Jean-Pierre Jeunet on the red carpet
It was a crisp, cloudless night when the 2010 Glasgow Film Festival launched, with a bright sliver of moon reclining above the rooftops. Outside the GFT, the cinema at the centre of the action, autograph hunters began assembling early. A group of buskers with double bass, box and mouth organ played the theme from Belleville Rendez-Vous with three women singing. Bright lights shone on the red carpet. Everybody was waiting for something spectacular to happen. They weren't quite ready for star guest Jean-Pierre Jeunet, who turned up 45 minutes early and quietly strode past everybody to ask if he could speak to someone in charge.
Eye For Film photographer Stuart Crawford was on hand to take pictures as the French director returned to the carpet to chat to the press, though he was briefly waylaid when one of Jeunet's companions asked to get a picture of him in return. The director was in good humour, clearly excited about his film, Micmacs, being chosen as the opening gala feature. How did he find Glasgow?, he was asked. Oh, it was quite easy really, He just went to the airport and got on a plane.
I arrived at the GFT a little later, making my way up the hill as another band struggled past with huge drums and an amp on wheels. A corner shop was blaring out Madness songs and there was a general atmosphere of festivity. Inside I met a friend who had just been to see A Single Man, for which he was full of praise. Whilst we chatted, a member of the festival team sidled up and managed to persuade him to buy one of the last remaining tickets for Micmacs. I picked up a ticket for The Crazies, which we had somehow overlooked during initial bookings, thus ensuring that I shan't have a single day off until the festival ends.
Micmacs was so popular that it was showing on two screens. Jeunet gave a brief introduction at the gala screening, then hurried off to grab some dinner whilst the film screened. It was a quirky, energetic movie full of trademark touches and the audience responded well. They responded even better to the offer of free drinks afterwards. As tokens were handed out, some discreet trading went on with those who had to leave early.
I got a glass of red wine at the downstairs party, where I chatted to a representative of Scottish Screen and caught up with producer Karen Smyth, still working hard to promote Valhalla Rising. I assured her it's one of the films I'm most looking forward to this year. Fresh back from Berlinale, she was looking forward to attending quite a bit of the festival. Rumours continued to circulate as to whether or not Berlin judge Werner Herzog will also make an appearance when his duties there are complete.
Meanwhile young helpers scampered around collecting glasses and taking out rubbish, all bright eyed and excited and still convinced they were having a good time. The regular staff were a little more subdued, perhaps sulking due to a recent behind-the-scenes spat over a rise in the price of the cafeteria's Boost bars. The public seemed to have a good time, especially when canapés arrived.
Upstairs, there was still more going on, with the top bar full of press people and cinema one transformed into an odd-looking disco, complete with DJ and bars. Jeunet apparently loved it, but though I saw him briefly we missed the chance to chat as he had to go back to his hotel for some sleep in preparation for an early flight home. I did catch festival director Allan Hunter, who said that after so many months of work he was just glad to be getting on with things and was, of course, thrilled that the opening night was so successful.
The size of the crowd at the GFT was particularly impressive because it wasn't the only festival venue hosting an event that night. Mono was also packed to the gills with revellers keen to see the first of the Music And Film strand's special gigs. Rushing from the GFT, Stuart arrived there just in time to see support act Findo Gask playing their distinctive brand of harmonic electronica. They were swiftly followed by the main act, acclaimed French duo Zombie Zombie, whose special set was built around the music of John Carpenter. Accompanied by a dramatic audio-visual show, they explored the creepier side of the cult director's films, from They Live to The Thing.
All in all it was a great start to what promises to be a lively and exciting festival. Over 17,000 tickets have been sold thus far, so it's certainly going to be big. As usual, we'll be bringing you all the latest news and gossip right here at Eye For Film, along with exclusive pictures, interviews and special features - just watch this space!
