Another Year...Another Screening
Last week I went to a screening of the new Mike Leigh film, "Another Year", courtesy of the Los Angeles Times Envelope Screening Series and the SAG Foundation.
The movie theatre is two minutes from my new place.
Remember Brenda Blethlyn's heart wrenching, pins and needles performance in Secrets & Lies directed by Mike Leigh?
Yes, that Mike Leigh. That groundbreaking Mike Leigh that works without a script, forcing his actors to be creating while they are creating.
I also went because the invite said the film starred Jim Broadbent and that there would be a Q&A afterwards with Mr. Broadbent and the films lead actress, Lesley Manville.
The invite came last minute as I was about to log off my computer and go for a hike instead. I love these last minute social surprises.
And then I get there. This is what cracks me up about LA, not only are the tickets free, but I am greeted with a complimentary bag of popcorn, a fountain drink of my choice and a free bottle of imported beer. Seriously.
I cozy up in my assigned seat in the theatre while the host introduces the film and the organizations behind the screening.
Then I sit back and allow myself to enjoy a film that, not only have I never seen the preview for, but also have no inkling whatsoever as to the storyline. Rare. Fun.
In essence, 'Another Year' tackles the issues of getting older, of life being kind to some and unkind to others, without preference.
Some people are stuck in one stage of life, while others have somehow functionally achieved each step along the way in an age appropriate manner.
Another Year.
I ran to the bathroom after the film was over and zoomed right past Mr. Broadbent and Ms. Manville, who were about to enter for the Q&A, before zooming right back.
Sorry. Blame the beer.
To say that the performances from the entire cast aren't spontaneously brilliant would be silly. It's a Mike Leigh film.
You can't not be present for it as an actor. The entire process is like concocting the most deliciously multi-layered 'acting-cake' you've ever made.
It's as organic as it gets.
During the Q&A, the interviewer asks Ms. Manville how she felt about 'not being pretty' on camera while playing her character.
And I loved her answer, "You know, only in this country is that an issue. In England this question never even comes up."
The entire audience applauded. Yes, thank you. Can we please put some of those old diatribes to rest?
Now, I normally do not go up to celebrity actors or even talk to them anywhere. I am adamant about giving everyone their privacy and space.
However, I couldn't help but run up to Jim Broadbent after the screening and ask him for a picture.
Hello?! Iris? Topsy Turvy? Moulin Rouge? Time Bandits?! He happily acquiesced to my request.
Afterwards I went to a birthday party at one of my favorite bar/hang outs here in Los Angeles to celebrate another year in the life of my friend and actress Amy Main.
Amy looks to me, a lot like a 14 year old Angelina Jolie. But no, she's not 14. I love it. From one end of the spectrum of life to another.
Happy Birthday Amy Main!
Another Year...Another BOOMTOWN!
(photos courtesy of the Los Angeles Times Envelope Series and Evan's Outliers)
Yours Truly -- Ann Hu
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