Dublin Day 11: Meeting the Wizard in Emerald City – John Hurt

Today started off a little messy. After a wonderful breakfast with three cool people representing three different European countries, I set off to catch my first screening at the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival. (#jdiff)

My entire stay here has required a minimal commute to the cinema as Lighthouse is literally downstairs. And, while it is one of the three theaters showing JDIFF movies, today, the selections were at the Savoy and then at Cineworld.

Running a little late, I got into a cab and threw the driver off as I kept repeating “Savoy 2,” which he’s never heard of. He finally dropped me off in front at a building of the visitor’s center office, where the very polite employees replied, “There’s only one Savoy.” “So why does my ticket say ‘Savoy 2?'” I asked? “Probably because it’s playing inside theater #2 inside the Savoy. “Ohhhh,” I moaned nervously, realizing I’m now even later. Damn you, Mercury Retrograde!

The very nice employees at the visitor’s center were all very cordial and helpful and the man at the front door, who saw my stressed expression and asked, “Are you alright?” suggested I hop into another cab, which I did.

The second cab driver had a good sense of humor and said, “There’s a long line outside the Savoy. Good luck getting in front.” But when I got out, in front is exactly where I went. Luckily the ticket was already on me so didn’t have to go thru the box office.

Once inside, found a really nice spot on the aisle and joined the growing audience. It was another good twenty minutes before the film was introduced: Only Lovers Left Alive. The modern age vampire love story is written and directed by Akron’s own Jim Jarmusch, and stars Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska and the legendary John Hurt.

The film is Jarmusch’s best work to date. It’s a cleverly disguised social commentary on today’s society, tackling topics such as evolution, science, rock ‘n roll, love and, yes, even zombies. The sets are gorgeous. The acting impeccable.

Think of it as a darker and less crowded Midnight in Paris, but set in Detroit. And unless you know your culture – music, movies and literature – don’t bother watching Only Lovers. It’ll be lost on you. Or, perhaps, it’ll educate you. Who am I to say?

Luckily I sat with an audience who did get those frequent references and who also sat quietly, sans cell phones, and enjoyed every minute, right through the credits. They also laughed at all the quickly-dialogued drops of humor perfectly juxtaposed against the story’s underlying theme of the uncertainty of change.

But it was after the movie finished that the real treat happened: John Hurt came on stage and not only did he asnwer questions from one of the JDIFF hosts, but, also, then opened it up to the public. Hurt addressed a question about working with Jarmusch (they love the work of both men here) and on working with Lars Von Trier. Hurt respects both directors. He also answered questions on whether he’ll do a film with Wes Anderson and when he’s going to return to do theater in Dublin.

I then asked him, “What do you look for in a story? What is it about a script that makes your heart say, ‘I must do this film?'”

“That’s a good question,” Hurt replied. And then he gave the most brilliant answer: “Can it stand succeeding at a level that I think it should?”

A few minutes later, as the room began to empty out – with patrons trying to catch their next festival films – Hurt stayed, signed autographs and took photos with his fans. When his people and the theater people insisted on clearing the room for the following showing he said, “These people waited to see this film, so the others can now wait, too.”

The last time I saw such generosity from film people was when Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez came to Cleveland to promote their labor of love, The Way. That’s the difference between the old school and the new school. The former is about the craft and the people who appreciate it. The latter is about the fame and selling the tabloids.

Respecting Hurt’s space yet being in complete awe of his presence, instead of asking him to pose for a photo, I asked him to sign my writing journal, which he generously did. My pen became his wand.

I still can’t believe I got this close to someone this tremendous. Hurt’s been Oscar-nominated twice and is credited with nearly 200 films. In the land of make believe that is an astonishing resume.  But that’s the thing about wizards, they truly are magical.

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