by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent
Not to say that Steven Spielberg phoned it in last night, but the WEST SIDE STORY teller had to appear by video link at the 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) due to what Executive Director Roger Durling said was?
Hamaguchi spoke via video link with interviewer Scott Feinberg from The Hollywood Reporter, who conducted all the chats for the evening, to say that he was in quarantine for 14 days. He apologized profusely, name-checking each director, including Paul Thomas Anderson (PTA) and Kenneth Branagh, who did make the event in person. So welcome to the big nights of SBIFF in its 37th year, with this hybrid live and virtual event.
PTA warmed up the crowd with his San Fernando Valley signature humor, saying his friend Gary Goeztman inspired his Oscar-nominated film LICORICE PIZZA with “he’s the kind of friend who will say, ‘did I tell you about the time I murdered somebody?'” To crowd laughter, PTA dialed down some of the elements of being a director in general. “Acting is kind of bullshit,” the There Will Be Blood helmer joked.
Kenneth Branagh said he was that kid watching British film Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang in Belfast, Northern Ireland when the street flash grenade went off during the troubles. “I was so young,” BELFAST’s director explained, while praising his cast members to a person.
He added that even Dame Judi Dench said “I love that man,” about “soulful” Ciarán Hinds after a take.
Before you hear the recap of Spielberg saying “my wife Kate Capshaw got me through this” to finish WEST SIDE STORY? There is a funny Spielberg joke on the interwebs as: “Who is married to Steven Spielberg and can identify all the crosswalks?” Kate Capcha… Get it?
Okay, well Steven Spielberg has done so many speeches about his opus WEST SIDE STORY, no wonder he showed up from home… but he did say “No, I don’t see myself ever doing another musical.” Full Stop.
In homage to Spielberg “pre-recorded” after the promise to patrons of SBIFF for the in-person treatment, we have some Tweet shortcut coverage of the event, also a digital cheat, lol.
Tonight is Kristen Stewart, who will show up, and we will resume normal coverage folks. 😉
Visit SBIFF, which continues through March 21, for more details or in-person tickets here.
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