The Big Lebowski...9th Annual Festival! Live bands! Unlimited bowling! Coen screenings!

Amid a lot of fanfare - the 9th Annual Big Lebowski Fest pertaining to all things Lebowski (and the Dude, of course) - will roar into the forefront of cult classic phenomenons in WHY (Louisville)  this upcoming weekend commencing July 16th.

Lebowski-ites are keen to the fact I am a big fan and have posted clips on Insomniac Cinema screenings around the Los Angeles film terrain over the past year or two.

BIG LEBOWSKI FANS STORM THEATRE

Post: 11/05/07

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/11/big-lebowskifans-storm-theatre-time-for.html

THE BIG LEBOWSKI AT INSOMNIAC CINEMA

Post: 01/09/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/01/big-lebowskiscreens-at-insomniac-cinema.html

Just last year, I was blessed by the webmaster at the Big Lebowski podcast site, when I was invited to toss in my three-cents worth at the highly-trafficked fan base  featuring Lebowski trivia (and what have you).

THE BIG LEBOWSKI PODCAST

Post:  02/28/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/02/big-lebowskipodcast-up-and-running-dude.html

The festival (and Coen Brother tribute) is slated to feature live bands, a screening of the film, costumes, games, and unlimited bowling.

ABC News's "Nightline" crew will be at the fest to document the antics and hi-jinks for posterity.

Info: http://www.lebowskifest.com

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Fairfax Theater...future in jeopardy! Art Deco Society up in arms!

A couple of weeks ago when I sauntered up to take a gander at the features running currently at the Fairfax Theatre, I was taken aback to encounter a hastily-written note informing theatre-goers that the movie house - a mainstay in the community for over eighty years - was shut down due to water damage.

Unfortunately, the owner was a sly devil, who wasn't being entirely on the up-and-up with the community at large.

The Property owner - Alex Gorby - announced recently that the Fairfax (which was being operated by Regency Theatres) would remain closed indefinitely after suffering major damage during rainstorms this year.

"The landlord did not want to make the necessary repairs, so we had to terminate the lease," said Andrew Golin (VP of Regency Theatres).

"We are saddened by the closure."

In fact, the owner had no intention of throwing open the Theater doors, at all.

Gorby has proposed a mixed-use retail and residential project that would include 71 living units and and  224 underground parking spaces.

He has attempted to smooth the waters by asserting that he intends to maintain the theater's qaint historic Art Deco facade.

"The design is absolutely exquisite," his slick spokesman assured the media recently.

To some, that is not good enough.

John Thomas, of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, said vigorous efforts underfoot to save the  Fairfax are not just about architecture.

The Fairfax Theatre is woven into the fabric of the community, after all.

"We view the Fairfax not only as a historic treasure, but as a social and cultural treasure, given the role it has played in the Fairfax District for the past 80 years," said Hillsman Wright (who is the co-founder of the Los Angeles Historical Theatre Foundation).

Inside the classic revival movie house, there are exquisite Art Deco flourishes in all three theaters, that reflect the ture elegance and style of the era.

"It's much more than a physical structure," Wright added.

I suffer from insomnia, so I often took in screenings at the Insomniac Cinema.

The wild fun raucous events - packed to the rafters - are some of my most memorable moments in the neighborhood over the years.

Here's a sampling of a handful of posts on the midnight screenings at the witching hour.

The Big Lebowski screens at Insomniac Cinema

Post:  01/29/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/01/big-lebowskiscreens-at-insomniac-cinema.html

Ed Wood's Plan 9 to screen at Insomniac Cinema

Post:  05/08/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/05/insomniac-cinemaplan-9-from-outer-space.html

Dazed & Confused to screen at Insomniac Cinema

Post:  03/05/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/03/insomniac-cinemadazed-and-confused.html


One of my foster mothers (who gave me shelter in her perch on Point Grey in Vancouver when I was a teenage run-a-way) actually took in screenings there (and munched on popcorn) when she was a toddler.

Jeannie Kamins resided on Kings Road with her parents (her father was a respected doctor in the Los Angeles area) in the heart of picturesque West Hollywood at the basin of the Hollywood Hills long before I discovered the gay mecca in the seventies and before it was an Incorported gay city.

Jeannie actually played in the street in front of the famous Shindler house (which still stands today amid a tony configuration of upscale condos).

She'll be devastated to hear the news!

