Elizabethtown director Cameron Crowe and stars Kirsten Dunst and Orlando Bloom at the Venice Film Festival
Brokeback Mountain
Attended by Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Ang Lee and James Schamus
On different roles and why accept them, Heath Ledger found the script of Brokeback Mountain a beautiful representation and refreshing take on love, as well as an unusual opportunity as an actor.
Jake Gyllenhaal read the script years ago, but only signed up once Ang Lee was involved, because he knew that the Taiwanese director's primary focus would be love, rather than sexuality.
Note to myself: try and research subject beforehand. One foreign journalist asked why the story took place over a certain time period. The script was, in fact, based on a short story so the parameters were already set.
Ledger is a very private person. He doesn't give much away (he doesn't give anything away). Gyllenhaal, on the other hand, expressed a dry sense of humour, especially when asked what his mother had given him and his sister (actress Maggie) when they were kids to explain such prodigious talent. "They are red tablets," he replied with a smirk. "We used to take them once a day".
Ledger said working with Lee was a wonderful experience and that all the cast felt isolated (is that a contradiction in terms? Ed) and had individual experiences with the director. He would give poetic, profound advice to the actors on how they should walk, talk and breathe.
It was a tough shoot, Ledger said, and he felt very lonely. Gyllenhaal said that Lee treated both them and their characters sensitively.
Is lonely good? Is sensitive better? How did they get on with each other, the Australian and the American? They didn't say. Press conferences are presentations, not confessionals. Unfortunarely.
Casanova Press Conference
Attended by Lasse Hallstrom, Heath Ledger, Sienna Millar, Jeremy Irons, Oliver Platt and Lena Olin.
The director Lasse Hallstrom revealed that, though he had seen Fellini's Casanova, he wanted to do his own thing. This version is a romp.
Sex as comedy? Isn't it always?
Hallstrom expressed delight in his cast's impeccable comedic timing. Directors tend to say stuff like this. It makes actors feel less insecure.
On the subject of filming in Venice, he said that everyone found it inspirational and that it was shot entirely on location. Ledger added it was like making a movie in a museum.
He was a little more talkative this time and admitted that coming off Brokeback Mountain into Casanova was like a working holiday. When asked if he possessed similarities to The Great Seducer, he replied, smiling, that only when it came to an appreciation of love - not the numbers! (Note: Cas was addicted to sexual conquest, in the way that rabbits are addicted to making baby rabbits)
The production had been granted an all access pass to the city. The festival scene, for instance, was shot in St Marks Square, where nobody - not even Nicolas Roeg with Don't Look Now - previously had filmed there.
Ledger did most of his own stunts- sword fighting, horse riding, manly pursuits - but has no desire to take it up as a profession. When asked about having three films at the festival, he said that he was honoured and it was a coincidence and he wanted to represent all three properly (someone has been coaching him in the art of saying nothing with conviction - only actors and Ronald Reagan can pull it off)
Finally, Sienna Millar was asked if she had met any real life Casanovas. She said, yes and hoped to meet a few more (not in that room). She looked stunning and happy to be there.
Move over Jude!
Brothers Grimm press conference
Attended by Terry Gilliam, Matt Damon, Lena Headley, Heath Ledger, Monica Bellucci and Chuck Roven
Terry Gilliam came out to a rousing reception. Generally, everyone was well received by the press. Perhaps journos are flattered that stars can be bothered to talk to them and like to show their appreciation.
Heath Ledger said that playing one of the brothers was a lot of fun. (Come on! You can do better than that, Heath)
Gilliam got quite animated when asked about reviewers mentioning Matt Damon's wig. It was actually his own hair and the director seemed very keen to make this clear. No one asked why it bothered him so much.
Damon and Ledger said that Gilliam was the main reason they agreed to be on the project. (Already, there is the whiff of suck-up in the air) Originally, they were set to play opposite roles, but switched, much to the director's delight. Damon added that working with Gilliam required no sales pitch (it requires anecdotal evidence, or, at least, a tale or two - not forthcoming)
Lesson learned when dealing with foreign actors: I forgot to pick up the translator headset so when a member of the Italian media asked a question to Monica Pellucid I had no idea what was said and completely clueless when it came to her response. (Good point. Tell us what Monica was wearing. Ed)
It was great to hear from Gilliam - it's been a while. He hates the term "genre." His movies contain a bit of everything, he said. He felt the fairytales were about people, not the size of monsters. Details should make the world more real, giving it meaning. (Help!)
He was asked about critics and the mixed reviews the film has received. He said he encouraged good and bad reviews, but hated mediocre ones. He appreciated that everyone had the right to an opinion, but added some people are wrong.
He makes films to inspire and asks the audience to use its imagination and make up its own mind. He loves the thought that children enjoy his films, as they never lose their capacity to dream.
Elizabethtown press conference
Attended by Cameron Crowe, Orland Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon and Paula Wagner.
Elizabethtown director Cameron Crowe was insightful and intelligent, a real joy to listen to and, in my opinion, the most interesting guy so far in the mellow land of press conferencage. (Note: Orlando Bloom is incredibly short).
Susan Sarandon looked elegant and every inch a Hollywood movie star. Kirsten Dunst had an irresistible charm and bubbly personality. I'm sure there is a lot of her in Claire, the character she plays in the film
Crowe said Bloom's character goes on a journey, where he discovers the importance of his relationship with his family, and seeing Claire at the end is the completion (of what? Ed). He said that music inspired the actors and helped them understand the heart and soul of Elizabethtown. Visuals are the expression, while music is a way of telling the story.
Bloom said working with Crowe was liberating; it would be difficult to choose another project without the director attached. He added that Crowe had a joyful sense of irreverence and, between takes, used music as a directorial tool to set the mood. Dunst felt the script was written like a beautiful piece of music, communicating the story to her. (Oops! Something saccharine this way walks)
Crowe has a fantastic perception on life, stating that people are judged by how successful they are and tragedy is bigger than failure. The journey Bloom's character takes helps him become a complete person and he learns to be truly alive (note: is worthiness harmful when taken in massive does?). Dealing with death makes you cope better with the living.
Bloom said the director had a beautiful vision and has his finger firmly on the pulse of Middle America. The movie was shot in Kentucky, where the cast felt apart from the community. Never one to sit on his knuckles, Orlando B went to local cafes and gas stations, immersing himself in local lore (and petrol) to help with his research.
Throughout the press conference, he struggled with his headset and it became apparent that he didn't want to mess up his newly slicked hair and ponytail. (Note: appearance is seven tenth of the man).
The Venice Film Festival runs until 10 September
