Dallas International Film Festival...Mayor Leppert & wife Laura honorary chairs!

Adrien Brody big hit @ Dallas Film Festival last spring!

Sick Puppies stars of Rock Prophecies

(Documentary on photographer Robert K. Knight)

The Dallas Film Society (DFS) zipped off a press release to me this week to announce that Mayor Tom Leppert and (wife) Laura Leppert have been named Honorary Chairs for the Dallas International Film Festival (2010).

Mayor Leppert and his wife have wholeheatedly backed the prestigious film festival since its inception in 2007 - which proved to be valuable to the inaugural edition  - and a professionally-run fest sure to gather steam in coming years (with much to contribute to the industry as well).

Leppert joined Governor Rick Perry, Peter Bogdanovich, Ross Perot, Jr. and others at last year's Texas Day celebration of film at upscale Victory Park which served as a culmination of the 2009 event (which moi also attended and reported on daily).

Except for Peter Bogdanovich, who turned out to be a suffering arrogant son-of-a-bit**, the jaunt out to the desert proved to be a very rewarding and fruitful one.

Post:  04/10/09

Adrien Brody, Janine Taylor & Lou Gossett, Jr. @ glittering red carpet AFI  Dallas gala!

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasadrien-brody-lou-gossett-jr.html

Post:  04/13/09

The Hurt Locker

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/03/afi-dallasjeremy-renner-appears-for.html

Post: 10/02/09

Rock Prophecies (& Sick Puppies)

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/10/robert-k-knightrock-photographer-doc.html

Post::  04/18/09

Henry Selick interrview with Julian Ayrs (Coraline)
(Red Carpet)

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallas-henry-selick-interview.html

Post:  04/14/09

Peter Bogdanovich screening a bust (an arrogant son-of-a-bit**)

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasbogdanovich-directors-cut-of.html

Post:  04/13/09

AFI headaches
(overbooked seats, John Wildman PR ego- tripper & loser staff, etc.)

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasoverbooked-seats-mistreatment.html

Post:  04/07/09

Dazzling red carpet gala for Cove, Valentino, Burning Plain & Pearl

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasthe-cove-burning-plain.html



Valentino a documentary on legendary fashion designer!

Post:  04/14/09

HCG Art Gallery after-part (Dragon) a glittering social event for AFI Dallas

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/hcgspotlight-on-dragon-st-art-gallery.html

Post:  04/06/09

Rock Slyde a spoof on Detective genre!

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasrock-slyde-spoof-on-film-noir.html



Mayor Leppert noted before signing off:

"It’s wonderful to be part of an event that puts forward the best of this great city to a host of international filmmakers and literally brings a world of film and the top film artists to this community.”

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

The Dallas Film Society is pleased to announce their new Membership program.

DFS members will receive an array of benefits and privileges created to maximize the experience with The Dallas Film Society and its many year-round programs and events.

Benefits include invitations to exclusive events, invitations to Premiere Screenings and other Dallas Film Society events.

Your support enables DFS to succeed in creating unique film experiences, from hosting emerging talent and great cinema masters and their work to producing educational discussions, panels, and networking events.

Individual Memberships start at only $40.

Bai Ling in Dim Sum Funeral

Jeremy Renner in The Hurt Locker

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI Dallas...Governor attends Texas Film day; Peter Bogdanovich reveals he's an arrogant son-of-a-bit**; Neiman Marcus gala closes out fest!

Urban Cowboy shot in Texas!

The Governor trotted down the red carpet glad-handing celebrated guests and members of the press, Director Peter Bogdanovich accepted a Dallas Festival Award for his contribution to the film industry in the Lone Star State, and film clips underscored the number of quality movies shot in Texas over the past couple of decades.

The AFI event was a dizzying high-energy affair that attracted locals and movie stars from far-and-wide, who touted the industry at the drop of a Texan ten- gallon hat.

