies. He said, "I only work with my friends and some of them are even talented."
At one point in the film Robin Williams appears nude. Someone from the audience asked "who's idea was it for Robin Williams to be nude?" Bobcat chuckled and then did an impersonation of Robin Williams asking to be nude in the scene, it sounded just like him. Bobcat also told the audience that, "I liked Robin's idea, so I decided to be nude that day, too." That brought the house down with laughter.
After, I caught up with some friends for lunch on Main Street, I did one last loop through the various marketing booths and stopped by the Sundance House to see what was happening. (The Sundance House is opened during the festival as a place for festival-goers to attend seminars, go to special events or just hang out) While I was there they were running a Sundance Trivia contest. It is Sundance's 25th anniversary, so they were asking questions covering the past 24 festivals. It was fun to watch and amazing to see how many people knew what film was voted the "audience favorite" ten years ago.
Next on my schedule was a special presentation with Steven Soderbergh ("sex, lies and videotape," "Ocean's Eleven," and "Che" to name a few of his many films). I had thought it was going to be a Q&A with Steven about his career, his films and his use of new technology in his work....I was wrong.
Turns out, Steven decided to show his new, almost-finished new film "Girlfriend Experience." He explained prior to the screening that it was a definite "work in progress" film and still needed a lot of work to complete. It was very cool to see a film from Steven Soderbergh that isn't close to being released . . . however, it was a little hard for me to follow. I look forward to seeing the finished film, this version left too many loose-ends for me.
As Steven took the stage he said "You were never here, this never happened." That was almost the "quote of the day" but then someone from the audience asked him, "what did you think of what you just saw?" I took it to mean that I wasn't the only one confused as to what we had all just watched for the past 90 minutes.
After Soderbergh's event I was off to my final Sundance Party, the Kodak Party. Kodak throws one of the greatest events each year at Sundance. The party starts at 10 pm and includes a great live band and is attended by almost every Director of Photography that has a film in the Festival. I had a great time, but left before midnight, so I could grab a little sleep before my 4 a.m. wake-up call.
Jan 20 2009
Pictured from left: cast members Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Wiig, Kristen Stewart and Bill Hader and director Greg Mottola attend the premiere of "Adventureland" during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah Jan. 19. (Peter Kramer/Associated Press)
Dawn Keezer, director of the Pittsburgh Film Office, will send dispatches of her experiences from the annual Sundance Film Festival, which runs through Jan. 25:
WOW!! "ADVENTURELAND" is amazing. It is smart, funny and Pittsburgh looks great. OK, got that out of the way, now I will tell you the rest. The world premiere of "Adventureland" was last night at Sundance. It was a sold-out screening at the Festival's largest venue, Eccles Theater. All of the stars were in attendance including Kristen Stewart (better known now as Bella from "Twilight", but she did "Adventureland" first), Jesse Eisenberg, Ryan Reynolds, Margarita Levieva (yes, the same one from "Spread"), Martin Starr, Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig. Directed by Greg Mottola ("Superbad"), "Adventureland" is set in Pittsburgh at Kennywood Park. (renamed: Adventureland) The park looks great, as do all the local extras.
I was able to grab Greg for a few minutes prior to the movie (see photo below). I went to the "press line" (didn't even know one existed until a volunteer saw my credential and pointed me down the stairs). This is where the stars come in and speak with press, get photos taken etc. Greg saw my Steelers shirt and walked right over. He was very complimentary of Pittsburgh and our local crew. He told me (as he also told the audience later) that he had originally written this film to be set in his hometown of Long Island N.Y., but when Pittsburgh was suggested, he jumped at the chance to come here. He hopes to come back with another film someday, too, which is great.
The Q&A portion was a lot of fun, the audience was happy and excited about the movie and Greg did a great job answering all of the questions with funny answers. There were obviously some other Pittsburghers in attendance as one woman asked the question I was trying to get my seatmate to ask, "Why Pittsburgh and why Kennywood?" (it is way too obvious for me to ask the questions that plug the Pittsburgh region) Greg gave a great answer, he gave a shout-out to Carnegie Mellon (where he was an art student) and talked about how much he loved shooting in Pittsburgh. He also said that the wardrobe was easy for the movie as most people still had their 80's clothes and hairstyles! (he was quick to point out he meant no disrespect and I really believe he didn't) Greg also mentioned the PA Tax Credit program and what an important part it played in their decision to shoot in the Pittsburgh region.
