Editor

Beverly Hills Film Festival’s Quaint Air Premieres “House of D” and “Mr. Dramatic”
April 13-17
The Beverly Hills Film Festival opened last night with David Duchovny’s directorial debut, “House of D”, preceded by John Stalberg’s “Mr. Dramatic” Los Angeles premiere, starring Oliver Hudson and Amy Acker. After a red carpet ride with such stars as Carol Connors, “Rocky” lyricist; Peter Mark Richman of “Dynasty” and “The Naked Gun 21/2” Fame; television personality, Lesa Amoore; and Hector Sandoval with his festival film “KordaVision, festival founder Nino Simone helped to put on a high-famed, yet more personable approach to a festival located in Los Angeles. Nino notes the festival received 1800 submissions, narrowing it down to 50 accepted.

After Alana De La Garza of “Mr. Dramatic” (pictured with actor Michael Nouri) and the “House of D” producers, Jeff Skoll and Bob Yari’s, friendly appearance both films screened to a full house. With Nino Simone and actor Michael Rooker introducing the festival and presenting an award to Amy Lemish of The California Film Commission, the evening held an honorable start. Amy expresses, “To be recognized in your home town by the people who make the films is a great honor!”

And now for the premieres. While David Duchovny and the “House of D” crew promoted their film in New York, all the LA audience needed was the films. They spoke for themselves. And they spoke well. “Mr. Dramatic” details a young woman’s search for Mr. Right in the city of Angels, only to find her self in the dating game “meat market” in the hands of Mr. Dramatic. The film’s comedy and unique cinematic portrayal makes this film worth a laugh or two. It’s impressive use of costume, camera motion, set decoration, special effects, and lighting illuminates the actors’ performances.

After the screening of Stalberg’s film, “House of D” took center stage. The film stars Robin Williams, Tea Leoni, David Duchovny, Anton Yelchin, Erykah Badu, Frank Langella, and Zelda Williams. All the actors give superb performances, and as for Duchovny’s directorial debut, there will hopefully be lots more. The film centers on a soon-to-be teenage boy coming to terms with friendship, loss, and understanding through his childhood in New York City. Tommy Warshaw, played by Yelchin, falls for Zelda Williams’ character, Melissa. Zelda, daughter of Robin Williams, plays a charming girl, and follows in her father’s footsteps as a natural actor.

The film’s portrayal of inanimate objects, in the form of food and cigarettes, provide a stimulating visual, extenuating the relationship between Tommy and his mother, played by Leoni. Filmmakers should make more brilliant, emotionally charged films, like this one. But as of yet, it stands on its own with its depiction of what it truly means to be human and to be in the process of growing up into adulthood.

The Beverly Hills Film Festival runs daily and nightly through Sunday, April 17. For festival screenings and panels go to www.beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com. Heather Burgett and Kelly Kimball help to make this festival possible.
Michelle L. Paster
mpaster@partialreality.com

Pictures Michelle L. Paster:

House of D Producers, Jeff Skoll and Bob Yari
Carol Connors
Peter Mark Richman
Lesa Amoore
Michael Nouri and Alana De La Garza
Bruno Chatelin (festival board member) and Nino Simone Festival President in windy LA