A Night with Hitch at the Egyptian Theater

I'm quickly coming to the conclusion that one of the greatest things about living in Los Angeles is the access to early release movies. Not so long ago we turned down the chance to see an early screening of a John Travolta/Robert De Niro movie. But only because we just sat through the two hours that was Argo, and we wanted to get our drink on somewhere, anywhere, quick! Argo was fabulous by the way. Bravo, Ben Affleck - not only has he become a great director, but his acting has improved immensely.

Just before leaving for the event.

Thankfully for me, Ryan is a news hound and is up-to-date on all the behind the scenes goings on in this fabulous place they call tinsel town. He managed to find and procure tickets to an advanced screening of the movie Hitchcock. The movie was to be followed by some Q&A with the director Sacha Gervasi, and then a screening of the original Psycho.

The event appeared to be a success. It was sold out. And from the nearby bar Maui & Sons I drank a diet soda, Ryan a beer and we tried for the first time ever fried Twinkies. They were sicky sweet and definitely delicious, but perhaps not the kind of thing I could eat too often.

Well it may look a little gross, but was truly deep fried goodness.

From a table inside the bar we watched for our chance to jump in line, and happened to make it with plenty of time.

Technology failed us again when one of the ushers was unable to scan the bar code on Ryan's iPhone from his online ticket purchase. So a small detour to the ticket booth with our confirmation number and we were back in business. We chose some fairly sweet seats and sat back waiting for the show to start.

It didn't take long for the theater to fill up, and people who had showed up later were desperately looking for the best seats left to choose from. A young man in the row in front of us was holding three seats for what turned out to be his imaginary friends. He turned down many people hoping to sit there. To me I thought with a theater full of people it would be highly unlikely these decent seats wouldn't already be spoken for. What was really entertaining was how off-put and downright nasty some of these last minute Annies were when the kid told her there were people sitting there. Some of the people inquiring would ask him two and three times, and then repeat his answer, roll their eyes and take off. I was certain a lynch mob was about to form, and I'm certain if any of them found out none of his three friends showed up they would have tore him limb from limb.

Other things worth watching (or looking at) was the ceiling, which had some sort of art deco/Egyptian theme. Pictured was a beetle with swans on either side of it and snakes too. Quite taking to say the least

Above us was a balcony, where I'm sure you could get another close-up view of the ceiling. See how it's wood, and carved, and painted with all those metallic deep colors. 

The movie Hitchcock was outstanding. I have not read the book that inspired the screenplay, but the author Stephen Rebello was there for Q&A along with the costume designer and director. 

The book that started it all.

According to their discussion, the screenplay could have taken on many lives and been told in different ways. This project had been in the works for a long time, but the author of the story said he was adamant that something solid like the love and relationship between Alfred and Alma Hitchcock be the crux of the story in terms of the film. This was exactly what the film focused on and it worked beautifully.

You could tell Rebello was very passionate about this movie project. When he first started talking he nearly broke down in tears. I could only imagine what all of this meant to him. I could only imagine how fantastic it was to see a movie house full of people waiting to see something you originally gave life to.

Another neat thing to note is Rebello hails from Somerset, MA. A fellow New Englander :)

It should go without saying that Anthony Hopkins was exceptional. As was Helen Mirren, and it was wonderful to see Toni Collette in the movie too. There was drama, and laughs, suspense, and even a bit of horror too. 

What I found appealing about this film was the passion. When you think of Alfred Hitchcock you just think of the successes. That's what I think of anyway. I never before thought in terms of all the gambles and sacrifices he had to make. Good for him. The story was a fabulous reinforcement to old adages like - you're never to old, follow your heart, and never give up.