Ever wondered what it's like to run the leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to showcasing emerging talent? Well, read on and find out! (And be sure to catch up on Ian's other nights out if you missed them!)

I'm not very star struck, but I have to say, despite a spate of pretty poor film choices in mid-career (Waterworld, 3000 Miles to Graceland, Message in a Bottle), I have been a fan of Kevin Costner since he starred in No Way Out in 1987. So, I was excited when I was invited to a cocktail reception and intimate screening of his new film Mr. Brooks, hosted by Kevin himself. As it was so small, I didn't expect a media frenzy at the door, but I was wrong...when my girlfriend and I arrived we found ourselves behind Kyle MacLachlan (Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City), walking a gauntlet of 40 photographers in a small side room leading to the lounge area.

We waited until Kyle finished his photos (it seemed very appropriate that he was there, as his big breakthrough film was released the year before Kevin's in 1986—Blue Velvet) and then walked the line. Just as we were turning the corner to walk out of the press room, out popped Kevin, bumping right into my girlfriend. Off went tons of flashes...whoops! Apparently, she locked eyes with him in that moment of confusion, and all the charm he has conveyed in his films came at her full force. That's star power, baby.

After squeezing by Mr. Costner, and downing a few glasses of wine at the reception, we headed into the screening room. Soon thereafter, in bounded Kevin. He was sporting a mini-goatee, but otherwise looked like the rugged, handsome guy from films like Bull Durham, and more recently The Upside of Anger and Rumor Has It. He spoke earnestly about how he was proud of his new film, and warned us that it was not the mainstream, happy-go-lucky fair that his fans are used to. He also joked that he was uncertain if he should be passing up the potential ticket sales from the 100 of us that were there. Sitting there, only 15 feel away, it felt like we were in his living room and he was showing us a new project and wanted our feedback. There was no fake glamor, no motorcycle ride into the theater. He was the anti-Cruise...and that's why I've always liked him.

He plopped down in the seat two rows directly behind me, the lights dimmed and he watched the film from start to finish with the rest of us (this is not common; actors usually duck out right after the film starts). I'm sure it was not Kevin's first take on the film, but he was probably very interested to see our reactions. Many A-listers would just wait to see polling data or read reviews; he wanted to witness it firsthand. And there were visible reactions...to say the least.

- Ian Gerard

RANDOM TANGENT:

Similar Topics:film, Kevin Costner, My Life As a CEO

comments (0) : Send to a Friend : Subscribe

:  digg this :  del.icio.us! :