"Adventureland" producers, Ted Hope and Anne Carey, were in attendance. They co-own This Is That production company which has produced such films as "The Savages", "Thumbsucker", and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", to name a few. I got a chance to say hello after the screening. They couldn't say enough nice things about Pittsburgh and hope to be back soon with another film for our Region.
Greg Mottola did get the "Quote of the Day." Someone in the audience asked Greg what the inspiration was for the film as it was based on a true-story. He replied with a story about being out drinking with friends and talking about the real "Adventureland" and the experiences he had there. He then laughed and added, "proves that getting drunk is not always a waste."
I was a panelist in the morning for Entertainment Partners Domestic Incentive Panel. I was joined on the panel by film commissions from Utah, New Mexico, Louisiana, Georgia,Illinois, New York and Philadelphia. Yes, we tell people that PA is so large that both Philly and Pittsburgh need to be there. There were about 75-100 people in the room to learn more about each state's film incentive program and how they could best take advantage of it for their next project. Incentives really are the name of the game anymore, without them, there would be no work. This was really evident when it was pointed out which states do not have any sort of incentive for the film industry and therefore, have no work. The audience asked a lot of great questions. The focus seemed to be on the concern with the economy and what was going to happen with the incentive programs in each state. I, along with Sharon Pinkenson, director of the Philadelphia Film Office, told them our program was strong and would be continuing this next fiscal year. The film industry brought in over $300 million in new money to PA's economy in fiscal year 2007-08 and we fully expect that trend to continue.
I next stopped by Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants" suite at a place called "The Yard." It is a place where companies are located promoting their products to press and celebrities. This was Sponge Bob's first Sundance, but will not be his last. SpongeBob has gone "green" and has partnered with various environmental nonprofits, like the National Resource Development Council (NRDC) to spread the word about saving the environment and most importantly, the oceans (SpongeBob's home).
My favorite story I heard at SpongeBob was that Slash of Guns N Roses had stopped by with his wife and kids. He told the SpongeBob representatives that SpongeBob was the only reason he was at Sundance and he had to bring his kids to see SpongeBob. Some of you reading might remember that Slash has both a Pittsburgh and a Steelers connection. Back when Kordell Stewart was the quarterback, he was called "Slash" because of his ability to play quarterback and wide receiver. The two "Slashes" appeared in some ESPN commercials, which were made in Pittsburgh, of course.
My Steelers clothes are still garnering lots of attention. People walk by and say "congratulations!" I say "thanks and go Steelers," even though I didn't do much to make them win except yell really loud!
Tomorrow is my last day at the Festival. It will start very early with Robin William's film "World's Greatest Dad" at 8:30. It was produced by Jennifer Roth, who produced "Smart People" in Pittsburgh. I am hoping to get to say hello.
Jan 19 2009
I am proud to say I know most of the words to "This Land Is Your Land," although the last verse always gets me -- the one about the "sign" and the "side." Woody Guthrie wrote the lyrics to "This Land Is Your Land" in 1940 because, according to most sources, he thought Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" of 1939 showed a little too much entitlement for his common-man tastes. Guthrie's message was to all was: "This land was made for you and me."
That's what the "We Are One" celebration Sunday was all about, so it was a fitting pairing of music and optimism as Bruce Springsteen and folk icon Pete Seeger, 89, led a sing-along for the throng gathered in Washington D.C., for the pre-inauguration bash. I recall seeing Seeger at Carnegie Hall several times as I was growing up, with that old beat-up banjo, doing the same to the much smaller audience. Seeing Seeger, with his grandson Tao and his wise collaborator, The Boss, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial was as big a treat as the day could have provided.
The concert to honor President-elect Obama alternated all-star performances and orations about presidential history. With the Lincoln Memorial providing the stage, as it had for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luthor King's "I Have a Dream" speech, every space around the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., was packed for the concert, televised live on HBO,
The show opened with an introduction by Denzel Washington and Springsteen, accompanied by a choir, delivering "The Rising," a staple of the Obama campaign.
A who's who of front-line performers followed: Garth Brooks jumped around the stage while making the leap from "American Pie" to "Shout." Bono and U2 gave us "Pride (In The Name Of Love)," a tribute to Dr. King. Mary J. Blige got a solo shot with "Lean on Me," and there was a soulful duet by Bettye LaVette and Jon Bon Jovi on "A Change Is Gonna Come." Three trios of note also graced the Lincoln Memorial: Herbie Hancock with Sheryl Crow and Will.i.am; Stevie Wonder joining Shakira and Usher; and James Taylor, with John Legend and Jennifer Nettles.
