Views from the Red Carpet and Beyond…
Covering a red carpet takes a certain kind of journalist: a masochist. Why? Because they’re jam-packed with paparazzi — mostly from Getty and other agencies — and a few rogue freelancers like me. There’s a ton of pushing and shoving from the photographers. I’m still recuperating from last month.
Doing press for Tribeca Film Festival in New York City every year is incredibly fun … and exhausting. Red carpets are intense. The 6-feet-tall guys from Getty try to shove me out of the way. I’m 5’2″ but manage to stand my ground. Then all of the Screenings! Interviews! Articles! It is always worth every second. Indies are a treat. They’re original, artistic and written for smart people, unlike your typical blockbuster. I’ve always been so impressed by co-founder Jane Rosenthal. She’s championed female filmmakers since the festival began.
At the end of each festival is an anniversary of a classic movie. This year it was the testosterone-heavy mob movie but what a classic film.
The 25th Anniversary of ‘Goodfellas’
This was the biggest thrill of the entire festival. It was also a cornucopia of stars, character actors, crew members and guests. Robert De Niro was there with his wife Grace Hightower, Lorraine Bracco with her daughter Margaux Guerard, Ray Liotta, Paul Sorvino with wife Dee Dee Benkie, Debi Mazar with musician Gabriele Corcos, actress Rachel Harris with musician Christian Hebel, Hank Azaria, Queen Noor of Jordan, actress Kelly LeBrock, actors Mike Starr, Kevin Corrigan, Pete Santora, Tony Darrow, Michael Rapaport, Federico Castelluccio and his wife Yvonne Maria Schaefer and Chuck Low, who is best known for playing wig man Morris “Morrie” Kessler in the film.
More highlights of the evening came from the stage. De Niro opened with, “Joe Pesci couldn’t be here, but he sent this e-mail: ‘Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuckity fuck, fuck.’ I’ll translate. ‘Dear Bob, sorry I can’t be there. Love to all. Best, Joe.’” I laughed so loud I startled myself.