Hello fellow classic movie lovers,
I want to share my experience at the TCM Film Festival in Los Angeles, which took place from April 24 to April 28. This year marked my second unforgettable experience at the event, enhanced by an upgraded pass that made it even more thrilling. I was fortunate enough to book a room at the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt, a historic hotel steeped in celebrity lore, nestled right on the bustling Hollywood Boulevard. The excitement of being surrounded by the vibrant energy of the area and the allure of the hotel’s storied past made my stay truly remarkable.
This year’s festival was a remarkable celebration, marking its 16th anniversary and drawing movie enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. The enchanting theme, “Grand Illusions: Fantastic Worlds on Film,” set the stage for an immersive cinematic experience. Attendees could choose from four tiers of passes: Spotlight, Essential, Classic, and Palace, each offering access to a treasure trove of captivating films. I was thrilled to secure an Essential pass, which provided me with the exciting opportunity to attend the glamorous opening-night red-carpet screening of “The Empire Strikes Back.” This unforgettable evening was graced by a pre-movie interview featuring the legendary George Lucas, conducted by the insightful Ben Mankiewicz, making it a truly memorable night for all.
The lineup of films for this year’s event was wonderfully diverse, highlighting a vibrant array of genres that catered to every cinematic taste. I found myself grappling with the difficult task of selecting which movies to screen, as many of them overlapped in timing, with only a tight fifteen-minute window—or even less—to hustle over to the theater, check in, and join the throng of eager moviegoers lined up outside. Some films garnered a much larger following, creating a palpable buzz that pulsed through the crowd. This meant that I often had to make tough decisions to leave the captivating current screening, urged along with collective excitement, to queue up for the next blockbuster alongside a sea of enthusiastic film lovers. The charm of these festivals lies in the freedom to select films I had already experienced, allowing me to leave the theater without a pang of regret. Knowing the plot’s resolution ahead of time meant that stepping out before the credits rolled was not a loss; instead, it felt like a gentle embrace of nostalgia. I could savor the familiar emotions and vivid recollections evoked by the cinematic journey, confident that I had not missed anything significant.
During the exhilarating four-day event, I immersed myself in a total of nine films, a feat that proved to be quite a challenge this year. The lineup was a nostalgic dream, featuring many of my all-time favorite movies. The opening night was particularly fraught with tough decisions, as the majestic Grauman’s Chinese Theater buzzed with excitement for “Empire Strikes Back.” Yet, just a few blocks away, the historic Egyptian Theater was highlighting another gem—Paul Newman’s brilliant performance in “Hud,” a film that has captured my heart over the years. Driven by a fierce determination not to miss the opportunity, I reluctantly left early from the thrilling space battles of the Empire. I briskly made my way to the Egyptian, eager to experience the unforgettable storytelling of “Hud” on the big screen. Before the screening of “Hud,” the esteemed actor Keith Carradine graced the stage, sharing his profound admiration for the film. He spoke passionately about the remarkable performances delivered by Patricia Neal and Melvyn Douglas, both of whom were honored with Academy Awards for their roles. Keith also paid tribute to the legendary Paul Newman, whose charismatic presence brought unique energy to the production. He highlighted one of my favorite cinematographers, the brilliant James Wong Howe, emphasizing how his masterful black-and-white imagery infused the movie with remarkable depth and nuance, creating a visual tapestry that perfectly complemented the storytelling.
On Day 2 of the festival, I was fortunate enough to attend the Hand and Foot Ceremony for Michelle Pfeiffer. As Michelle made her entrance, accompanied by her renowned husband, David E. Kelley, the crowd buzzed with anticipation, thrilled to witness her moment of recognition immortalized in cement. Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning, both radiant and enthusiastic, took to the stage to introduce Michelle.
They spoke with heartfelt admiration, reflecting on the memorable experiences they shared while collaborating with her, highlighting not just her talent but also her warmth and generosity. The atmosphere was filled with joy and appreciation, making the event truly special for everyone involved.
After the enchanting ceremony honoring Michelle Pfeiffer, I found myself with about an hour to indulge in some food before queuing up to see the original 1978 film “Superman,” a film starring the late, great Christopher Reeve, alongside the iconic Margot Kidder and the legendary Gene Hackman. The atmosphere in the line was electric, filled with fellow movie enthusiasts radiating excitement. There is something uniquely exhilarating about standing shoulder to shoulder with like-minded fans; the air buzzes with conversations that weave in and out like a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences and enthusiastic opinions. These exchanges not only help pass the time but also deepen the sense of anticipation as we collectively look forward to witnessing the magic of cinema unfold on the big screen.
After Superman wrapped up his exhilarating escapades, I made my way back to the cozy confines of my hotel room, eager for some much-needed nourishment and a few precious moments of respite.
The anticipation of the evening grew as I prepared to head to the vibrant pool area, where a screening of the beloved classic movie “Clueless” awaited. This is one of the many joys of attending the TCM festival.
Their superb schedule features the delightful array of the movie events it hosts, such as charming poolside movies and engaging movie panels that bring film enthusiasts together to enjoy the movies they love.
Last year, the sun-kissed surface of the pool glimmered beneath the stars during the screening of “Footloose,” and this time, with “Clueless,” I was greeted by a kaleidoscope of patrons donning costumes that brought the film’s iconic characters to life.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, promising an unforgettable evening under the twinkling night sky. The fantastic Elisa Donovan, who played Amber, was there to discuss making the iconic film and how, even thirty years later, the cast remains friends to this day. Elisa Donovan was openly delighted in seeing fans in costume and praised them for their attention to detail in creating their cosplay creations.
