AFI Fest...Vanessa Redgrave surprise at Defiance premiere! Matt Dillon and Juno star scoot by! Ed Zwick chats...

Ellen Page (Juno) whisked into Defiance premiere...

Last night, I was a bit of the accidental star reporter!

As the Paparazzi excitedly hung over the roped barrier straining to catch sight of celebrities, and cameramen from Local, National, and International outlets set up their tripods and readied themselves for an onslaught of high-profile industry types to stride down the red carpet, I casually responded to a publicist's offer to interview the composer for the score of Ed Zwick's new feature (Defiance) premiering at the AFI's gala closing event.

Suddenly - without warning - an elegant elderly woman strolled in my direction.

Was this the composer?

As the handsome lady drew nigh, there appeared to something awfully familiar about this guest.

In a few scant seconds - when her name flashed inside my head (which was spinning out-of-control now) - I suddenly found myself face-to-face with Oscar-winner - Vanessa Redgrave!

Oh my gosh!

Thrown off guard a tad, I struggled to regain some balance - after all, it was quite the surreal moment - and took a stab at an interview without much preparation.

So, can you tell me a little about your outfit?

"Darling, there's this wonderful film screening tonight. And you want to talk about my outfit?"

Without skipping a beat - and as eloquently as possible - I noted that makeup, hair, and designer outfits were all part of the magic and glamour of Hollywood which my readers were keen on.

"I think we should support other professionals in the industry," I added as persuasively as possible.

Ms. Redgrave reflected on the thought for a moment, appeared to digest it a little, then was inclined to go along.

"Well, you can tell them I was wearing a silver cardigan with slacks, then."

But, it wasn't just any old sweater-pant "look".

The cardigan was sprinkled here and there with a spray of "stardust" which sent out a thousand points of light as the equally dazzling Redgrave floated charismatically on down the carpet.

When the great lady moved on to other climbs, reporters all around handed off kudos and nods of approval.

One female on-camera reporter to the right of me, a bit wet behind the ears, appeared to be a bit miffed that she missed the golden opportunity that I snatched up.

Carpe diem, Miss!

On the heels of Redgrave's unexpected appearance, there were a number of loud shouts farther down the walk, where sleek limos were purring up to the curb which was bubbling over now with frenzied fans.

Matt Dillon was hustled past the paparazzi and straight into the theatre for some inexplicable reason.

The sexy film star was a little disheveled looking, but I expect it was the mad dash for the inner sanctum, which conjured up the image.

Likewise, Juno star Ellen Page - petite and pretty - was rushed past the media and out of harm's way before most caught sight of her.

In spite of handlers' efforts to muzzle and shield her from the press corps, she grinned my way, though.

Thanks, I'll cherish that, Ellen!



When Alexa Davalos (female lead opposite Daniel Craig) glided up to chat, fans behind me went wild.

"Alexa! Alexa!"

The French-born actress is on her way to super-stardom!


At 26, she has five years of television roles on her résumé. But Defiance should catapult her to dizzying new climbs.

What a stunning beauty.

The first thing you notice are the luminous eyes which speak volumes.

The Defiance star wore a elegant black dress which was complemented by a lustrous mane of long silky hair.

"It was a three-month shoot in the forest. My character is a spirited strong-willed girl."

"Like you, right?" I chided.

She beamed back, slightly amused.

Ed Zwick - the man-of-the-hour - walked up and shook my hand.

Generous to a fault - the patient producer glad-handed the paps (paparazzi) and the cubs (green reporters) and high-profile feature writers - until each had been satiated of their desire to rub shoulders with a least one power-broker in attendance at the Cinerama Dome.

"It was eight-to-ten years in the making. Defiance was picked up at a major studio early on; but, that source was abandoned later. A major obstacle was funding."

Daniel Craig was always their first choice to play the meaty role.

When the challenges flew fast and furious, Mr. Craig's commitment was firm, too.

"He said he would take on an executive position - at a desk even - if necessary. Getting the project to the big screen was key to him."

Why another holocaust story?

"There were ties to our ancestors, it was part of our heritage. And, the tale appealed because it was unique."

