Quentin Tarantino...director @ screening of Death rides a Horse! Lee Van Cleef a hoot!

Two clues last night at the New Beverly Cinema should have signalled that Quentin Tarantino was in the house.

The first tip off?

On the marquee outside a date for a much-anticipated upcoming screening of "Reservoir Dogs" was posted.

Film buffs familiar with the off-beat talented director's bio are keen to the fact, after all, that the classic is one of Tarantino's VBFF (very best favorite films).

As the film "Death Rides a Horse" flickered overhead on the silver screen - wild cackles from a ticket-holder in the dark below the floodlights -  should have clued me in to the fact it was Quentin savoring each delightful frame of celluloid.

As I noted in a prior post on a special event at the New Beverly Center, there is only one dedicated film fan that laughs louder and harder (than moi) in a movie house, and that is none other than the madcap director of stand-out movies such as Kill Bill.

Just before the second film on the double-feature was about to start, I was grabbing a coke at the snack bar, when Quentin turned the corner and nearly ran smack dab into me.

We both did a double-take.

But, there was nothing to fear, but fear itself.

Of course, I didn't have to worry (like Perez Hilton, darling) that I might get a nasty poke in the eye for something I'd written.

After all, I gave "Inglorious Basteurds" a glowing review.

Post: 08/22/

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/08/inglourious-basterdsalmost-genius.html

Quentin is also a big fan of cowboy flicks - especially those of the Spaghetti Western ilk - like those starring visionary actors such as squinty-eyed Clint (Eastwood).

Last night, the New Bev took a twisted turn and offered up a double-bill rife with off-beat quirks.

"Death Rides a Horse" was directed by Giulio Petroni & starred mesmerizing Lee Van Cleef and John Phillip Law.

Mr. Van Cleef (who I recall crossing paths with years ago - but for the life of me - can't remember where exactly or when) is an intriguing piece of work in this uneven film that showcases his gifts magnificently.

What a sight to behold, in fact!

The seasoned pro - with the pointy chin, slat-like eyes, and taut stretched skin on chiselled bone - has a "look", in fact, that borders on the macabre!

The fancy duds the dude (and the rest of the n'er-do-wells swagger around in) amounted to "cowboy drag" when you get right down to the nitty-gritty.

Some of the material, understandably, ended up being high camp.

Unfortunately, the score fell short of the likes of those that buttressed up the high drama (and intensity) of the "Fistful of Dollars" serials.

But, "Horse" excels with dialogue (and banter) that fleshes out the characters.

When a main character expressed his burning desire to punish a gang of outlaws for murdering his parents, Van Cleef waves off the notion for good reason.

"Sometimes revenge is a dish best served cold."
(Sicilian Proverb)

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Brad Pitt...bouncing back to Jennifer Anniston? Jolie seeks stud service elsewhere...

Angelina ruffled Brad's manhood!

On the heels of the frenzied gossip over the alleged break-up of Brangelina (ball-buster Jolie apparently cheated on the sexist man alive which caused the split) "insiders" "in the know" are touting Brad's reunion with Jennifer Anniston (surely you remember that mousey little broad with the ditzy personality who once starred on Friends).

According to individuals close to the winsome-twosome, once Brad and Jolie resolve the issues regarding the custody of their children, a potentially-messy financial entanglement (and so forth and so on), the studly wimp will be back in the smothering arms of Anniston.

In fact, some tongue-waggers are asserting that once the strangle-hold Jolie has on Brad is released, they'll resume where they left off and publicly acknowledge their undying lover for each other.

Makes 'ya want to puke, doesn't it?

In my opinion, if Brad skulks back to Anniston, he'll underscore what a loser he is (in the romance and relationship department, for sure).

Setting his sights on Jolie origiinally, bedding her - and setting up house thereafter - stressed what a conquering stud he could be.

It was a ballsy move, after all.

But, in retrospect, it appears that the strident (territorial) sex goddess managed to serve up his manhood on a silver platter to nibble on at her whim.

No man should put up with that.

Wishy-washy Anniston is just a stab at getting back to normalcy.

Just betcha that if you plopped down for a chat with Brad he'd bore you to tears.

Maybe he and Jennifer deserve each other.

Great eye candy, yes!

Although the lights appear to be on - on the other hand - looks like no one is at home.

What Brad needs is a good fu** to get the lead out.

