Tonight with our friend, Sharon, we attended a premiere screening of The Extra Man starring Kevin Kline and Paul Dano at The Belcourt Theatre in Nashville as part of the new Sundance Film Festival USA. The famous independent film festival started by Robert Redford decided to expand beyond the mountains of Utah this year and offer eight of their premiere films to be screened around the country at the same time. Nashville and The Belcourt were lucky enough to be chosen as one of those eight cities and one of those eight venues.
The tickets sold out fast and we felt privileged to get seats. The film was introduced by co-director, Shari Springer Berman and one of the producers. Ms. Berman's directing partner and life-partner, her husband, Robert Pulcini - who together won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance back in 2003 for American Splendor - wasn't able to attend due to commitments at the Sundance Festival itself where the film is also premiering.
The film was very enjoyable with quirky characters, an interesting story and lots of witty dialogue. The cast was superb with amazing performances turned in by screen veteran, Kline, at the top of his game and young Dano working very well with him. Shot in and around New York City, Berman and Pulcini's home, was also of great delight to us as we plan a return to The Big Apple next month. Questions were fielded after the screening as well and we learned interesting details on casting, adapting the screenplay from a beloved novel, and the nuances of shooting in some of New York City's famous and not so famous locations. We also found out that the filmmakers are currently in negotiations to have the film mass-distributed.
We feel very lucky to have such a cutting-edge theatre as The Belcourt nearby to offer such rare events as tonight's premiere. We will be back over there next Tuesday for another interesting wine, food and movie event as well. We are aiming for the Sundance Festival itself for next year.
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EPILOGUE:
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - We did return to The Belcourt tonight for their Wine, Food and Film event. Five nice wines were available for sample from Village Wines and there were heavy hors d'oeuvres furnished from Whole Foods Market. The screening was of "Big Night" - an excellent cooking- and food-oriented film from the late 90's with a great cast. We had a large group show up to join us including our friends Carolyn, Emily, Steve, Danny, Brenda and a new member to Ashlee's supper club meet-up group, Paige. Everyone had a great time. Thanks again, Belcourt, for yet another fun and unique evening.
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