Aaron Norris (Chuck's son) noted that he pushed hard to ensure that "Walker" was shot in Texas, in spite of the fact it may have been cheaper to lens elsewhere.

His pretty young daughter, recently wrapped up a filmmaking course at Pepperdine University on the Southern California Coast, just a hop-and-a-skip away from the ritzy climbs of Malibu.

We joked about the fact many a leisure hour was spent surfing ideal beach conditions.

"Dad took advantage of it when he came to visit me," she giggled.

Character actor Barry Corbin (No Country for Old Men) grumbled about the fact producers often shot in New Mexico when they were depicting locales that were supposed to be Texas

Of course, new tax incentives to be introduced in the legislature later this month, may change all that.

According to a Dallas Film Society official I spoke to yesterday, within the next thirty days, sliding-scale benefits will be introduced to lighten the financial burden for filmmakers here.

On the podium a few minutes later, the Governor confirmed that.

"We're shouting loud and hard to Hollywood. We're here!"

When I asked a couple of the locals if the Gov was well-liked, or doing a good job, they shrugged.

Then, they confessed they were die-hard Democrats and not behind the politician one-hundred percent, for obvious reasons.

I should have known by the finely-tailored dress suit - and bright red tie with floating patterns - that the man was a shill for the Republican party.


Betty Lyn Buckley (Tender Mercies) noted that she moved back to Texas (she's currently residing on a ranch outside of town fulfilling her dream to train & work with cutting horses) applauded the State's efforts to revive the film industry in Texas.

On Tuesday, she'll receive a Texas Medal Award for the Arts.

How was it to work with Robert Duvall?

She emphasized that he was the best "silent communicator" in the acting field today.

Peter Bogdanovich was a big disappointment.

Earlier in the day, he screened a Director's cut of "Texasville" , which was downright sloppy and unprofessional.

When I attempted to pin him down with a couple of questions regarding the issue, he became rude and insulting.

Was he in a state of denial?

At one point, a gust of wind blew a handful of notes out of my hand, and they fluttered to the ground at my feet unceremoniously.

I was inclined to continue on without interruption so I wouldn't hold Mr. Bogdanovich up.

The aging film director (who looked like a mummified version of himself) was so slow on the uptake, though, that he ended up revealing a mean-spirited side which took me by surprise.

With a smirk on his face, he quipped:

"You dropped your notes."

That was obvious to any fool on the carpet.

Was it necessary to rub it in???

When I bravely moved on in spite of the hiccup, bystanders noted that I demonstrated my innate ability to handle unexpected disasters in a professional classy way.

In spite of that, Bogdanovich chose to twist the knife in a beat or two later.

After he walked away, he half-turned and smirked, "You dropped your pen, too".

It was evident now that Bogdanovich was an unfeeling arrogant son-of-a-bit** without an ounce of compassion.

In the final analysis, the gust of wind that sent my notes flying asunder, was a Godsend!

Up until that point in time, I had been wrestling over how I would deal with Mr. Bogdanovich's shoddy presentation earlier in the day.

Although I there was sufficient cause to criticize his artistic judgment at this point in his career, I I was hopeful I could salvage an image I'd been quite respectful of, until he demonstrated his mean-spirited character on the red carpet last night.

No problemo, now!

A review of the screening of Texasville, and thoughts on his Q & A, will follow in a few days.

Shortly after the Governor stood on the podium and tooted the big Texas horn, the guests trundled off to Neiman Marcus for the closing night Gala.

At the entrance to the upscale store, two lines of well-dressed waiters stood at attention with trays of White Wine in expensive glass goblets and expensive imported beer.

Inside, the tony elite snapped up scrumptious finger food prepared to perfection by a top notch local catererer.

Many males were decked out in smart suits, with bola ties, and wide-brimmed cowboy hats.

The ladies were elegantly dressed-to-the-nines.

For example, Susan Flasdick was attired in a stunning Alice & Olivia cocktail dress with subtle decorative beading, which was a knock-out.