Soprano Renee Fleming, a native of Indiana, Pa., sang "You'll Never Walk Alone," backed by the Navy glee club.
Music wasn't the only entertainment for the Obama and Biden families, seated to the side of the stage during the show, with first daughter Malia snapping pictures with a digital camera throughout.
Memorable was the infectious jubilance of Jamie Foxx, doing a spot-on impression of President-elect Obama. Made me feel bad for Steve Carell, who was on the stage with Foxx but using index cards and feeling the gravitus of the moment. Martin Luther King's son spoke of his father, and Samuel L. Jackson noted that without Dr. King, who we celebrate with a national holiday today, he would not be standing there before the thousands of people in D.C.
Springsteen returned to the stage (did I hear him right when he said it was to sing "the best song about America"?), this time with Seeger, for "This Land Is Your Land," before Beyonce closed out the two-hour Obama love-fest with "America, the Beautiful."
The stars of Hollywood and the music world joined her on stage, but the biggest rock star of the day was yet to come.
Mr. Obama arrived at the podium with thanks and sobering remarks about the struggles ahead, mingled with hope for the land that was made for you and me.
"As I prepare to assume the presidency," he said, "yours are the voices I will take with me every day I walk into that Oval Office - the voices of men and women who have different stories but hold common hopes, who ask only for what was promised us as Americans: that we might make of our lives what we will and see our children climb higher than we did."
Jan 19 2009
Dawn Keezer, director of the Pittsburgh Film Office, will send dispatches of her experiences from the annual Sundance Film Festival, which runs through Jan. 25:
PARK CITY, Utah -- GO STEELERS!!
Sunday was the big day and Steelers was all we were talking about to everyone we met, it was a very exciting day.
Started the day off at the new Ashton Kutcher and Anne Heche's new film "Spread" (pictured: Heche, Kutcher and co-star Margarita Levieva / Associated Press). It was great, but it will never be suitable for children. Ashton almost had the "quote of the day" when during the Q&A session someone asked him, "Did you do this movie because you got to have sex with so many beautiful women?" Ashton laughed and said, "I realized it was a lot when I decided I was tired of going to work and acting like I was having sex." The theater erupted into laughter.
Next was the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Brunch for Actors, it was a lot of fun and we had some great celebrity sightings including: Anne Heche (OK, so we had just seen a lot of her in the movie, but she had clothes on at brunch), Justin Kirk ("Weeds"), Margarita Levieva ("Spread") and Elizabeth Reaser ("The Ex List").
Today's winner for "Quote of the Day" came courtesy of a reporter from NPR. I invited him to join us to cheer the Steelers to victory and his response was "we don't do football in L.A." He went on to complain about Los Angeles's lack of a professional football team ... good thing we do "do football" in Pittsburgh!
We had a great turn-out at the bar JB Mulligans bar, owned by Pittsburgh-native John Sutton (yes, you can find a Pittsburgher everywhere). Over 100 people arrived, many wearing black and gold, to help celebrate the Pittsburgh Steelers. A few people confessed that their Mom still lives in Pittsburgh, saw the mention in Barb Vancheri's column about the party, called them and told them they "had to come." So they showed up and helped teach the L.A. crowd how to correctly wave their "Terrible Towels."
When the Steelers won, the bar erupted into the traditional "Here we go!" cheer. It was like being at Heinz Field (but warmer) and almost as loud. Great time, and everyone is looking forward to the Super Bowl!
The Steelers have helped raise the Pittsburgh's region profile at Sundance, granted, I am wearing Steelers clothes every day (great conversation starter) but as we know, when the Steelers win, the region wins!
Stopped by to see the people from Timberland, they are "official sponsors" of the Sundance Film Festival. Timberland is a huge supporter of the environment and they do a great job promoting a "green" lifestyle. http://earthkeeper.com/blog/
Prior to our Steeler party, I stopped by the Philadelphia storefront that the Philadelphia Film Office had set up on Main Street in Park City. Philly put together a consortium of sponsors to pay for a Philadelphia Film Lounge at Sundance. It was a great space and they filled it with companies that are interested in getting more film business in Philly as well as companies wanting to bring their products to the film industry's attention. They also flew in Philly cheesesteaks and TastyKakes. It is a great idea and once the Pittsburgh Film Office gets dedicated funding, it would be something to consider.
We wished them good luck on the Eagles (which obviously didn't work) and went off to set up our Steeler party.
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