Hi there,
Not posted anything for a while now, but I still check back here once a week or so.
I managed to get a returned ticket a couple of weeks ago which I couldn't believe, and my Mum got a ticket at 4:00pm the day before the event!! We made the (170mile) trip from Stoke-on-Trent.
Well, what can I say, other than that was the best night out at the cinema ever and will never be beaten. Not just another night out at the flicks but it felt like an important event.
Surprisingly it was very relaxed, with people mingling and chatting. Spotted Jimmy Tarbuck and wife,
Frank Skinner and girlfriend, Christopher Frayling, and a few other faces that I knew but couldn't place their name and I think I spotted Anthony Daniels at one point (I think he was the guy dressed in the gold armour!!
The NFT cinema is how a cinema should be - like a large living room so that you feel at home.
Nicely lit, lovely seating and no popcorn or spilled drinks on the seats - immaculate presentation. A bit like the old ODEON cinemas were, before the days of the multiplex.
As for the film - brilliant. Very dark undertones and a difficult subject matter to handle. If you were to explain the basic plot of the story I'm sure it would put some people off. Good performances from the 3 main leads but Tim Robbins gets the top honour from me. Nicely photographed in that nice dark blue rinse (as I like to call it). Nice to see Clint get a full credit for the music - his usual simple solo piano piece.
As for the interview, personally I thought it as standard fare as an interview, but as an overall experience it was brilliant. The interview was conducted in Michael Parkinson's comfortable chat show style - relaxed and unobtrusive.
Michael introduced Clint by saying "They say the bigger the star, the lesser the introduction. Ladies and Gentlemen, Clint Eastwood." He arrived on stage to a good round of applause. Clint acknowledged the audiences appreciation.
The setting was simple, two chairs and a table with drinks, more to the left side of the stage to allow for the interview to be filmed for the BFI archives. I fortunately swapped seats with my Mum at the interval to get a prime view of Clint.
The usual questions were asked of Clint - influence of Leone and Siegel, right wing views of Dirty Harry, would you make another western, who were your favourite movie stars etc. and Clint gave the usual answers. Questions were taken from the audience and 3 clips were shown
1. Mystic River : Scene questioning Sean Penn
2. Unforgiven : Scene where Elroy admitted
killing his first person.
3. In the Line of Fire : Scene by Lincoln
Memorial.
He seemed serious about "separating acting from directing". Films like Blood Work were harder for him than say Unforgiven as in Blood Work "I was in every scene". "This was the plan 33 years ago…". "The plan is now to separate the two." When pressed about favouring directing than acting he hinted that he preferred to do this now but didn't rule it out either. He didn't really say what his next plans were other than the "Blues" documentary was broadcast on Saturday night.
He commented that children make good actors when they are left to be themselves, and that when you are an adult you are trying to get back to that natural feeling.
When asked about if he had or would consider acting on the stage. He said Yes, he had considered it but he just liked making movies. He did say, however, if something came along he would consider it.
He stressed "How important the story is in a film. If you haven't got the story, you haven't got anything at all".
When asked about retirement he said "We go on until were are as old as Methuselah".
The interview was very humorous and there were numerous laughs and applause from the audience. Highlights include :-
When Michael asked Clint about a quote from Richard Burton : "Richard described your acting style as "dynamic lethargy". What do you think he meant by that?" - Laughs from Clint and the audience. Clint replied "I don't know I suppose it depends where he was when he said it!" - obviously referring to Burton being drunk somewhere - lots of laughs from the audience. He did say "I liked working with Richard."
Michael asked Clint what it was like to be "sat on top of a perch for all your career", and what it would be like to be "knocked off that perch". Clint remarked that he wasn't planning being knocked off that perch.
Later Michael asked Clint (about his career) "If it all ended tomorrow, would you be happy with what you've done." Clint responded "Here he is again, trying to knock me off my perch again." Lots of laughs here.
Clint was asked by a member of the audience to comment on the state of the British Film industry. Michael said to Clint "How long have you got!" Clint said he can't say too much as "I'd be run out of town." Lots of laughs here.
He cracked the joke about "What's the quickest way to get to Carnegie hall?" - "Practice, practice, practice".
Clint was his usual humble unassuming self - casually drinking his water from the bottle. Great to see him give Michael that steely eyed stare a few times as he ponders on a question.
Clint left the stage to a standing ovation, bowed a little and blew a few kisses to the audience.
The whole interview lasted for 1 Hour and 10 mins, which will be a whole lot more than when Michael repeats the interview with him on his television show (as he has other guests).
After the end of the evening I hung around in the foyer waiting for Clint to come out. The staff wanted the foyer cleared when Clint was about to depart, so we went outside. The large Silver Merc backed up to the door of the theatre - obviously for a quick getaway. Dina came out and said hello to everybody. There were a few people around me with pictures and posters of Clint - hoping for an autograph.
I asked Michael "Did you enjoy the interview." He replied "yes I did actually".
I knew there was going to be no chance of autographs or anything other than maybe a quick photo. Clint came into the foyer and stood near the door chatting to someone from the NFT. There was no chance I was going to get near him. I suggested to my Mum if there is an opportunity the see what you can do (women are more likely to succeed here than men). My mum ran into the theatre again……
Mum : Mr Eastwood
Clint : Yes
Mum : Could I have your autograph please
Clint : (Taking the book and pen and signing it shaking his head and smiling) No, No…Ooo No No
Mum : My son has been a fan of yours since he was a schoolboy and he's now 32
Clint : Oh yes, what's his name?
Mum : Martin
Clint : (Added my name) Hm hm
Mum : Thank you very much
Clint : All right
Clint walked out, waved and got in the car and headed off into the sunset…..
Well I couldn't believe it. My Mum got the only autograph of the night!!! I have to admire her bare faced cheek but it paid off - big time.
All in all - a fabulous night. Next time I hope he comes to Stoke!!
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