The SB Post
Film Fest: Day 4
Posted On: Monday, Jan 31, 2011 10:53 AM
Sunday night’s main event turned the focus behind the camera with SBIFF presenting their highest honor, the Modern Master Award, to Director Christopher Nolan. While there were plenty of whispers about the dashing leading man presenting the award (yes – it was Leonardo DiCaprio, and yes – he is even more handsome in person), Nolan took the audience behind the scenes of his relatively short but astronomically successful directing career.
SCREENED: Film Critic Pete Hammond introduced Nolan with a stunning highlight reel including all of his seven films produced in 11 short years. His first project, The Following, was shot with a $6,000 budget on the weekends, yielding about five minutes of finished film each week.
“We could get the entire cast and crew and the equipment in one taxi,” Nolan jested about the reasoning behind filming the picture in black and white to cut the cost of a lighting package.
It didn’t take long for Nolan’s star to rise; his next project, Momento, put him on the indy map, and he has since directed Insomnia, Batman Begins and The Prestige, The Dark Knight and Inception. Surround by all this high-octane action, Hammond asked Nolan if he’d like to slow down and just do a “rom-com” with Jennifer Aniston, to which Nolan emphatically replied, “No.”
More action is in Nolan’s immediate future with his next two films being Superman: Man of Steel and The Dark Knight Rises, the latter of which he’ll start shooting in 12 weeks.
SAVORED: Just around the block from The Arlington, we tried out Ca’Dario’s special Film Feast prix fixe menu, which offers a choice of a salad/antipasta starter and choice of a pasta main course, and includes a glass of wine and a coffee pick-me-up. Highlighting new menu items, the Film Feast special wowed us with the fava bean salad (with Italian salami and pecorino cheese) and the Panzerotti al Sugo di Noci (butternut squash ravioli with walnut pesto sauce). We left satisfied and slightly caffeinated, and strolled around the block to the main event. Quick tip - get a seat in the front room where the vibe is more lively.
SPOTTED: While Nolan provided a wonderfully insightful discourse on his very deserving status as a “modern master,” it seemed as though most people in attendance were there to see Leonardo DiCaprio. Disappointingly, Leo didn’t walk the red carpet and only posed for a few pictures right after presenting the award. However, a glimpse proved to be enough for most of the oohing-and-ahhing fans. Sporting a devilishly handsome suit and slicked back hair, Leo’s star-power was palpable. After a few moment of basking in Leo’s glow, I left the theater beaming.
Film Fest: Day 3
Posted On: Sunday, Jan 30, 2011 2:42 AM
Today was one for the Francophiles. James Franco-philes. As with every day of the jam-packed SBIFF line-up, there was so much more for film lovers to see, savor and swoon over than Oscar-nominated actors. But I won't lie, spending two hours with James Franco was the highlight of an all around scrumptious day.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
SCREENED: I attended the "Women in the Biz" panel, which featured Darla Anderson (Producer, Toy Story 2), Colleen Atwood (Costume Designer, Alice in Wonderland), Gloria Borders (Digital Domain, Tron), Lesley Chilcott (Producer, Waiting for Superman) and Alix Madigan (Producer, Winter's Bone). While the women represented a variety of roles in the film industry and their impressive credits were as varied as could be in terms of genres (documentary, animation, action, indie, surreal), they all had intelligence and eloquence in common. They shared their insights, opinions and experiences in an engaging dialogue moderated by Madelyn Hammond. The "Outstanding Performance of the Year" tribute to James Franco got top billing in my SBIFF line-up this year so it was a big night. The experience was worthy of a headlining act and exceeded expectations. Leonard Maltin guided the "Inside the Actors Studio"-style interview with Franco, but it was Franco's every word we were hanging on. Not only is he a talented actor and all around smarty pants (higher education fiend, it seems!), JF has charisma in spades. I haven't seen 127 Hours yet, but he's got my vote in the Oscar race if anyone is counting!
SAVORED: It was a gluttonous Saturday in many ways (thank goodness I squeezed an early A.M. yoga class in!). First stop was brunch at Paradise Café, soaking up the sun on the patio which was packed with fellow SBIFF-ers and farmers' market shoppers. We had a bit of time to pass between omelettes and the Women in the Biz panel at the Lobero, so we stopped by the Margerum Wine Company tasting room en route to taste test their "Film Sips" deal. All systems go on the Syrah. Fast forward to the next fueling station: dinner at Seagrass Restaurant. We had just enough time for the 2-course Film Feast. I ordered the Organic Beet Salad and House-Made Spaghetti, which was super light with garlic, lemon zest and parsley. Yummy, and the perfect portion sizes to prevent a food coma that might interfere with the main event. In the spirit of taste testing, at the Chopin Lounge I had to try their new Rye vodka to see what the buzz was all about, so I went purist style and sipped on a traditional martini with olives while we waited for James Franco to arrive.
