Mike Nichols...AFI Life Achievement Award! Hollywood Star-studded turn-out...

 

They flowed in - a veritable "who's who" of the Hollywood elite - megastars flanked by respected film directors, power-brokers chatting up the studio brass, and a host of precious friends who were there to bestow glowing tributes on a legendary director.

Mike Nichols, of course!

Meryl Streep said it best when she noted what it was like to work with the likeable seasoned pro.
"All I can say is that I was always happy on the set."

Individuals who have been graced with his presence are usually bowled over by his great ability to communicate (his sensitivity to actors and their needs is legendary, for instance).

Over the years, Diane Sawyer's hubby whipped up a number of entertaining celluloid hits, such as "Barefoot in the Park", "Spamalot", the gut-wrenching "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" starring Elizabeth Taylor, "Carnal Knowledge", and - who could forget? - the Graduate.

Nichols has nabbed a slew of prestigious awards over the years.

For example - he scooped up an Oscar for directing the Graduate; a Drama Desk Award for Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park" (stage), an Emmy Award for "Angels of America" (musical), and a Tony award for helming "Spamalot"

In toto, the jewels in his dazzling Crown of Glory, are Mr. Nichol's legacy.

AFI MISSION

AFI is America's promise to preserve the history of the motion picture, educate the next generation of storytellers, and honor the artists and their work.

In sum, the prestigious National institute fosters leadership in screen education - and in the process - celebrates excellence in the art of film, television and digital media.

AFI trains filmmakers at its world-renowned AFI Conservatory, preserves the legacy of America's film heritage through the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and AFI Archives, explores new digital technologies at AFI Digifest, and honors artists and their work through a variety of programs and special events.

For 37 years, the AFI Life Achievement Award has remained the highest honor for a performer to be blessed with.

AFI offers film enthusiasts a variety of events throughout the year including:

AFI FEST
(the longest-running International film festival in Los Angeles (sponsor/AUDI)
AFI Discovery Channel Silverdocs
(A documentary festival in Silver Spring, Maryland)
AFI Silver Theatre
(year-long programming in the Washington DC, area

http://www.julianayrs.com

Kramer vs. Kramer...Robert Benton (Director) & actor Justin Henry appear at screening in Beverly Hills! Production crew screws up...

The man - who appeared for all-the-world a country gentleman in a casual sport coat and slacks, salt 'n pepper hair, and a neatly-trimmed beard - was knowledgeable, charming, and witty.

His name?

Robert Benton - director of the Oscar-nominated feature film - Kramer vs. Kramer.

Last night, Mr. Benton and Justin Henry (one of the actors who starred in the film opposite Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep) appeared at a screening on the 30th Anniversary of the initial release of the film which has just been overhauled and re-mixed for a much-ballyhooed release on DVD this week by Sony.

Unfortunately, a production crew hired to capture a Q & A on-camera for future posterity when Kramer faded to black last night at the Fine Arts Theatre, screwed up royally.

For example, after Benton and Henry took the stage, incompetent members of the crew continued to futz with camera angles and sound snafus - much to the annoyance of film buffs - who shook their heads in disbelief as the unprofessional workers bumbled and stumbled their way through.

Meanwhile, the director (!) of the on-site shoot frustrated matters when he continued non-stop to interrupt the proceedings on stage without rhyme or reason.

In addition to the blatant incompetence of the documentarians on hand, the host hired to field questions appeared to be suffering from the same "me" syndrome.

In fact, on occasion, he was downright insensitive to his guests.

For instance, while the technical problems (!) were being sorted-out (for over an hour and a half before I departed in disgust with a raft of other disgruntled film buffs) Mr. Benton chose to answer a few questions from the audience to avoid a lot of dead air in the cozy movie house.

On one occasion, just as the insightful director was about to offer up a juicy tidbit about Hoffman, the high-strung host cut him off and shouted out into the footlights below:

"Have 'ya got a mic yet for the folks asking the questions?"

Then, he turned back to his gracious guests, oblivious to his unprofessional behaviour .

When Benton gave the punch line for his amusing anecdote, he lamented to his crew in a bit of an aside:

"Gee, I guess we should have gotten that on tape."

Do 'ya think?

Staff toiling at the Theatre were a bit "off" and lacked manners.

For instance, when filmgoers arrived and took a detour into the confectionary for snacks, servers acted rudely.


"Do you have a ticket?" one gruff young man barked.

No, I was invited," the guest politely responded.

"Well, do you have a copy of the e-mail?"

The person in question was invited by the owner of the Theatre - Michael S. Hall - and was a little unnerved at this juncture.

Mike, hire some decent staff, will 'ya?

