Tribeca Film Festival – A Private Movie Screening
Last week, my husband and I were fortunate enough to be invited to a private movie screening at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.
Of course, I was giddy with excitement at the prospect of attending such an acclaimed event!
But my heart sank when I learned of the gut wrenching subject matter of the movie. Could I really sit through a film centered around the lives of two parents who are struggling with the disappearance of their young son?
I just don’t see movies like this. They stay with me. They haunt me. I don’t even read books covering this kind of material because they don’t fit in with “my reading requirements“. Maybe before I became a mom, I would have thought differently but the idea was just too frightening for me.
The movie was Meadowland.
And being the brave, adventurous person I am, (huge LOL), I agreed to attend the screening. After all, maybe one of the cute actors (Luke Wilson or Mark Feuerstein) would be there. Spoiler alert…they weren’t!
We began the evening with drinks and dinner at the Tribeca Grill because after all, the restaurant is co-owned by Robert Di Niro, one of the founders of the Tribeca Film Festival!
Not only was the food exceptional but the service was outstanding!
And after a glass of wine (or two),the idea of the movie screening was more exciting than scary!
Once Meadowland began, we were immediately drawn into the tragic lives of the characters and could not break free from from their agonizing world until the very last second of the movie. There was no lull where I would remind myself I needed to pick up a gallon of milk in the morning. My only thoughts were the movie…and my own kids. All I can say is…Wow.
This morning, I read a movie review – The Guardian and realized that any recap that I may attempt to write cannot do it justice! Check it out if you are interested in more details of the story line.
After the viewing, we had the opportunity to sit for a Q&A session. Olivia Wilde (who played the main character, Sarah) expressed how greatly she desired to play the character when learning of the role. Honestly, I don’t think anyone else could have come close to capturing the raw, emotional state of that character. The part was truly meant for her. It was equally intriguing to get inside the head of the director, Reed Morano to hear her thoughts and motivation for specific scenes. With her background in cinematography, she was able to give the audience the full experience of assimilating into the world of the characters.
The one in the spotlight whose face you cannot see is Olivia Wilde.
The making of the movie was obviously a very emotional ride for everyone involved in creating it as it was for those of us watching it! As mentioned, I had my hesitations about even attending the viewing but I must say, I was completely blown away. I will be shocked if the movie isn’t nominated for several awards come Oscar season!
You can read more about this movie and other film festival events here – Tribeca Film Festival
And because one trip to New York last week was not enough, stop by tomorrow and I will fill you in on my girls day out on Broadway.
From Meadowland to Finding Neverland!
What a week!
How glamorous! In spite of the movie's subject matter, it sounds like you enjoyed a fun and interesting evening. I don't see or read things like this either (too disturbing), but like you, I can still appreciate the skill of the writers and actors who convey the intensity of such situations. Looking forward to hearing about Broadway!
What fun!! We cant wait to see Finding Neverland and Broadway!