SPOTTED: I spotted Gloria Borders, one of the Women in the Biz panelists, enjoying dinner at Seagrass. Seth Rogen was in the theatre to present James Franco with his award at the end of the tribute program. Rogen and Franco go way back to the early days of both of their careers in "Freaks & Geeks," but most people know the duo as costars in Pineapple Express. Rogen was sitting just a few seats away from me and it was impossible not to recognize his laugh throughout the Maltin-Franco conversation. He commented that he enjoyed watching his friend Franco squirm on stage throughout the tribute. Of his many entertaining insights, he said he should be hosting the Oscars with James. After seeing their chemistry and banter firsthand, I think that's a brilliant idea (no offense Anne Hathaway!). Maybe next year!
Film Fest: Day 2
Posted On: Saturday, Jan 29, 2011 10:35 AM
The lights, the cameras, the red carpet action! Day two carried over the frothy excitement of the Film Fest’s Opening Night with the American Riviera Award presented to Annette Bening at the Arlington Theatre. While the streets were packed with eagerly awaiting fans, and the press corral was crowded with media vying for a quick moment of Bening’s attention, the entire event seemed wonderfully intimate.
SCREENED: Inside the crowded house, Bening was honored with American Riviera Award for her breadth of work and undeniable impact on American cinema. She joined an illustrious list of past recipients including Sandra Bullock (2010), Mickey Rourke (2009) and many more. Between highlight reels and clips of Bening's most impressive roles, Film Festival Executive Director Roger Durling got Bening talking about her career beginings, transitioning between the stage and the silver screen, and her fourth Oscar nomination for The Kids Are Alright.
Charming, articulate and generously talkative, Bening bestowed several gems of acting insight upon the captivated crowd.
“The most important part is the shoes,” she said in all seriousness when asked about her ability to morph her movements and mannerisms for different roles.
SAVORED: Chopin Vodka unveiled their "Chopin Red" rye vodka, and owner Tad Dorda was in attendance to give Santa Barbara film goers the public's first taste. Behind the velvet rope in the Chopin Lounge, Platinum Passholders sipped specialty cocktails including the apparent crowd-favorite "Red Carpet Martini" (Chopin Red, cranberry juice, club soda, garnished with an orange twist).
SPOTTED: Of course, the luminous Annette Bening commanded the red carpet. Her debonair husband Warren Beatty was at her side (and got his share of shout-outs in Bening’s Q&A). Also in attendance was Lisa Cholodenko, director of The Kids Are Alright, and perpetually suave Kevin Costner presented the American Riviera Award to Bening.
Film Fest: Day 1
Posted On: Friday, Jan 28, 2011 11:53 AM
Welcome to our special Santa Barbara International Film Festival blog series! 11 days/nights. More than 175 films screening at theatres all over downtown. Numerous celebrity tributes and panel discussions, plus the occasional party. Film Feast prix fixe dinners at 30+ restaurants. Celebrity sightings likely. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. My colleague Alex and I are dividing and conquering to bring you a daily snapshot of what we screened and savored and who and/or what we spotted while festing and feasting here on the gloriously sunny American Riviera. (Fingers crossed this weather holds for the entire fest!)
DAY 1: Opening night, Thursday, January 27.
SCREENED: The U.S. premiere of Sarah's Key at the Arlington Theatre. The French film is based on the best-selling book of the same name and stars Kristin Scott Thomas. The director, Gilles Paquet-Brenner, took the stage to introduce his film, and said his wife and best friend also traveled here to share this monumental "Hollywood" experience with him.
Background on the film from the press release: "The film beautifully interweaves two seemingly different stories, illustrating a remarkable connection between the past and present. The first story is that of Sarah, a ten year old Jewish girl living in Paris during World War II. The second story follows Julia (Kristin Scott Thomas), an American journalist living in modern day Paris with her French husband assigned to write a story on the Vel'd'Hiv roundup of 1942, and upon investigation discovers she has a personal connection. The film takes an emotional look into a historical event long hidden, but now sure to never be forgotten."
I concur. It was an elegant, heart wrenching film. Tears were shed. As we were streaming out of the theatre, I overheard consistently positive chatter about the film from my fellow audience members. Excellent choice to open this year's Fest, Roger!
