Filmbud Tim Massett, who runs the lovely San Marco Theatre in Jacksonville, Florida, is the mastermind behind "The Talkies"—a "long-time pet project-come true." Essentially it's cinema shouting back against the DVD/home theater via a 35mm, two-night event. On the first night The Talkies screen a classic film in 35mm. The next night, not only does the director attend, but he or she also provides running commentary throughout the screening. The audience watches and listens along to both the director and the film. It's taking something the DVD offers (the alternate commentary track) and making it oh so much better. John Waters says Tim's created a new art form.
Having experienced something of the same when Apichatpong Weerasethakul provided commentary during a screening of Tropical Malady at the Pacific Film Archives, I can attest to the value and entertainment of such an experience.
Tim's just launched the website for The Talkies announcing George Romero as its next guest and participant. Congratulations, Tim!
Portrait of George Romero courtesy of Cameron Bennett. Cross-published at The Evening Class.
At the Pioneer a few years ago we screened RoboCop with Jeffrey the Projectionist giving a live commentary as if he - not Paul Verhoeven - had actually directed the movie.
In his version, there was *definitely* a lot more going on behind the scenes than official accounts say ---
Heh. That sounds like it could have been a lot of fun! Somewhere inbetween a director's DVD commentary and Mystery Science.