Meanwhile, the musical stylings of Deryl Dodd, revved up the high-spirited guests who hobnobbed with gay abandon amid a setting that was decidely rich in festive spirit.

When the potent wine started to give me a buzz, I begged off for the night.

At the door, Neiman Marcus bid the guests adieu, as they pressed gift bags into their finely-manicured bejweled hands.

Imagine my shock when I opened up the goodie-bag later and got wind of the mysterious contents inside: a bottle of Barbecue Sauce and two stickers touting the Texas Film scene.

Those cheap bastar**.

http://www.thetattler.biz

Sarah Palin...shopping scandal! Off with her elephant head...

Last night I was trekking down a side alley heading home just after nightfall when a SUV unexpectedly backed in from the street oblivious to me.

I side-stepped the vehicle just in the nick of time - and waited patiently to one side - for the driver to either continue backing down the lane or surge forward into the street after another automobile passed.

Nada!

The vehicle just sat there - so I was forced to step around it - and venture on to my destination as best I could in spite of the glaring obstacle in my path.

As I maneuvered my way to the front of the vehicle I spied the driver - a woman - applying lipstick in a small pocket-size mirror in the mostly dark interior.

Ah, the female sex. A rare breed, aren't they?

The incident got me to thinking about a screaming headline I caught on the Internet, just before logging off.

Another Palin scandal, of course!

Word leaked out yesterday that the Republicans tossed a staggering $150,000 into a special wardrobe kitty - so that the VP hopeful (and husband Tom and the kiddies) - could wrap their fresh-from-the frozen north bods in designer duds with the specific aim of wowing America with their stately presences.

Golly, am I missing something here?

In defense of the outrageous shopping spree - at the expense of the Republican party - McCain supporter Christy Harbor of Omaha asserted the splurge on high-end fashions was necessary.

"If she had worn crappy clothes, then everyone would have made fun of her."

Gosh, I thought stumping on the campaign trail was about values - not appearances - honey!

Notwithstanding, clothes do not "make" the woman.

Although the Republicans would have you believe they're in touch with the common "Joe", their actions reflect a different reality.

Indeed, the whole vulgar scenario amounts to a slap in the face to most Americans, in view of the financial hardships that have been foisted on them in recent days with the banks and stock markets failing.

It's a sad commentary on the likes of McCain and Palin, too.

What was it that Marie Antoinette cried out just before they cut off her head?

"Let them eat cake."

Yes, history repeats itself.


Vulgar indulgence not in Vogue, Sarah...

Juicy Couture...menswear, sizzlin' hot!

My eyes popped when I stumbled across Juicy Couture's full page ad in the weekend paper...

What a fashion statement, for menswear - at least!

Incredulous, I headed down to 450 Rodeo Drive to check out the haberdashery in person!

"Yeah, we're shaking things up in Beverly Hills," the handsome male retailer laughed, with a broad, winning smile.

The 6 foot model-type had the look himself!

His jet-black hair, with a fabulous sheen, screamed money; and, he was fashionably attired in a black "T" with shimmering, luminous images of skulls etched on the quality cloth, atop snug-fitting black jeans.

The label, known as Juicy Couture, is breaking out this fall!

Chic, well-designed jackets, with graffiti sprayed on the inside, and eye-catching details, were definitely luring my style sensibilities.

Juicy is a distinctive, virile look for men.

Some say, it's an edgy off-kilter look that's sleek.

Juicy notes,

"...you can add a little rock 'n' roll kick to your wardrobe without sacrificing the style. By pairing the right pieces, you'll be able to pull together a cool weekend look with loads of personality."

The eager sales rep noted that pop icons "Duran Duran" - friends of the two female owners - inspired the look.

In fact, the musical charmers will be donning the sizzlin' hot fashion ensembles right off their racks for an upcoming tour.

So, if you're aching to be a musical icon, a fashionista, or just on the leading-edge of "total cool", their threads are for you.

Affordable, too!