Screenwriter Clayton Frohman noted that while dialogue was not from the horse's mouth, per se, he went with the spirit of the subject matter to recall events as realistically and passionately as possible.

This tale was nearly lost, the producers noted poignantly.


Mia Wasikowska - who also plays a Polish girl alongside Alexa in the much-anticipated drama - was darling!

Her milky white skin and fine features were a stand-out in inky dark night.

If she didn't act, what would she do?

"I'd be a photographer," she noted seriously.

Ed Asner strolled by in a crotchety mood. This was all old hat for the popular character actor, I expect. But he showed up to support the filmmakers amid the glitz and glamour none-the-less.

When the last guest strolled into the theatre, and the doors were slammed tight by the ushers, I suddenly realized something funny.

I never did get to interview the composer!

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI Fest...Dustin Hoffman & Jeff Goldblum attend premieres! Emma Thompson's publicist insults press..

For the most part, it was a dazzling night at the Cinerama Dome.

A flurry of stars who ran the press gauntlet were gracious and usually stopped at perches along the way to chat up the media and pose for the frenzied paparazzi who jockeyed ferociously for their exclusive stills.

Actor Dustin Hoffman was in high spirits as he discussed his new feature film - "Last Chance Harvey" - in which he co-stars with Emma Thompson.

Essentially, the romantic comedy is about a jingle writer who falls for a no-nonsense British Civil Servant on a trip to London to attend his daughter's wedding.

At one point on the glittering star-studded carpet, the rascal turned the tables on the press, and snapped back!

Yes, he snatched up a camera and took candid shots of the press corps, who whole-heartedly laughed along with the merry prankster.

In one impromptu moment, a short while later - as he moseyed down the red carpet - Mr. Hoffman also revealed his down-to-earth side.

For example, when an AFI staff member chose to break down set-ups for the night before the ceremonies wrapped, a flurry of rude sounds erupted into the air just a few feet away.

Mr. Hoffman turned his head slightly towards the workers, jerked it back after assessing the outburst a tad, then proceeded to utter a hilarious spontaneous quip.

"Was that someone farting?"

I cracked up.

For some, it was a pregnant moment, difficult to broach.

That's what happens when your foils are stuffed shirts with no sense of humor.

Good on Dustin!

In contrast, Emma Thompson's "handlers" left a lot to be desired.

In fact, the inappropriate conduct of her publicist upset a few members of the press, and caused a few salacious tongues to wag.

When a reporter from "In Touch" Magazine asked the woman - Katherine - if he could pose a question or two to Ms. Thompson, she checked out his credentials first.

Then, as she wrinkled her nose in the air, she responded with an insult.

"I don't think much of your organization," she sniffed, as she turned away in a huff.

I was inclined to ask Ms. Thompson a couple of questions, as well.

So, I politely asked the lady (I use the term very loosely) if I could conduct a small interview.

"Who are you with?" she demanded.

"The Tattler," I responded politely.

"The Tattler from England?" she screeched, with a horrified look on her face.

"No, I am American-based."

Suddenly, without warning, she wailed like an old cow in heat.

"No!"

A pack of onlookers stared at her shocking diatribe in disbelief.

After "Katherine" literally dragged Ms. Thompson off the carpet - I noted to the other reporters in the Sushi Lounge at the Cinerama Dome - that the publicist's conduct was downright unprofessional and uncalled for.

The "In Touch" magazine newsie - who had just been insulted by her - meekly pitched in.

"She's with a big PR firm in town. Everyone knows she's a bit**. They put up with it."

No matter!

As far as I am concerned, a lack of good manners is inexcusable.

Was she born in an out-house?

"It doesn't matter who she is, she should treat people with respect," I calmly replied.

It hasn't escaped my attention that some publicists make a beeline for larger press outlets and seek out top publications that are capable of providing high-profile coverage at events like the AFI Fest.

I am a mature individual, keen to the nature of the beast.

I wasn't born yesterday.

In fact, I can smell a phony a mile off.

In my opinion, there is no justifiable reason to insult a member of the press on the red carpet, like "Katherine" did!

If Ms. Thompson is clueless about "Katherine's" behaviour, then the actress needs to wise up and clue in, fast.

