I was blessed to be invited to The Screen Actors Guild screening at the Pacific Design Center (aka 'the Blue Whale') this past Friday night in L.A.
I watched some of the filming on location here in San Francisco, and even got to be an extra in "Over The Moon" and the riot... but none of that prepared me for the fabulousness of this brilliant film.
I am not prepared to review it, or spoil the surprises and thrill of seeing this movie for any of you. I will say that my mind was blown over and over again during this more than amazing realization of Jonathan's masterpiece on film.
Everything all the actors have been saying in their blogs on the SonyPictures website is true. What is 2 dimensional in the stage production is truly 3 dimensional and fleshed out and expanded on in the motion picture musical medium.
I will tell you that I was profoundly moved and needed to sit through the entire credits at the end, and have a bit of a 'time out' before I could leave the theater and join the reception/party that followed in the lobby.
The film was introduced by Joe Roth, Exectutive Director of Revolotion Studios. It was only the 3rd time the film has been screened.
Anthony, Adam, Wilson, Tracie and Rosario were in the audience and watched the movie, some for their 2nd, some for their 3rd times. Rosario's mom, Isabel was there too. So was Julie Larson, her first screening other than rough cuts, and her progeny, Matt and Dylan. Steven Chbosky was there as well.
The reception afterwards was lovely... many celebrities were there and were visibly moved, including the cast.
We were treated to a buffet of delectableness and had plenty of time to discuss, process, talk, visit and just be.
I couldn't possibly take it all in in one sitting, and I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT AGAIN! (probably many more times). The friends I went with, one had seen the show, one had not. Both have been touched by the epidemic. They both had similar responses to mine: they kept using the 'f' word: FABULOUS! It works very very well on film. I was so blown away, so pleasantly surprised, so moved, so entertained. There are so many stunning moments. I was so drawn into the details, the art direction, the scenic design, Chris's direction is great, I love his and Steve's screenplay, and Stephen Goldblatt's CINEMATOGRAPHY is so gorgeous..., and the cast all shine so brilliantly. The creative leaps the film takes over the stage play are enormous leaps, and I felt that they worked fabulously.
Don't PM me for 'more', I'm not comfortable 'spoiling' it for anyone. I'm sure you'll all see it anyway and 'discuss amongst yourselves'. And there's enough details out there already.
I am so excited for the world, people everywhere, to be able to experience the message of this film, it's so powerful.
Be very very very very excited, folks.
Updated On: 11/6/05 at 10:09 PM