Neighbors joined preservationists and community activists in recent weeks to collect petition signatures and to celebrate the cinema's 80th birthday.

During World War II, the theater served as a rallying point for information, and fundraising for the district's thriving Jewish community.

It was often used for religious services and political and social events.

"It's in many ways part of the heart and soul of that neighborhood," one neighbour poignantly noted to a reporter.

"We came here as children. We had our first dates here. We courted our spouses here. We brought our children and grandchildren here," said Cliff Cheng (head of the West of Fairfax Neighbors Society).

The Fairfax has been nominated to become a Los Angeles historic-cultural monument.

Until then, the landlord's ambitious plans are on hold.

Stay tuned!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Insomniac Cinema...Dazed and Confused. Warning, this film may be hazardous to mental Health!

Insomniac Cinema continues to be a hot ticket at the Regency Theatre on Friday nights at the witching hour at the stroke of twelve midnight.

One weekend, I was forced to jostle my way into the Theatre, amid a throng of restless excited youths (18-24) storming the gates for a screening of the cult classic, "Dazed and Confused".

Inside the Theatre, a wild roar prevailed right throughout the per-show entertainment.

Regency now offers up visual puzzles (a snippet of celluloid frames give clues as to the title of a film) and Pop Culture quizzes, in addition to the standard movie trivia we've come to pine for at the Fairfax District location.

For example, were you aware that the "Mona Lisa" is actually three paintings in one?

To save big bucks on art materials, artist Leonardo da Vinci simply painted over creations he was not satisfied with, which later offered up dilemmas for Art Historians to resolve in the aftermath.

Yeah, cool stuff to keep swimming around in the old grey matter; after all, 'ya never know when such mindless trivia may come in handy!

Just as the silver screen was about to spring to life, a young employee leaned out the window of the projectionist's booth, and screamed at the buzzed audience:

"Are 'ya ready to be dazed and confused, freshmen?"

A roar went up, the theatre went dark, and the credits rolled!

Within the first few frames, we caught sight of long-haired teens toking on joints, and getting all primed-up and ready for the last day of school.

"School's out for Summer" - a monumental "hit theme song" for the youth of America - blasted out from the screen. In spite of the fact it is an olden-golden goodie, the catchy tune still causes shivers to spontaneously run up and down the spine.

Ah, what an adrenalin rush!

Essentially, "Dazed" is a kids' flick, about young juniors who close-out the semester in high school and brace-up to face the Seniors as they head off to College come fall.

So, there is a lot of teen angst, a fun shenanigan or two, and a robust - albeit awkward - pursuit of carnal knowledge at wild drug parties along the way.

The constant quest for the answer to life's most meaningful question is posed with great candor, here.

Will I get into her pants?

The dialogue is hilarious.

In one scene, a cute gawky teen excitedly notes that he plans to party-hearty at a shin-dig later that night 'cause he heard that a nubile young thing "with knockers out to here" will be in attendance.

And, hood-winking the liquor store attendant is a rite of passage, in-of-itself.

The wildest scenes occur when the Juniors are forced to partake in a handful of humiliating antics - at the hands of their task-masters - the Seniors.

One strident young woman hands out baby pacifiers to her young charges, then screams at 'em double-time:

"Down you Freshmen Bit**es, now!"

Each plunges to their hands and knees - at which point - they are squirted with all manner of condoms - er - condiments - ketchup, mustard, and the like.

At one juncture, the female Juniors are forced into a pick-up truck like cattle and driven through a local car wash.

The end result?

Their virgin nipples end up standing at attention beneath their tight t's and stretch-sweaters to the joy of the young studs in the audience.

The boys in the feature usually just "take the position".

At the sight of a Senior - the Juniors generally turn around and prop themselves against a wall - a door, whatever.

At this juncture, the seniors wallop 'em royally on the buttocks with a paddle.

It's uncanny.

When Matthew McConaughey does it (the "Fool's Gold" star makes a brief appearance as the local stud) the act stirs up quite an erotic moment.

Looks like he's had some practice, I betcha.

And, oh my God!, one of those bullies just happens to be Jennifer's ex - acctor Ben Affleck!

All fresh-faced and eager, Ben capably inhabits one of the few roles he's been handed over the years, with a certain charm that is memorable.

McConaughey is a bottle blond - with tight butt and bulging biceps - and the quintessential California student body inclined to partake in a little drugs, and booze, and rock 'n roll!