On the other hand, if the star is aware of the rumors and gossip about her publicist - and has chosen to do nothing to alleviate or correct the problem - then shame!

Ms. Thompson - in the industry here in America - we endeavour to treat people with dignity and respect.

If you and your staff can not abide by those professional standards, then go home to England, please!

Who needs you!

Good riddance.

Actually, Michelle Williams (Heath Ledger's ex-wife) suffered from the same dilemma, of a lesser degree.

Her publicist - a gruff, truck-driver kind of classless woman - was short and impolite to the media present, too. For that reason, I have chosen not to give any detailed coverage on Williams' appearance on carpet last night - what she wore and what she said - and so forth and so on.

I'd rather throw the spotlight on decent professional people - who are free of the ugly trappings of Hollywood - than support an industry trend which is a disgrace to the business.


Jeff Goldblum was a gem in that regard - and a role model to emulate - in my estimation.

He stopped and ensured there was a meaningful exchange with the media, elucidated his thoughts - and quite generally - was an all-round good fellow on carpet.

By the way, Jeff was able to research his current role in - "Resurrecting Adam" - a year in advance.

For example, the tall handsome actor, took on the task of learning how to play the Violin since his character was known to be proficient with the stringed instrument.

In addition - since the subject matter pertained to the Holocast - he visited two concentration camps, spoke with survivors, and studied the language painstakingly so he could effect it fluently.

When I asked about the "Fly" - a favorite film of mine he starred in - Goldblum noted that the project was a tough one which required a lot of concentration and thought.

Two women who wowed me the most!


Mrs. Stanley Kramer & Kate Hepburn's God-daughter, Katherine Kramer.

Kat - as she is known to her friends - was wearing a stunning designer gown which was smartly complemented by an eye-catching gold necklace by BEBE and an exquisite antique gold clutch purse to match.

The articulate engaging young lady was coiffed to perfection, too.

Mrs. Kramer - the picture of High Society - was dressed-to-the-nines in an elegant dress (and eye-popping diamond necklace which just about blinded me as the facets caught the light) which flattered her svelte figure.

Mrs. Kramer was warm, charming, and delightful in every respect.

I asked Kat if she could give me a little scoop on Ms. Hepburn for my readers.

"She loved gossip," she noted with a delicious smile on her face.

Well, that took me by surprise.

After all, I was under the distinct impression that the legendary star of yesteryear was quite prim and proper in that regard.

"She never went out. So, she wanted to be privy to all the dish."

I made a comment about the pantsuits she was known to wear - and wondered aloud - was Ms. Hepburn manly?

"Oh no, on the contrary. She was quite feminine!"

Also, Kat fondly recalled snacking on vanilla ice-cream topped with rich chocolate sauce, a Hepburn favorite.

Joel Hopkins - the director of "Last Chance Harvey" - was pretty approachable, too.

Was this your dream cast, I asked?

"Yes."

"The project must have directed itself, then?"

He noted that Hoffman and Thompson gave tips on how dialogue should be crafted - tweaked, if you will - to make it more believable in a situation or true to the character.

"Right off-the-bat, I decided not to fight it."

Smart man!

The actress playing Hoffman's daughter - Lianne Babalan - was born in Toronto and is currently residing in Montreal.

I stayed in a neighborhood near the University - known as "The Plateau" - for about a year. So, Ms. Babalan and I chit-chatted a bit about Quebec and my home town, Toronto.

A casting director Lianee knew submitted an audition tape on her behalf, and subsequently, the young beauty was called in for a reading.

"Actually, I read the sides with my father."

"Did that put you on ease?"

No, on the contrary, it made her more nervous.

Go figure!

Understandably - when my fellow Canuck landed the part - she couldn't believe her good fortune.

By the way, when Lianne was ushered into the room by Annie Jeeves - her charming press person (who was thoughtful enough to press a calling card into the palm of my hand with instructions to get in touch if I wanted to set up a personal one-on-one interview) - the paparazzi went crazy.

A stunning green designer gown and glittering earrings - that sparkled with great intensity when she turned this way 'n that - obviously took their breath away.

