The Silver Screen Oasis

This past weekend the Roxie Theater in San Francisco played host to legendary filmmaker ROMAN POLANSKI. And of course, the only way this could be accomplished was via a LIVE telephone hook-up from Paris where Mr. Polanski is finishing work on a new film. And the reasons stem from the legal entanglements which prevent him from returning to the United States. Our event with the director was six months in the planning: I received a call from a friend in Los Angeles named Thom Mount back in September. Thom has produced many features over the years, including two for Mr. Polanski: FRANTIC and DEATH AND THE MAIDEN. Thom agreed to contact Mr. Polanski on our behalf and after a conversation or two, was able to convince him to take part in this incredible plan. The date was set for Saturday, April 6. Thom flew up from L.A. in order to conduct the "interview" LIVE from the theater. A packed house arrived for a 12:30 matinee of CHINATOWN and immediately following that (midnight in Paris), the call was made and the hook-up was established. What transpired was inspirational and illuminating. Mr. Polanski's face was beamed on the big screen and he, from his end, was able to see the Roxie audience. For just under a half-hour the two of them chatted on about CHINATOWN and many other cinematic topics. He was warm, funny, brilliant, passionate. It was truly incredible -- one of my most treasured experiences at the Roxie!
Someone has already posted a portion (8 and a half minutes) on YouTube:
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Thanks for sharing this, Dewey.