Amen!

Sloppy seconds!

Enzo G. Castellari...celebrates birthday at screening of "Inglorious Bastards". Film actors Bo Svenson and Fred Williamson on hand to sign autographs!

The theatre was testosterone-charged!

Fans - mostly young males under thirty-five - whooped, hollered, and stomped their feet roundly - as the thrilling non-stop action in two of Enzo G. Castellari films (Inglorious Bastards and Battle Squadron) unfolded on the screen.

And, to the delight of die-hard film buffs - the respected Italian Film Director was on hand - to chat up the fans, answer queries, and sign a newly-released DVD packaged under the Severn Films label.

When I arrived at the New Beverly Cinema around 6:45, a line of excited filmgoers was already snaking down the block, in spite of the fact the doors would not swing open until 7:30. And, by the time the curtain fell, there was not a seat left in the house.

The popular director, who was celebrating his birthday, was wowed by the turn-out.

"It's so great to see so many young faces here."

Two of the lead actors - Bo Svenson and Fred Williamson - signed autographs and offered up some behind-the-scenes trivia.

Fred jokingly quipped,

"I came because I wanted you all to see how great I look."

The audience howled.

"There's nothing hanging down anywhere that shouldn't be hanging down," he joked.

Bo, a little more low key, noted that he was thrilled to attend because Mr. Castellari impacted his life both creatively and otherwise.

"He taught me Grace," Bo added humbly.

During the course of the night when I had the opportunity to get up-close and personal with a question or two, I was wowed by the man's vigor.

And, of course, his charismatic presence.

Last evening Mr. Castellari wore an elegant black suit (Italian?) with a well-coordinated dress shirt open at the collar.

One young man in the audience asked the legendary director if he could provide any advice for talent starting out in the field.

"Get experience," he commanded.

On the heels of this worthwhile advice, he noted that he came up through the ranks.

"I brought coffee to this person. Moved a chair over for that one."

Working as an assistant director was a good idea, he stressed.

"In Italy it is difficult now to produce a film. So much politics. Unless you are the son of an official. Then, yes. you'll get the chance. But no one will go to see the movie," he chuckled.

He hinted at the need for "confidence" in one's abilities and that there must be a base of knowledge to back up choices.

"When you say - 'place the camera here' - that is the big moment."

There was a bit of scuttlebutt about the differences between filmmaking in America and Italy.

Bo Svenson, for instance, noted that sound was never recorded on the set.

"There were so many distractions. While you're acting in a scene, someone is asking the person next to you if they want an espresso. Activity on the set continues during filming, unlike Hollywood."

I recall the ritual, vividly. Once the bell rings on the sound stage - and the assistant director calls out - "Quiet on the set" - no one utters a word.

Not in Italy!

Bo noted that looping later in the studio was not a process he hankered to.

"I prefer the spontaneity. The magic of the moment when the scene is being captured on film."

Distractions can be upsetting to some actors where the "eye line" is concerned.

Years ago - on the set of "Black Moon Rising" - I recall actor Tommy Lee Jones "going off" when an Executive standing on the sidelines twitched (!) and spoiled his concentration when he was emotionally involved in a scene.

Joan Collins is another who prefers no movement around the peripheral when she is working on-camera. On the set of a "Dynasty Reunion" - I was standing in the wings and caught her eye - but avoided her wrath somehow. When she noticed me a few feet away - instead of calling the A.D. to haul my butt out of there - she gave me an approving glance up-and-down and carried on.

Whew!

In Italy, it appears, you fly by the seat of your creative pants!

When the first feature flickered up on the silver screen I was inclined to let the storyline unfold. But, within minutes, I found myself sitting up and paying very close attention to Mr. Castellari's celluloid offering.

Clearly, a deft capable hand was at the helm!

From the get-go, Castellari's innate ability to draw the filmgoer into the action in a seamless - almost magical way - was evident.

There was a subtlety to the "set ups", too. In fact, each frame of celluloid was carefully crafted, a work of visual art.

Elsewhere on the canvas, Bo Svenson strode through the landscape, a virile manly presence capable of carrying the film.

Fred Williamson's machismo was also appealing - but, it was often his risk-taking in comic moments - that grabbed the audience and caused them to cheer from below the floodlights.

Hats off to the New Beverly Cinema for providing a high-energy night of satisfying entertainment!