Talk about shooting yourself in the foot!

All unpleasantries aside, the night was very entertaining; after all, Mr. Benton was a great storyteller, who lucidly recalled dusty old memories from thirty years ago at whim, much to the delight of everyone in attendance.

Originally, Dustin Hoffman turned down the project, he chuckled.

Not to be rejected so easily, Benton asked Hoffman's "people" to give some feedback.

Benton felt that if the actor could point a finger at holes in the script (adapted from the best-selling book) that perhaps he could rewrite it to the satisfaction of the actor.

After a handful of rewrites, and some judicious editing, a polished script was handed over to Hoffman's handlers for consideration.

Lo and behold, as fate would have it, word came back that Hoffman would meet with Benton for lunch on location in London at the world-famous Inn on the Park.

Why not, he mused?

"At least we'll get a free trip to England out of the deal even if we're rejected," he quipped.

The audience roared!

Once he arrived at Hoffman's Hotel, he spied Dustin in a small tea room just inside the lobby.

"Oh oh," he thought to himself, "We're going to get a handshake and a polite brush-off."

On the contrary!

According to the Maitre d, the main restaurant was "booked solid", so Hoffman would have to sup elsewhere with his celebrated guest.

Hoffman assumed his perch near the front door until the filmmaker arrived - and once greeted - proceeded to lead Benton up to his suite where he immediately committed to the project.

"I've always felt we should have given that Maitre d a commission," Benton cackled.

There were some stumbling blocks for Meryl Streep, too.

Although her star was on the rise, the respected actress was relatively unknown to many power-brokers in Hollywood.

The producers originally wanted to go with an actress with established box office appeal.

In spite of that reality staring Benton in the face, Meryl was invited to test for the part.

"When I saw the footage, I thought it was the worst cold-reading I'd ever seen," Benton softly noted to the rapt audience last night.

"She just sat there. And, sat there. Doin' nothing."

But, after reflecting on the scripted material and "Joanne's character" - particularly in respect to the opening scenes - the director suddenly realized her interpretation was exactly right!

"She didn't try to give a grand performance to impress us. She did what was appropriate for that scene; moreover, she had authority, which impressed me."

Understandably, I was awestruck by Robert Benton from the get-go.

Indeed, the man is not only a talented intuitive director - capable of drumming up solutions outside of-the-box - but one who is open and sensitive to the needs of his players.

For instance, a pivotal point in the film takes place when Meryl's character is on the witness stand.

It dawned on Benton one day that a speech he wrote was "written" by a man and from a male (or husband's) point of view. So, to combat the dilemma, he approached Meryl one day and asked that she rewrite the dialogue with the ultimate aim of better expressing a female sentiment in her own words.

"She nabbed it, too."

Streep's inclusion of the phrase - "I'm his Mommy" - was right on the money, asserted Benton.

"That is what a mother would say."

Benton also chose to shoot the scenes in sequence.

Undoubtedly, that was a costly aspect of the filmmaking process on Kramer vs. Kramer.

Producers usually schedule the shooting of scenes and the grouping of actors to be as cost effective as possible.

Benton took this route to ensure Justin Henry - a child actor on his first film project - would not become confused.

Moreover, this out-of-the-norm approach, allowed for the young performer to settle into his character scene-by-scene naturally.

"Probably the best scene in Kramer was not written by me," he humbly admitted.

"A pivotal scene with the chocolate-chip ice cream was improvised off-the-cuff with Dustin & Justin."

Also, the director (who co-wrote Bonnie & Clyde, by the way) gave direction for young Henry to Dustin to pass on to the child actor playing his son.


"I wanted the authority to come from Dustin, his father, so that bond was established early on."

The amusing man noted that he chose Justin Henry to play the role over a posse of other young hopefuls because the little cutie demonstrated in a sort-of "bull" session one day during the audition process that he could "push back" at Hoffman.

"Actors are cast in weights," he theorized.

"If you put a heavyweight with a middle-weight, then the middleweight has a struggle to come up to the other level. Or, the heavyweight is forced to drop to the lower weight to match it."

Benton was adamant that Henry and Hoffman were of equal weight.

Henry squirmed a little in his seat at this point.

In a bold-faced effort to downplay his talent, he joked:

"Oh, I was just playing. That was all it was to me."

The seasoned professional wasn't buying any of it.

In the final analysis, Benton was quite a revelation last night at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills.

If ever I have the opportunity to be on one of his sets - or the good fortune to be offered a part in one of his films - I'll jump at the challenge.

I'd be a better actor and man for it, I just betcha!

Robert Benton directing "Feast of Love"

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.