Basically, this film is all pap, without any substance at all; but somehow, it grows on 'ya!

As I watched the nerds, the jocks, and the "cool guys" struggle for supremacy - I was inclined to ponder - was my youth ever like that?

Hate to admit it, probably!

Too bad youth is wasted on the young, eh?

Matt Damon...Posh Spice. Quips and trivia at Regency Theatre!

In the Fairfax district, the Regency Theatre is probably one of the oldest boutique Art Film houses in Los Angeles.

Tickets are at discount rates daily and films range from older classics (specially-screened) to recent releases featuring current popular actors racking in the big salaries.

The theatre-going experience is generally quite pleasureable and a little more personable than elsewhere in town.

For instance - arrive early - and the staff usher you into one of three theaters where a wave of musical hits are sure to put you and your best buds in a magical mood before the silver screen sparks to life.

In fact, the riffs are far from those innocuous elevator-style offerings you'll encounter at the competition around the Los Angeles area.

The pre-show entertainment has been carefully formatted, too.

Before the previews start up, a number of artistically designed placards fill the screen as a round of movie trivia tests your knowledge of the biz, in-between quotes from a handful of celebrities who glitter in the bright firmament.

A previous post featuring some real zingers earlier this year was so popular at the old blog site - that I was thrilled to encounter a raft of new musings recently at the Theatre to share with you once again.

First up, a memorable quote from "Hairspray" teen idol Zac Efron.

"Never been waxed," the up-and-coming star allegedly sniped to a Celebrity News Magazine Show.

Weaned - well - maybe.

Of course, the remark was in reference to his trademark thin eyebrows highlightin' his pretty brow.

Personally, I prefer a pair of eyebrows that wander a little on their own - and on the fluffy side - with an occasional wispy strand fluttering here and there nonchalantly.

In response to his meterioric rise in the business, Shia LaBoef made an intriguing comment.

"Right now, I'm living in the WOW," he exclaimed excitedly.

I guess that's his Hollywood "take" on a Buddhist's spiritual teachings about being in the "NOW".

In essence, the message is crystal clear. Savor the moments from which all events flow.

You never know when they'll come back to bite you in the a**.

Congrats to Shia for exhibiting such wisdom at such a tender age.

Shakespeare put it succinctly when he once penned,

"I've never seen such a young body with such an old head."

One trivia question dared the audience to name the only "Oscar" to win the prized Academy Award.

No, not Oscar Meyer.

Although, the Regency does sell a scrumptious hot dog at the bargain basement price of one buck.

When no takers excitedly yelled at the screen, the answer crawled up for everyone to read on their own.

Oscar Hammerstein II.

Now that William Shatner is known for his priceline.com TV ADS - where consumers bid for cut-rates at Nationwide Hotels, he's in the spotlight once again.

He laughingly notes on screen: I'm "into the slasher genre" now.

Ba-dump!

I learned an interesting bit of trivia about William Shatner this past week that was never revealed before, by the way.

The Canadian Actor has never watched one episode of Star Trek!

The reason?

"Too self-conscious," he lamented to a probing interviewer.

He's afraid to catch a glimpse of his Greek form in that spandex uniform, I guess.

Matt Damon philosophized that if you wanted a job done right, you had to do it yourself.

To what was he referring? Diaper duty.

And he managed that nugget of wisdom without one flush in his face.

Right man for the job, for sure.

After all, he cleaned up at the box office with the last hit sequel, "Bourne Ultimatum".

Posh Spice (the soccer stud's wife) labeled herself a "girly girl".

Since Schwarzenegger has dibs on "girly man", I expect Beckham will have to settle for girly girl's man?

From celebrity polls, Beckam is actually a "man's man", I gather.

By the way, one trivia clip touted the fact that Liza Minnelli was the only child to have two parents (Judy Garland and Vincent Minnelli) win Oscars.

I suppose, it's all in the jeans - er - genes, eh? Just ask Calvin!

And, of course, I'd be remiss if I failed to note the staff at the Regency are pretty on-the-ball, too.

The attentive young ushers not only appear to actually be "interested" in the film industry, but bend over backwards to make sure your night of entertainment, is a memorable one.

One of the wildest spirited nights on the town?

Why, it happens to be "Insomniac Cinema" at Fridays @ 12 midnight.

See 'ya there!