SAVORED: My premiere Film Feast meal was savored at Olio e Limone. Our reservation was booked for 6pm, to give us plenty of time to leisurely enjoy their "Feature" 3-course menu before the 8pm film event. Olio is about half a block from the Arlington Theatre, so it's ideally situated for Film Fest-goers, which explains why the restaurant was so busy. There are 5-6 options to choose from for each course on Olio's special Film Feast menu, which include 2-course "Short," 3-course "Feature" and 4-course "Epic" options. I had the Timballo di Melanzane (eggplant soufflé with goat cheese center and warm tomato-basil sauce) to start, the Risotto al'Limone e Gamberetti (risotto with shrimp, asparagus, lemon and chives) minus the shrimp for my main and everyone at the table chose the Bauletto di Cioccolato e Banana (chocolate banana bread pudding) for dessert. Everything was delicious and the divine dolci made for a decadent finish! Our server took the initiative to ask us if we were going to the show and helpfully kept us on schedule, so we were out the door by 7:55pm. And thanks to the restaurant's close proximity to our next destination and our Platinum Passes, we didn't have to wait in line and scored great seats at the front of the theatre!
SPOTTED: Kelly Slater was the star arrival who generated the most buzz on the red carpet, according to Hollywood Insider Maxine (a.k.a. @VanityGirl), my new friend from JetSetExtra who is in town covering the fest. The handsome, world-famous surfer is a part time Santa Barbara resident. I was too focused on getting a seat to star gaze myself -- there was a line down the street with people who were turned away when the theatre reached capacity! People were sitting on the floor, that's how crowded it got -- but don't tell the Fire Marshal! Since the film let out about 10pm, I skipped the gala following the film in favor of beauty sleep...after all, I've got a date with James Franco Saturday!
Charles Garabedian: A Retrospective
Posted On: Friday, Jan 21, 2011 5:12 PM
I just came from a sneak preview of the Charles Garabedian: A Retrospective exhibition at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, which opens tomorrow and will be on view through April 17. It was an absolute delight to have the artist himself onsite to guide us through his works that SBMA Curator of Contemporary Art, Julie Joyce, selected for the exhibition. "Chas," as Ms. Joyce referred to Mr. Garabedian, shared insights - often humorous and self-deprecating - on the subject matter of the paintings, his process and inspirations.
I'm not an art expert or critic and my words wouldn't do the artist justice, so the point of this post is to urge you to go SEE the exhibition for yourself! Why? You'll be moved. Here's the official scoop from the eloquent experts at SBMA who shed light on why Charles Garabedian is an artist we should all be familiar with:
This exhibition represents the first important museum presentation and catalog in 28 years devoted to the art of Charles Garabedian. Bringing together approximately 60 works created by the artist, the exhibition represents his entire career with an emphasis on paintings and drawings produced during the years since his first (and last) major solo museum exhibitions in 1983. With a career that spans nearly 50 years, Garabedian explores themes of war, music, the body, dismemberment, heroism, comic pretension, love, and death-all conveyed with a sense of immediacy, intimacy, and poignancy. Underlying the work is the artist's own elegiac confrontation with the joys and struggles that pervade our daily lives.
Each painting or drawing creates its own world yet also reflects the turbulent times in which it was made. Garabedian's accomplishments and influence among artists on the West Coast in the last 30 years have been substantial. His persistently individual exploration of figure, landscape and subject matter paved the way for new generations of artists who demonstrated a renewed focus on imaginative representations of the figure.
The exhibition is spread out among four galleries, grouped chronologically, making it easy to digest and interesting to see how his style evolves while common threads carry throughout. Mr. Garabedian explained that the three most important things to him when painting are "the primal, archetypal and monumental." I was amused by a quote from him on the description accompanying the The Philosopher, explaining why the figure is missing his left arm: "Philosophers think and talk a lot but the world happens with or without them."
Go spend some time in the world as seen through the eyes and paintbrush of Charles Garabedian. Santa Barbara Museum of Art is open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm. You can take your own virtual behind the scenes tour on the museum's blog. Better yet, hear from the artist in person at panel discussions to be held Jan. 23 and Feb. 24 as part of the well-rounded related programming surrounding the exhibition. Two films selected by Mr. Garabedian will screen at SBMA during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Clash of the Titans (1981) and The Wild Bunch (1969).
IMAGE CREDIT: Charles Garabedian, September Song, 2001-04. Acrylic on canvas. Collection of the Artist, Courtesy of L.A. Louver, Venice, CA.
