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!
