Aviva Press

By Maria Esteves - July 23, 2008

 The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' (A.M.P.A.S.) "Monday Nights with Oscar" musical film screening FAME, directed by Alan Parker (from a screenplay by Christopher Gore), commenced in the Directors Guild of America Theatre, New York, Monday, July 21, 7:00 pm.  An onstage discussion with two-time Academy Award®-winning composer Michael Gore, costume designer Kristi Zea, and special casting Margery Simkin moderated by A.M.P.A.S. New York program director Patrick Harrison immediately followed. Monday Nights with Oscar screened a new print of FAME from the Academy Film Archive.

30 years later, the musical film FAME is simply superb! A timeless masterpiece! The choreography and music is outstanding; from classical, gospel, rock, jazz, to rhythm and blues. Original songs such as, "Out Here On My Own", "Hot Lunch Jam", "Fame", and "I Sing The Body Electric" are classics. The 1980 musical film profoundly depicts the life experiences of seven talented teenagers Bruno (Lee Curreri), Coco (Irene Cara), Doris (Maureen Teefy), Leroy (Gene Anthony Ray), Lisa (Laura Dean), Montgomery (Paul McCrane), and Raul/Ralph (Barry Miller). The story begins with the audition to the New York City High School of Performing Arts, then four years through graduation, exploring their challenging adolescent years.  As a native New Yorker and seeing the film a second time, rekindled memories of the dance music era from the early 1980s.

FAME, directed by Alan Parker | USA | 1980 | 134 minutes | released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Film, two-time Oscar winner for Music Original Score, composer Michael Gore, and Original Song "Fame", 1980 Academy Awards; spawned into a television series in 1982, a reality show, and Off-Broadway musical in 2003. A remake of FAME, directed by Kevin Tancharoen is in production, to be theatrically released in 2009.

A.M.P.A.S. "Monday Nights with Oscar" monthly film series showcase films that have been nominated or won Academy Awards.  Monday Nights with Oscar next monthly film screening HOLLYWOOD HOME MOVIES, will be held at Academy Theatre, Lighthouse International, August 11, 7:00 pm.  For further information, call 1.888.778.7575.

A.M.P.A.S. Monday Nights with Oscar, (from right-left), New York program
director Patrick Harrison, A.M.P.A.S, with special casting Margery Simkin,
costume designer Kristi Zea, and two-time Academy Award winning
composer Michael Gore, FAME.