The Last Temptation of JC

More of the London Film Festival...

Yesterday I did something I don't normally at Festivals, I went to watch a film I knew was coming out soon. I think nothing else was on that i wanted to watch. So I got a ticket to go watch Grace is Gone starring John Cusack. I like Cusack in his downbeat everyman roles. As I was approaching the Odeon I saw a crown built up and as i got closer, saw a red carpet and bouncers. I went and said i had a ticket. As I walked across the red carpet i felt eyes staring me down. I was tempted to do the moonwalk and be on the cover of tomorrows Metro, but my sensibilities got the better of me. I asked who was coming and they said John Cusack. I got my seat and we waited for John and the debut director (and writer) James C Strouse. After the presentation, film and after questions I was walking out and John Cusack was walking about the same pace and ended up at the exit the same time as me so I was a few feet away from him, basically within spitting distance. I was tempted, but i didn't. He's very tall, I would say about 6' 3'. On stage he looked like a white Michael Jordon. On exit I could hear a man calling,
"John! John! JOHN!"

John ignored him and probably got in his car. I ignored him too, but that's more to do with because my names not John. But I would have ignored him too if even my name was John.

Briefly looking back at my brief red carpet entrance and exit I find the whole celebrity/star thing all so strange. I saw John Cusack leaving the theatre like us all but with people staring at him and wanting to catch up with him. So weird. I'd hate that. Most celebrities probably think it's wired that one has to step onto a red carpet to reach the theatre, like the pavement wasn't good enough. I have to admit though, walking onto carpet outside was comfortable, for about 5 steps.

I left the film Frozen today after 45 mins. Gratuitous cinematography, amateur performances (contrived), clumsy narration... i could go on. This film got good reviews too. But I walked out and ended up having a nice chat with one of the staff members who happened to be a cute French girl. I was tempted.

After dropping my DVD rentals I went across Lodnon again to The Tricycle Cinema in Kilburn. They said they couldn't give me a comp. ticket on the weekend. I was hot a sweaty. It wasn't sold out either and it was starting in 5 mins. I left the desk thinking I should chance trying to get one. So I went back telling the man I already watching something today and showed him my ticket. He ended up giving me a comp. ticket... So I went to see Saviour's Square which was a great Polish domestic drama. Although tragic, it hardly brought any tears to the eyes. The temptation was there, but i don't think i was supposed to.

- J