Electricity.  You could feel it in the air the moment you stepped through the doors of the Montalbán.  Tuesday night marked an extraordinary occasion: An Evening with Michel Gondry and Friends, hosted by Nike Sportswear and Flux in association with 89.9 KCRW.  The intimate night with the Oscar-winning creator of Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, Flight of the Conchords, The Science of Sleep and much more brought the company of people like Seth Rogen, Emile Hirsch, Kofie–and even Hunter Burgan of AFI.

As always, the night was curated by Flux in continuance of its monthly celebration of innovative film at the Hollywood Montalbán.  Now I’ve been to Cinema Tuesdays before–and believe me, it can get packed and poppin’–but was completely unprepared for the masses that stormed the Montalbán for a chance to see the acclaimed director.  Hundreds packed the sidewalk in a line curling up Vine and around the corner of Hollywood many hours before the doors even opened.  Not one to disappoint, Gondry displayed great appreciation for his fans’ dedication by actually showing up with a camera as they waited and moving down the line to take candid interviews which he later quickly edited and spliced together in a clip that opened the night. 

The mood and anticipation of the event was set by the throbbing beats provided by none other than KCRW’s Mathieu Schreyer, known to most as dj Mr. French (or to closet TMZer’s as Rosario Dawson’s most recent boyfriend!!).  The excellent soundtrack was a perfect backdrop for a full house that enjoyed popcorn, authentic tacos, and drinks served from a bar sponsored by Belvedere Vodka.

**Standing room only.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt shows Gondry’s not the only one with directorial chops as Seth Rogen looks on.**

“Do you believe in unicorns?”

The evening began with a disarming question which characterized the informal atmosphere of the night.  ”No,” Michel smiled and replied simply while the room rumbled with laughter.  From the outset, Gondry expressed his desire to keep the event low-key and intimate, bashfully toe-ing his footrest as he awkwardly clutched the base of his microphone and surveyed the earnest audience.  Aspiring-directors, artists, celebrities, and fans–for a moment all were equal, for all were gathered in a common goal: to celebrate and gain insight into the peculiar mind of one of film’s most childish, creative, and ingenious directors.  

Armed with a mischievous smile and endearing accent, Michel Gondry navigated through clips from his new DVD with stories of Thom Yorke’s disapproval and Kanye’s disappointment.  He took time to explain why “every great idea is on the verge of being stupid” and how if he could do any commercial he would create an advertisement for women’s pads, pointing out his confusion at the use of blue coloring instead of red (which he would use) and how he would be sure to include a slow motion sequence of a single, splashing [blood] droplet.  As the crowd was drawn in by what seemed like light-hearted conversation with a new friend, the moments where the lights dimmed and video rolled acted as small jolts of reality reminding us all why legions were packed in this small, vibrant auditorium.  We were in the presence of a man who was a master of his art while sucessfully preserving his own unique style and creative expression.  We–as Paul Bettany once so colorfully declared–”walk[ed] in the garden of his turbulence.”

But the best part was that if Gondry was aware of his accomplishment, he seemed blissfully ignorant of it.  The entire event carried the sense that you were spending a familiar evening with a man completely oblivious to the magnitude of his fame.  He was your buddy from college who went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize–nay, an Academy Award–yet was still was at Monday-night happy hour with the gang every week and just invited you to Saturday brunch with Paul McCartney.  You still call him “Shelly” and he still leaves drunken messages on your voicemail.  He’s Michel Gondry and he’s not afraid to be himself.

After the presentation Gondry manned a table to sign his Michel Gondry 2: More Videos (Before & After DVD 1) DVD’s, sold exclusively at the event (and thereafter at www.michelgondry.com), and whatever notebooks and scraps of paper people presented.  Also available were accessories including a roll of toilet paper featuring notes and sketches from Gondry’s personal journal.  The night ended with a special performance from Jon Brion with Michel on the drums.  The final act capped off a truly memorable event from a man of many talents.

Much thanks to Nike Sportswear, Flux, and 89.9 KCRW for putting on the wonderful evening with Michel Gondry and friends.  Here’s to many more years of film, art, and personality.

***

Photo Credits: Marla Aufmuth [http://www.mcaevents.com]

Nike Sportswear

Flux

89.9 KCRW

More photos of the event on Flickr: here.

via Caleb, 17 April 2009 11:00am | 6 |