Spring Break
Osborne film festival gives viewers an offer they can't refuse
MICHAEL PROCHASKA
Issue date: 3/19/09 Section: Out & About
After the Oscars season, it's uncommon to expect a true American classic film to emerge from local theaters. But beginning tonight, students can set aside their studies to enjoy the cinematic beauty of films that have stood the test of time.
Where: Classic Center
Cost: $75: festival pass to all films; $10: individual ticket
More Information: www.robertosbornefilmfestival.com
Landmark films such as Steven Spielberg's "E.T.," Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather," Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window," and the original "King Kong" will return to the screen at the fifth annual Robert Osborne Classic Film Festival.
Osborne, prime time anchor of Turner Classic Movies and host for the festival, has handpicked eight films that he believes people need to see at least once on the big screen.
"Because the screen is so big, you get to see things you don't notice on a television," said festival director Pamela Kohn.
Audiences can also relish in lectures and panel discussions from memorable actors, directors and film specialists.
Festival guests include Guy Hamilton, director of "Goldfinger," actress Cloris Leachman, and renowned actor Fred Willard, who has appeared in numerous films directed by Christopher Guest. One of his film, including "For Your Consideration," which will be shown at the festival.
Jay Leno, host of "The Tonight Show" has deemed Willard, a frequent guest, to be the funniest man in the world.
"Willard was actually a guest here in 2000. He really enjoyed his time here. He's very funny and charming," Kohn said.
Some of the older films include "Funny Girl," a glimpse at the early life of comedienne Fannie Brice and "Sunset Boulevard," a look at the dramatic rise and fall of a silent-screen actress in 1950s Hollywood.
One of the primary topics that special guests and festival staff address is the question of what makes these films classics.
Osborne has chosen films from almost every decade in the history of cinema.
"Some consider the 1970s to be the Golden Age of the new Hollywood, when Spielberg, Lucas, Scorsese and others came into their own. But of course every decade has its outstanding films, and it is wrong to say that one is better than the other," said Nathaniel Kohn, festival executive producer.
"Each of these films sets the highest goals for itself and somehow each manages to achieve those goals - That is what makes a film classic."
ROBERT OSBORNE'S 2009 CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL
When: Tonight through SundayWhere: Classic Center
Cost: $75: festival pass to all films; $10: individual ticket
More Information: www.robertosbornefilmfestival.com
Landmark films such as Steven Spielberg's "E.T.," Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather," Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window," and the original "King Kong" will return to the screen at the fifth annual Robert Osborne Classic Film Festival.
Osborne, prime time anchor of Turner Classic Movies and host for the festival, has handpicked eight films that he believes people need to see at least once on the big screen.
"Because the screen is so big, you get to see things you don't notice on a television," said festival director Pamela Kohn.
Audiences can also relish in lectures and panel discussions from memorable actors, directors and film specialists.
Festival guests include Guy Hamilton, director of "Goldfinger," actress Cloris Leachman, and renowned actor Fred Willard, who has appeared in numerous films directed by Christopher Guest. One of his film, including "For Your Consideration," which will be shown at the festival.
Jay Leno, host of "The Tonight Show" has deemed Willard, a frequent guest, to be the funniest man in the world.
"Willard was actually a guest here in 2000. He really enjoyed his time here. He's very funny and charming," Kohn said.
Some of the older films include "Funny Girl," a glimpse at the early life of comedienne Fannie Brice and "Sunset Boulevard," a look at the dramatic rise and fall of a silent-screen actress in 1950s Hollywood.
One of the primary topics that special guests and festival staff address is the question of what makes these films classics.
Osborne has chosen films from almost every decade in the history of cinema.
"Some consider the 1970s to be the Golden Age of the new Hollywood, when Spielberg, Lucas, Scorsese and others came into their own. But of course every decade has its outstanding films, and it is wrong to say that one is better than the other," said Nathaniel Kohn, festival executive producer.
"Each of these films sets the highest goals for itself and somehow each manages to achieve those goals - That is what makes a film classic."
Be the first to comment on this story