Do you know what I miss at the Virginia Film Festival?
Popcorn.
By the end of Day 3, I have seen seven films and been to five discussions but I have yet to have one kernel of true corn.
In the old days, like last week, I never would have imagined sitting down in a theater without my favorite butter covered treat ... but no food is allowed in the Paramount Theater. So this weekend my treats have been up on the stage and not in the form of greasy calories.
Saturday, my symposium class—you really need to check this out next year—has a special treat. We got to sit in on an actor’s forum. John Turturro, who came to town to showcase his latest film, “Romance and Cigarettes,” met with Richard Warner’s drama students at the University of Virginia’s intimate Helms Theater. We got to go too.
Dressed in jeans, a blue button down shirt and blue pinstriped jacket (I loved his red glasses), the actor who has appeared in more than 70 films sat down and answered students questions for about an hour and half. He was very forthcoming, sharing his stories from how a broken hand had ended his hoop dreams to working with the likes of Spike Lee and the Coen Brothers.
Earlier in the morning, the symposium classmates also had the opportunity to meet with new producer Perrin Chiles. (Again, you must, must, must watch his “Autism: The Musical” when it comes out in April on HBO.) Some of “making it” in the industry, he said, is indeed “who you know.” He encouraged the students to tap into those UVa alums already working in L.A. He even shared his email with a handful of students who stuck around after class.
As for the hit off the day:
Heck with that. The hit of the festival has to be “Romance and Cigarettes.”
I don’t believe I have had so much fun watching Susan Sarandon dance and sing since “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Director Turturro filled the screen with stars, wit and twists. I haven’t laughed that much at any film this year.
Heck, who needs popcorn.