Well, I meant to write this alot sooner, but all that damn snow in Park City didn't help my immune system & I've been nursing a nasty cold I picked up during Sundance, but now that I'm recovering, I wanted to write and share my incredible experiences with everyone that wasn't able to be at the movie Premiere.
I was lucky enough to be invited by a friend that had some strong ties with the movie, and was ecstatic to find myself staying with not only the big guy himself, but Daniel's entire family and the heart and soul of the movie, Jeff and Henry. This was a great, great group of people, and the aura around the house was without compare. Daniel was in a great mood, very cheerful and happy, and it was great seeing him so perky.
I was so excited to finally see the movie that I'd heard so much about. I found myself sitting almost directly behind Daniel in the theater, and was anxious to be able to see his reaction to the movie as well. Right before the movie started, Toby McGuire and his escort were seated just a couple of seats away from me, which was impressive, but not nearly as impressive as when he found out that he was sitting just as few seats down from Daniel...he looked absolutely awestruck, nudging his date and whispering...it was great to think of a Hollywood Star being intimidated by being near Daniel
Anyways, the movie was shown, and it was awesome. So full of insight into the life, the music, the people that are all a part of Daniel...the story is one that we have grown familiar with, being DJ fans, but seeing it is just so different from reading it...
Daniel seemed to enjoy it, and Jeff and Henry got a great audience reaction, and the question and answer period was enjoyable. The second showing of the movie the following day was just as great, hell, even greater...Daniel and his family were brought onto the stage and introduced afterwards, and Daniel's responses to the audience's questions were quite memorable, and made the evening. Afterwards, standing around the outside of the theater with Daniel, I was witness to John C. Reilly himself coming up to Daniel to introduce himself and say how much he enjoyed the movie. Being a fan of John, I was impressed by this, and was overjoyed at seeing it happen.
Wednesday afternoon, there was a quick party, sponsored by McDonalds and Mountain Dew, of course, which was alot of fun, and I met some fascinating people. Afterwards, we went across the street, and saw Daniel perform. Personally, I didn't think it was Daniel's best performance, but it was still good. Quick, but that's Daniel. He came back and played one song on the piano that was the highlight of the show, and then it was on to Yo La Tengo...another good performance, but again, I have seen them play better as well. When Daniel joined them for "Speeding motorcycle", they brought the audience down. Daniel got very into the song and at one point, got so into it that the house went wild...this few minutes definately made up for the rest of the show. But then again, I'd spent the last couple of days seeing and hearing Daniel practice, at the dining room table, in his room...something that most of the audiece were not able to experience, and that is definately some memories I'll hold onto to...kinda like having a private concert by Daniel...wow
What a lucky goil I am....
The next day was my third screening of the movie, and I found myself more emotional each time I saw it. Not to tears, but close. This time, after the movie was over, Jeff and Henry brought Jeff Tartakov to the stage, intoducing him as "the other person I made this movie for". The movie very much portrays Jeff in an excellent way, showing us all his dedication, his love for Daniel, and the horribly unfair turn of events that went down between Daniel and Jeff. Like I said, one may know the story, but seeing it in the movie really opens your eyes to things in a much different way, and seeing the story behind Stress records was enlightning indeed.
Altogether, the trip was the most incredible experience imaginable Daniel, Jeff Feuerzeig, Henry Rosenthal, Jeff Tartakov, Dick Johnston (who had the balls to pick a fight with Jeff F. late that first night...what an argument THAT was to overhear!), Fortune, Don, Tyler...what an incredible group of men, what a film. I hope you all get to see this movie as soon as possible, and trust me, it's worth the wait! So, hope this provided a little insight for those unfortunate enough to not be able to attend this years sundance, and boy, I can't wait till SXSW!!!!!!
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