The Hipsters’ Guide to Santa Barbara
Posted On: Friday, Jan 14, 2011 3:32 PM
I've been sitting in focus groups all week, hearing how people view Santa Barbara and why they visit. Not once did anyone say because "Santa Barbara is cool." There were references aplenty to countless positive traits and SB's down-to-earth vibe, but it was clear that there is definitely a misperception that Santa Barbara is a one-dimensional, polished, upscale resort destination that generally attracts an older crowd. I beg to differ! I think residents and visitors in the 25-35 age range would agree that there is indeed a "cool" side. You've just got to know where to go.
So let's remedy that! For the record, the term "hipster" is not meant to have the negative connotation it often implies. I just don't know another label for this demographic/psychographic, which BTW absolutely includes people over 35, too! I'm thinking of the young at heart, people interested in art, music and pop culture. Stylish and tech-savvy, creative-minded and free-spirited. You get the idea. If this is you, here's where you can find your people and what's "cool" in Santa Barbara. (Skinny jeans optional.)
Stay
The Presidio Motel and its sister property Agave Inn are affordable, fun and effortlessly hip. They provide complimentary beach cruisers and Presidio keeps complimentary beers on ice in the afternoon on their sun patio. If you like classic Americana, book a room at the original Motel 6 down by East Beach. It was the first of the chain's properties to debut their new colorful, modern "Phoenix"-style remodeled rooms. And if you're looking to splurge on your stay, Canary Hotel is a full-service boutique property in the heart of downtown with a vibrant atmosphere and lively bar scene. They do bikes, too, and are equipped to recharge your electric car before you leave town.
Do
The downtown wineries on The Urban Wine Trail present an untraditional wine tasting experience and host great parties and special events. Many of our region's younger winemakers have tasting rooms on the UWT, including creative masterminds like Dave Potter (Municipal Winemakers) and Christian Garvin (Oreana Winery), who quite adeptly put their own unique spin on the wine biz. These wineries are located primarily in The Funk Zone and SoCo neighborhoods, both hubs of independent galleries, shops and eateries.
Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum, the cultivator of Santa Barbara's contemporary arts scene, always has something interesting and cutting-edge on exhibit. Plus, they throw killer evening events. For your radar this spring/summer: Eating Apples in Paradise, The Home Show Revisited and Michele O'Marah: Video Portraits. Ask their staff for recommendations on other galleries to hit in town.
Our live music line-up runs the gamut from local bands to internationally-revered artists. What stands out about catching a show in SB is the intimacy of the venues, whether you're seeing Cat Power at SOhO, Justin Townes Earle at the Lobero or Radiohead at the Santa Barbara Bowl. Local promoters like New Noise SB and Club Mercy bring in the indie and emerging acts, along with some major stars and surprises. Refer to our weekly arts & entertainment paper, The Independent, to find out what's on stages big and small.
Shop
Browse and buy at Left Coast Books, a new art bookstore and gallery in Goleta open Wednesday-Saturday. Peruse the literature at cozy Chaucer's Bookstore, our last-man-standing independent bookseller (there are also a few superb used book stores in town). Music fiends can get their fix at Just Play Music and Warbler Records & Goods. The latter has more than music to browse, with handmade house wares, jewelry and more on display for sale. The Supply Room at Presidio Motel also carries an eclectic and well-curated collection of fashionable goods, from clothing and shoes to artwork and accessories. The selection of clothing and shoes at women's boutique DIANI is dangerously good and the shopgirls are refreshingly friendly and honest. Budget-conscious shoppers will get more bang for their buck at consignment shops like The Closet and Crossroads Trading Co. Men will do best at Bryan Lee, which carries lines like J. Lindeberg and Earnest Sewn.
F&B
Good food translates across all demographics and we've got that in spades, so I won't attempt to even narrow dining options down to a short list for you hipsters. But in the spirit of supporting youthful entrepreneurs, I will venture to say that Julienne is phenomenal and run by a young couple in their 20's! For nightlife, check out our Santa Barbara After Dark post, which gives a pretty comprehensive overview of things to do and places to go once the sun goes down.
Blue Owl at Zen Yai
Posted On: Friday, Jan 7, 2011 11:33 AM
Nightlife revelers can get their gourmet fix late night and into the wee hours of the morning thanks to chef Cindy Black who operates The Blue Owl at Zen Yai Thursday through Saturday nights. The Asian-influenced "city food" is served 11:30pm-2:30am out of the Thai restaurant space at 425 State Street, in the heart of Santa Barbara's downtown nightlife scene. The short-but-sweet menu has five options, including a Thai Basil Cheese Burger, Red Curry Shrimp Roll and Fried Egg Fried Rice. Prices are very reasonable at $7-$8 per dish. According to their website, they will deliver, too! Genius.