Day 3 provided me with a leisurely period, as the first film on my itinerary was not scheduled to begin until 2:45 p.m. I meandered along Hollywood Boulevard, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and the iconic sights surrounding me. I strolled down those famous sidewalks, where countless names of legendary stars were etched into the concrete with elegance. Each step brought me closer to the rich tapestry of history, as I admired the intricate designs and the stories behind the illustrious figures immortalized beneath my feet. My first movie of the day was “Back to the Future,” which brought me back to my youth and the enthusiasm I remember from when I first saw that film on a big screen. Bob Gale, Charlie Croughwell, and Dean Cundey were the special guests who regaled us with tales of making that legendary film.
Next on my film agenda was the legendary Steven Spielberg classic “Jaws,” playing at the historic Egyptian Theater. Eagerly departing from “the future,” I rushed to join the lengthy line of fellow movie enthusiasts, my heart racing with anticipation for the thrilling experience that awaited me.
I was lucky enough to grab an aisle seat and settle in with my popcorn and drink in hand. The lovely Lorraine Gary, who portrayed Ellen Brody, was present to discuss making the film and her fondness for Robert Shaw. Her wit made the experience better as she discussed how movie making was mostly foreign to her, being a trained theater actor.
The last movie I watched that night was the legendary science fiction masterpiece “Blade Runner.” a favorite of mine and WormholeRiders News Agency. Fortunately, Blade Runner was showing at the same theater as “Jaws”, so it was going to be relatively easy to shift venues.
As a result I decided to leave early to join the extensive line of fans already queuing up. The version we were queuing up to see was the digitally remastered 2007 version of the film which was excellent.
Sean Young, who portrayed Rachel, was present to discuss the film and share her experience as a 19-year-old actress working with some of the industry’s heavy hitters. The 2007 version was nothing short of spectacular, with its vibrant colors that danced across the screen, breathtaking cinematography by Jordan Cronenweth that captured every intricate detail, and the evocative score by Vangelis that infused each scene with emotional depth. I made it a point to experience this extraordinary film in a theater, relishing the way it was meant to be enjoyed—larger than life, enveloping me in its visual and auditory splendor. With “Blade Runner” ending at midnight, I was tempted to make my way to the Chinese Multiplex to see “Wild at Heart,” but I could not make it. I spoke to some fellow movie fans who attended the screening, and they told me it started an hour late. They did not return to their hotel until well after 3 the next morning!
On the final day of the festival, I had three films I was eager to see. However, two of them unfortunately overlapped in schedule so I made a decision on which of the excellent movies to see.
After much deliberation, I decided to watch “Apocalypse Now” on the massive screen instead of “Sunset Boulevard.” I have attended many screenings of “Sunset Boulevard” on the big screen before making the choice a bit easier.
Since I had never seen “Apocalypse Now” in a theater setting, the closest I had gotten was watching it on my own 4K 65-inch screen at home. Watchinmg the big screen version a real treat!
Director Antoine Fuqua and film noir expert historian Eddie Muller were there to chat about how impactful and utterly life-changing “Apocalypse Now” was to both. For me, the 70mm print of the original theatrical release version, courtesy of the George Eastman Museum from Martin Scorsese‘s collection, made the experience even more incredible, given Scorsese’s reputation as a champion for restoring and archiving the history of film.
The final film of the festival for me was the iconic masterpiece directed by Michael Mann, “Heat.” The atmosphere in the room was electric as both Mann and the legendary Al Pacino took the stage. Ben Mankiewicz, with his engaging charm, posed a fascinating question: how had two of the most celebrated actors of their generation, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, finally come together for a film? Listening to their insights was a profound experience, as they reminisced about the painstaking craft of filmmaking and the unforgettable shoot-out scene that erupted amidst the bustling streets of Los Angeles—a moment etched in cinematic history.
The film boasted a star-studded cast that left my mind racing with excitement, especially when I thought of the talented character actors who brought depth to the story. I could not help but reflect on the extraordinary Val Kilmer, whose powerful presence on screen had captivated audiences before his heartbreaking passing on April 1st. It was a poignant moment, filled with nostalgia for his talents, as I absorbed the richness of this cinematic event.
As I reflect on the TCM Film Festival 2025, I am filled with excitement and nostalgia. For anyone who cherishes the art of cinema and revels in the communal experience of watching films with fellow enthusiasts, I wholeheartedly encourage you to secure a pass for next year’s event. Over the past two years, attending this extraordinary festival has become a highlight of my year, weaving a tapestry of unforgettable moments. There is something indescribably joyous about being surrounded by kindred spirits—fellow cinephiles who share the same passion for storytelling on the big screen, all of us united in our love for film.
To encapsulate the essence of this experience, I am reminded of Gloria Swanson’s portrayal of Norma Desmond’s who’s poignant words from the climactic final scene of “Sunset Boulevard.” “You see, this is my life, it always will be. There is nothing else, just us and the cameras, and those wonderful people out there in the dark.” These words resonate deeply as I immerse myself in the magic of the festival, where each screening draws us closer together in a shared adventure through the lens of cinema!
Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my Turner Classic Movies Film Festival 2025 feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. I will be back in the near future with new analysis as Team WHR prepares for San Diego Comic-Con 2025!
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Until next time,
Regards,