So, with great intensity, they scrambled to catch the dazzling images on film.

In addition to the star "presence" on the carpet last night - a handful of young filmmakers trotted by to tout their projects - as well.

Notwithstanding the rude encounter with Ms. Thompson's classless rude publicist - all-in-all - it was a thrilling night!

10 down 1 to go.

Tonight is the Gala Closing Party and a premiere of Daniel Craig's new flick, "Defiance".

Tell 'ya all about it tomorrow.

David Beckham...top stud! Just, ask me.com

The ever slick - AskMen.com - tallied over 1 million votes recently and from the frenzied response figured out who is a true "man's man".

Silly me!

I thought that a "man's man" was either a gay guy's lover - or one of those traditional forms of help - otherwise known as a majordomo, butler, whatever.

So, I turned to the pages of Webster for the answer.

According to the dictionary, a "man's man" is,

"A man noted or admired for traditionally masculine interests and activities."

So, who soared to the top of the masculine dog pile?

Becks, of course.

He, of many tattoo, and great kickin' legs.

The list this year, released annually, was sprinkled with some other notable male studs.

Matt Damon, squeaked behind Beckham into the No. 2 slot, for instance.

Christian Bale (3:10 to Yuma), Daniel Craig ( ah, the man with the golden gun) , George Clooney, and the very musical - Justin Timberlake - fell into the ranks somewhere behind.

Brad Pitt must be slipping, since he was a no-show in the top ten. But, he held firm at the No. 11 spot.

Ryan Seacrest, No 27, fussed farther back in the stellar line-up, unscathed.

No surprise, he's such a confident metrosexual male, after all.

No prizes for the winners, save for the obvious ego stroking that goes along with the territory.

The Invasion...they're here!

Some days it's fun to knock off and take in some mindless entertainment.

The next movie in queue at the Grove was "The Invasion" so I snapped up a ticket and slipped into my plush chair as the credits started to roll.

From the offset the stylistic pace was able to draw a captive audience in.

Without hesitation, the suspenseful tale unfolded before our watchful eyes, as we sat on the edge of our seats.

A space shuttle mysteriously plummets from the heavens and crashes to the earth below.

Puzzled scientists stumble on a curious organism - other-worldly - in nature?

Perhaps, but they can't quite put their finger on it.

But wait - one Doctor manages to - and suddenly an odd transformation takes place that night as he falls into a deep sleep.

At this juncture, the audience is introduced to a well-manicured, professionally-coiffed woman, played convincingly by Nicole Kidman.

Ah, Kidman has come a long way since her first big movie entrance (she of freckled face and tangled hair) opposite Tom Cruise in the Days of Thunder.

Mindful that she's a mature actress now (thank God the frizzies are gone) she appears here in the role of a psychiatrist with a look that is decidedly right for the role of a busy working professional.

When a patient laments that her husband is not "himself", she prescribes some meds; obviously, the woman is having an episode, she thinks to herself.

But when she strides down the street later, and spies the odd behavior of pedestrians all around her, it is evident to her keen eye that something more ominous is afoot.

Daniel Craig's character, who is pining for a relationship with Kidman's, plays a down-to-earth masculine guy who comes to her assistance.

He's an uncomplicated supportive foil, but a bit on the boring side.

Just what the film needed, a touch of sanity somewhere.

If you're familiar with the film - The Body Snatchers - then you'll be wise to what's going down about a quarter of a way through the thriller.

But the truth of the matter is, there's nothing original in this script.

In fact, the body of another idea integral to the premise was also lifted from an earlier sci-fi pic of the fifties. Once you've pretty much fathomed that, just sit back and take in the ride.

Material like this, in the hands of a director other than Oliver Hirschbiegel, may have fallen victim to high melodrama.

But under Kidman's skin, is handled with aplomb.

When zombie-like characters lope down the streets after her, spewing a virus-like vomit in her wake, she manages to keep a straight face and walks a tightrope between suspense and belief.

It's the same old story, though.

Alien gets human, alien loses human, alien -

Plausible, no; but for ten bucks, what the heck.

Gee, what's this flaky piece of skin on my face?