Well, I'm back from the Q&A on "Taking Woodstock" with Ang Lee & James Schamus.
I got there almost 2 1/2 hours early. There were 4 other people on line already. I was told to stand in line, and if I wanted to buy the book, that would ensure me premium seating in the room. I was there, Oscar Consideration book in hand. I had it signed by Diana Ossana in L.A., and I was determined to get it signed by Ang & James.
After about an hour, the line had grown and two announcements were made. The first was that they were about to open the register to buy the book.
The second was that Ang and James had a later appointment. As a result, only books purchased today would be signed. No other books, DVDs, or memoribilia.
SHIT!
I bought my book, and entered the room. I was able to get a seat front and center.
Ang and James were personable, funny, and informative. They talked about the movie, the struggles they had, and some funny stories along the way.
Three bits of info:
Ang found out about "Taking Woodstock" when he was out promoting "Lust, Caution". The author of the book was on the same show as he, and he chatted up Ang, and gave him the book. He decided to option the book for a movie.
The funniest story James told: When showing the film at previews he had hoped they "nailed it" (the experience). After a showing, James was approached by a viewer who had attended Woodstock. This was the convo:
Fan: That movie was incredible!
James: Thank you!
Fan: You almost nailed it! There was just one thing missing.
James: Really? What?
Fan: I can't say.....
James: Tell me, I won't be offended.
Fan: The stentch! Man.....after 3 days, I reeked, my girlfriend reeked, the latrines reeked.....the stentch!
The funniest story that Ang had to say was in response to a question from the audience:
Q: "Woodstock happened when you were 13, and in Taiwan. Of course there was a lot of drug use during that show...and I was wondering if you needed to do anything "special" to prepare for shooting.
(audience laughter)
A: "Well, I had thought about that.....and thought it wouldn't hurt... and decided against it. Then my sons who are 25 and 19 told me 'you know dad....a lot of drugs were used....it couldn't hurt...ya know." and then my wife came to me and said the same thing, and I looked at them and said "Hey.....I didn't need a sex change to do the women's films I've done, I don't need to do that for a film on Woodstock."
When it came time for the signing, I wanted to make an impression, but without being able to really talk to them, or show my Oscar book, I wasn't sure how to do it. Then an idea hit. I took off my button down, and walked up in my black t-shirt. When James was signing my book, he looked at me and smiled. I pulled my sleeve up to reveal my cowboy hats tattoo, and said "Brokeback got me good."
His eyes popped, and he said "Oh Wow. Ang....you have to see his tattoo!" Ang turned and looked at the tat and was surprised, and then signed my book.
So I either became a dedicated fan, or a psycho fan.
I manged a few pics with my cell phone...not the best....but....
Topic: Cellar Scribblings (Read 8889962 times)