Last night on the red carpet for the premiere of – To Rome with Love – Woody Allen was surprisingly at ease.
And, when it came to the subject of Los Angeles, he was quick on the uptake when asked if he’d ever consider moving to Southern California.
“No, I may visit for a day or two, but that’s it. I hate the sun,” he quipped with a straight face.
No wonder the bespectacled director was so pale under the glare of the spotlight.
“And, automobiles,” he uttered up, almost as an afterthought.
He hates automobiles, too.
Can you imagine the award-winning filmmaker behind the wheel of a car on the freeway texting?
Scary thought, eh?
On the other hand, I could relate to the insights he rustled up on the subject of fame.
“It’s difficult if you’re a normal person. One day you’re a nobody, and then the next, you’re recognized on the street everywhere you go.”
Most can’t handle it, he surmised with a note of sincerity in his voice.
It reminded me of an old truism.
Actors struggle all their lives to get famous - then, when they come stars - they toss on dark sunglasses so they won’t be recognized.
Even that doesn’t work, trust me.
They spy me wherever I go around town - with - or without ‘em sporting my snoz.
Do you think that maybe it’s my “do” (which draws attention because it is inclined to be a bit “surfer dude”, “rock starrish”, or reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s shock mop on a bad hair day)?
I first splashed into the limelight on the National News in Canada when I was 17 years of age when I was arrested for dancing on a police car.
Morley Markson, a filmmaker, caught the whole incident on celluloid which he summarily edited into a documentary which went on to win an award at the Cannes Film Festival (Breathing Together: Revolution of the Electric Family).
Over the years, I’ve experienced varying degrees of fame ( triggeded by career profiles in the morning papers, appearances on talk shows, and due to a lot of exposure I received on a handful of TV Sitcoms and daytime soaps).
For the most part, I was able to handle all the attention.
Until lately!
In recent weeks I’ve become so recognizable to others on the street, in restaurants, and even on public transportation, that it has become overwhelming for even me to deal with at times.
I’ll be wearing two pairs of sunglasses, soon, or – just maybe – I’ll have to stay at home to avoid all the prying eyes!
By the way, Penelope Cruz was surprisingly candid in respect to her thoughts on Mr. Allen when she sashayed out onto the red carpet last night.
When asked about the man of-the-hour, she hesitated at first before answering, though.
“He’s – um…,” she stammered,
“A bit Quirky.”
Then, after composing her thoughts – did she almost bite her tongue there for a moment? - she elaborated.
“But, once I got to know Woody, I felt blessed.”
Apparently he's great to work with, and it's an honor of sorts to be welcome into the fold.
By the way, is it me, or does Ms. Cruz look a little “fleshy’ (overweight) in those film previews currently being broadcast here, there, and everywhere (To Rome with Love)?
News at 11!
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